Can You Wear Cycling Shorts Under Jeans?

If you are planning a ride and want to wear jeans, you may wonder if you can combine them with cycling shorts…

Can you wear cycling shorts under jeans?

You can wear cycling shorts under jeans or other pants if you want to, but it is not recommended by avid cyclists. Cycling shorts are good for wearing underneath nearly any type of pants, including jeans, slacks, tights, skirts, or wet suits.

However, wearing cycling shorts under jeans can be problematic because cycling shorts may sometimes cause staining on the denim from your sweat. Furthermore, padded cycling shorts can be problematic because they can rub through the denim. Rubbing through denim can cause tearing and ripping of denim, thus ruining your jeans.

You must choose your pair of jeans wisely if you decide to wear cycling shorts underneath, so you do not ruin your favorite pair of jeans. Plus, wearing any type of jeans while cycling restricts your movement and can cause problems while bicycling. Many cyclists recommend using different pants while bicycling that are less restrictive.

What is the best way to wear cycling shorts?

A man riding a bike outdoors while wearing cycling gloves.
A man riding a bike outdoors while wearing cycling gloves.

The best way to wear cycling shorts is to wear them alone or put them underneath your cycle-friendly clothing. Wearing them in both ways has different benefits because of the way they fit on your body.

Cycling shorts increase comfort while riding your bike by giving extra padding to your sits bones. Wearing cycling shorts alone can increase the speed of your ride by helping with the aerodynamics of your ride. Tight-fitting clothing is the best way to decrease your wind resistance.

In contrast, wearing padded shorts underneath clothing can help people adjust to wearing cycling shorts alone. It enables you to gain confidence enough to remove your pants over top and wear your cycling shorts without pants.

Can you wear padded shorts under your pants?

You can wear padded shorts under your pants if you want to. The padded shorts under your pants will support your sit bones and can increase your comfort while biking.

While you can wear padded shorts under your pants, you should remain aware of the type of pants you are wearing. Pants like jeans can rip and tear while wearing because of the constant rubbing. Plus, some pants will create friction, so you have limited mobility while riding.

What should you not wear while cycling?

Avoid cycling in clothing that restricts movement. Typically, loose-fitting or restrictive clothing is bad to wear while cycling because it can be uncomfortable and cause poor aerodynamics. Jeans, skirts, dresses, and baggy clothing is bad for wearing while cycling because they can be extremely uncomfortable and restrictive.

Your movements will become restricted if you wear things like these.

Can you wear pants over cycling shorts?

You can wear pants over cycling shorts but it is typically not recommended for avid cyclists since it impedes cycling. The more layers that you wear while cycling, the more likely you are to chafe on your thighs. Chafing is extremely uncomfortable, decreasing your desire to cycle.

Wearing cycling shorts without your pants is a good way to increase your speed and enhance the comfort of your riding. You should avoid wearing pants with your cycling shorts because it can only cause further problems.

Do you need to wear briefs when wearing cycling shorts?

You do not need to wear briefs when wearing cycling shorts. Wearing briefs underneath cycling shorts can cause chafing and discomfort. Instead of wearing briefs while wearing cycling shorts, you should wear padded cycling underwear.

Padded underwear will increase your comfort while cycling and give you extra coverage while riding. This underwear is approved for cycling and is less likely to cause chafing while you ride.

Can I wear leggings under bike shorts?

You can always wear leggings under bike shorts for additional coverage. Added coverage can help new cyclists adjust to the feeling of biking shorts’ thin material.

Many cyclists wear leggings under their bike shorts during cold months for added warmth. They also give you additional coverage while riding so you do not need to wear briefs underneath your bike shorts.

How tight should cycling shorts be?

Cycling shorts should fit snuggling on your skin without shifting too much up your legs. Stretch your legs fully to adjust to the shorts, and then try pulling them to see if they move.

Cycling shorts should be relatively tight, with enough room to move without riding up. They should be tight on your legs but allow enough room to comfortably move your legs. If you are trying on cycling shorts, stretch your legs at all angles to see how they fit.

No matter which direction you move your legs, your cycling shorts should not ride up or move. If they move up your legs, that is a sign that you need to move down a size.

Why do cyclists wear tight clothing?

A cyclist riding his bike in the street while wearing tight cycling clothing.
A cyclist riding his bike in the street while wearing tight cycling clothing.

Cyclists wear tight clothing because they are comfortable and help increase speed while biking. Tight clothing is good for decreasing wind resistance which helps cyclists increase their speed while biking. Cyclists need to increase their speed when riding through busy areas that require keeping up with high speeds, like highways or roads.

If cyclists cannot keep up with high speeds, they might impede traffic or cause major roadway accidents.

In competitive cycling, aerodynamics is especially important. Decreasing the amount of wind resistance that cyclists face while riding can help competitive cyclists increase their speed significantly. Loose clothing is a leading reason why cyclists face aerodynamic drag.

Furthermore, tight-fitting clothing also feels better for cyclists because it makes cycling easier.

Can you wear cycling shorts under a dress?

You can wear cycling shorts under a dress. Cycling shorts under your dress will give you added support while riding and support your sits bones while riding. They are also a great way to cover yourself up while riding if you dee to wear a dress or skirt while riding a bike.

Regular undergarments do not provide the same amount of coverage that cycling shorts provide. Therefore, cycling shorts can be a great way to give you the extra coverage you require.