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CompleteStreets 10-10-15 04:03 PM

Affordable underwear that wicks rain
 
When there's a small chance of rain, say 10%-30% chance, I tend to take my chances and shy away from rain pants. Sometimes I wear polyester jeans instead of cotton jeans, as polyester does a decent job of wicking away rain drops. If I get caught in a light rain with the polyester pants, my legs get slightly damp, but not uncomfortably so. The trouble is, my underwear gets wet. This is partly from sitting on a seat that gets wet at red lights, and partly from the rain drops that land on my pants. In the end, I get to work with dryish pants/legs, but wet underwear. I rarely see underwear that is anything but 100% cotton.

Does anyone know of affordable underwear, for everyday wear, that won't absorb rain? Thanks.

wolfchild 10-10-15 04:33 PM

Target, Wallmart and other sporting goods stores sell affordable athletic undearwear made from wicking fabrics.

gregjones 10-10-15 06:44 PM


Originally Posted by CompleteStreets (Post 18232679)
Sometimes I wear polyester jeans instead of cotton jeans, as polyester does a decent job of wicking away rain drops........The trouble is, my underwear gets wet. This is partly from sitting on a seat that gets wet at red lights, and partly from the rain drops that land on my pants.........and, probably a lot from sweat due to a poor choice in outerwear.

Rain......you need rain gear that breaths....not as in the material, as in AIRFLOW. There is no material that will wick moisture in warm AND humid conditions. The laws of nature don't allow it. It rains, it's hot, you ride hard....you get wet without airflow.

I'd wear cotton jeans and suck it up before I wore poly jeans. Anywhere, especially on a bike.

You're on a bike, it rains.....your ass gets wet. So?

gregjones 10-10-15 06:55 PM

From another thread.................


Originally Posted by Dave Cutter (Post 18228720)
The secret to remaining dry has little to do with fabrics.... it is about ventilation. Exercise/cycling will cause you to sweat. To stay dry... you need to evaporate the sweat as quickly as you produce it.

Wool naturally stagnates air movement.... by locking air in the tight little coils of wool fibers. The stagnation is complete enough it will even hold water/sweat against your body keeping you warm.

I'd use layers of moisture dispersing technical fabrics. At lease two layers... three might be better.

Then carefully select an additional outer layer. I normally use a rain and windproof (non-insulated) outer layer with multiple zippered vents. Allowing for LOTS of air-flow that will evaporate any moisture that the tech fabric moved to the outer most layers. You won't get wet.... or even warm. You'll feel cool or close to cold. Regulate the zippered air flow and your activity to control your warmth.

NOTICE: The clothing described in no way will provide you with the warmth needed in freezing temperatures to stay warm if you for any reason... you stop moving/cycling. Having a trunk bag or rack of some sort is essential for foul weather cycling. You'll need to have a coat along if for any reason you break-down or are injured.


CompleteStreets 10-10-15 07:07 PM

I live in the Pacific NW which has low humidity. I don't sweat when wearing the polyester jeans, unless it's above say 75 degrees. That's right, if it's a clear day and it's 60 degrees outside, my underwear does not get sweaty, even if I'm wearing polyester jeans. My problem is with my underwear getting wet from the rain. And if there is higher humidity on rainy days, well that doesn't make me sweat much either.

I'll look into athletic underwear at department stores.

Dave Cutter 10-10-15 08:44 PM


Originally Posted by gregjones (Post 18232899)
..... You're on a bike, it rains.....your ass gets wet. So?


Originally Posted by gregjones (Post 18232921)
From another thread.................

I am not sure I've ever been quoted from another thread before....

But you're correct (in most cases). The rain in your eyes and on your cycling glasses can make it difficult to see. Shoes get a squishy wet-sock feeling. And if you wear cycling shorts (like I do).... the wet chamois can make them feel like a diaper (in need of changing). If the weather is warm... it's no big deal. Cycling in the rain can be fun and also make you look like a badass! If you're on your way to work it might be better if your work clothes are in a backpack or saddlebag.

In winter cold... rain can steal your core heat in minutes. Causing hypothermia. When cycling in cold weather it's important that you stay dry. On my rain bike I carry a full sized, grown-up, heavy duty, poncho. Not a trendy fashion statement. But the best way to stay dry [pronounced: alive and well] when cycling in rainy colder weather.

79pmooney 10-10-15 09:30 PM

There's the Under Armour Jockey Briefs (I believe that's what they are called). I have been using them the past 8 years. Not cheap ($19-20 last time I looked) but I have yet to replace a pair, making them very cheap/ride. Very comfortable on a bike. I have minor issues with sores on very long rides (easily alleviated with chamois butter ahead of time) but find they work very well for commuting and rides under 40 miles. How wet they are doesn't matter at all.

Ben

CompleteStreets 10-10-15 10:52 PM


Originally Posted by 79pmooney (Post 18233222)
There's the Under Armour Jockey Briefs (I believe that's what they are called). I have been using them the past 8 years. Not cheap ($19-20 last time I looked) but I have yet to replace a pair, making them very cheap/ride. Very comfortable on a bike. I have minor issues with sores on very long rides (easily alleviated with chamois butter ahead of time) but find they work very well for commuting and rides under 40 miles. How wet they are doesn't matter at all.

Ben

Thanks. I'll likely try this or something similar.

CompleteStreets 10-10-15 11:10 PM

After checking some reviews on Amazon I think I'm going to try the ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go Boxer Brief

They appear to be cheaper than they normally are, and I read a convincing review from someone who said he prefers them over the Under Armours. I've never paid this much for underwear, but it sounds like they will last for years. I'm now realizing that part of my problem with my underwear getting wet is that I don't always remember to put a seat cover on my bike. Thus the seat gets wet from sitting in the rain. I do wipe it off with either my shirt or a paper towel, but I think some of the rain seeps into the seat, making my crotch wet. I'm thinking a wicking underwear like this will really help the problem. I know, I know, it's my fault for not covering my seat, but I forget half the time, especially if it's sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon.

Rich Gibson 10-10-15 11:43 PM

I use these http://m.duluthtrading.com/store/pro...cessor=content From Duluth trading Co. They are comfortable and breathe.

Rich

chas58 10-12-15 12:42 PM

Any kind of microfiber works great. That has been my new goto - much drier than shami bike shorts!!!

GovernorSilver 10-12-15 01:51 PM

I recently picked up a pack of these at Target on sale:
Hanes Mens ComfortBlend Dyed Brief | 7500P4 or # 24344

It's the first time I've seen Hanes underwear that wasn't pure cotton, and was advertised to be both quick-drying and moisture-wicking, without costing a whole lot more than their regular underwear. I was wearing supposedly quick-drying underwear when I got drenched by a storm two weeks ago, but it absorbed so much rain water than it didn't dry all that quickly. Will let you know if I have better luck with this new Hanes.

JanMM 10-12-15 03:53 PM

I change clothes - completely - when I get to work.
And, yes, wicking poly underwear has been available for a long time.


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