Wearing Lycra in Public - around town & sports

[Lap Counter]

When Lycra shorts and running tights first came out, they quickly became a popular part of the Speedo swimsuit/short shorts/tight jeans scene of the '80s. Those types of clothing were considered slightly fashion-forward, but not too far out of the mainstream. As running and gym wear Lycra had obvious advantages.

But as mainstream guys tried Lycra, many discovered it showed a lot more than they were comfortable with. When spandex was worn alone, your dick would snake down one leg, your junk flopped around as you moved, and heaven forbid if you popped a bone! Support underwear was the obvious answer, but jock straps and even briefs showed right through and destroyed the clean lines of the Lycra. So after an encouraging beginning, spandex wear lost favor except for men who desired to show off their attributes in full glory. "Nothing comes between me and my spandex" became the motto. That tended to take spandex wear out of the mainstream, branding it as gay and fetish wear, similar to what happened with Speedos.

I never abandoned Lycra. I swim in Speedos, wear Lycra tights as winter running wear, and spandex shorts to the gym. I like the way it looks & feels and don't give a fig if that brands me in the eyes of some fatso casual observer. Lycra's skintight fit encourages me to stay in shape. I don't want to look like a pork sausage when I wear it!

But I also don't want to be an exhibitionist when I wear spandex in public. I'm not an "erections are natural, it's OK to show them popping through your spandex" guy. If that's your thing, fine with me - enjoy, just saying it isn't my style.

So how do I manage to wear spandex with no jockstrap lines and without showing off my junk? I followed the lead of male ballet dancers, who wear a thing called a dance belt under their tights. Dance belts are kind of like a jock except with a thong rear. There's no lines, they package your junk into a nice smooth bulge that won't shock the local citizenry, and they support better than a jock strap. I'm sure I'm not the only spandex fan who wears a dancebelt, but I've never seen them mentioned in this or other Lycra forums.

Speedo briefs are making a comeback with HS swim teamers. Hip-hugger super tight jeans are popular with guys who can get into them. Why should women have all the fun of wearing spandex? As a Speedo guy, you already enjoy Lycra, so why not try it for your dryland activities as well as to get wet? A dance belt may be just the thing you need.

[Byron]

The lycra chat forum doesn't seem to get much readership but you're right
- the only time I've ever seen a dance belt referred to is your brief posts
with Dorcas in general speedo chat in February.
(I believe it is a matter of pride with some wrestlers by the way, that they do not wear support under their singlet).
What I guess is needed here are some responses from rowers runners and cyclists.

[Lap Counter]

What I guess is needed here are some responses from rowers runners and cyclists.

That's me!
row - in the basement on Concept CII rowing machine
Lycra shorts/dancebelt (normal unpadded spandex - hate Concept's rowing shorts)
run - trails around town, 20 - 25 miles per week (seasonal)
Lycra shorts/dancebelt (beats running shorts w/built in brief)
ride - good confirmed roadie
Giordano cycling shorts w/padding/nothing under (don't tamper with success)

But I value others' opinions! Bring it.

[Lap Counter]

(I believe it is a matter of pride with some wrestlers by the way, that they do not wear support under their singlet).

If internet pictures are any reliable method of determining standard wrestling attire, no joke!

I was brought up in the "if you're doing anything more active than math homework, or if you're wearing revealing clothes, wear your jock" era. (You can read my article on wearing a swimmer's jock under my Speedo in the Stories section). I still like everything solidly held in place.

[Lap Counter]

Byron

I guess you're right - nobody checks the Lycra forum, so writing in it is a waste of time. :(

[singletlover]

As a Lycra fan, I wear when I can. Yes there are times when it is looked down upon. Riding my mt bike and running are the only times I try to be conservative in my attire.

The dance belt idea scares me. I have two and they are the most uncomfortable things to wear. Possibly I have an incorrect size or one of the cheaper brands.

Agreed bike shorts by themselves is best. Running I tend not to wear anything underneath.

[Byron]

Readers like me who have not worn one may wonder what's the difference here from a jock strap ?
Well, here's one site with dance belts for sale - they look just like big jockstraps but there's more than one design around by the look of them.

http://www.thefind.com/apparel/browse-capezio-mens-dance-belts

[singletlover]

There is a difference. A jock has the two straps from the waistband to the pouch. The dance belt has one strap, like a thong. I understood when I ordered mine, so long ago, that they are meant to be tight fitting, much more than a jock. And they are. It is an interesting, squeezing feeling along with pulling up in the crotch (the penis should be pointing up).

I have a fetish for anything "underwear" and I am glad I tried my dance belts and added them to my collection, but I believe I only wore them one or two times.

