A: The term “chamois” refers to padded cycling shorts. In the early days of cycling apparel, the chamois was a leather part of the crotch designed to reduce friction between the rider and the saddle. Today the technology and materials have evolved, but the goal remains to improve comfort while riding. Men’s and women’s chamois pads are engineered to accommodate different pressure points. Bike shorts and bibs are made to wear without underwear for comfort and hygiene; they are designed to reduce friction and trap bacteria as you sweat, so it is best not to add another layer in between.