Best Products Style Shopping The 8 Best Bike Shorts for Every Activity in 2023 We love the breathable Alo Yoga High-waist Vapor Shorts. By Madeline Diamond Madeline Diamond Twitter Madeline Diamond is an associate ecommerce editor at Dotdash Meredith, where she primarily works on the Travel + Leisure brand. She writes about all things travel gear, including everything from the best suitcases to the most comfortable travel clothing. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 28, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying Bike Shorts FAQ Why Trust T+L In This Article We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Everlane Whether you're working out or sitting on an airplane, comfortable lounge and activewear are must-haves. And while leggings and joggers are great when the temperature drops, we all want to feel good in warmer climates too. Enter: bike shorts. These comfy, flattering shorts are a wardrobe essential. Bike shorts come in a variety of lengths and styles that you can dress up or down, making them a perfect casual yet chic option. One of our favorites, the Alo Yoga High-waist Vapor Shorts are designed with moisture-wicking and odor-resistant fabric perfect for working out or running errands. Here are the best bike shorts that you'll practically want to live in. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Alo Yoga Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Flow Biker Short at Aloyoga.com Jump to Review Best Size-inclusive: Girlfriend Collective High Rise Pocket Bike Shorts at Girlfriend.com Jump to Review Best for Workouts: Wolven Juniper Midi Bike Short at Wolventhreads.com Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Everlane Perform Bike Shorts at Everlane.com Jump to Review Best Sporty: Adidas Originals Bike Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Baleaf Women's High Waist Running Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Longer Short: Outdoor Voices Warmup 10-inch Shorts at Outdoorvoices.com Jump to Review Best Seamless: Spanx Women Short at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Flow Biker Short Courtesy of Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com Why We Love It: They are designed for running, yoga, or everyday wear. What to Consider: The shorts are compressing, so consider sizing up for more give. Made of a moisture-wicking and odor-resistant polyamide/lycra fabric blend, the Alo Yoga High-waist Vapor Shorts are ideal for a variety of activities whether you're going to the gym or to the grocery store. The high-waisted fit makes these shorts both comfortable and flattering, while the compressive fabric helps them perform well during workouts. If you're looking for a less tight fit, Alo Yoga recommends sizing up for a bit more give in the bike shorts. Plus, there are four colors to choose from so you can best match your everyday or workout style preferences. Price at time of publish: $68 Available Sizes: XXS to L | Materials: Polyamide and lycra Best Size-inclusive Girlfriend Collective High Rise Pocket Bike Shorts Girlfriend View On Girlfriend.com Why We Love It: The sizes range from XXS to 6XL. What to Consider: The slow fashion brand processes orders in one to six business days and ships in seven to 10 business days to reduce CO2 emissions. These compressive, squat-proof bike shorts are made from soft, stretchy, and sweat-wicking fabric and come in sizes XXS to 6XL. Plus, as with all of Girlfriend Collective's apparel, the fabric is made from recycled materials including recycled plastic water bottles. They're designed to be sheer-proof so you won't have to worry about any undergarments showing. These neutral-toned biker shorts have pockets on the sides to store phones or keys. Price at time of publish: $58 Available Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and spandex Best for Workouts Wolven Juniper Midi Bike Short Wolven View On Wolventhreads.com Why We Love It: The fabric is breathable and quick-drying for sweaty workouts. What to Consider: The shorts have lots of seams along the middle and sides. These ultra-flattering bike shorts feature a crisscross waistband, as well as ruching detail on the rear. In addition, they're made from a blend of recycled materials and spandex (16.77 plastic bottles were used to make the shorts). The fabric is designed to be quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, making them the perfect gym short for high-intensity workouts. Even better, there are two slip pockets on either side. Available Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: rPET and spandex The Best Bike Racks for Your Next Outdoor Adventure Best Sustainable Everlane The Perform Bike Shorts Everlane View On Everlane.com Why We Love It: They are made with 58 percent recycled nylon. What to Consider: The inseam is 8 inches. These bike shorts have compressive and sweat-wicking properties, and they're made from 58 percent recycled nylon and 42 percent elastane. They also have a small front pocket for keys or headphones. Everlane prioritizes sustainability by sourcing recycled materials and eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in their supply chain with the help of Bluesign and the Global Organic Textile Standard to ensure safe products are being used. Everlane boasts factory transparency so shoppers can read about the production of these