Performance (non-cotton) underwear

[NYCfixie]

Any suggestions for something to use when off the bike and out of lycra shorts/bibs but still active (hiking, around town rides, very long walk in the summer, etc.)?

Something non-cotton to help with chafing issues that can be caused by cotton? Boxer brief style?








P.S. hope this does not fall under the TMI statute as did that waxing thread someone started the other day.

[David Tollefson]

I use the Champion C9 stuff from Target (the performance stuff). Worth a look.

[Matthew Strongin]

This definitely leans toward the TMI realm, but what undergarment discussion doesn't. Fortunately for you there's already a thread where folks talk about underwear. There might be some recommendations in there. Personally, I'd check out the usual sports apparel companies, as most of them probably offer something that will work for you.

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum...cks-20214.html

[ericpmoss]

Wickers SoftSilks of any form. They don't sag, and the fabric, elastic included, will last a decade. I use them for dress or for hiking. Awesome IMO.

Men's thermal tee shirts, briefs, boxers

[Shoogs]

Ex Officio are simply the best.

[joosttx]

Rapha merino boxer briefs

[mmoore]

I use lululemon underwear. its great.


They have a light casual underwear that has no problem with high activity and a very solid compression style underwear that they market as their "high output activity" underwear, if that's something your looking for.

[Chad]

Adidas climatech or climalite, can't remember which for sure. Get it at Kohls, not cheap, but I like it. Different lengths as well. It's the best thing I've found for wearing in the summer.

[guido]

The EMS stuff works well for a decent price.

[ericpmoss]

It's starting to sound like saddle recommendations -- very personal. Maybe we should describe our favorites in relation to something distinctive about us. Then people can see which camp they fall in, and can avoid dead ends, so to speak. I'll start.

Wickers SoftSilks:

1. Fabric (synthetic)
a. Barely stretchy, in all directions. Not a mesh, though there are mesh versions available.
b. Dries reasonably, but not amazingly fast (overnight in cool high dry climate like High Sierra as long as all bits exposed to air).
c. Soft, thin, very smooth. Packs small. Doesn't double over and stick to form thick, pinchy spots like cotton would.
d. Very durable. I've had pairs for 10 years now that look new, and a few with runs in the fabric, but no holes, tears or other failures.
e. Can be sweated through without feeling thick or soggy. They don't feel dry, but not obviously soaked.

2. Elastic
a. ~1.25" wide. Bellies roll it (as expected), but it otherwise stays flat. Not seam-free -- overlaps 1/2 inch at rear. This is noticeable under tight backpack waist belt, but sides are seam-free.
b. Grippy and stretchy but not strangulating. Lasts "forever".

3. Shape
a. Leg openings on briefs do not stretch (or sag). Try a pair first. Mine fit right and will stay that way forever. A little tight will accommodate, but too tight will likely remain so.
b. Leg openings can bind if you are sitting for long periods and squirming around. Standing up relieves that. Otherwise I never notice them.
c. Nothing sexy about them, but nothing grandpa-like, either.
d. Support is fine for anything short of running -- after 12 hours hiking in them, they're the only article of clothing I'm not really noticing. That said, they don't hold everything obviously up and out of the way, so if that's important, look into their compression models and report back.

[rec head]

Thanks for the thread. I'm going to try some of these. I've been wearing the ones mentioned from Target for a while and its time to change them.

[NYCfixie]

Thanks for the thread. I'm going to try some of these. I've been wearing the ones mentioned from Target for a while and its time to change them.

Did not want to hear that. Why are you chaining it up?
I had an immediate need and Target was the closest/quickest option today.

The Rapha seemed like a really nice option but I am not sure I have it in me to deal with the cleaning requirements for something that might become an everyday wardrobe staple.

[David Tollefson]

Thanks for the thread. I'm going to try some of these. I've been wearing the ones mentioned from Target for a while and its time to change them.

You do realize you're supposed to take them off and wash them occasionally, right?

[Mabouya]

If Mercury didn't need no stinkin' underwear, I don't see why we should.

[rec head]

You do realize you're supposed to take them off and wash them occasionally, right?

Not if you wear 'em in the shower.

[David Tollefson]

Not if you wear 'em in the shower.

Then how do you... Eh, never mind.

[josepht]

The Rapha seemed like a really nice option but I am not sure I have it in me to deal with the cleaning requirements for something that might become an everyday wardrobe staple.

I haven't used the Rapha, but the Icebreaker superfine merino version of same are excellent and are washed just by throwing in the machine with everything else. I would buy ten pairs the same and be done with it if they weren't so spendy.

[rec head]

Target used to have some that I really liked. I bought about 5 pairs but they are coming close to the end of their lives. The ones they have now are OK but I don't like them as much. My wife just got me some Saxx. They are in the laundry right now and I'll try them today.

[rec head]

Then how do you... Eh, never mind.

nvr-nude.jpg

[Brandon White]

Uniqlo. Airism or Seamless. They are cheap, thin, dry fast. I swim in mine sometimes.