As athleisure becomes more and more trendy, bike shorts have gone from the bike trails to the runway. You know and love your everyday black leggings, but for warm weather wear, bike shorts reign supreme: You can wear them to a studio fitness class, hiking, or dinner with friends. Whether you are looking for the best pair for exercise or fashion, the bike shorts ahead are all from brands with rave reviews, online best-sellers, or styles with exciting features.
These basic bike shorts are designed for every activity. They tick all the boxes: the soft material is moisture-wicking, has four-way stretch, and features a high-rise waistband to keep you secure. The 9.5-inch inseam is great for anyone looking for more coverage, too.
You can never go wrong with anything Outdoor Voices, and their bike shorts are no exception. These shorts come in two neutral colors, are soft and smooth, and have a hi-rise waistband for unrestricted movement. They're comfortable and stylish—what more could you want?
Prefer an extra-tight fit? You'll love these compression shorts from BALEAF. In addition to a compression fit, they're also moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy. Best of all, they come in a variety of colors, so you're guaranteed to find something you love.
Lululemon, a top tested legging brand, designed the Align Super High Rise Short specifically for yoga. Made with nylon and Lycra fabric, these shorts are popular for their ultra-soft feel that keeps its shape while wicking away moisture. The 10” high rise is designed to stay in place during any yoga pose, while the shorts are a bit longer than other styles for added compression. Plus, there’s a hidden side pocket for keys or a credit card.
5
Best Value Bike Shorts
TheMorgan Mid Thigh Cotton High Waist Active Short
5
Best Value Bike Shorts
TheMorgan Mid Thigh Cotton High Waist Active Short
These shorts by TheMorgan are available in a whopping 50 colors such as bright oranges, cool blues, and neutral shades. They’re made out of mostly cotton, so they are meant for fashion, not exercise. The brand recommends sizing up if you are in between sizes on their size chart. Of the 4,000 reviews, many love the wide size range from small to XXX-large, being flattering on a variety of body types.
BALEAF bike shorts are a #1 Amazon best seller with over 46,000 rave reviews. All of the solid color bike shorts are made from polyester with a bit of added spandex fabric except the charcoal color shorts, which are a cotton, polyester and spandex blend. They are a high-rise style with a gusseted crotch to prevent any bulging and to keep your tummy smooth while moving. There are big side pockets perfect for a phone or keys.
With over 10,000 rave reviews, this pair of padded bike shorts from Beroy is a #1 Amazon Best Seller. Available in 37 shades, these shorts are made from polyester, spandex, and nylon. The hem also features silicone beads to prevent them from riding up or shifting. Reviewers especially love that the waistband stays in place without a bib and how thick the chamois is for comfy support.
8
Best Short Cycling Shorts for Women
Amazon Essentials Performance Mid-Length Active Short
8
Best Short Cycling Shorts for Women
Amazon Essentials Performance Mid-Length Active Short
Test the bike shorts trend with these Amazon Essentials bike shorts. Made from mostly polyester with a bit of added spandex, these shorts are designed to move with you without getting too sweaty. They are available in three neutral shades and sizes from XS to XXL – most reviewers say they fit true to size. Note that these bike shorts are shorter than other styles featured.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.