Fashion

The 20 Best Bike Shorts For Women

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by Ileana Morales Valentine and Scarlett James
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Once relegated to the spin studio, the best bike shorts for women now come in every conceivable style, whether you want to channel a celebrity street look or lounge in retro-chic comfort. Fashion is cyclical — pun very much intended — so, in retrospect, it’s no surprise that biker shorts have reemerged to gain steam along with tiny sunglasses and slide sandals as athleisure staples for style-conscious trendsetters. Most pairs take their cues from the gym, but you’ll also find options in fashion fabrics like pleather as well as comfy-soft materials you can (and will) sleep in.

As for how to style biker shorts? They are shockingly versatile once you get them on. Celebs like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber stay true to the garment’s athletic roots by opting to pair them with sporty windbreakers and logo sweatshirts, but it’s also fun to play with contrast by donning black biker shorts with chic jackets or blazers. For low-key days, a matching crop top and bike short ensemble can go from a coffee run to the couch.

If you actually want to squeeze in a workout, keep an eye on stylish biker shorts in performance fabrics that can wick away sweat and still look good after a cool-down. You’ll really luck out if you score a pair that has pockets, but there are also versions without if you prefer clean lines. Cotton is ideal if you’re not breaking a sweat and want to be comfortable hanging out at home — and it’s ultra-breathable for hotter days.

Whether you’re looking for the next influencer-approved fashion statement or an everyday option, this roundup has chic bike shorts for every style iteration.

1These High-Waisted Biker Shorts With 50,000 Ratings

This fan-favorite pair of BALEAF high-waisted biker shorts gets top marks for versatility, combining athletic construction with comfort and style. The moisture-wicking performance fabric has four-way stretch to move through your reps, and it’s brushed for a soft finish you can lounge in after your cool-down. Flatlock seams and a gusseted crotch give you total range of motion on the mat or on the couch, and they have two side pockets deep enough to hold a phone. Better still, they’re available in three different inseams to accommodate a range of sizes.

According to one reviewer: “These are made very well and I especially like the high waist and pockets which are functional but not overly visible if you don't put anything in them. The seams are nicely stitched and the fabric seems to keep me cool and dry.”

  • Available options: 45
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large

2Some Budget-Friendly Bike Shorts Made For Lounging

If your focus is comfort, the Hanes cotton bike short is going to be a staple. The pair is made from 90% cotton (in the black color, the charcoal heather color has more polyester) with a hint of spandex to yield a soft and breathable knit for legging-like comfort without the full-length coverage. They have a thin elastic waistband that doesn’t bind, and multiple reviewers noted they were just as great for layering under skirts and dresses as they were for lounging around the house — all at an under-$10 price point.

According to one reviewer: “They are great for wearing under dresses or with big sweatshirts if you’re looking for the style of biker shorts without bulkiness...Overall great product for everyday style.”

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

3A Designer Pair That’s Worth The Splurge

Skip the line at Nordstrom and splash out on a pair of Onzie’s bike shorts. Their high-tech performance fabric is engineered to be featherlight and silky-soft with four-way stretch. It wicks sweat away while providing good compression and recovery — you can even wear it into steam rooms and salt water. Every pair is made in Los Angeles, by women, for women, and now they’re available on Amazon.

According to one reviewer: “I couldn't love them more. I bought them for hot yoga and now I wear them around the house cause I find them pretty cozy. I don't always spend this much of workout gear but I'm glad I treated myself to these.”

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: Small/MediumMedium/Large

4A Matching Workout Set For A Total Look

When you want an outfit that’s already put together for you, reach for this matching workout set for your one-and-done style fix. It combines a low-impact sports bra with removable cups and high-waisted bike shorts that look so cute layered under an oversized jacket, with features you can count on through a workout, like moisture-wicking fabric and a gusseted crotch sewn with covered seams. Love it that much? Pick up the style with full-length leggings while you’re at it.

According to one reviewer: “In LOVE with this set. Best biker shorts I have ever gotten. They’re seamless and fit so perfectly.”

  • Available options: 15
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

5Some Best-Selling Biker Shorts In 3 Different Lengths

When it comes to variety, you can’t beat the ODODOS biker short, which is offered in dozens of colors and three different inseams for literally any look you can imagine. Each pair is moisture-wicking with four-way stretch, a gusseted crotch, and flatlock seams for workout-worthy performance, and even the shortest pairs have deep pockets to hold your stuff. Choose from a long 9-inch leg, the moderate 5-inch short, or a cropped 2.5-inch inseam to suit your needs.

