I think that lube on real chamois is almost a necessity as the chamois will harden after washing. I haven't seen a real chamois in years, so I suspect that is why we don't see a lot of that anymore with new clothing. I found that, how should I say this, the "teat" balm sold for treating milk cows, is the best cream to ease the rubs and rawness from a lot of riding. I've also used the Butt'r Cream with good results and when I did use real chamois shorts, the Assos Chamois cream was nice and medicated. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL