Blame it on the shorts?

[Mary G]

Ok, since there seem to be some bikers out there, here's an issue I've been dealing with since I've started biking longer distances on a regular basis. Have any of you found that ... well,...you are getting "clogged pores"....ie pimples, along your underwear line? My guess is that the seams are just rubbing against my skin...and for multiple hours at a time...and irritating my skin.

I hope this isn't too personal of a question, but I have been finding it rather annoying, and slightly uncomfortable. I've seen in some catalogs "biker underwear" that promises to wick away sweat, much like those cool-max shirts and what not.

Have any of you experienced this? Do you have some suggestions? Again, I hope I have not offended anyone.

[aggie94]

I can't say that I've ever experienced this. But please, let us know if you find a solution to the problem - just because I haven't experienced it yet doesn't mean I won't someday!

[donleyk]

MaryG-

Have you considered not wearing them? There are several, me included, in spinning classes that just don't wear underwear. I have had instructors actually recommend not wearing them. I have to believe it is for that reason.

Please keep us posted if you try the one's that wick away moisture.

[funnybone]

I hate the thought of not wearing underwear, but a thong works in many cases - especially when working out.

Now, when you say "along your underwear line" do you mean at the elastic top, or where your legs are? If it is where the legs are, the thong will eliminate this.

Oh boy, now I have announced to all what underwear I prefer - lol! I guess it was bound to come out sooner or later.;)

[SusieO]

I don't ride a bike, but I was having a chafing problem from the band of my sports bra on long runs. I recently bought a tube of Body Glide (actually more like stick deodorant, is that still a tube?), and so far, so good. Maybe something like that would help?

[Angela]

I bike about 12 miles at least once a week and have never had a problem like this. I do get ichy along the band around the legs sometimes. I've never tried this myself, but maybe you could try loading up on Baby Powder before and after riding. That stuff works wonders sometimes :) I don't know...just an idea.

[Mary G]

Well, to answer some questions...the irritation is mostly along the leg bands, not along the waist band. I wonder if I just sweat a lot...pleasant thought.

Funnybone, the thought of a thong has never really come to mind...it always seems in my mind that you would be wearing a permanent "weggie!" But perhaps it is worth a shot.

Donleyk, I have heard suggestions about not wearing any. Hmmm...but I was wondering if the seams from the padded seat would have the same issue. Do you use the padded bike shorts?

Angela and SusieO, those are good ideas about trying something to decrease the friction. I'll have to look into that.

I'm doing a 20 or so ride this afternoon with a neighbor, and I'll see what adaption peaks my interest then!

Thanks, guys, and I'll keep you posted.

[Alisa]

I don't have any new advice, just wanted to respond to your comment that this topic might be too personal. IT'S NOT!!! I think this is an excellent forum for sharing this sort of thing - can you imagine bringing it up at a party or something? Hee hee! Long live the BB!

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Mary G
Funnybone, the thought of a thong has never really come to mind...it always seems in my mind that you would be wearing a permanent "weggie!" But perhaps it is worth a shot.


I avoided trying one for the longest time because of this. However, you really don't notice that it is there after a while. I just wanted to get rid of that "pantyline" look with some clothes - especially shorts and jeans. Buy one, and try it. The cotton Victoria Secret ones are not expensive.

[KValley]

Since funnybone came clean, I will admit it too: I also wear a thong while working out, and occasionally with other clothes. :D Never thought I would be the type (whatever that it- peppy aerobic instructors? Victoria's Secret models?) Now, I highly recommend thongs (I also wear Victoria's Secret). Spandex and panty lines just don't do it for me. Although, I don't wear Spandex! I just like the freedom of movement and a dry bum.

I can't imagine not wearing something with my padded bike shorts- an issue of hygiene- but the thong covers that, so to speak.

Mary, I also recommend a body scrub/exfoliator on the trouble spots: the Body Shop's Tea Tree body scrub is wonderful. The tea tree oil will dry the pores, the walnut shells exfoliate the dead skin and clear the pores.

[Angela]

I just had another thought since it seems that some are not willing to go underwear-less. Something that is available at sporting goods stores and that I think work well and are comfortable--padded biking underwear. They are made like bike shorts, but a thinner material, though the padding is the same thickness as regular bike shorts. I just slip on a pair of regular shorts over them. You get the padding of the bike short, no one needs to know you are wearing Spandex :D , and no band around the legs to chafe.

[Mary G]

Oooh! Angela, I like that idea. Seems to kill two birds with one stone.

One problem, for me. I already have padded shorts that were sent to me for the big ride I am in (we all will have snazzy matching jerseys and shorts). Hmmm...but for training it might work. Still, do you have an idea how much they are?

[Julia1Pin]

Regarding thongs, I wear them with EVERYTHING now. From what I've found, they are pretty darn slimming (imagining little bulges from panty lines makes me shudder now).

Mary G- you try thongs once, you never go back.

[Angela]

Well, since my last post didn't show up I'll try again.

Mary, they cost $20-25. I purchased mine at REI. They are online at www.rei.com I've seen them at local bike stores for the same price.

Good luck on the ride!!

[Kerri]

I don't know how your workout/shower schedule is, but I have found that if I don't shower right after I am done working out, I break out really bad on my back and my chest. I don't know if this will apply below the waist line, but perhaps it is worth a shot.

[Mary G]

Kerri, I have to agree with you. Espeically now in the summer when the humidity starts to climb, I sweat like nothing else. (As a transplant from WA state, even Maine's humidity makes me feel like a wimp!) If I don't shower right away, I think that contributes to the "situation."

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!