[Lap Counter]

Historically, dance belts sucked. They were really uncomfortable and you wouldn't want to wear one if you didn't have too. But there are a whole bunch of new ones out there that are truly comfortable. Super lightweight/light support, get an M.Stevens. Brand new and great, WearMoi! I don't like any of the ones on the webpage Byron found.

[singletlover]

Will have to look into the newer ones. One that I have is not Lycra/spandex, it has a quilted cotton pouch. The other is some form of lycra, and the waistband is stiff and about 2-3 inches wide. Will have to find these bad boys and give them another try.

[Lap Counter]

Lookie what I found!
lots of dance belt information at
http://dancebelt.info

[KungFuBodybuilder]

I wear nothing by compression tights and shirts when I train in Kung Fu and in my bodybuilding workouts. Nothing compares to compression spandex for training and just wearing around.

[7_of_Fine]

everyday, I have some sort of spandex gear on. My undies are usually speedos or some sort of spandex jockstrap, and my undershirts are underarmor-type compression shirts of various cuts. It kind of gives me a feeling of being futuristic and sleek, which I enjoy.

[PSDave]

I wear a thong under my Lycra shorts. It gives the support and containment of my junk so it isn't so "out there" as it can be going commando. With the right cut there are no visible lines

[singletlover]

Ahhhh, there we go again calling my/your penis friend, junk. Don't think so.:)

[Jerry]

Capezio has new dance belts available, brief and thong style, very comfortable and stylish.

[PSDave]

Ahhhh, there we go again calling my/your penis friend, junk. Don't think so.:)

Since i have more than just a penis, I think that junk is a good collective term.

[TooBig]

Since i have more than just a penis, I think that junk is a good collective term.

I wonder if "junk" is a simplification/anglo-saxonization of "genitalia"? The early meaning refers to discarded/worn out rope ~ hardly flattering!

[swimmer/biker]

I love the feel and the practicality of lycra...As a standard part of my day I bike to the gym to swim my laps...then do errands....So I am almost always in lycra...During multi day bike touring trips my friends and I are in lycra all day...I never wear anything under the lycra and often wear a cockring for a little extra lift....No one has ever said any thing to me...90% of the time we are all soft and what cam be seen is just the shape of your balls and cock with the ridge line on your cap of your cut.....Women show nipples and cleavage all the time....As guys we should be less conscious of being a little sexy....go for it...you only live once...A secret to not feeling conscious of dressing sexy is this....When you are out in public,in a shopping line, pumping gas or whenever smile a women be super friendly,chat them up, they will often say back "are you out biking today" and this is a sign that they have noticed your dress....and then ask them questions and be friendly....They will love getting the attention from a sexy looking guy AND you will start to feel at ease with dressing to look good and show your stuff....go for it...you will love it....and notice how many women wear tight lycra all the time.....

[PSDave]

from what I have seen around town, there are a lot of women wearing lycra and a few men too. (those yoga pants seem to be "in" on both sexes) The problem is that only about 5% should be seen in public with lycra pants on!

[CompressionMan]

I’m a guy, 6’2, 200 pounds, early 40s. Married with kids, living in suburbia. Can I pick your brain for a minute?

If I go to the grocery store (or anywhere public) at midnight, can I wear a fleece hoodie pullover, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and long black Nike, Under Armour or 2XU compression pants…and NOTHING ELSE (including underwear)?

Do you think I should toss on a pair of fleece running shorts over the leggings? What color shorts? Does color matter?

And instead of white low-cut ankle socks, can I wear thick white slouch socks with the leggings tucked in (socks in size to fit)?

How about this clothing combination for an overnight errand: a T-shirt, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and fleece shorts over three-quarter-length black tights (Nike, UA, Reebok, etc.). No underwear.

Do men's three-quarter-length sports tights too closely resemble women's capri yoga pants when worn without athletic shorts?

If any of this gear is unacceptable for the grocery store, what about a neighborhood jog at 5:30 in the morning? Or the gym?

Have you ever seen a guy wearing compression tights in public? Where? Was he discreet? Did others notice?

Let’s assume all the clothing described here was made for men by reputable, family-trusted designers and sold in your local mall big box sporting goods store. No crossdressers, no gay porn, no pantyhose, no nylon, lycra or spandex fetish.

Full disclosure: In the past year, I’ve replaced all my underwear with compression shorts. Someday all men will discover what I’ve learned and do the same. Sure, all your drawers will cost $25-$30 a pop, but the comfort makes ’em worth every penny!

Also: I’m not trying to show off my bulge (not much to show anyway).

