I understand about using a commute as a training ride, I've done that in the past and more recently when I had a way to freshen up adequately. Years ago when I worked as an employee, my employer had a shower installed in the new building for emergency contamination clean up and for one employee who liked to run to work. Naturally I used it too. I don't however find that padded shorts help in any way and in my case, they seemed to bunch up. I went back to wicking undies and regular shorts or sweats. I did recently order a set of non padded, black wool, semi tights for the cold weather. Kind of a loose fit but not as loose as sweat pants. I can see the economy of not buying something extra if you are using the same gear to compete in.
I guess I'm saying in response to the O.P. that I find it unnecessary to use the tight stretchy stuff and that was what caused the stir at his work, it appears. I just think there are plenty of regular clothing items that could be used to commute with and even work in, if the cyclist didn't purposely put out the maximum effort on the way to work. This approach might cut down on the friction at work and reduce the need for "extra" work clothes.