Seems like it would help keep the shorts from getting stinky.
Edit 1: friction is the answer
Edit 2: sorry for this edit – i was trying to make a new post, but Blorp for some reason took me to editing this one instead. Trying to put it back the way it was…


My understanding is that unlike undies the bike shorts don’t have seams that will rub as you pedal so they’re meant to be used as the base layer.
I had never thought about seams, thanks!