Best Products Style The 12 Best Padded Bike Shorts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We tested and reviewed 35 padded bike shorts to find the best options. By Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. He has over five years of experience writing travel and lifestyle content for digital publications, including TripSavvy, Oyster.com, Jetsetter, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 2, 2023 Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact checker, and researcher with more than 25 years’ experience in consumer-oriented content. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process Other Padded Bike Shorts We Liked Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T + L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland Whether you’re cruising around town or clocking hours in the saddle, padded bike shorts are an easy fix for lasting comfort. And you don’t need to be training for the Tour de France to benefit. Quality padded bike shorts cushion the sit bones, manage moisture, and prevent discomfort in sensitive areas. Padded bike shorts are designed for different types of cycling. While the well-known compressive, spandex variety are geared toward long-distance road cycling, there are ample options for mountain bikers and casual cyclists, too. To help streamline your search, Travel + Leisure tested 35 pairs of padded bike shorts, including men’s and women’s varieties. After assessing their stretch, inspecting the adjustment system and features, and finally slipping them on, we took them out for a series of test spins. Each pair was evaluated based on comfort, quality, performance, and value. For men, the Giordana FR-C Pro was our favorite, while the Pearl iZUMi Women's Expedition Short earned the top spot for women. The Giordana FR-Pro stood out for its blend of compressive support and unrestricted movement in the saddle. We were also big fans of the multi-density chamois, second-skin feeling, and multiple pockets with the Pearl iZUMi Women’s Expedition Short as well. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Men: Giordana Men's Cycling Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall for Women: Pearl iZUMi Women’s Expedition Shorts at REI Jump to Review Best Bib Shorts for Men: Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Cycling Bib at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Bib Shorts for Women: Machines For Freedom Endurance Bib 2.0 at REI Jump to Review Best Splurge: Assos Mille GTO C2 Bib Short at Assos.com Jump to Review Best for Mountain Bikers: Zoic Men's Ether Cycling Short at Amazon Jump to Review Best Short Bike Short: Terry Bella Bike Short at Amazon Jump to Review Best Fashionable: Rapha Women's Core Cargo Shorts at REI Jump to Review Best Budget: Nooyme Women's 3D Padded Cycling Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Shredly MTB Curvy Short at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Overall for Men Giordana Men's FR-C Pro Cycling Shorts 5 Competitive Cyclist View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: They deliver premium padding and a supportive, yet non-restrictive fit for long days in the saddle. What to Consider: The snug fit can take time getting used to. Known for their pro-level cycling gear, Italian-based Giordana continues to design for top-notch performance. The Giordana FR-C Pros received perfect scores in all our testing categories, thus earning our top pick as the best men’s padded bike shorts. Fashioned from lightweight 50-thread lycra fabric, the shorts offer compressive support and moisture wicking capabilities that’ll sustain cyclists for long rides. At the same time, the materials support a full range of motion for cyclists to maintain the curved riding position without bunching or chafing. The FR-C Pros feature Giordana’s top-of-the-line, proprietary Cirro S OmniForm™ Chamois, which molds to the shape of the rider for maximum comfort and support. The face fabric of the chamois is infused with aloe, providing cooling relief and odor-reducing properties. The multi-layered, 14-mm chamois was a standout feature for our testers. “I love the padding in these shorts. Absolutely the best padded bike shorts I own”, said one tester. Though another tester noted the FR-C Pro’s tightness took time to acclimate to, the leg bands and waist panel are designed with elastic mesh and silicone grippers for a secure fit that won’t ride up without being overly compressive. The sleek black shorts include two reflective tabs on the back of each leg to improve visibility — a handy safety feature for early morning rides. Price at time of publish: $190 Sizes: S to 3XL | Material: Primarily lycra Travel & Leisure / Dave DeCarlo Travel & Leisure / Dave DeCarlo Best Overall for Women Pearl iZUMi Women’s Expedition Shorts 5 Pearl iZUMi View On REI View On Pearlizumi.