Alright, Let's Talk About Underwear...

[Mike_H]

What kind(s) of skivvies do you wear for long distance rides? Hey, I'm desperate!

Despite more than 30 years of motorcycle riding, and an eagerness to try all things new and comfrotable, I have yet to find the perfect underwear for long motorcycle rides.

Some bunch up, some get soaking wet, some cut into the leg joint area, some seem to help microbes find a place to stay. Dang it!

I wore some padded bicycle shorts under my jeans on a motorcycle ride once. It felt like I was wearing a diaper, and I think people were watching my behind when I walked out of the gas station.

I've gone commando a few times, and it wasn't bad, buty my wife is mortified that if we have an accident and are taken to a hospital, the people in the ER will find out that I'm not wearing anything under my motorcycle pants. It's her Catholic upbringing, I'm pretty sure.

I actually tried runners tights once, and it felt like I was going to slide out of my jeans at every stop light.

I wore some Nike compression shorts once, the ones I wear under my workout shorts at the gym. They felt okay for a while, but they also compress everything, especially the things I least want compressed on a ride.

So what works for you?

[Reid]

Girlfriend prefers the edible kind. Seriously, get a sheepskin.

[kk610lt]

Have you tried those LD Comfort m/c underwear? I purchased a pair but, have not tried them yet.

Does anyone know if the sheepskin approach works when you wear riding suits such as an AeroStitch?

[oldrango]

I have both the Aerostich and the LD Comfort underwear. Both work fine for LD riding. I like the LD Comfort slightly better, mostly because it has a fly opening. No seams on either to chafe or burn after a long sweaty day in the saddle. Both can be found on the internet.

[drmajor]

LD is pretty darn good.. love the fly..

Also really like the Under Armor. They serve as a compression short/shirt and really help by the end of a day. Wore them for 10 days in Italy and loved them.

[BeemerRiderBoB]

What works for me....

The closest i've come to comfort for my 1000 mile days is compression shorts that wick. The LD Comfort shorts are good but other compression shorts made of wicking material are equally as good in my experience. I've tried different brands from Underarmour to the Wal-Mart generic brand.

The key for success.....compression shorts do need to fit well...not too tight, not too loose.

I also use a sheepskin buttpad but don't prefer it in heat. Whether wearing jeans or 'Stitch', it provides extra padding/cushion.

[RonKMiller]

I get asked this question ALL the time and here is my answer:

Under Armour 0669.

Why? :think:

1. It has light compression.

2. It does NOT have the dangerous elastic bands around the bottom like "LD underwear" :rolleyes: that can cause deep vein thrombosis. (and this is not my imagination, but advice from the Surgeon General of the Navy - a well known LD rider)

3. It has a generously sized ventilated pouch that keeps your junk cool without squashing it too tight.

4. Designed for heat and moisture transport and lord knows it gets pretty damn hot and moist down there.

5. Chicks dig 'em! :D

[dwsdad]

Another thing to try is medicated powder like Gold Bond. Talc is not good. The medicated stuff works much better.

[RonKMiller]

Another thing to try is medicated powder like Gold Bond. Talc is not good. The medicated stuff works much better.

Absolutely. :thumb: The "Anti Monkey Butt Powder" that is sold for an outrageous amount of money is talc with some calamine mixed in. What a crock...

Zeasorb AF powder costs the same but actually has active ingredents that will help to "calm" irritation. : 2% Miconazole Nitrate, Aldioxa, Carbohydrate Acrylic Copolymer, Chloroxylenol, Fragrance, Imidurea, Microporous Cellulose, Talc

The miconazole is an anti-fungal that helps to prevent jock itch and the microporous cellulose and acrylic copolymer allows it to absorb much more moisture than simple talc alone. Aldioxa is an anti-perspirant. Imidurea is anti-bacterial.

Yes, I got an A in chemistry in college. ;)

Available usually only at drug stores.

