Best Products Style Shopping The 13 Best Bike Shorts for Women of 2023 No wardrobe is complete without a great pair of bike shorts for everyday wear, travel comfort, and cycling adventures. By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Instagram Website Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and more. She has contributed to numerous digital publications, including Byrdie, People, The Spruce, TripSavvy, The Financial Diet, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 2, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews 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 / David Hattan You definitely don't have to be a dedicated cyclist to rock a pair of bike shorts. The flattering style highlights your curves and supports your waist while offering endless comfort, no matter the activity. So, what's the best pair for women? That really depends on what you plan to wear them with and where you plan to wear them. We searched high and low to find standout biker shorts for hanging out, working out, lounging, running errands, traveling, and — yes — riding a bike. Whether you’re a serious cyclist in need of the best padded pair around, want something smooth and shaping for everyday wear, or are looking for soft options with extra stretch for travel comfort, one of our favorites belongs in your closet. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Athleta Ultra High-rise Elation 7" Short at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Bib: Pearl iZumi Women's Pro Bib Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Mountain Biking: Wild Rye Chammy Short at Wild-rye.com Jump to Review Best Lifestyle: lululemon High-rise Short at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Size Range: Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short at Girlfriend.com Jump to Review Best Ribbed: Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short at Freepeople.com Jump to Review Best Faux Leather: Skims Faux Leather Biker Short at Skims.com Jump to Review Best Shaping: Spanx Booty Boost Active Bike Shorts at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Sweat-wicking: Nike Essential Bike Shorts at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Pockets: Lorna Jane Recycled Pocket Bike Short at Lornajane.com Jump to Review Best Overall Athleta Ultra High-rise Elation 7" Short Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Love It: Flaunting a high-rise waist, minimal seams, and buttery-smooth UPF 50+ fabric, this flattering pair is everything we'd want in a bike short.What to Consider: This style doesn't have side pockets. Every woman's idea of the perfect bike shorts might be different, but if there's one pair that flatters most (if not all), it's Athleta's Elation Shorts. Designed for studio workouts, yoga, bike tours, or just hanging out, they flaunt a high-rise, three-layer, pinch-free waistband that holds you in and a classic bike-short length with a 7-inch inseam. We also like that these shorts aren't too tight around the thighs and have minimal seams overall, including no stitching through the inseams. They're made of the brand's "Powervita" fabric, a buttery-soft blend of nylon and lycra that's perfectly thick but not constricting. What's more, the material wicks away sweat and dries quickly while staying breathable through any activity. It even has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50+, meaning it'll protect your skin from the sun. These shorts are also conveniently machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Though they don't have side pockets, there's a drop-in pocket on the back of the waistband where you can stash your ID, credit card, or phone. Price at time of publish: $59 Sizes: XXS–3XL | Inseam: 7 inches | Material: Nylon, lycra Best Bib Pearl iZumi Women's Pro Bib Shorts Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Pearlizumi.com Why We Love It: With a high-density pad, laser-cut bib straps, and raw-edge hems, this one-piece is endlessly comfortable.What to Consider: They're on the pricier side, but you can count on them to last a long time. The cycling pros at Pearl iZumi know more than a thing or two about making a great bib. Designed with serious cyclists in mind, this one-piece is made of the brand's supportive and endlessly comfortable Pro Transfer Fabric. It also has a high-density pad to ensure comfort on the bike path. Thanks to the laser-cut, raw-edge hems, you can barely feel the shorts around your thighs. The bib straps won't cut into your shoulders, and a mini chest clip allows you to personalize the fit. If bibs aren't your thing, we’re also fans of iZumi’s Expedition Shorts. These bike shorts are on the pricier side, but you can count on the high-quality design to last a long time. Price at time of publish: $225 Sizes: XS–XXL | Inseam: 8.5 inches | Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane Best for Mountain Biking Wild Rye Alyssa Chammy Short Wild Rye View On Wild-rye.com Why We Love It: The chamois pad offers comfortable cushioning. What to Consider: Some avid cyclists may prefer the brand’s bib for a more secure fit. Not a fan of the bib? No problem. These bike shorts have all the go-to features cyclists look for without the shoulder straps. We're talking a high-rise waistband, ample thigh coverage with a long inseam, and a padded seat. And if you prefer something shorter, the woman-owned brand also has them available in a 6-inch inseam. The chamois pad is sewn in to provide cushioning and support where you need it most while helping to wick away moisture. We love that these