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These shorts feel like a second skin while providing firm coverage and ample cushion What to Consider: Serious cyclists may prefer the bibbed version of these shorts for a more aerodynamic fit. Ideal for riding indoors, outdoors, and on all terrain, the Pearl iZUMi women’s expedition shorts impressed us for their high-quality construction and long-lasting comfort. Earning perfect scores across all testing categories, these shorts are a great value, too, with a retail price hovering around $100. The expedition shorts are made with Pearl iZUMi’s ELITE Transfer fabric, which is moisture-wicking, flexible, and sourced from recycled materials. Whatever your riding position, the wide waistband prevents chafing and an overly restrictive fit. The leg cuffs are also lined with silicone grippers to keep the shorts from riding up. Our testers emphasized the secure fit throughout hours on the bike. “They stay in place during rides and have enough stretch so they're easy to get on and off," said one tester. The expedition shorts stand out for their plush padded comfort, too. The multi-density chamois helps absorb vibrations and deliver support for extended rides. “[The padding] stays in place and I barely noticed it during rides”, said one of our testers. The expedition shorts also include three pockets — two cargo pockets and one center-back pocket — making it easy to stow snacks or an extra layer. Price at time of publish: $105 Sizes: XS to XXXL | Materials: 80 percent recycled nylon, 20 percent elastane Travel + Leisure / Lizzy Briskin Travel + Leisure / Lizzy Briskin Best Bib Shorts for Men Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Cycling Bib 4.7 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com View On Dick's Our Ratings Comfort 4.3/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: These shorts have an incredible ergonomic fit while offering generous stretch for unrestricted pedaling.What to Consider: The price and performance level might be excessive for beginner cyclists. The Louis Garneau Men’s CB Carbon 2 Cycling Bib is designed to bolster performance for serious cyclists, whether it’s long endurance rides or short, intense sprints. The shorts are fabricated from Louis Garneau’s proprietary CB Carbon+ fabric, which achieves a compressed fit that’s evenly distributed to improve circulation and reduce fatigue while avoiding pressure points. The fabric also has solid moisture-wicking capabilities, especially in the bib portion, and reflects sunlight to stay cool and comfortable. The Carbon 2’s 11-panel construction offers superior range of motion and support. In the words of one tester, “it stretches in every direction while offering compression in the right places”. Though the 4 Motion chamois on this race-level short isn’t the thickest, it has variable density padding to cushion high contact points, plus a central channel to reduce pressure and numbness in sensitive areas. The chamois also has vents and antibacterial treatment to improve comfort and reduce odor. Measuring less than half a pound, the Carbon 2 shorts won’t weigh you down either. Price at time of publish: $200 Sizes: S to 2XL | Materials: CB Carbon + lycra fiber, Highlander mesh The Best Bike Racks for Every Type of Adventure Best Bib Shorts for Women Machines For Freedom Endurance Bib 2.0 5 REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These size-inclusive shorts are designed with high-quality, durable materials to rack up miles over years of use. What to Consider: They’re designed for summer riding. Machines For Freedom has revamped their bib shorts model and launched the Endurance Bib 2.0. The updated shorts were developed to enhance comfort in the saddle and achieve a compressive fit that’s supportive yet flattering. Like all bib designs, these shorts are geared toward long-distance cyclists looking for sustained performance and support. However, the Endurance Bib 2.0 rose above the competition in our testing process, earning perfect scores across all testing categories. “The high waist and compression make these stand out from the rest — truly a dream pair for women of all sizes who want to feel secure”, said one tester. The snug fit keeps the high-density chamois pads in place, while the bib and carbon fiber fabric wicks moisture and fights bacterial buildup. The bib straps afford an ideal combination of compression and stretch, while durable mesh in the mid-body improves ventilation. Moving to the bottom of the shorts, the updated leg bands use silicone grippers to stay in place without squeezing the legs. Price at time of publish: $235 Sizes: XS to XXL, and tall size options | Materials: 60 percent nylon, 23 percent polyester, 17 percent elastane Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger Best Splurge Assos Mille GTO C2 Bib Short 4.8 Backcountry View On Assos.com View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 