My commute is rather short - only 5km (3.5 miles). Usually I just ride to work in my canvas Carhartt trousers and a T-shirt, with my work jacket on. If it's raining I don't usually ride to work.

My recreational cycling is always done with padded tights in winter or shorts in good weather. There are two reasons why:

1) My rides are rarely less than 35 or 40 miles. Some are out to 50 or 75, with an occasional out to 100. Padded riding wear is, in my opinion, as much a part of this level of riding as ski-wear or hockey gear or any other sport wear that is beyond merely going to the store.

2) Jeans will very quickly rub off the slick finish of a Brooks saddle, rendering it less cool on long rides. The slickness is important for frictionless contact and is something that should be maintained with a clear boot polish every once in a while.

Note: My commuter saddle is a B-67 that has alot of wear from the canvas Carhartt's. The rec saddles are maintained in much better shape.