Originally Posted by cyccommute

Use whatever works for you. I've tried riding your way years ago (like 30) and near found it anything but painfully uncomfortable. I've used wool shorts and jerseys as well as more modern technical fabrics but I wasn't "duped" by the clothing industry. I made a informed decision. There have been a few bicycle clothing items that have been failures...just about any rain jacket I've ever tried...but I if it doesn't work, I don't buy it again and/or return the item that doesn't work.

Yes, I pay more for bicycle clothing but how many t-shirts do you have that have been used and laundered once a week for 15 years that are still in one piece? I don't have regular clothes that last that long much less t-shirts.

I also have a 3 drawers full of bicycle clothes (enough for 7 days per week of riding in all seasons) and none of it "stinks". Bicycle jerseys are made of polyester cloth that has a special weave to it but is very much like any dress shirt or polo shirt which hang in my closet and none of those stink either. 20 years ago there were lots of bicycle clothing...especially winter clothing...that was made of polypropylene and it did develop a rank odor but that may be more a function of the polymer and it's degradation products than of a bacteria.