[singletlover]

Good day CompressionMan,
I say wear what you want to, and don't worry about it. Running tights or compression shorts are acceptable wear in all your scenarios. I have yet to understand the wearing of loose shorts over tights, been questioning this for years. As an option you could wear a extra long or oversized t-shirt if you are wanting to cover what every man has. In the end you are not out flaunting anything. I have seen many a man out doing every day things in tights and all seem comfortable in their own skin (or tights).

Now, for me personally, the 3/4 length "capri" style is not my favorite. Again this is just me talking.

[aquabikini]

I have been wearing a dancers belt for many years now. I love them.

I accidentally stumbled onto them one day by visiting a dance shop that was next to a dance studio. For whatever reason, this day I was wearing sweatpants this day. I am always looking to buy lucrative pants or shorts to my wardrobe. When I'm not at work, lycra is usually all I wear. I was just looking around at all the different colors and designs, even though I only wear solid colored lycra. I came across a light gray and a red pair. I asked the lady at the counter if I could try them on. She said yes in the back as long as I leave my underwear on. I was taking off the red pair, just about to put on the light gray ones. The lady came by and asked how do they look and feel? I said they look and feel great. She told me I could come out and walk around to test them out if I wanted to. I was wearing dark blue bikini underwear, which was showing through the light gray lycra. Oh well, I opened the door and her eyes got big and her mouth opened a little and then immediately went back to her business look. I have big junk. She said the lycra looks great, turn around. I asked for her honest opinion, since I only have dark colored lycra. She liked almost any color on guys and her sales in light colors for guys had been increasing over the year.

I liked them both and went to pay. The lady mentioned their "active belts" (dancers belt) were on sale. I had no idea what she was talking about. She told me and got one out of the package to show me. I wore regular thongs under my lycra, but I never felt the comfort or support. She explained how it works, giving me the support it looks like I needed, and most of her guy running customers love them. And since I was buying these two lycra pants, she would recommend the tan active belt.

I got home and immediately but on the active belt. It felt great! Very supportive and comfortable. I then put on my new light gray lycra pants. The combination looked great, NO underwear lines. I went around town running errands. My junk stayed in place the whole time.

Later that week, I went back to the store. I was wearing the active belt with my blue lycra pants. The same lady was there. She asked me how the active belt was holding up. I laughed and said I'm wearing it now and I love it. She said she could tell. I said that is why I'm here, I need more. I bought 2 more tan pairs and 3 black pairs.

[need4speedo]

Much like George Costanza and his love of velvet, I would wear spandex 24/7 if it were socially acceptable. I take advantage of those situations where I can wear them without attracting too much attention. Cycling, working out, swimming and occasionally doing chores around the yard. I also have several pairs of light spandex leggings that I wear around the house or for sleeping.

[MexGCM]

I wear compresion pants/shirt for the gym & do my stuff on them when needed (shopping, grocery a, school of my kid) with self confidence, i'm not embarrased if my manhood shows.
Also, there's only thongs under my tights, i like the support, the feeling & clean lines on my activewear.

[swim suit eddie]

They really feel good and Iv'e wore one on a few occasions during the cold winter months under a nice pair of warm black colored footed dance tights. The dance belt fits very comfortable under my dance tights and feels great., but when called to the doctor's office for a rescheduled physical exam, I'm not ready to give up my warm, well fitting tights and soft, snug dance belt, but loose in the end to the doctor, now naked and hard without my dance belt and black tights. They are great winter underwear with spandex men's body suits and tights.

[swim suit eddie]

Another fun time, wearing lycra in public, is at the doctor's office in the examination room when getting ready for the doctor to do my exam. Before undressing, Many fellow patients see me dressed in a snug winter snowsuit with lycra leotards underneath. It does feel so warm and snug while still wearing my outfit, but others do get to see me undressing and at times with the nurse's help. I get to keep my leotard and tights on for a while, as the other patients and medical staff see me still encased in lycra. I don't have any shame with others seeing me wearing my wintertime lycra leotard and tights, both the men and women patients and nurses like seeing me in them. There are a few times when fellow patients will see others undressing while getting ready for their examination, yet no one minds, but when it's my time they do get to see me slowly peeling off all those warm snug layers of lycra including the sexy nylon briefs with the nurse's help. Many patients, after their examinations usually put on a change of clothes to wear home or elsewhere. I do the same, wearing loose boxers and baggy trousers. and certainly miss wearing and being seen again by other wearing my warm snug favorite lycra outfit.

[MrMusik]

So, I know this is a pretty old post and CompressionMan is no longer with us, but I thought I might share some thoughts on the questions he proposes...