eco-friendly bike shorts, which were made in a factory in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Price at time of publish: $48 Available Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Recycled nylon and elastane Best Sporty Adidas Originals Bike Shorts Adidas View On Amazon Why We Love It: The shorts have the signature Adidas three stripes on the side. What to Consider: The inseam length isn't listed. Featuring the iconic signature Adidas stripes, these bike shorts are classic, sporty, and lightweight thanks to the recycled polyester and elastane materials. They have a high-waisted fit and boast a longer inseam making them the perfect everyday or workout shorts. For shoppers looking to get a pair of bike shorts that have equal parts style and functionality, these from Adidas are a solid pick. Price at time of publish: $20 Available Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane Best Budget Baleaf Women's High Waist Running Shorts Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: The shorts are budget-friendly and have a huge selection of sizes, inseam lengths, and colors. What to Consider: The lighter colors could be see-through. You'll want to pick up several pairs of these budget-friendly bike shorts that are available in three lengths and a wide variety of colors. Made of a soft cotton blend, sweat is no match for the moisture-wicking and breathable material. There are options for five, seven, or eight-inch inseam lengths so you can choose the right one based on the intended use of the bike shorts. The shorts have two slip-side pockets and one hidden interior pocket in the front so you can store all of your belongings safely. Price at time of publish: $27 Available Sizes: XS to 3XL | Materials: Cotton, polyester, and spandex The 9 Workout Accessories Professional Trainers Always Take on Vacation Best Longer Short Outdoor Voices Warmup 10-inch Shorts Outdoor Voices View On Outdoorvoices.com Why We Love It: They have a long 10-inch inseam. What to Consider: The seam could be too long for some activities. If you're looking for a longer bike short, this version from Outdoor Voices with a 10-inch inseam is a solid bet. The shorts are made from durable compression fabric that's designed to sculpt your body, offering a secure and flattering fit. Outdoor Voices uses Bluesign-approved fabrics to ensure they are being manufactured and processed sustainably without the use of harmful chemicals or practices. Sizes available: XS to XL | Materials: Polyester and spandex Best Seamless Spanx Look at Me Now Bike Short Spanx View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Spanx Why We Love It: There are no seams on the sides or middle of the shorts. What to Consider: You'll want to machine wash the shorts on a cold setting to prolong the life and prevent shrinkage. These seamless Spanx biker shorts are a must-have for exercising or lounging around the house. Without any center or side seams, you won't have to worry about any digging into your skin or creating an uncomfortable fit. The 8-inch inseam is ideal for a variety of activities, and the shorts have a thick, double-layer waistband for a supportive but comfortable fit. Price at time of publish: $58 Available Sizes: XS to 3XL | Materials: Nylon and elastane Tips for Buying Bike Shorts Pay attention to inseam length Bike shorts are meant to minimize chafing while on a ride. Longer shorts help absorb sweat and keep you comfortable while you exercise. Of course, no pair of bike shorts is perfect for all riders, so be sure to choose an inseam that is best for your own leg-length. Consider padded shorts if you cycle long distances Long-distance cyclists may benefit from wearing padded bike shorts for extra cushion around the bottom, genitals, and sit bones. Most padded bike shorts increase comfort to allow for longer rides while still being lightweight and supportive. Comfort is priority number one Let's face it: If you're uncomfortable while riding, odds are you won't keep hopping on your bike. Especially if you're new to riding or planning to increase the time you spend on a bike, you should invest in some high-quality and comfortable bike shorts. The right pair will help reduce pressure applied to your muscles and joints, prevent chafing, and keep you enjoying your ride as long as you want. Frequently Asked Questions How should I style bike shorts? Since bike shorts are form-fitting, you can pair them with a loose shirt like a tee or sweater. And, if you get a pair that are high-waisted, you can pair them with a cropped shirt. Matching sets are also trendy right now, so you can check and see if a retailer has a matching tank top or shirt made of the same fabric and color. Should I wear underwear with bike shorts? While it depends on your preferences, you don't have to wear underwear under bike shorts. In fact, underwear with seams can hold moisture and potentially cause chafing, especially if you're cycling or doing a high-intensity workout. It might be best to go commando if you're comfortable. Why Trust Travel+Leisure Madeline Diamond writes about travel gear, luggage, fashion, tech, and more for Travel + Leisure. She thoroughly researched and vetted brands to find the best bike shorts for exercising and everyday use. The Best Bike Helmets for Every Type of Cyclist 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! Other Submit