According to one reviewer: “These fit like a glove. Squat proof and run proof. Don’t have to constantly pull em up...The quality is awesome, the pockets are a plus, and like I said, the fit is perfect! I highly recommend.”

  • Available options: 137
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large

6This Trio Of Biker Shorts For An Unbeatable Price

If you know you love the style, pick up a multipack of biker shorts so you always have a pair ready to go. This trio is made from buttery-soft blend of polyester and spandex, and they feature an ultra-high rise with a wide yoga-style waistband. They aren’t expressly moisture-wicking but the opaque fabric has four-way stretch — and no pockets on the side makes this pair especially streamlined.

According to one reviewer: “They’re high waisted and start above my belly button, they are not see through when I bend over, and they are SUPER soft. I think they feel like lululemon, but a little bit thicker. I haven’t tried working out in these yet, but they definitely seem great for styling.”

  • Available options: 7
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

7These Soft Cottony Bike Shorts

An everyday staple available in extended sizes, the Just My Size biker short combines soft material with the on-trend silhouette. They rock additional features worth noting like a tag-free design and covered flatlock seams for serious comfort, along with a 90% cotton blend that shoppers raved was truly opaque. Some noted that the black shorts had a heathered finish for a vintage look.

According to one reviewer: “Fashion forward girl that I am sometimes I was looking for some simple not too expensive biker shorts...When I say these are extremely comfortable CHILD! I am not kidding you these are so perfect.”

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: 1X — 5X

8A Sporty Logo Bike Short From A Gym Class Icon

For a fun athleisure option that you can lounge or work out in, you can't go wrong with these Champion shorts. The on-trend shorts are made from a stretchy blend of cotton and polyester and hit about mid-thigh, with a wider elastic band defining the waist. They have sleek seams down the front for a tailored effect, all with the signature Champion logo running down the leg. Perfect for pairing with tube socks and dad sneakers, but also a great street style option with a long blazer and white kicks.

According to one reviewer: "One of my favorite bottoms to wear, especially when I go out for walks. Cute to wear with different outfits as well for most casual outings.”

  • Available colors: 7
  • Available sizes: X-Small - X-Large

9Some Chic Faux Leather Biker Shorts

Fierce and fashion-forward, these faux leather bike shorts are a great base for stylish yet comfortable outfits. Their super-soft polyester-spandex fabric is coated in PU faux-leather, and the seams are fully finished with double stitching for a smooth finish from the top of the yoga waistband to the bottom hem.

According to one reviewer: “I love these...full effect of real leather feels so comfortable...you can go out with them or work out either way very fashionable.”

  • Available options: 119
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large

10These *Super* Cute Biker Shorts With A Crossover Waist

You get the boutique fitness look for a song in these athleisure biker shorts. Their high crossover waist creates the prettiest lines and adds a bit of flair to the sporty short, and you can choose within the listing whether or not to opt for pockets or a longer inseam. They’re quick-drying with four-way stretch in a soft nylon-spandex build.

According to one reviewer: “So worth it. The material is thick and offers support. The fit is just amazing it hugs your waist with the V waist design. Perfect for every day wear and the gym.”

  • Available options: 8
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

11These Fun Printed Bike Shorts

Add a bit of pop to your bike short collection with this printed pair from Persit. They’re available in super-fun yet wearable colorways like leopard and camo, plus a really cute ice cream confetti and tie-dye. (If you really love this particular pair, you can stock up on solid shades as well.) They’re all moisture-wicking with four-way stretch, and instead of having two pockets on each leg, they’ve tucked a pair in the waistband for hidden storage.

According to one reviewer: “So buttery soft and comfortable. A lot of shorts ride up and move around while working out but these did not. So soft and comfy I want to get more for workouts and just hanging out. I LOVE these. They look just like the picture and fit perfectly.”

  • Available options: 17
  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

12Some Iridescent Biker Shorts

The American Apparel metallic biker short lends a hipster, Studio 54 vibe to the sporty throwback silhouette. Made from a coated nylon tricot fabric that feels soft to the touch, they feature a molten finish and plenty of stretch. A thin elastic waistband stays put at the top, and the six-inch inseam ensures a longline cut that won’t overwhelm your look with such eye-catching fabric. You won’t find reviews on this pair, but what you will find is the made-in-L.A. quality you’d expect from the iconic basics brand.

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

13A Cult-Favorite Pair Of Bike Shorts In Hard-To-Find Prints

These patterned bike shorts are wildly popular — they come backed by more than 3,000 perfect five-star reviews — and you can choose from a ton of different prints, like marble and snakeskin, among plenty of other options as well. The squat-proof shorts have a gusseted crotch for movement and two deep leg pockets regardless of the inseam you choose, plus one tucked inside the high waist.

According to one reviewer: “Good high waist, compression, LOVE the galaxy pattern. I use for running, yoga, and swim training.”

  • Available options: 40
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

14Some Workout Shorts With A High-Shine Finish

The Core 10 exercise shorts are built for the gym with a wet-look fabric that’s made for the streets. They have an extra-high foldover yoga waistband with a cropped 5-inch leg for stay-put coverage wherever you take them, and flatlock seams to ensure a chafe-free feel. A pocket-free design keeps the look clean so you can style them however you want.

According to one reviewer: “LOVE LOVE LOVE these. It’s the perfect edgy mix with a graphic tee and some converse. So comfortable to work out in, and the material is light and doesn’t feel like plastic or cheap material for the amount of shine you get.”

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: Large — 2X

15A Multipack Of Neutrals For When You’re Ready To Commit

Available in a convenient pack of six, these mini bike shorts could work as standalone pairs, but shoppers reported they were especially good to layer with skirts and dresses. They’re made from a “buttery soft” fabric blend that’s brushed for a truly downy finish with a low-profile elastic waist and all but invisible seams. Inside is a crotch lining for days you want to wear them as briefs, and this neutral pack of six ensures all your classic colorways are covered.

According to one reviewer: “I love these, I wear them as shorts under long shirts or tanks, I wear them around the house as pj’s, under short dresses etc...I’ve purchased them 3 times now so that I have multiple options.”

  • Available options: 5
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large

16An Instagrammable Bike Shorts And T-Shirt Set

For off-duty style, it’s tough to beat this comfortable loungewear set. Go monochrome in the coordinating oversized T-shirt and bike shorts, both woven from an absurdly soft polyester knit. The baggy tee has a dropped shoulder and longer sleeves for that slouchy look with fitted shorts so you don’t get lost in the fabric. Want more shape? It comes with an on-trend utility belt you’ll pair with so many outfits.

According to one reviewer: “This seriously is the best biker set I have found so far...A crazy good price and this set is soooo comfortable!”

  • Available options: 16
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

17These Influencer-Approved Bike Shorts In Of-The-Moment Shades

Grab these basic bike shorts in the season’s trending colorways while you still can. They’re built for everyday wear and low-impact workouts in 90% cotton with spandex and covered seams throughout, while a moderate waistband on the high-rise style and pocket-free design give them street style versatility.

According to one reviewer: “This is the first pair of biker shorts I have owned and I'm a fan! They are perfectly form-fitting without being too tight. The stitching is well done...The cotton gives durability but they still have enough stretch.”

  • Available colors: 4
  • Available sizes: XX-Small — 3X

18A Colorful Plus-Size Bike Short Reviewers *Love*

Boasting an impressively high rating and available in tons of colors, these Stretch Is Comfort bike shorts are a fan favorite for a reason. They’re made from thick-yet-breathable knit that promises to wash well. They’re solidly built with finished seams and a no-twist elastic waistband — and made in the U.S. by a female-founded company for quality you can count on.

According to one reviewer: “Several years ago I purchased my first pairs of Stretch is Comfort cotton bike shorts, and those were so awesome and sturdy that I didn't need to supplement with anything else for awhile...Still soft cotton, still stretchy, still comfortable, still don't roll down or crawl up, still perfect and such a great value for the quality.”

  • Available options: 28
  • Available sizes: X-Large Plus — 7X

19The Bike Shorts With An Iconic Logo Waistband

These Nike workout shorts have fierce style. They’re made from Nike’s top performance fabric to keep you cool and dry through the most punishing workout with curved flatlock seams for an ergonomic fit on the slightly shorter leg. The wide logo waistband is one you won’t mind showing off on the street: Just add your favorite crop top after your cool-down.

According to one reviewer: “Very comfortable. The signature logo across the thick band is stylish and sporty. I only wear them to [the] gym but I'm sure they're great for errands.”

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: X-Small — Large

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