The 6 Best Bike Shorts for Women, According to Athletes
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Cycling has only grown in popularity in the last decade, according to research published by Statista, and whether you are taking your road bike out for a dawn patrol ride or hitting up your indoor cycling bike to get your sweat on to Britney’s greatest hits, a quality pair of cycling shorts can make or break your experience. These bike shorts for women are designed specifically to make your cycling experience as pleasant as possible.
Unlike traditional workout leggings and athletic clothes, these aren’t just moisture-wicking and stretchy—though they do have those qualities—they have specialized padding to help you last as long as you can on the bike seat without ending up with a literal pain in the butt. There are a ton of options to choose from out there, so to help make the process easier, we gathered up six of our favorites. From maternity shorts to long distance bibs, we have an option for every type of rider in every stage of life. Check out our top picks below, as well as a guide on how to choose the right one for you.
Our Picks for the Best Bike Shorts for Women:
- Best Padded Bike Shorts for Women: adidas Padded Cycling Shorts
- Best Bib Bike Shorts: Rapha Core Cycling Bib Shorts
- Most Comfortable: Pearl Izumi Quest Shorts
- Best Maternity Biker Shorts for Women: Nike One Biker Shorts
- Best for Long Rides: Sugoi Women’s Evolution Bib Bike Shorts
- Best Budget Bike Shorts: BALEAF Women’s 4D Padded Bike Shorts
Best Padded Bike Shorts for Women: adidas Padded Cycling Shorts
adidas
Key Features:
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Colors: Black with gray stripes, black with white stripes
- Materials: Polyester, elastane
- Type: Pull-on shorts
Great for cycling both indoors and out, these shorts are classic, comfortable and functional. The adidas Padded Cycling Shorts are a true short design (not bibs) so you don’t have to worry about completely undressing if you have to take a potty break mid-ride, and the multi-panel design is made with intent to hug the contours of your body, keeping everything securely in place and preventing any rolling or bunching.
Related Post: The Best Bikes for Women
The dual-density pad is designed to give you maximum comfort while staying dry and breathable for your entire ride. The fabric is also highly stretchy and moisture-wicking so you stay comfortable and chafe-free as you churn out some watts. This is also a sustainable option, with the fabric being made from at least 50 percent Parley ocean plastic.
Pros:
- Uses recycled materials
- Breathable
- Easy to remove
- Contoured design
Cons:
- Limited color options
Best Bib Bike Shorts: Rapha Core Cycling Bib Shorts
Rapha
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black/white
- Materials: Polyamide, elastane
- Type: Bib shorts
If you want a basic but quality pair of bibbed shorts, you can’t go wrong with Rapha. This pair has super lightweight, breathable mesh straps that are comfortable against the skin and won’t chafe or pull. Because they are so high stretch, they also accommodate a wide range of rider heights, but also won’t stretch so much that they slide down. The shorts themselves are super stretchy and have a dense knit which prevents any skin from showing through even when fully extended. They have silicone leg grippers which help to keep them from rolling or riding up, and flatlock stitching which prevents chafing and keeps the seams from pressing uncomfortably into the skin.
Pros:
- Great for many heights
- Comfortable to wear
- Chafe resistant
- Quick drying
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Most Comfortable: Pearl Izumi Quest Biking Shorts
Pearl Izumi
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex
- Type: Pull-on shorts
These comfy shorts are great for spin classes or quick rides on the bike. They have an 8.5-inch inseam which is right in that sweet spot: not too long, and not too short. The compressive fabric is designed to keep you cool and dry while you cycle, helping to reduce chafing. They have a decent amount of padding as well as a thick, yoga-style waist band which keeps them feeling secure on your waist without cutting into your abdomen uncomfortably. Some reflective elements on the shorts are useful for low-light visibility during dawn or dusk rides.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Good amount of padding
Cons:
- No pockets
Best Maternity Biker Shorts for Women: Nike One Biker Shorts
Nike
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: Black, gray
- Materials: Polyester, elastane
- Type: Pull-on shorts
If you are pregnant or about to be, it’s time to start thinking about workout clothes that can accommodate your changing body. This set of cycling shorts from Nike are designed for a pregnant belly, and are made to change and adapt with you. It is made from thick, opaque material that won’t become see-through even as your body changes, and it’s super stretchy so it will fit you from the beginning of your pregnancy until the end. The fabric is also moisture-wicking to keep you dry, and super soft so it won’t irritate your skin. This pair of shorts doesn’t have any padding though, so if you choose to wear them to cycle you will want to make sure you have a comfy seat.
Pros:
- Adapts to growing bellies
- Non see-through
- Super soft material
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not padded
Best for Long Rides: Sugoi Women’s Evolution Bib Bike Shorts
Sugoi
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black
- Materials: Unavailable
- Type: Bibbed shorts
Whether a long ride to you means 15 miles or 150, these bike shorts are a great choice to keep you dry, comfortable and chafe-free. They have a super streamlined design that is cut to move naturally with the contours of your body. This also has an ‘invisi-chamois’ which eliminates the seams around the chamois padding, giving you a more flattering silhouette and somewhat avoiding that diaper-like look that many bike shorts have. It also has a pared down mesh bib that is light and breathable, and also easy to get on and off for quick potty breaks.
Pros:
- Classic look
- Seamless chamois
- Grips to keep legs in place
- Easy on and off bib
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Expensive
Best Budget Bike Shorts: BALEAF Women’s 4D Padded Bike Shorts
BALEAF
Key Features:
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Colors: 13 color options
- Materials: Nylon, spandex
- Type: Pull-on shorts
Bike shorts can be a pretty pricey purchase, but with these coming in at only $38, they are a great option for the casual rider that wants some cushioning for their bum. These shorts are a pull-on style with a thick band and options for a five- or seven-inch inseam. They have padding made from a dual-density foam, and a breathable gel pad where you need it most. These also have stretchy side pockets that are easy to reach in mid-ride, and they are made with 50+ SPF fabric to protect you from the sun. Though the five-inch inseam is definitely on the shorter side, it has a silicone grip on the inside that prevents it from sliding or rolling up.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Size inclusive
- Side pockets
- SPF protection
Cons:
- Some found the legs to be a bit tight
What to Look for in Bike Shorts
Design and Padding (Chamois)
Arguably the most important aspect of any bike short is the chamois. This is the padding that sits between you and the bike seat. Usually reinforced with foams and gels, it is designed to be as breathable as possible while also protecting and padding your muscles and bones that can easily grow tender from the pressure of a bike seat. While some shorts will be made without padding, it’s best to invest in a padded option unless you have a wide comfort seat.
Inseam Length
Inseam length mostly comes down to preference, but most bike shorts will be about seven inches or longer. Some however will dip into the five-inch range, but with these you want to be careful—especially if you have issues with shorts riding up or rolling as this can happen with a shorter inseam especially if it doesn't have grips.
Material
When it comes to materials, you want to look for something that is super stretchy, moisture-wicking, and thick enough that it won’t show skin when stretched. Look for materials like spandex and elastane as they allow you full range of motion while maintaining a snug, secure fit.
Bib/No Bib
Most ‘true’ cycling shorts will have a bib attached. This is often the preferred style for serious riders as it holds up the shorts without putting pressure on the stomach, and there is no chance of them falling down. These do pose an issue when it comes time to take them off though, so many prefer a pull-on short which is easier to remove to use the restroom, and doesn’t require you to take off your entire kit.
Comfort and Fit
Cycling shorts should fit snug but not uncomfortably tight. Because they are made with stretchy material they are designed to move with your body. Many will also have specially designed seams that fit to the contours of your body when in a cycling position. Make sure that the shorts feel secure but comfortable—especially when in a seated and bent over position as you want to make sure they are as comfortable on the bike as they are when standing.
Additional Features (Pockets, etc)
While most shorts are pretty similar in design, some will have additional features that make them a great choice for you. Many offer side pockets which are great for storing small items like cards, keys or gels if you want some easily within reach. Some will also offer sun protection which is great if you tend to ride outside.
FAQs
Should biking shorts be tight or loose?
Biking shorts should have a snug fit, but they shouldn’t feel uncomfortably tight. Most are made with elastic and stretchy fabric which allows you to move easily in them while still having a secure fit and adequate coverage.
Should you wear anything over padded bike shorts?
In the winter you can throw on a pair of stretchy leggings if warmth is what you are after, but you don’t have to wear anything over them as long as weather is permitting. There are also bibbed pants out there which are often more comfortable and less bulky than layering an additional pant over your padded shorts.
Are bib shorts better than traditional bike shorts?
Bib shorts are pretty similar to bike shorts except for the fact that they have straps that go over your shoulders to hold them up. While it is up to the individual as to what they prefer, many serious bikers opt for a bibbed short because they are less likely to fall down, and don’t press on the stomach like a pull up short can. Many cyclists find this more comfortable for long periods of wear. The downside is that because these are worn under a jersey, you will have to remove the top in order to remove the shorts when using the bathroom which can be a hassle.
Final Thoughts
If you are going to be cycling—indoor or out—for 30 minutes or more, a good pair of bike shorts could be a great investment for you. Supportive, chafe-resistant and padded, they help you feel and perform your best on the bike. While cycling gear can definitely get expensive, there are a ton of affordable options out there—as well as investment pieces for those that may be looking to get more serious about their cycling. Whichever you end up going with, bike shorts are a great piece of gear to add to your collection, and they will serve you well whether you choose to ride inside or out.
Looking for some more gear to keep you feeling great on your bike? Check out our favorite picks for compression bras for women.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
