I have a difficult time riding for long without padding, not because the butt gets sore but because the family jewels need to be cradled up so as not to smash them or rub them raw, a leather seat, which I do use when touring, will do nothing for that. Years and years ago I tried a jock strap but that was worse, I only tried that once!

I found an athletic boxer brief is effective at keeping all the bits and pieces in their places.

Marc

Compression briefs or shorts are a solution. They are just like bike shorts but without the padding and come in long or short leg versions.

Well today I tried out my new Aero Tech Design knickers while on my trainer. I have to say they are "keepers"! My wife is thinking of getting a pair also. She also picked up a "fishing" shirt for me yesterday at Dick's. So I now own a non-cycling st of clothes for touring!
BTW here is the link for the knickers
https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/aetedemecoca.html
These guys do a great job and they are Made in the USA.

See how they are when they are wet as in a rainstorm and you are still pedalling.

It's perhaps the one distinct advantage of bike shorts that chafe on the legs isn't an issue (although it might be elsewhere further up).

I have a pair of the Aerotech knickers, and so far they seem to work OK. I still wear a pair of padded bike shorts underneath, using the knickers more like I use tights-for cooler weather riding. What I don't like are the front pockets. They are almost useless. I used the knickers to ride to the gym on cooler mornings this fall and found that I needed to put my bike lock key in the zippered cargo pocket. When I first wore the pants I put my key in one of the front pockets, and I found it on the floor near the first station I started at that morning. I'm actually thinking of sewing them shut.

If they rub your knees while riding, it is easy enough to roll them up. I don't think that they would be any worse than rain pants when riding.

Same here, only with cotton shorts as well

I wear casual clothing when riding. I only wear cycling gear if its wet because it dries quicker and isnt as heavy as wet cotton.

I wear cycling jerseys and cycling shorts because they dry fast when I do wash them, and my jerseys are bright colors. I just keep it simple. Nothing really high tech.

Regular cargo shorts over padded bicycle underwear, plus an old t-shirt for me. I like to be able to get off my bike and walk into a store/restaurant without being started at.

GO MERINO, MERINO, MERINO WOOL!!!

The best touring clothing is highly breathable, doesn't stink, and is also warm if it gets wet or for when you bike in varied climates (like the West Coast). For all of these reasons Merino wool is my go to choice and it's surprising to me how few people who tour actually use it. Yes, it cost more but it is a wonderfully long lasting and robust fiber and is one of the most eco-friendly materials around. It is naturally anti-microbial and it doesn't stink if you air it out after riding. You can get a few days easily out of a merino jersey. And if it gets cold, it keeps you warm, meaning you actually have to pack less.

Wool like whatever new wunder plastic fabric that is out now, is much different from the scratchy cheap stuff that a lot of people remember. Wool jerseys are now so finely woven and soft, they feel like a silky cotton. I also have some merino wool knickers and shorts that are the most comfortable I've ever owned. It's the most comfortable fabric against the skin.

Ibex is my favorite brand because they are almost all USA made, look great, and finished excellent. Plus they come with a lifetime satisfaction warranty, so it's really risk free buying. There are some excellent other makers out there for new stuff and look out for seasonal sales if cost is a major concern, like it is for me.

I also have found many good deals on merino wool and cashmere sweaters at thrift stores that make excellent layers for biking and are really lightweight.

Merino really has been a life-changer for me on the bike and you owe yourself at least one merino piece!

Here is a picture of me in my favorite Ibex indie jersey on the way to camp out in the Marin Headlands, right across the Golden Gate Bridge.

As a fisherman also, I have fallen in love with the light weight quick drying fishing clothes like those made by Columbia. They are light, cool, protect you from the sun, and dry quick if you get caught in a rain shower or need to wash them. I wear padded cycling shorts under the shorts. They also have convertible long pants that can be zipped off. Unless it's real cold (rare in Georgia) I wear these clothes year round for biking and fishing. And yes they even have bright colors.

Pretty much how I ride. Padded lycra cycling shorts are under whatever I need to wear. Hiking shorts work well, but I'm not a fan of the longer-inseam cargo shorts. My 'warm weather' tops are usually hi-vis yellow t-shirts. Sometimes with a wicking long-sleeve base layer. A nylon windbreaker or water-resistant 'golf jacket'. I wear an orange mesh safety vest with yellow reflective stripes over whatever I wear while riding. I have an old pair of Performance or Specialized touring shoes. They look like regular tennies, but have the fiberglass reinforcement shank for hours of pedaling.

Whatever I wear serves double-duty, because I like to walk around whatever towns I stop in/near to catch the local flavor without looking out of place.

Re: sunscreen: this stuff is the best: Aloe Gator Super Total Sunblock Gel SPF 40+ - 4 fl. oz. at REI.com

It's the only sunscreen I've ever found that can keep my pale skin pale, even through a full day of riding at 8000+ feet and including a few river dunks. It feels pretty gross when you put it on, but it stays put and it works. It also goes on clear, which is nice.

I ride wearing 8 panel lycra but as soon as I stop; its on with the cargo shorts every time. I hate getting checked-out.
Long sleeve technical tee under a hi-viz vest; add ordinary light-weight fleece if its cold.
If it rains, I take off shoes and socks and ride in my Keen sandals with the toe caps.

Basketball shorts with my perma stinky bright orange cotton t-shirt. As for shoes I love wearing my 5 finger shoes. I know they are not the best for riding but I like them.

I typically wear Gore bike shorts, a jersey or running shirt, Kavu Big Eddy Shorts (they can be swimming trunks, running shorts, casual shorts, pretty much anything) and a pair of Gore gloves. When it is raining I have a Rab Shell Neo Rain Jacket and Mountain Hardwear Seraction Pant.

For my lid I do plan on using a Smith Forefront Helmet but currently am using a cheap Bell helmet to replace an older Bell helmet that was slightly over 5 years old and broke recently (it was a user error not a fault of the helmet which served its life well). I also have some Pivlock Overdrive's coming for glasses (also Smith) so I can change out lenses for different conditions.

My socks are usually Injinji toe socks and shoes vary. I do plan on also going clipless.

I have a pair of arm warmers that I keep with me pretty much year round as they are lightweight and useful if things get cold or you want to keep some sun off you. That way you don't have to bring the extra bulk of a full layer and can use your summertime jersey. Another good thing is a Buff/neck gaiter they can be used for just about anything and you can even get one with a visor like Jim K.

I used to wear cotton and that was bad news bears all around.


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Go Lurch!!! I have about 6 pairs of Five Fingers and love them and always want more. Though I am not keen on riding with them but as my off bike shoes they are great.

A n y t h i n g but Spandex.