I’m a guy, 6’2, 200 pounds, early 40s. Married with kids, living in suburbia. Can I pick your brain for a minute?

Understood... sure, my brain is always available for picking, but who knows what you might find in there... LoL!!!

If I go to the grocery store (or anywhere public) at midnight, can I wear a fleece hoodie pullover, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and long black Nike, Under Armour or 2XU compression pants…and NOTHING ELSE (including underwear)?

Sure, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this. I do things very similar regularly, and not always under the cover of darkness. I'll do very similar in the middle of the day in broad daylight. I never wear anything under my spandex, regardless if I am wearing a swim brief, jammers / bike shorts, or leggings.

Do you think I should toss on a pair of fleece running shorts over the leggings? What color shorts? Does color matter?

No, wearing shorts over your leggings is silly. I did this for a minute when I first started to wear leggings and I quickly realized there is absolutely no point in wearing the shorts, at all. When working out my equipment would get overly warm because the sweat wouldn't be able to evaporate. I quickly ditched the shorts.

And instead of white low-cut ankle socks, can I wear thick white slouch socks with the leggings tucked in (socks in size to fit)?

Sure? I guess? To me the slouch socks look sloppy. I much prefer the no-see ankle socks in this situation. I feel that it just looks better.

How about this clothing combination for an overnight errand: a T-shirt, white low-cut ankle socks, running shoes and fleece shorts over three-quarter-length black tights (Nike, UA, Reebok, etc.). No underwear.

Again, no need for the silly fleece shorts. Just wear your 3/4 leggings, it is all good. Again, no need for underwear, you are wearing your leggings. For the t-shirt, you can always make it undersized, or go with a spandex shirt of some flavor. That would look really good, especially if it matched the design of your leggings.

Do men's three-quarter-length sports tights too closely resemble women's capri yoga pants when worn without athletic shorts?

No, men's 3/4 length tights may be called "capri" as that is what they are. This type of legging is often used in yoga and there is not a thing wrong with wearing them. Just get out there and do it.

If any of this gear is unacceptable for the grocery store, what about a neighborhood jog at 5:30 in the morning? Or the gym?

All of this gear is totally acceptable wear for pretty much anything where you would dress casually. Grocery store, drug store, to the mall, gas station, gym, running, whatever... be comfortable and do your thing.

Have you ever seen a guy wearing compression tights in public? Where? Was he discreet? Did others notice?

Sure, it is common to see this sort of thing in most any metro area. What do you mean when you ask "Was he discreet?" He is just another guy going about his day, doing this thing. He damn sure was not standing in the middle of the street jacking off. Most people do not notice. The sad thing is that as much as we may feel like we are totally on display, if you are not acting weird other people will not notice. So just act normal, do your normal thing, and be your normal self. Will people notice? Sure, a few might. Will they say anything? No, the chances of them actually saying anything to you about anything is extremely small. If they do say anything, take it as a complement, smile when you talk to them, and be friendly. If they say things that are not nice, ignore them.

Let’s assume all the clothing described here was made for men by reputable, family-trusted designers and sold in your local mall big box sporting goods store. No crossdressers, no gay porn, no pantyhose, no nylon, lycra or spandex fetish.

Full disclosure: In the past year, I’ve replaced all my underwear with compression shorts. Someday all men will discover what I’ve learned and do the same. Sure, all your drawers will cost $25-$30 a pop, but the comfort makes ’em worth every penny!

Also: I’m not trying to show off my bulge (not much to show anyway).

A-ha! now I see where you are coming from with these questions! You are working from the perspective of compression shorts and tights are underwear. Sure, they can be used as that. As you have found they are absurdly comfortable to be used that way. However, it is perfectly acceptable to wear only compression shorts and nothing else if you wish. I have seen guys wear only compression shorts and socks and shoes in the summer when it is hot out and they want to lose the shirt. This is just fine, there is not a thing wrong with it.

As I mentioned above, I never wear anything under my swim briefs, jammers / bike shorts, or leggings. I know some guys like to wear something under their shorts, and that is fine. I find it uncomfortable and I don't like it. The only thing I could wear that might be reasonable would be a thong or g-string, but I don't really see the point in that.

The biggest thing with all of this, and you will see it is a recurring theme in my responses above, be normal. Act normal. As soon as you start acting weird, people notice and wonder what you are up to. Be friendly, be approachable, be nice to people. It really is astounding how absurd your clothing can be if you act normal. If anyone asks, and you feel like you need to have a reason to be dressed this way, you can always say you are on your way to the gym, from the gym, just had a few errands to run, or even that you are meeting up with some friends to go biking. Personally, I'd just tell them that it is super comfortable.