Originally Posted by
Robert P
... I've tried a couple of different gel seats which have a fair amount of padding so I don't think the seat is the problem. ... My riding is generally less than 5 miles at a time so it seems padded shorts might be inconvenient overkill ...
Padding is not your friend. Gel seats aren't good, either.
It sounds as though you're trying to avoid the initial pressure/discomfort of teaching your posterior that bike riding is okay. There will be initial tenderness that will toughen out.
A flat, firm saddle is a better starting point. For only 5 miles, wear whatever you want. Compression shorts, no underwear, and ordinary slacks should be fine. Don't overthink it, but don't rely on padding.
The purpose of specific riding shorts is to prevent chafing due to moisture trapped down there, so the "pad" is really a wicking material. In the northern hemisphere, sweat isn't really your problem now, at least not at 5 miles...