[jzeiler]

I have tried and liked the Bodz under wear as it has no seams at all. It just did not work well with my physique. Belly bigger than waist so I end up with a rolled up waist band (material was too thin). I fell in love with the LD comfort shorts - just be sure to get a large enough size so those bands at the legs are not an issue for constricting blood flow. They are a much thicker material but the waist band stays put and the fly is fantastic. 18 hour days in the saddle and you don't need the monkey butt powder!

[STARFIGHTER]

well...I'm sure this will get a response....but...............................
BMW underware (wicking and no seams) and anti monkey butt powder..........
I'v tried a lot of different brands including those designed to be wet in kayak..
BMW the best so far................

[NOGILLS2]

UA gets my vote!

[bonafidebob]

I've been happy with boxer or boxer/briefs stuff from REI, which I originally got for backpacking. They're not cotton (that's key!), and don't have seams where it would matter. These aren't what I have, but seem to be the closest from the REI online catalog: SmartWool Microweight Boxer Briefs (http://www.rei.com/product/746327)

When it's cold out I wear the same long underwear I use for snowboarding. Again, not cotton, and no seams at the butt/upper thigh area.

Another nice thing about the smartwool is you can hand wash it in a hotel room or campground bathroom and wear it again the next day -- it dries fast.

Really the only time I've appreciated cotton was riding across the mojave in the summer -- I soaked my Tshirt and opened my jacket and for about 30 minutes I felt cooler.

[jwd98056]

I have LD and Under Armor. Either one is more comfortable than my day to day skivvies on a long ride, with or without a sheepskin. The LD is probably twice as expensive as the Under Armor but I couldn't say they were twice as comfortable. YMMV

[DaveDragon]

I use Pro-Player Brand Underware from JC Penney (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?ItemID=12e6591&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=pro+player&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True).

I can attest to the dangers of the lower leg elastic bands in the LD briefs causing DVT.

[NOGILLS2]

UA gets my vote!

[dmatson]

UA again here, top and bottom.

[Lonewuff]

Get the Under Armor Heat Gear "LONG" Compression shorts. Don't get the short ones cause they have a seam where you don't want seams. The long ones are great and keep you cooler. I have put in a few 1200 mile days with them and had no problems.

[lnowell]

I use Pro-Player Brand Underware from JC Penney (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?ItemID=12e6591&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=pro+player&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True).

I can attest to the dangers of the lower leg elastic bands in the LD briefs causing DVT.


I like these also, but they became really hard to find here for some reason - and they raised the price after they got some really good press from somewhere.

[bowlesj]

Real silk boxers is all that has worked for me - tried all the others listed above.

I do use UA trainers over the boxers for those times when disrobing in public. UA long and short sleeve T's work great for on top also.

I'm a skinny, boney assed guy - so ymmv.

[PMitchell]

I get asked this question ALL the time and here is my answer:

Under Armour 0669.

Why? :think:

1. It has light compression.

2. It does NOT have the dangerous elastic bands around the bottom like "LD underwear" :rolleyes: that can cause deep vein thrombosis. (and this is not my imagination, but advice from the Surgeon General of the Navy - a well known LD rider)

3. It has a generously sized ventilated pouch that keeps your junk cool without squashing it too tight.

4. Designed for heat and moisture transport and lord knows it gets pretty damn hot and moist down there.

5. Chicks dig 'em! :D

Ahhh, the Vented Performance Pouch! :yeah:

[Patric]

For long trip ,I like Winter Silks http://www.wintersilks.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=2~17~&ProductDisplayID=882&dept=Silk+For+Men-underwear&prod=5415+mens+silk+long+brief . They pack up small , & you only need a few pairs . One to wear one to spare , & one in the wash . You can wash them out in a sink at night . Hang them out , and there dry by the morning . , ....Patric ...

[dwsdad]

For long trip ,I like Winter Silks http://www.wintersilks.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=2~17~&ProductDisplayID=882&dept=Silk+For+Men-underwear&prod=5415+mens+silk+long+brief . They pack up small , & you only need a few pairs . One to wear one to spare , & one in the wash . You can wash them out in a sink at night . Hang them out , and there dry by the morning . , ....Patric ...

Wash???? Damn! I never thought of that. I just turn 'em inside out. As often as needed.