4.8/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.2/5 Why We Love It: This endurance-focused bib short prioritizes muscle support and plush padding to go the distance in comfort. What to Consider: The top-notch performance and durable construction come with a price to match. The Assos Mille GTO C2 Long Bib Shorts is the Swiss cycling brand’s apex performance model. Our testers emphasized the high-quality materials and long-lasting comfort afforded by these premium shorts. The main body of the shorts is constructed from a single piece of Assos’ Ossidia fabric, creating a compressed, frictionless feel that enhances muscle support and circulation. However, the Mille GTO shorts incorporate a front panel with a less restrictive fabric to reduce pressure on the abdomen and groin. The chamois and padded inserts are another area where these shorts stand out. The three-layer chamois system works together to address shock absorption, moisture buildup, and ventilation, while padding the seat bones. The tapered leg panels, which come in standard or long length, provide excellent support for hours of pedaling. Further up, the bib portion of the shorts features a cross-strap design that connects at the top of the back, as well as just above the chamois, to dial in the fit. Testers appreciated the wide bib straps, noting that they distributed pressure well without digging into the shoulders. Price at time of publish: $350 Sizes: XS to TIR | Materials: 76 percent nylon, 4 percent polyester, 20 percent elastane Travel + Leisure / Andy Wilson Best for Mountain Bikers Zoic Men's Ether Cycling Short with Essential Liner 5 REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Dick's Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: Its durable construction and lengthier inseam are geared for tackling any type of terrain. What to Consider: The built-in chamois pad isn’t the highest quality. For off-road adventure, the Zoic Ether Bike Shorts and Liner are a performance-oriented short that won’t break the bank. They’re made from DuraFlex ripstop nylon — a quick-drying fabric with ample stretch and abrasion resistance for active riding on rougher terrain. Mountain bikers will appreciate that the leg openings on the shorts are wide enough to be worn with knee pads. Zoic’s decision to go with tagless labels, taped seams, and a fusion gusset inseam creates a sleek design that avoids rubbing and chafing. Our testers are big fans of the shorts’ waist adjustment system, which uses hook-and-loop side tabs to find the right fit. “I like bibs, but these shorts were a great option because they hit at the right spot around the waist”, said one tester. Price at time of publish: $90 Sizes: S to XXXL | Materials: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex Best Short Bike Short Terry Bella Bike Short 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Terrybicycles.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These short shorts provide firm coverage with superior staying power during active rides. What to Consider: The thin leg bands are sufficiently grippy but can create pressure during extended use. Whether you’re headed on a shorter ride or want to avoid mid-thigh tan lines, the Terry Bella Short is a great choice for solid performance and comfort alongside its cropped cut. The shorts are made with a Meryl™ microfiber nylon and spandex blend, providing compressive support and helping control moisture and temperature during intense rides. Designed specifically for women, the Flex Air chamois allows four-way stretch for unrestricted movement. The multi-level foam is perforated to improve ventilation while the seamless construction that tapers off at the inner thigh helps prevent chafing and irritation. The wide waistband helps create a comfortable, contoured fit without the muffin top. Meanwhile, the legs are held in place by a narrow elastic band and silicone grippers. Though narrow, our testers reported that the legs stayed in place while changing riding positions frequently. Price at time of publish: $125 Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 74 percent nylon, 26 percent spandex Best Fashionable Rapha Women's Core Cargo Shorts 5 Rapha View On REI View On Curated.com View On Rapha.cc Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These sleek and stylish shorts deliver a compressive, supportive fit.What to Consider: The range of sizes isn’t the most inclusive. Our favorite fashionable padded bike shorts pick goes to the Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Short. The shorts’ dense-knit fabric has minimal seams and effectively obscures the edges of the chamois padding, creating a polished look. Subtle design elements like the curved side pocket seams and Rapha logo will draw your eye on these otherwise monochromatic shorts. The mesh side pockets are easy to access while riding and roomy enough to store a phone and other essentials. And not all the design choices are purely aesthetic. The lower cut at the front keeps the shorts from riding up in an active riding position. Additionally, leg bands with laser-cut silicone grippers hold the shorts in place. Price at time of publish: $115 Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: 82 percent polyester, 18 percent elastane Travel + Leisure / Paige Grandjean The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women Best Budget Nooyme Women's 3D Padded Cycling Shorts 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Performance 4/5 Quality 3.