The one area of my commuting wardrobe that still needs tweaking is the undergarment/shorts zone. My commute isn't really long enough to require bike shorts and I don't find them that comfortable anyways. I've tried bathing suits/board shorts which work ok but they're not ideal. Briefs/Boxer briefs under regular shorts don't work so well because the seams always run under my sit bones and become uncomfortable. I'm thinking about trying compression shorts under nylon mid length shorts. Anyone have any experience with a similar solution or have suggestions for brands?

Ps. I have a Brooks B-17 so it's not the saddle.

What you are considering is what I do.

I wear regular bike shorts or Underarmour under "jersey" material shorts. (the world isn't ready for me in lycra only yet) I'm either doing roundtrips of 17 miles (half commute w/carpooling) or 36 miles (full commute).

It works well in the "wicking the sweat" and "below the waist comfort" department.

I do a short commute into work, and wear shorts like these:



They're a tough outer shell with a compression style inner with a chamois insert. Very hard wearing and don't look too bad, I can't bring myself to wear pure lycra, god did not intend for me to dress that way.

I have recently bought a pair of similar Trek shorts that run an entirely separate compression innner with an our baggy short:



and also a lightweight pair from trek:



All have the chamois insert and make for very comfortable riding.

The Trek shorts were $80 and $40 respectively, the Altura shorts I bought in the UK a few years ago (still going strong!) and I haven't found them here at all.

- Jon

I have and use both baggy shorts and the spandex compression shorts. Both styles work. My cold weather tights fit over the compression shorts and under the baggy shorts.

Use whatever is comfortable.

Why are you going out of your way to avoid cycling-specific clothing? What you're trying obviously isn't working.

His idea with the compression shorts seems to be doable though. I use them for my normal commute whenever they're available (I have only two pairs so going through the wash cycle takes time b/c I wait for a full load).

Compression shorts should do the trick for short commutes!

PS - you can even use them under jeans (not too comfy, but more so than boxers) or under ski pants (mmm toasty).

I wear compression shorts under my bike specific shorts. Just seems to keep the chamois a bit more tidy.

I presume compression shorts are more-or-less what they sound like, in which case they should be fine.

My experience:
- Boxers: a world of pain and unexpected danger. A delight to change into at the end of the ride.
- Cotton briefs/bikini undies: OK for a block but quickly get sweaty and then chafe as if ground glass was glued to the seams.
- Lycra short trunks: Breathe really well, but ride up. Not as good as I'd hoped.
- Coolmax short trunks: Not bad.
- Nylon mesh short trunks: Not great. Not enough flexibility/softness in the weave.
- Coolmax/coolmax mesh long trunks: THE BEST for wearing under normal clothes. The ones I have don't ride up too much, breathe well, dry fast and don't have seams where they hurt.
- Bike shorts underneath: OK while riding but you need to change out of them, they stay wet forever.

I've got a few pairs of liquicell MTB shorts (baggy outside, with attached spandex/lycra liner) and also wear wicking boxer briefs. I know that I should be wearing the lycra commando, but it just feels weird coming into work that way. Plus, I've got to wear them on the way back. Anyway, the wicking boxer briefs are the best thing ever! I even prefer them just for walks around the neighborhood or when working on my house as they eliminate all chafitude.

I got all of this cheap at Sierra Trading Post.

I do MTB shorts if anything. My ride is so short (3 mi RT) that on days that aren't too hot/humid I just wear my work clothes. Slacks and a tie took a little getting used to, but it's easier than having to change in my office. On top of that the old school 70's saddle on my 3 speed is comfy enough that I don't really need the padding of shorts.

FWIW - I use the MTB shorts on long weekend rides too. I used to be OK in normal bike shorts but I just can't bring myself the wear them right now, more out of a "who am I kidding, I don't race" mentality than anything else.

Compression shorts. Just another name for a girdle, right? LOL.
Yeah, I wear 'em sometimes. Under a pair of gym shorts. If I really want to be noticed, I wear the orange girdle, er compression shorts.

whatever keeps my junk from getting mashed 'twixt saddle and thigh. Usually that's bike shorts, but sometimes the seamless boxer briefs make a play especially when the laundry's overdue.

I've used 'em.

Use whatever feels comfy. But you might want a little something to keep the boys at home...

REI sells briefs with a chamois pad. The pad isn't real thick so its almost like wearing a pair of tighty whiteys. I have two pair and they really work well for my commute and I can wear a pair of convertable style pants in the cool morning and for the afternoon when its warmer I can zip the legs off and just have the regular shorts. The briefs are really comfortable not like wearing a regular pair of bike shorts under the pants

I always wear Nike Pro compression shorts under loose fitting nylon shorts or under warmer pants in winter. That's whenever I ride. Not just commuting. This solves a chafing problem I had before with boxer shorts.

Edit: I have at least 7 pair of these compression shorts so as to always have some to wear.

I've tried four brands, one REI specific, one made by Jockey or something and the Nike Pro is definitely the best. Also usually the most expensive.

squeakywheel, thanks for the Nike Pro tip. I'll stop by one of their outlet stores and see if I can get a pair. I'll try them on a few commute rides and see if they work OK for my 30 mile daily round trip. If not I'll just keep riding with Blackbottoms lycra shorts. I'm always looking for a better alternative for "regular clothes" riding around town.