Finding the perfect pair of bike shorts can feel overwhelming. With countless brands offering various fabrics, fits, and features, it’s tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. After extensive testing and trying out a wide range of popular options, we’ve narrowed down the selection to bring you the Best Bike Shorts For Women, catering to different needs and preferences.
Throughout our testing process, we realized that the ideal bike short isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your perfect pair depends on what you prioritize. Are you looking for maximum compression and support? Or is softness and comfort your main concern? Do you need bike shorts for intense workouts, or are you seeking something versatile for both exercise and everyday wear? Perhaps pockets are on your wish list (though we generally lean towards no pockets for a sleeker look). Or maybe you desire a blend of several of these qualities.
Length is another crucial factor, and personal preference plays a significant role. While longer lengths might seem more practical, shorter bike shorts can be surprisingly flattering and comfortable. Keep in mind that most bike shorts tend to ride up slightly with movement, so ensure you choose a length you’re comfortable with even if they inch up a bit. Ultimately, the best length for you will depend on your height, body type, typical outfits, and personal comfort level. You might even surprise yourself with what styles you end up loving! That’s why we’ve curated a range of top picks to cover various needs and styles.
With these considerations in mind, let’s dive into our top recommendations for the best bike shorts for women:
Our Top Choice: TNA Life Cheeky Shorts
For an all-around winner, the TNA Life Cheeky Shorts from Aritzia stand out. These shorts tick all the boxes: high-waisted, incredibly soft, and offering a compressive yet comfortable waistband. The design is sleek and minimalist, with a subtle logo on the back, a welcome change from overly branded athletic wear. Priced at $38, they offer exceptional value compared to many athletic brands, performing well during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sweaty workouts while remaining comfortable enough for lounging. We can attest to their comfort – we’re wearing them as we write this! While Aritzia offers a vast selection of bike shorts, the TNA Life Cheeky are truly the best overall in our opinion. We even had a firsthand confirmation when a stranger wearing a flattering pair revealed they were indeed this exact style. The 7-inch inseam is our preferred length (for reference, we are 5’5″), but they are available in various lengths. The 7-inch length works well under oversized sweatshirts and looks equally great with sports bras or cropped tees, like this favorite cropped tee. Sizing is true to size; a small fit perfectly for us.
The Original Standard: Lululemon Align Bike Shorts
The Lululemon Align Bike Shorts ($64) have earned their reputation as the gold standard in women’s bike shorts for years, and for good reason. We were genuinely impressed by their exceptional softness and comfort, combined with a flattering and supportive compression. From the first try-on, we were ready to keep them on. They provide compression in both the thighs and waistband, offering a secure feel without digging in or being difficult to pull on. While perhaps not ideal for very sweaty workouts, they are perfect for yoga, Pilates, walking, or everyday casual wear. If you’re seeking bike shorts for lower-impact activities and daily comfort, these are an excellent choice. We initially opted for the 6-inch inseam but would recommend the 8-inch for greater versatility and taking advantage of Lululemon’s free hemming service. This service allows you to customize the length of any Lululemon gear, new or old, without needing tags or receipts. For those interested in hemming, the 8-inch version is often only available online. In terms of sizing, we consistently wear a size 4 in Lululemon and found the same size to be perfect for the Align shorts.
Unmatched Softness: TNA Butter Cheeky Shorts and Splits59 Airweight Shorts
For those prioritizing ultimate softness, the TNA Butter Cheeky Shorts ($38) are a top contender. These are among the softest bike shorts available, providing supreme comfort for lounging, running errands, or light workouts. While not recommended for high-impact or spin classes, they are suitable for lower-intensity activities. They offer leg smoothing, though the waistband compression is less pronounced compared to the Lululemon Aligns. For a balance of compression and softness, the Aligns are superior, but the TNA Butter Cheeky shorts are significantly more affordable. If maximum softness is your priority, also consider the Splits59 Airweight Shorts ($68). These shorties (referring to inseams of 6 inches or less) are incredibly thin and lightweight and feel luxurious. While pricier, they are divine for those who value barely-there comfort. We opted for a size small in both the TNA Butter Cheeky and Splits59 Airweight shorts.
High-Waisted Compression Champion: Beyond Yoga Keep Pace Biker Short
The Beyond Yoga Keep Pace Biker Short ($66) is an exceptional choice for high-waisted compression. These shorts are incredibly flattering and provide substantial compression in both the waist and legs. Made from Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, they are also remarkably soft. They are available in various lengths, including longer and shorter options to suit your preference. If you desire a very high waist and strong hold with lasting softness, these are your go-to shorts. One minor drawback we experienced was some waistband rollover during bending, likely due to the very high waist and our shorter torso (5’5″). However, they remained exceptionally flattering and are highly recommended for anyone seeking bike shorts that offer both support and a confidence-boosting fit. The Spacedye fabric has a slightly heathered appearance, which is less noticeable in darker colors. If you prefer a solid, flat black, this fabric texture might not be your ideal choice. Despite this, the Keep Pace shorts made our top three overall. They run true to size, and a small fit perfectly.
Best Printed Option: Onzie Leopard Bike Shorts
While this guide primarily focuses on black bike shorts, we had to include the Onzie Leopard Bike Shorts ($58) for those seeking a printed option. If you’re looking to add some personality to your workout wardrobe, these leopard print shorts are both fun and surprisingly flattering. Prints can be tricky to get right on bike shorts, but Onzie nails it with this design. The leopard print pairs seamlessly with black and white workout tops and is exceptionally flattering. The material is more moisture-wicking than many others we tested, and they have held up well through numerous washes and workouts. We wear a size S/M in Onzie.
Other Popular Options We Tested:
While the above are our top recommendations, we also tried several other popular bike shorts that, while not our top picks, might still be suitable for some individuals:
- Alo 7” Biker Short ($58): We had high expectations for these, as with most Alo products (with the exception of their miracle sports bras). Pros include a compressive fit, good for sweatier workouts, and a decent cut. However, the prominent logo placement on the front thigh detracts from the sleekness and flattery compared to logo-free or back-logo designs.
- BALEAF Biker Shorts ($20): As Amazon’s most popular bike shorts, we tested these budget-friendly option. They feature pockets (which we find unnecessary) and numerous seams, which are not the most flattering. While affordable, we recommend investing a bit more in the TNA options from Aritzia for better quality and style.
- Lululemon Wunder Under 8” ($64): These feel like classic, performance-focused biker shorts. They are highly compressive, with a bottom seam that can dig into the thighs, providing maximum security and no movement. While durable and functional, they are less focused on comfort and flattery compared to the Aligns. Better suited for intense cycling or workouts.
- Girlfriend Collective Bike Shorts ($48): Recommended for their sustainability and size inclusivity, these shorts unfortunately didn’t meet our expectations in terms of style and comfort. The numerous seams and lines detract from a sleek look, and the waistband compression was less effective than other pairs, despite leg compression.
- Free People Good Karma Bike Shorts ($58): These shorts run extremely small and tight. They are difficult to put on and the tight bottom seams create an unflattering “overstuffed sausage” effect. If you like the Good Karma style, consider their leggings instead, but we still prefer other brands for athletic wear performance and comfort.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you find your perfect pair of bike shorts! Remember, the best bike shorts for women truly depend on individual needs and preferences. Explore our top picks and consider what features are most important to you to discover your ideal match for comfort, style, and performance.
