This is one of those topics that comes up often on this forum. As stated, regular cotton, brief underwear is a definite NO NO! They will make your ride miserable, especially on a long ride in the summer heat. However, some people have issues with going commando because of the way the riding shorts/bibs fit around the bottom, even if the shorts/bibs are the correct size. If they are loose or droopy, you will have issues with them on longer rides. In this case, a pair of compression shorts (such as Under Armour or Nike) work great. When I lose weight, the first place I notice it is from my butt. This often causes the chamois to be loose at times and will cause irritation when I move around on the saddle, even if using creams designed for that purpose. The compression shorts prevent my skin from rubbing on the chamois and prevents any irritation caused from it. While compression shorts may not be for everyone, they have definitely helped me and some of the people that I know that have tried them. My riding buddy, who also has no butt, tried a pair, a week ago, and went out and bought three more.

You want to make sure that the compression shorts are made of wicking material so they keep you dry. I have been wearing the UA, 9" mesh shorts and they actually work better for me than riding commando. I have never used any type of creams or anything else since using the compression shorts. Even on 60+ mile rides, I have absolutely no problems with chaffing or anything else that may be caused by using the compression shorts. The compression shorts have flat seams that don't interfere with your position on the saddle plus they add an extra layer of compression.

The UA's run around $22.00 each. You can get the Champion C9 brand from Target in a three pack for about the same amount, but they don't wick as well as the UAs do. If you plan on continuing to ride with underwear, give the compression shorts a try. Also try riding commando and see which is the best way for you to go.