lightweight shorts come in a wide range of sizes from zero to 18, providing a comfortable compression for all. Price at time of publish: $125 Sizes: 0–18 | Inseam: 9 inches | Material: Nylon, spandex, foam The 13 Best Leggings With Pockets of 2023 Best Lifestyle lululemon Align High-rise Short 6" lululemon View On Lululemon Why We Love It: These supremely stretchy and buttery-soft shorts flatter your curves without restricting movement.What to Consider: They look smaller than they actually fit, so get your normal size. If you don't have a workout in mind for your bike shorts, Lululemon is the way to go — specifically, the shorts version of the beloved Align pants. These supremely stretchy and non-constricting shorts are made of the brand's Nulu fabric, a deliciously soft blend of nylon and lycra. Align Shorts flatter your curves while allowing you to sit, bend, and move in any direction. We also like that they come in an inclusive size range, four inseam lengths, and several chic colors. Price at time of publish: $74 Sizes: 0–20 | Inseam: 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches | Material: Nulu fabric (nylon and lycra elastane) Best Size Range Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short Girlfriend Collective View On Girlfriend.com Why We Love It: Made to fit and flatter all bodies, the size range goes all the way up to 6XL.What to Consider: They aren't dryer-friendly, so lay them flat after washing. Girlfriend Collective's take on the bike short is this high-rise compression pair. They're made of recycled polyester sourced from plastic water bottles, plus spandex to provide a nice stretch. We like that they resist riding up and won't restrict your movement. Designed to fit bodies of all shapes and sizes, these shorts come in a very inclusive range of sizes going up to 6XL. Price at time of publish: $48 Sizes: XXS–6XL | Inseam: 6.5 inches | Material: Recycled polyester, spandex Best Ribbed Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short Free People View On Freepeople.com Why We Love It: The ribbed, seamless design is perfect as an underlayer or on its own as warm-weather loungewear.What to Consider: They only come in three sizes. We also like these bike shorts from Free People. Made of an ultra-stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, the ribbed material and seamless design make the perfect base layer to wear under sweatpants or a dress. You can also rock them on their own as warm-weather loungewear. One drawback is that these shorts only come in three sizes. But we appreciate the wide array of color options, which range from rose smoke to iced coffee to classic heather gray. Price at time of publish: $20 Sizes: XS/S, M/L, L/XL | Inseam: 8.5 inches | Material: Nylon, spandex The 12 Best Padded Bike Shorts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Faux Leather Skims Faux Leather Biker Short Skims View On Skims.com Why We Love It: These vegan biker-style shorts are super stretchy with a slightly reflective, leather-like finish.What to Consider: They call for hand-washing only. Our favorite faux leather pair comes from Skims. These biker-style shorts are made of a super stretchy viscose-elastane fabric and feature a polyurethane (flexible plastic) coating that gives them a slightly reflective, leather-like finish. We love that Skims garments come in an inclusive range of styles and hues to complement different skin tones. If there's one downside of these shorts, it's that they call for hand-washing only and aren't dryer-friendly. Price at time of publish: $72 Sizes: XXS–4XL | Inseam: Not listed | Material: Viscose, elastane, polyurethane Best Shaping Spanx Booty Boost Active Bike Shorts Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Spanx Why We Love It: These shorts shape your behind, smooth your waistline, and prevent muffin top without a constricting feeling.What to Consider: They only come in black. As the name suggests, Spanx Booty Boost Shorts have a built-in lift that promises to shape your backside, smooth your midline, and eliminate the muffin top. The brand's signature contoured waistband also creates the illusion of a perkier behind. Whether you're working out or hanging out, you can count on the high-rise waistband to stay put without constricting your movement or breathing, and the free-cut hem won't create an indent in your thighs. In the end, we just wish these shorts came in more colors. Price at time of publish: $62 Sizes: XS–3XL | Inseam: 5 or 8 inches | Material: Nylon, elastane Best Sweat-wicking Nike Women's Sportswear Essential Bike Shorts Kohl's View On Nordstrom View On Champssports.com View On Dick's Why We Love It: The soft, stretchy fabric draws sweat away from your body to keep you comfortably cool and dry.What to Consider: The mid-rise cut sits below the belly button. This pair from Nike is made of naturally breathable cotton, plus polyester and spandex for form-fitting stretch. The soft fabric helps draw sweat away from your body to keep you cool and dry, whether you're biking the trails, running, or picking up a game of beach volleyball. Unlike many bike shorts, these have a mid-rise cut that sits below the belly button. Still, the contoured waistband is designed to sit smoothly against your skin without pinching, and the longer inseam won't cut into your thighs. Price at time of publish: $35 Sizes: XXS–XXL | Inseam: 10 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex Best Pockets Lorna Jane Hi-fold No Ride Recycled Pocket Bike Short Lorna Jane View On Lornajane.com Why We Love It: These shorts have a smoothing, supportive