If you need to get somewhere on your bike but need to look nice in a dress, you may wonder if it’s OK to put your cycling shorts on underneath…
Can you wear cycling shorts under a dress?
Yes, you can wear cycling shorts underneath a dress, and it’s a much more comfortable way to ride. That said, you DO want to make sure that the dress that you choose isn’t too long, otherwise, you may have a more difficult time when you are pedaling the bike, or worse – the dress could get caught up in the gears!
This option also helps for appearance if it’s windy out and an unfortunate draft should occur. In such a case, you’re only exposing your shorts, which is certainly less awkward than exposing undergarments.
Do you wear anything underneath cycling shorts?

No, there is no reason to wear anything under your cycling shorts and because of the materials involved in making them, it’s much more sensible just to wear the shorts without anything else underneath. The chamois cloth generally utilized for these shorts is designed to be worn close to the skin and to easily dry when you sweat.
It’s also soft enough so that it shouldn’t chafe, so just wearing the shorts by themselves is usually the most practical and comfortable choice.
What can I wear with cycling shorts?
You can wear anything that you like with cycling shorts, although there are certainly some pairings that are better than others. Some cyclists like to go with vintage clothing or simply a top that matches the shorts in color. Others prefer to wear something loose on top, in contrast with the tightness of the close-fitting shorts.
Play around a bit so that you can find the perfect medium that fits between comfort and fashion and if you have to choose one, always go with comfort and utility or if that option is too garish, then it’s time to expand your cycling wardrobe.
What do female cyclists wear?
The typical choice is a pair of padded chamois shorts and while they might feel like a diaper when you put them on, don’t be so quick to judge them until you ride with them.
While they feel a bit bulky at first when you spend a little time pedaling and coasting. you’re going to notice that there is no chafing and the ride feels smooth. This is the reason why every serious cyclist chooses to use these shorts – as odd as they seem at first, they’re perfectly designed for the task at hand.
Do you need to wear briefs when wearing cycling shorts?
No, you don’t need to wear briefs when you are wearing cycling shorts and if you do, then you’re going to notice the difference once you’ve cycled a few miles Chamois bike shorts absorb some of the force from a bumpy ride and they won’t chafe you the way that a pair of cotton briefs will.
This won’t be readily apparent with a quick bike to the store, but anything more than that, and you will start noticing the friction. As such, it’s best to simply wear the shorts with nothing under them and if you are wearing bib shorts, the included straps should be worn UNDER your top – not over them.
How do I look thinner in cycling shorts?
The best way to balance out those tight cycling shorts if you want to look thinner is to ‘go baggy’. Choose a loose-fitting top, such as a nice blazer or even an oversized jersey, and in contrast with the tighter shorts, you will look a little thinner.
For best results, try this with the shortest pair of shorts that you have. This will provide excellent skin exposure for your legs, while the loose-fitting top will not appear unflattering to those who are taking a little time to admire them.
Can you wear cycling shorts under leggings?
Yes, you can wear cycling shorts underneath leggings, but never the other way around. Wearing padded shorts over your leggings is simply going to push them against your skin and unlike the chamois shorts, the leggings are likely to scratch and chafe lightly until it becomes an uncomfortable problem.
Provided that you wear the shorts underneath instead, however, this pairing will be perfectly fine and comfortable.
Why are cycling shorts so short?
This is a combination of form and fashion. The shorter the shorts, the more skin exposure you have so that you can show off a little at the same time that the extra uncovered skin is being cooled by the breeze.
It’s typically not a very dramatic difference, but it feels much nicer, especially when you are biking regularly over long distances.
Should bike shorts be tight or loose?

Bike shorts should be tight, just not so tight that you have to squeeze into them and they feel like they are practically cutting off the blood flow. A good pair of cycling shorts are designed to fit you like a second skin.
They will stretch a little while you are biking, but otherwise, there should not be much movement with them. You may have to try on a few pairs to find the perfect fit, but as long as they are tight but do not have enough to restrict movement, then they should be just about perfect.
Why do cyclists tuck their pants?
Cyclists tuck their pants because it’s practical and a whole lot safer than not doing so. Untucked pants have an unfortunate tendency to get stuck in cogs, interfere with pedaling, catch in the chains or the crank… you get the idea!
Think back to riding a bike when you were a kid and the first time that your pants got pulled into the cogs. It’s happened to just about everyone at some point in their youth, and the danger is certainly no less dangerous now that you are an adult (and perhaps even MORE so).
Tucking your pants in is an easy way to avoid this, so be sure to get into this habit now if you aren’t already doing it. While it looks a little funny, it’s much more pleasant than a sudden stop and the possibility of having an accident.