Yeah, I realize that I'm a freak of nature, which is why I'm always cautious to give advice about gear.

Back in the 70's when I rode to high school I used to ride in jeans because that was what I wore at school and the idea of changing clothes to ride was unheard of to me then. But now I change for a 2 mile commute because it's more comfortable.

I think you are worrying too much. Having grown up playing (actually, still playing) outdoor team sports, I can't remember how many times I've had to change shorts AND underwear in open public, or semi-public places. If you just sit down and get on with it, you will probably find that it takes mere seconds and most people never know what is going on.

My favorite winter riding pants are an old pair of Land's End wool trousers I wore out at work. They fit great, are really comfortable and look presentable.

I wear relaxed fit Wranglers for my short commute (2.5 miles each way). They work fine, but I suppose they are unfashionable as wphamilton pointed out. Sometimes I even take the long way home (7-10 miles) wearing them.

I wear jeans. Less than 5 miles is just not far enough for me to justify changing pants. I wear a wicking shirt and change when I get to work. I don't especially like riding in jeans but don't feel like it's worth changing for that short a distance. If it were much more, I would wear something else.

My commute is a mile from home to the train, then an hour on the train (with a folder in a bag), then 2 and a half miles to work. Going home is the reverse. About 7 miles a day. I've been doing this for more than 15 years in all 4 seasons. I wear work clothes (polo shirts and Dockers) under any necessary outer layers.
Steve

I've done about that today in Wrangler Cowboy Cut, since I didn't feel like changing at church. Normally, I don't wear actual bike shorts, just compression boxers and cargo shorts. The difference is still pretty significant, and I definitely notice the restriction of movement and resulting quicker fatigue in jeans. Summer weight wool slacks are much better, but still not as good as the shorts.

When it hits long-pants-mandatory temperatures, I usually go with very lightweight running pants over the cargo shorts. I have water resistant ultra thin ones and lightly insulated heavier ones, and have ridden down to 17F with both layered, with no problems. The loose fit and slick fabric works fine for riding.

Not me. In fact just a couple three weeks ago I hopped on my wife's comfort bike and rode 3/4 of a mile to get a haircut. It was the first time I rode in years and years with jeans and it did feel funny and uncomfortable which is ironic since I was riding a "comfort" bike which itself wasn't too comfortable, although it wasn't adjusted completely for me.

I have trouble imagining that, must be a very interesting look you're going for

Regular clothes for me. All of my pants/jeans are of a variety that have some stretch to them though. Those old style, no stretch denim would not be one of my first choices. I just use one of the unfashionable pant leg holders. Short commutes though, mostly errands, and around 6mi round trip commutes.

I found some Wrangler Outdoor Series cargo/Hiking pants at Target. 24.99, nylon/spandex so they are somewhat water resistant and stretchy.

If it's hot, I wear hiking shorts but if not I can wear these pants on the bike and in the office.

guy walks into a bar & meets a pretty girl in tight jeans. he says, wow those are really tight, how do you get into them? she says, well you can start with a drink

When I commuted to work, all I ever wore was my everyday clothes and that's all I wear or need to wear now.

Whatever clothes I wear to bike every day, are by definition everyday clothes, so...

Cycling specific clothes let me pedal harder in greater comfort, so I have recently come to prefer them. If my route were short, it wouldn't matter, but it's 13.4 miles each way, and the winds are sometimes strong. Sometimes I wear regular clothes. I change in the office. As I tell my officemates, I'm changing from my Superman costume to my Clark Kent costume.

Very relevant topic for me, as I was thinking about making a similar post. My regular routine lately has been to wear mountain biking shorts and some sort of athletic/running shirt. I keep dress shoes and a belt at the office, and will usually pack the remainder of my change of clothes in my Topeak trunk bag/pannier.

But my ride is just 4 miles each way, not much of a workout for me if I take it easy. so today I wore khaki's and a polo shirt and that worked fine. A little warm when I got here but not sweaty. And I have to say, it felt great not having to change once I got to work.

I think it was around 70 on the ride in; will be closer to 80 and sunny for the ride home. so I may be sorry I didn't bring shorts then! What to wear seems to be a constant debate inside my little head. I do find the way certain european/dutch cyclists commute to be quite appealing. Just get on the bike and go!

I wear bibs and jersey when riding my road bike to work. I wear regular shorts and t-shirt when riding my upright e-bike to work. What I wear depends greatly on the bike, and my fit/posture on the bike.

I'll go further. Denim is an outmoded fabric. It's stiff, the cut/fit isn't good for average to strong cyclists (you know why), and the fabric has been far surpassed by modern blends. Athletic slacks are better for sports. Wool blends are better for dress. And a tiny bit of lycra makes any fabric fabulous. Wow. Anyway, I have relegated my jeans to hardwork, painting, and car maintenance duties. If they can get stained or damaged, the pants are denim. If I want functionality or style, not.


Plus, denim is for children unless you're a cowboy, panning for gold, or a rancher.

Gee, thanks for judging and putting down those of us who wear nice, well-fitting denim in situations that don't fall in with your ridiculous "denim standards".

If I have to run an errand at lunch I'll ride a mile or two in the jeans I have on at work. It's not a huge deal. But for anything farther than that they suck.

Eeek. I did that, didn't I? I'm sorry, [MENTION=301784]PatrickGSR94[/MENTION]. I should have heavily caveated my comments "for me" or "for my sensibilities". I'm sure that you look and feel fabulous in your work-a-day gear. You don't need to post photos, though. Sorry again. PG

Ha, I have a zero denim rule. Have never found them comfortable and always find them constricting. Small waist, big thighs from cycling/sports. Also...I have a big fear of wet denim. Eck!

I commute in "active" stuff, shorts and polo shirts in warm weather. Hiking-type pants and a hi viz jacket in winter.

I'm not a huge denim fan myself, but a nice pair of jeans has always been, and probably always will be, the very definition of cool.

My father had a stash of Jordache and Sergio Valente jeans from the 70's hidden in some closet. When I discovered them and started wearing them, well, let's just say that the ladies never objected...

I didn't see any judgment or putting down. Maybe I'm an insensitive guy.