As soon as the spring warmth entered the air, I went straight down to my basement to reunite with my beloved bike. From mid-April to late October I primarily commute to school and work by bike. I may bike everywhere, but I’m not about to wear sports bras every day, nor will I tolerate underwear that bunches and makes me spend the rest of the day regretting having biked in the first place!
Image courtesy of www.bostoncoasters.com
As my one year anniversary of working at Forty Winks approaches, I’ve tried many different bras and undies for bike rides. I now happily give you the inside scoop on cyclist friendly lingerie:
BRAS
LeMystere Whisper Bra (available in store or by phone order in nude or black)
This bra is supportive both in its wide, snug band and slightly stretchy cups. From the moment you put it on in the morning, it will not budge! And this bra magically achieves all this while being totally comfortable for all-day wear. Beyond support, what makes the Whisper Bra ideal for biking is that the material it’s made out of dries very quickly. So you need not worry about wearing a damp bra for the rest of the day after biking in this beauty!
(Image courtesy of www.lemystere.com)
Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris Balcony Bra
The Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris Balcony Bra is without a doubt the most functional and one of the sexiest bras I own. Like the LeMystere Whisper Bra, its band is wide which gives it a sporty kind of feel. Generally speaking, molded cups are more prone to remaining a little sweaty after a morning bike ride, but the material of this bra wicks away sweat more than other molded bras I own. It’s very comfortable to wear during and after rides. And this is not only a bra that’s comfy to bike in, it’s one that’s meant to be shown off!
UNDIES
Dear Kate (nude “leading lady” bikini and lavender thong available in store or by phone order)
Dear Kates are the answer to every problem you’ve ever had with your underwear. I kid you not. Every pair is made out of three layers: two which absorb and wick and an outermost layer that absorbs leaks. Dear Kates are designed with all sorts of concerns you might have “down there” in mind, particularly during your period or pregnancy. They are equally fabulous for cycling (and workouts) because they wick away moisture and don’t allow any sweat to seep through to your clothes, so you’re ready to go as soon as you step off your bike. The first thought I had when I wore a pair was: “where have you been all my life???”
(Image courtesy of www.dearkates.com)
Knock Out! Smart Panties (lacey brief, panty, and thong available in tiger Lily in store or by phone order in “Tiger Lily” (pictured below) , panty also available in white)
We started carrying Knock Out Smart Panties at Forty Winks last summer, and they’ve been a huge hit since. Perfect for feeling sexy in cotton while staying dry and comfy after a commute by bike. As the tag explains, Knock Out! Panties have a special gusset that is made of breathable cotton with wick/dry fibers, and odor-absorbing molecules. The elastic band keeps the underwear in place without digging. The lace is gorgeous and almost feels like silk!
(Image courtesy of www.knockoutpanties.com)
STAYING FRESH
Simply a MUST HAVE for all cyclists. I used to feel burdened in the summer by all the handwashing I had to do after I placed one sweaty post-bike ride bra after another in my handwashing basket. The beauty of the Laundress Delicate Spray is that it not only makes your bras smell clean with its very subtle but fresh-smelling scent. It also actually cleans your bras because it contains an antibacterial ingredient. And best of all, as with all Laundress products, it is entirely allergen-free and biodegradable.
Happy riding!
XO,
Ari