[ibbones]

Wash???? Damn! I never thought of that. I just turn 'em inside out. As often as needed.No, no NO! You do not have to turn'em inside out if you change'em every day. I change with you, you change with him, and he changes with me. Thay way we all have a new pair on!!!

[RonKMiller]

Wash???? Damn! I never thought of that. I just turn 'em inside out. As often as needed.

EWWWwwwww.

I usually just change mine - with someone else! :eek:

Well, since we're talkin' underwear I could not resist throwing this in: :D

[motorman587]

Under Armor briefs. Took me to Alaska and back. I also use them for work.

[mrbiker]

To start with, the "Brief Safe" has got tears rolling down my cheeks - and I can't even smell 'em!

That's the funniest/most disgusting thing I've seen in my life! I'll have to get me a set!!!!

Now back to the topic:

Ex-Officio Give N Go tee shirt and Give N Go boxer briefs.

Bought them to travel to Costa Rica in for 2 weeks in 2005, wore 'em in Italy for 3 weeks in 2006 (including 4 days down the Amalfi coast on a rented Duc ST3).

In 2007, Motorcycle Consumer News rated the T-Shirt as the top pick of all tested T-Shirts.

Wore 'em on my swing around the Southwest last week.

NEVER been uncomfortable.

Anti-bacterial, weigh about an ounce, wick away moisture, breathable, easy to wash, dried in about an hour - except in Costa Rica where they dried in about 24 hours (95% humidity).

I brought two pairs of each and washed them every day or so - next time I'll bring three briefs and three T-Shirts. They just DON'T take up any space!

Did come across a 45 year old woman riding a big Harley around the southwest for 10 days, and she swore by her Under Armor. Never heard of it until she told me. I've got to get me some and try 'em out.

My $ .02

mike

[brianbeemer]

Miconazole Nitrate,

The miconazole is an anti-fungal
Also the main ingredient in those creams your wife/girlfriend uses in her personal parts for thrush .... :o

[LAF]

I have been wearing Long Silks from Sierra Trading Post. They have the greatest selection of Long Johns I have seen and CHEAP. I have some expedition weight long johns also but day to day in winter it is the silks, Ex Officio or Wickers. Take a look at their site. I have a couple different types but as I said day to day the silk allows me to work inside without changing after I get there.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/161_Mens-Underwear-and-Baselayer.html

[UncleRock]

All LD drawers should be brown, it is in the IBR handbook (I made that up)

If you have ever sat in a port-a-john after a 1200 mile day and cut your skivies off with your knife, you know exactly what I mean.

Rock

[RonKMiller]

Also the main ingredient in those creams your wife/girlfriend uses in her personal parts for thrush .... :o


I've checked under the bonnet in my lorrie, but darned if I can find the thrush:D!

Time for a new girlfriend.

I'll keep the wife. ;)

[BEhrler]

I've checked under the bonnet in my lorrie, but darned if I can find the thrush:D!

Time for a new girlfriend.

I'll keep the wife. ;)

Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus, also known as yeast. Candida infection is not limited to the mouth; it can occur in other parts of the body as well, causing diaper rash in infants or vaginal yeast infections in women.

Thrush can affect anyone, though it occurs most often in babies and toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Have fun with this one now.

[BCVBeck]

REI Polypropolene (sp?) light weight. Pretty good for most of the riding I do. Sometimes I'd like Expedition weight. Normally, I also wear a pair of Frank Thomas Riding Pants when it's cold (27 - 39 degrees F on my outside airtemp gage.) Up-top, I also use my Gerbings full liner when it gets really cold. Hope this helps.

[K1200LTryder]

Ride naked.

[rattler50]

I never ride without my barbed wire thong............... :histerica

[PMitchell]

All LD drawers should be brown, it is in the IBR handbook (I made that up)

If you have ever sat in a port-a-john after a 1200 mile day and cut your skivies off with your knife, you know exactly what I mean.

Rock
Uncle Rock, Definitely TMI ! :(

[Reid]

EWWWwwwww.