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These affordable shorts pack a surprising amount of performance and comfort features. What to Consider: The materials are prone to stretching out over time. The Nooye Women’s Bike Shorts for Cycling with 3D Padded earned our best budget pick for above average performance and comfort at an incredibly affordable price point. In particular, our testers were impressed with the quality of the 3D chamois pad, which is specifically designed for women. The construction avoids seams between the leg to prevent abrasion and chafing. Budget-conscious cyclists have their choice of 25 color options, making it easy to find a pair (or two) that suits their preferences. Price at time of publish: $28 Sizes: S to 3XL | Materials: 80 percent polyamide, 20 percent spandex Travel + Leisure / Lizzy Briskin Best Value Shredly MTB Curvy Short 5 Shredly View On Backcountry.com View On Shredly.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These shorts accommodate a wide range of activities and body types. What to Consider: The chamois liner is sold separately. The MTB Curvy Short by Shredly earned our best value pick for its comfortable fit, versatility, and durability at a retail point just north of $100. They’re constructed with abrasion-resistant fabric sourced from recycled materials to last through many off-road excursions. “These are probably the most comfortable mountain bike shorts I’ve ever worn”, noted one tester. Though the MTB Curvy Short is equipped to withstand tough trail conditions, these shorts are equally adept for climbing, kayaking, or post-adventure lounging. The wide, flexible waistband is reminiscent of yoga pants, including the drawstring to adjust the fit. Thigh vents, secure thigh pockets, and a gusseted crotch round add comfort and practicality to these multidimensional bike shorts. The MTB Curvy Short is available in a selection of monochromatic and bold patterns depending on personal taste. Price at time of publish: $105 Sizes: 0 to 24 | Materials: Recycled polyester/spandex blend Best Durable Fox Racing Women's Ranger Short 5 Fox Racing View On Backcountry.com View On Foxracing.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The heavy-duty fabric holds up against the elements and wear and tear. What to Consider: There’s only one zippered pocket for secure storage while riding. For technical trail riding and backcountry expeditions, the Fox Racing Women’s Ranger Short is up to the task. They’re fashioned out of TruMotion stretch ripstop fabric, which is highly resistant to tearing and ripping. One of our testers noted that the fabric was unmarked even after falling off their bike. This durable outer shell is treated with a water repellent (DWR) coating to slough off moisture and debris while on the go. While it’s been praised for its ruggedness, the fabric is soft and stretchy, too. In terms of comfort, the Ranger Shorts also include a removable liner with dual density chamois to cushion against bumps and impact. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Shell: 65 percent polyamide nylon, 29 percent polyester, 6 percent elastane; Lining: 66 percent polyester, 17 percent polyamide nylon Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland The 12 Best Bike Helmets of 2023 Best Long Bike Short POC Essential MTB Women's Short 5 Moosejaw View On Moosejaw.com View On Pocsports.com View On Pocsports.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: They provide coverage down to the knee while still allowing plenty of movement. What to Consider: The inseam may fall below the knee for shorter riders. The POC Essential MTB Women’s Short delivers extended coverage to shield the legs when the trail gets rough. They’re made from lightweight, durable nylon that’s designed to shed moisture and stretch with riders. The inseam length varies between the five size options. However, the length is intended to address the gap between shorts and knee pads. The bottom of the leg is designed with pre-bent knees for unrestricted pedaling, while the slim cut through the thigh delivers a flattering silhouette that doesn’t verge on tight or compressive. The Essential MTB Shorts feature a Velcro waist adjustment system to dial in the right fit. Our testers noted that the waist stayed perfectly in place amid hours of climbs and descents on the trail. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Stretch nylon Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland Our Testing Process Our team of testers evaluated 35 different padded bike shorts. After performing a stretch test, inspecting the construction, and taking inventory of features, testers took the shorts out for a series of test rides. After each spin, testers assessed the shorts’ comfort, performance, quality, and value. Testers completed a minimum of three one-hour rides for each pair of padded bike shorts. Other Padded Bike Shorts We Liked There were three pairs of padded bike shorts that scored well but didn’t make the cut for our list. However, they’re worth considering if you’re still weighing options. Velocio Men's Concept Bib Short: We were fans of the top-notch quality and performance, but the steep price tag landed these as our runner-up pick. Endura Men's Pro SL Cycling Bibshort: We appreciated the option to customize the cushion size and the mid-tier price point, but the overall performance fell short of the Louis Garneau Men’s CB Carbon 2 Cycling Bib. Travel + Leisure / Andy Wilson GORE WEAR C5 Men's Cycling Bib Shorts with Seat Insert: We found these shorts incredibly comfortable out of the box, but mild concerns about long-term durability kept them from earning a top pick on our list. Tips for Buying Padded Bike Shorts Consider the type of biking you’ll be doing Padded bike shorts are designed for different levels of performance, climate (warm weather vs. year-round), and trail conditions. Thus, it’s important to factor in where you’ll be riding, typical ride duration, and the intensity of your cycling. For example, there are considerable differences in materials and fit between shorts geared for road cycling versus mountain biking. Nathan Allen, Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy, emphasizes the functionality of bib shorts for long-distance riding. “If you're doing long rides like three or four hours, even if it's just once a week, then I would say padded bib shorts”, says Allen. Prioritize comfort and support A primary reason for wearing bike shorts is the added comfort of chamois padding. But long-lasting comfort means more than just cushion — quality chamois also has moisture-wicking capabilities and reduces chafing to prevent irritation and saddle sores. For Luma Randolph at Wild Rye PR, staving off chafing is a top priority when it comes to choosing bike shorts. “Find shorts that have the right fit, which is like a second skin, but are also able to wick moisture to help prevent chafing”, recommends Randolph. Finding bike shorts that prioritize support is also essential. For road cycling, high-quality lycra works to deliver compressive support that improves circulation while reducing muscle fatigue. Nathan Allen notes that bib shorts “keep everything in place and offer a little bit more support” than conventional padded shorts. Choose the best value for your budget Gearing up for cycling, let alone buying a quality bike itself, can be expensive. Choosing a bike short that matches your skill and activity level is a useful place to start. It’s also helpful to evaluate bike shorts within your budget based on the cost per wear. Durable materials, like nylon, as well as sealed seams, can deliver greater longevity. Frequently Asked Questions How should padded bike shorts fit? The ideal fit for padded bike shorts depends on the type of cycling. Road cycling shorts should offer compressive support, whereas mountain bike shorts have a looser fit. Randolph emphasizes stretch and adjustability with bike shorts. “I’m looking for the waist to be adjustable, and good quality fabric that’s stretchy and can move with me”. Do padded bike shorts really help? Padded bike shorts help in several ways, including pressure relief in the saddle, shock absorption, moisture regulation, and protection against chafing and irritation. “If you’re going for any consistent cycling, then I would say invest in padded bike shorts”, advises Allen. Should you wear anything under padded cycling shorts? Typically, no. Padded bike shorts are usually designed to be worn against the skin. Adding a base layer of underwear can hinder the benefits and performance that bike shorts offer, such as moisture control. How do you wash padded bike shorts? Padded bike shorts should be either hand washed with mild soap or machine washed on delicate. Turning the shorts inside out for machine washing is also good practice. Be mindful of any specific care instructions included with your shorts. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. Kevin used testing insights conducted by Travel + Leisure testers to curate this list of the best padded bike shorts. The Most Comfortable Bike Seats Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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