Biker shorts have become a staple in women’s wardrobes, transitioning from workout gear to everyday fashion essentials. With countless brands and styles available, finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming. This guide dives deep into the Best Biker Shorts For Women, meticulously tested and reviewed to help you discover your ideal match for any activity, from intense workouts to relaxed daily wear. We’ve explored a range of options, considering factors like comfort, compression, fabric, and style to bring you the top recommendations on the market.
My Go-To Pair: TNA Life Cheeky Shorts
For an all-around excellent choice, the TNA Life Cheeky Shorts from Aritzia stand out. These shorts perfectly balance key features: a high-rise waist for secure coverage, exceptional softness for all-day comfort, and a compressive waistband that’s supportive without feeling restrictive. The sleek, minimalist design avoids unnecessary logos or seams, maintaining a clean look. While a small logo is present on the back, it’s discreet compared to more prominent branding on other athletic wear. Priced at $38, these shorts offer remarkable value, performing well during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sweaty workouts while remaining comfortable enough for lounging. The TNA Life Cheeky shorts are a versatile and affordable option in the realm of women’s biker shorts.
The 7-inch inseam is a personal favorite length, hitting a sweet spot for coverage and style (for reference, the reviewer is 5’5”). Aritzia offers a wide variety of inseam lengths to suit different preferences. This length is versatile enough to wear under oversized sweatshirts or paired with sports bras or cropped tops, like this recommended option. True to size fit is consistent; a small size worked perfectly for the reviewer. If you’re seeking reliable and stylish women’s biker shorts, the TNA Life Cheeky is an excellent starting point.
The OG for a Reason: Lululemon Align Biker Shorts
The Lululemon Align Biker Shorts have earned their reputation as a gold standard in women’s activewear. Despite initial surprise, these shorts lived up to the hype, delivering exceptional softness and comfort while providing effective compression and a flattering silhouette. From the first try-on, the desire to keep them was immediate. These shorts offer thigh and waistband compression that feels supportive without digging in or being difficult to pull on. While not specifically designed for high-sweat activities, they are ideal for yoga, Pilates, walking, or casual everyday wear.
Originally tested in the 6-inch length, the 8-inch version is recommended for optimal versatility, especially considering Lululemon’s complimentary hemming service. This service allows customization of both new and old Lululemon gear to achieve the perfect length, no receipt or tags needed. The 8-inch inseam may need to be ordered online as in-store stock can be limited. Sizing remains consistent with Lululemon standards; a size 4 fit true to size for the reviewer who typically wears a 4 in the brand. For those seeking premium comfort and quality in women’s biker shorts, the Lululemon Align remains a top-tier choice.
The Extra Softies: TNA Butter Cheeky & Splits59 Airweight Shorts
When ultimate softness is the priority, the TNA Butter Cheeky Shorts and Splits59 Airweight Shorts are exceptional contenders. The TNA Butter Cheeky, priced affordably at $38, are incredibly soft and comfortable, suitable for lounging, errands, or light workouts. While they provide leg smoothing, the waist compression is less pronounced compared to other models. For a superior blend of compression and softness, the Lululemon Align remains a top pick, albeit at a higher price point. However, for pure softness on a budget, the TNA Butter Cheeky is hard to beat.
The Splits59 Airweight Shorts, at $68, are another standout in the ultra-soft category. These shorties (referring to inseams of 6 inches or less) are remarkably thin and lightweight, feeling luxurious against the skin. While pricier, their divine softness justifies the cost for those prioritizing this feature. Both pairs were tested in size small and fit true to size. If your quest is for the softest possible women’s biker shorts, both the TNA Butter Cheeky and Splits59 Airweight Shorts deliver unparalleled comfort.
Best High-Waisted Compression: Beyond Yoga Keep Pace Biker Short
For those seeking high-waisted compression without sacrificing comfort, the Beyond Yoga Keep Pace Biker Short is a top recommendation. These shorts are highly flattering, offering substantial compression in both the waist and legs. Made from Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, they maintain a super-soft feel despite their compressive nature. Available in various lengths (including longer and shorter options), they cater to different preferences. If a high waist and secure hold are paramount while retaining softness, these are an excellent choice.
One minor drawback noted was some waistband rollover during bending, potentially due to the very high waist and reviewer’s shorter torso (5’5” with a short torso). However, the overall flattering fit was undeniable, making them a strong contender for those who typically find biker shorts unflattering. The Spacedye fabric has a slightly heathered appearance, resembling burnout jersey, which is more noticeable in lighter colors. If a solid, flat black is preferred, this fabric texture might not be ideal. Despite this, the Beyond Yoga Keep Pace shorts remained a top-three pick. They fit true to size, with a small working well for the reviewer. For women desiring high-compression biker shorts that are still soft and comfortable, the Beyond Yoga Keep Pace is a standout option.
Best Print: Onzie Leopard Biker Shorts
Stepping away from solid black, the Onzie Leopard Biker Shorts prove that prints can be both stylish and flattering in activewear. While the focus has been on black biker shorts, these leopard print shorts are a long-time favorite and worth highlighting. The print is surprisingly versatile, pairing well with black and white workout tops, and most importantly, it’s exceptionally flattering—a rare find in printed athletic wear. The material is more moisture-wicking than many others tested and has proven durable through numerous washes and workouts. Sizing in S/M offers flexibility. For women looking to add a fun and flattering print to their biker short collection, the Onzie Leopard is a fantastic choice.
Pairs That Didn’t Quite Make the Cut
While the following pairs didn’t become top recommendations, they are still popular options and may suit individual preferences:
- Alo 7” Biker Short: While offering a compressive fit suitable for sweatier workouts and a decent cut, the prominent logo placement on the front thigh detracts from the sleekness and overall flattering look compared to other brands with rear waistband logos.
- BALEAF Biker Shorts: As a top-selling Amazon option, these budget-friendly shorts with pockets and numerous seams didn’t offer the most flattering fit. For a slightly higher price, the TNA options from Aritzia are a worthwhile upgrade in terms of style and quality.
- Lululemon Wunder Unders 8”: These are described as “BIKER bike shorts” due to their super-compressive nature and robust feel. The bottom seam can dig into the thighs, prioritizing a secure, unmoving fit over ultimate comfort. Ideal for intense cycling or high-impact activities where maximum support is needed, but less so for everyday wear or softer workouts.
- Girlfriend Collective Biker Shorts: Despite the brand’s sustainability and size inclusivity, these shorts featured numerous seams that detracted from a sleek look. Waistband smoothing was less effective than other compressive pairs, although leg compression was present.
- Free People Good Karma Bike Shorts: These shorts run extremely tight and were difficult to put on, with very constricting bottom seams around the thighs, creating an unflattering “overstuffed sausage” effect. While the style may appeal, the leggings version is suggested as a potentially more comfortable alternative, though other brands are preferred for overall athletic wear performance.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Biker Shorts
This comprehensive guide highlights a variety of top-performing biker shorts for women, each excelling in different areas. Whether you prioritize all-around performance, ultimate softness, high compression, or stylish prints, there’s a perfect pair out there for you. Consider your primary needs – are they for intense workouts, gentle studio classes, or everyday casual comfort? Use this review as a starting point to explore these recommended brands and styles, and discover the best biker shorts to elevate your activewear wardrobe. Find your perfect fit and enjoy the comfort and style of the ideal biker shorts for your lifestyle today!