waistband, plus two side pockets big enough for a smartphone.What to Consider: There are only two colors available. These thoughtfully designed bike shorts are more than just incredibly flattering. The high-rise, soft-fold waistband smooths your midline and supports your core without restricting movement, and it won't ride up or fall down when you reach, stoop, bend, or stretch. Perhaps best of all, there's a pocket on either side large enough to fit a smartphone. More color options would be nice, but otherwise, we can't complain. Price at time of publish: $90 Sizes: XXS–XXL | Inseam: 6 inches | Material: Recycled polyester, elastane Most Iconic Alo Yoga Spacedye Keep Pace Biker Short Alo Yoga View On Amazon View On Beyondyoga.com View On Revolve Why We Love It: These shorts are just the thing to pair with an oversized graphic sweatshirt and white sneakers à la Princess Diana.What to Consider: They aren't the exact shorts Princess Di wore in the ‘90s. Princess Diana was photographed on multiple occasions wearing bike shorts with oversize sweatshirts and sneakers. While it's unclear what brand she preferred (or whether the exact style would still be available today), Alo Yoga's Keep Pace Short appears to be a close match. The simple style features a classic high waist, no outside seams, and an extra-short 5-inch inseam. You can't go wrong with a neutral hue, but you might consider one of the sorbet-inspired colors to channel Lady Di's iconic ‘90s style. Price at time of publish: $68 Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 5 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane Best Extra-short Outdoor Voices SeamlessSmooth 4.5" Short Outdoor Voices View On Outdoorvoices.com Why We Love It: The thick, supportive fabric prevents the hem from riding up, and the smoothing waistband will stay put during any activity.What to Consider: These come in a limited range of sizes. If you're partial to the shorty-shorts look, this pair from Outdoor Voices has your name on it. These shorts have a 4.5-inch inseam, but thanks to the thick, supportive fabric, you won't have to worry about the hem riding up any higher. The material is also opaque, so your undergarments won't show through. And the comfortable, smoothing waistband will stay put, no matter where you're headed or what you're up to. Price at time of publish: $48 Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 4.5 inches | Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex The 14 Best Tennis Skirts to Wear On and Off the Court in 2023 Best Budget Old Navy High-waisted Jersey Biker Shorts Old Navy View On Gap.com Why We Love It: These affordable shorts support your waist and flatter your curves without digging into your skin.What to Consider: They won’t wick away sweat as well as other fabrics. On a budget? Old Navy has you covered. These biker shorts will keep you comfortable and supported without breaking the bank. The stretchy high-rise design flatters the waist, and the wide hem won't cut into your thighs. Since they're made primarily of cotton, they're one of the most breathable options. Having said that, they won’t wick away sweat as well as other pairs. Still, they're so affordable, you might consider getting more than one pair. Price at time of publish: $8 Sizes: XS–4XL | Inseam: 6–7.25 inches | Material: Cotton, spandex Tips for Buying Women's Bike Shorts Pick materials suited for your intended use When buying bike shorts, pay attention to the material. Soft, stretchy fabrics are good for streetwear and most leisurely activities like traveling, shopping, running errands, or just lounging at home. But if you plan to wear them while working out, look for sweat-wicking materials such as nylon, lycra, polyester, and viscose. A thicker fabric will also offer the most support while providing light compression. Consider bibs and padding for serious cycling Serious cyclists should consider additional features like bibs and padding. Similar to wrestling singlets, bibbed bike shorts have suspender-like straps that go over the shoulders, helping them stay in place while riding a bicycle at high speeds. Additionally, chamois pads are sometimes sewn into the back of the shorts to offer support and cushioning while helping wick away sweat. Frequently Asked Questions What should I wear with bike shorts? Since bike shorts are short and tight, they tend to pair best with looser tops when you aren't actually cycling. Think oversized sweatshirts, boxy T-shirts, and long-sleeve crewnecks. As for footwear, sneakers are the way to go. Do you wear underwear with bike shorts? Dedicated cyclists often don't wear underwear with bike shorts, as the extra fabric can cause painful chafing. But when wearing bike shorts casually (or for another type of workout), many women find wearing underwear to be the most comfortable option. How should bike shorts fit? It depends on the cut. But generally speaking, bike shorts should be form-fitting without being so tight that they restrict movement. Also, regardless of whether they're a high-rise or mid-rise cut, the waistband should be slightly higher in the back than in the front. Why Trust Travel+Leisure Travel + Leisure contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, and travel. She took her time researching today's most comfortable, flattering, and supportive bike shorts for women and has personally tried styles from Athleta, Lululemon, Lorna Jane, Free People, Girlfriend Collective, Nike, and Outdoor Voices. The 10 Best Breathable Leggings for Travel in 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit