Bike Shorts For Women 2023
The 15 Best Bike Shorts That'll Take You From the Gym to Brunch
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Few activewear essentials are as versatile as bike shorts. For some context, the bike-short trend was all the rage in the '90s, famously popularized by Princess Diana. The style ultimately fell out of favor until the 2010s, when they got a high-fashion upgrade. Seen on the runways at Off-White, Saint Laurent, and Chanel, among other designers, they've solidified their status as a chic wardrobe must have with the celebrity stamp of approval. They're perfect for styling to the nines, throwing on with an oversize logo tee, or wearing to break a sweat at your cycling class.
True to their name, bike shorts conform tightly to your body to ensure they stay in place and prevent chafing while you rack up miles. The majority are made of compressive, stretchy, and sweat-wicking materials such as lycra, spandex, and nylon, which are comfortable to work out in and ideal for helping your muscles recover. While you can easily transition them into your everyday wardrobe, there are plenty of options featuring the same bike-short silhouette but with more fashion-forward materials like cotton and polyester.
To help you find the best pair of bike shorts to suit your lifestyle, we've rounded up 15 of our favorites for 2023, including options from Amazon, Target, and Nordstrom. Our curated shopping list has picks for avid workout enthusiasts, homebodies, and style gurus, so you may have a hard time choosing just one pair.
Best Affordable Bike Shorts: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts
The Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts ($27) are a customer favorite with nearly 6,000 five-star reviews. Shoppers rave about their spacious pockets, stretchy fit, and light yet supportive compression. They come in several colors and patterns, including floral, teal, and brown. Learn more about them by reading our complete review of the Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts.
Editor Quote: "Not only do these shorts suck me in and give me shape, but their pockets can hold my phone, keys, or credit cards without worry. The quality is out of this world, and drumroll, please . . . they stay in place when you run! (Runners, you know the struggle of pants slipping)." — Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Commerce
Best Bike Shorts For Yoga: Beyond Yoga Space Dye High-Waist Bike Shorts
The Beyond Yoga Space Dye High-Waist Bike Shorts ($68) are buttery soft and addictively comfortable. Their lightweight jersey fabric makes them great for lounging, stretching, yoga, and more low-impact exercises.
Best Bike Shorts From Amazon: Persit Women's High-Waist Bike Shorts
The Persit Women's High-Waist Bike Shorts ($14-$20) are perfect for those who love patterns because there are several fun ones to choose from, such as green leopard (pictured here), tie-dye, and camoflauge. They feature inside pockets to store your credit card, license, keys — you name it.
Best Bike Shorts From Target: Colsie Women's Seamless Ribbed Bike Shorts
You can't beat the price of the Colsie Women's Seamless Ribbed Bike Shorts ($12). Not only are they affordable, but they also look high-end, thanks to their seamless design and ribbed texture.
Best Sustainable Bike Shorts: Girlfriend Collective High Waist Bike Shorts
Surely you're already familiar with Girlfriend Collective, right? The brand offers sustainable, high-quality clothes made of postconsumer water bottles. One of its standout pieces is the Girlfriend Collective High Waist Bike Shorts ($19-$20, originally $48). They're compressive and squat-proof, with deep side pockets for your essentials.
Best Short One-Piece: Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Bodyshort
Universal Standard is leading the charge when it comes to offering an extensive size range, and the Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Bodyshort ($54, originally $92) is no exception. Available in sizes 4XS to 4XL, the versatile silhouette features adjustable straps and a high neckline for secure coverage.
Best Cotton Bike Shorts: A2Y Women's Basic Solid Premium Cotton Bike Shorts
Hundreds of Amazon shoppers say the seamless A2Y Women's Basic Solid Premium Cotton Bike Shorts ($11) are great for under-dress wear, casual fashion looks, or relaxing on the couch. In a review, one customer says, "I love love love these bike shorts. I now own them in four colors, and they are perfect for lounging or using as pajamas."
Best Bike Shorts For Cycling: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short
The Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Shorts ($64) are designed for all types of training and highly recommended by avid bikers. One shopper says, "I absolutely love these shorts. They won't ride up no matter what you do which is perfect for me as I Peloton twice a day and they hold up. Good compression without feeling tight and fit true to size. Can't wait to get more!!!"
Best Stylish Bike Shorts: YPB SculptLUX 7" Bike Shorts
It's about time you try Abercrombie's activewear line if you haven't already. The YPB SculptLUX 7" Bike Shorts ($43, originally $50) are one of our favorite pieces from the collection; pair them with the matching YPB SculptLUX Waist-Length Squareneck Slim Tank ($43, originally $50).
Best Bike Shorts With Pockets: Nike Dri-FIT Firm Support High Waist Biker Shorts
The Nike Dri-FIT Firm Support High Waist Biker Shorts ($65) feature an eight-inch inseam and not two but six (!) pockets, including two angled, seamless side pockets for easy access; three drop-in pockets at the back waist; and a zippered pocket on the thigh. They also have an internal drawcord to adjust the waist to your liking.
Best Crossover Bike Shorts: Aerie Offline Real Me Crossover 7" Bike Short
The Aerie Offline Real Me Crossover 7" Bike Shorts ($24, originally $35) feature the stylish crossover waistband that's been dominating the activewear scene recently.
Best Long Bike Shorts: Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 9" Short
Looking for a pair of long bike shorts? Say less. The Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Shorts ($59) are a hit among shoppers for their nine-inch inseam — the longest options on our list of bike-short bestsellers.
Best Short Bike Shorts: Alo Yoga High Waist Airlift Shorts
Love short shorts? Check out the Alo Yoga High Waist Airlift Shorts ($64), featuring a 3.5-inch inseam that won't get in your way during workouts.
Best Faux-Leather Bike Shorts: Spanx Faux Leather Bike Shorts
Spanx is well-known for its faux-leather fabric, available in leggings and the Spanx Faux Leather Bike Shorts ($68). The stylish bottoms are seam-free, featuring a contoured design to hug your curves in all the right places and a thick, shaping waistband. Several shoppers agree they are more for looks and not athletic use and can be dressed up or down.
Best Bike Shorts For Lounging: Lunya Rib Cozy Cotton Blend Bike Shorts
If you're searching for the perfect pair of bike shorts for lounging, look no further than the Lunya Rib Cozy Cotton Blend Bike Shorts ($118). They come in four colors (beige, green, blue, and gray) and are made of a super-soft organic cotton blend.