I usually just change mine - with someone else! :eek:

Well, since we're talkin' underwear I could not resist throwing this in: :D
I knew at the outset this thread was gonna get sticky and stinky!!!!!!!

[c00k1e]

Micro-fleese boxers, under full length compression long johns.
Top quality talc.
Should last 2 weeks with care.

[Brian-NC]

Ok everybody, I've been trying lots of "non cotton" products for many years. One of the best that I've found is Terramar products. www.terramarsports.com. Look in the "body sensors category and then look for "essentials".

Also try www.wickers.com, made in the USA. That means a lot these days. Merino wool products are very nice but they're pricey. www.smartwool.com makes really great socks for almost any sport you can think of. Those of us that wear body armor to work everyday have been using this stuff for a long time. Check some of the police supply sites like, www.qmuniforms.com, www.uscav.com, www.elbeco.com, www.chiefsupply.com, www.amazingsocks.com there you should find products from wigwam, duofold, under armor etc..just look for any product that wicks.

Last but not least, try a beaded seat cover. Best inexpensive upgrade to any seat. www.beadrider.com.

Good luck,

Brian

[PhantomK12LT]

I don't wear underwear. TMI I know... :dance:

[johnrehder]

I wear under armour every day and it is great for LD rides. No seams to bother you. works great with the any riding gear.


I get asked this question ALL the time and here is my answer:

Under Armour 0669.

Why? :think:

1. It has light compression.

2. It does NOT have the dangerous elastic bands around the bottom like "LD underwear" :rolleyes: that can cause deep vein thrombosis. (and this is not my imagination, but advice from the Surgeon General of the Navy - a well known LD rider)

3. It has a generously sized ventilated pouch that keeps your junk cool without squashing it too tight.

4. Designed for heat and moisture transport and lord knows it gets pretty damn hot and moist down there.

5. Chicks dig 'em! :D

[Newf]

Yes I do wear underwear when riding :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:

[pickerbiker]

Travel boxers from Exofficio. A pair to wear...a pair to spare.

[birdman]

When tackling a long distance trip I don a pair of my cycling shorts under my normal rider gear. Cycling shorts al-la Lance Armstrong cycling are made with a synthetic chamois liner that is very comfotable. Imagine sitting on a bicycle saddle for a few hours. It's the cycling shorts that give comfort. So I wear them on long rides - fantastic! Go to a pro cycle shop and buy a pair of these. Besides being comfy, your SO will comment on how sexy your ass looks in these lycra shorts! :D

[LAF]

As I posted almost all these items including socks can be found at Sierra Trading Post for a fraction of the cost.

Not affiliated in any way, just know value when I see it.

Besides I am saving up for my FD failure :p


Ok everybody, I've been trying lots of "non cotton" products for many years. One of the best that I've found is Terramar products. www.terramarsports.com. Look in the "body sensors category and then look for "essentials".

Also try www.wickers.com, made in the USA. That means a lot these days. Merino wool products are very nice but they're pricey. www.smartwool.com makes really great socks for almost any sport you can think of. Those of us that wear body armor to work everyday have been using this stuff for a long time. Check some of the police supply sites like, www.qmuniforms.com, www.uscav.com, www.elbeco.com, www.chiefsupply.com, www.amazingsocks.com there you should find products from wigwam, duofold, under armor etc..just look for any product that wicks.

Last but not least, try a beaded seat cover. Best inexpensive upgrade to any seat. www.beadrider.com.

Good luck,

Brian

[Brian-NC]

Lee, You're right to shop at Sierra Trading Post. My only problem is that a lot of times, they don't have the sizes I'm looking for. If you hit em at the right time then you're good to go.

Brian

[LAF]

Lee, You're right to shop at Sierra Trading Post. My only problem is that a lot of times, they don't have the sizes I'm looking for. If you hit em at the right time then you're good to go.

Brian

Yep me too, but I order a bit early on my winter stuff so usually not an issue.

You just need to check in on the site every now and then.

I spent a lot of money before a friend turned me onto the site. I got so many kinds of socks now that I needed another drawer :o