The best bike shorts for every day and every workout
If theres a MVP in your wardrobe besides leggings, its gotta be bike shorts, right? You can wear them to the gym, to yoga, for a walk, in your downtime – heck, you can even go CRAZY and wear them to actually ride a bike. Perfect for summertime workouts but just as perfect for off-duty dressing whenever the mood (and the temperature) strikes. Sleek and slimming, theres nothing better for showing off your glutes or your pins, and these days there are so many great options, you can dress them down or up, as you like. Here are 20 bike shorts perfect for working out, hanging out, or simply serving lewks as you go about your day.
Best overall
TSLA Womens High Waisted Bike Shorts, from $16.98 at Amazon
Nicky Kay Seamless Bike Shorts, $65 at THE ICONIC
lululemonTM Align High-Rise Short 6″ $69 at Lululemon
Best for the gym
Core Trainer Lara Active Bike Shorts, $49.99 at THE ICONIC
Rally Bike Short, $50 at Lorna Jane
adidas Womens Karlie Kloss Short Shorts, $79.99 at Rebel Sport
Best for the bike
Womens HeatGear® Armour Geo Bike Shorts, $50 at Under Armour
Triban 100 Womens Bibless Cycling Shorts, $19 at Decathlon
Running Bare Womens Spinclass Bike Tights, $79.99 at Rebel Sport
Best for yoga
lululemon AlignTM High-Rise Short 8″, $79 at Lululemon
Running Bare Womens Ab Tastic Studio Bike Tights, $79.99 at Under Armour
Best high-waisted
Leopard Valley Bike Shorts, $79 at THE ICONIC
Align Super High-Rise Short 10″, $54 at Lululemon
Running Bare Womens Power Move Bike Shorts, $89.99 at Rebel Sport
Best value
Cotton On The Pip Jersey Bike Shorts, $19.99 at THE ICONIC
Factorie Basic Bike Shorts, $14.95 at THE ICONIC
Best for everyday
Girlfriend Collective +Net sustain bike recycled stretch shorts, $85 at Net-a-Porter
Ibiza 5″ Biker Short, $199.78 at Revolve
Lay Back Phone Pocket Bike Short, $89 at Lorna Jane
Nike Womens One 7 Inch Shorts, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Want us to talk you through which shorts you need for the gym, the barre, and the brunch table? Read on as we round up our favourites.
Best overall
TSLA Womens High Waisted Bike Shorts, from $16.98 at Amazon
Image: Amazon
Source:BodyAndSoul
Unbelievably affordable and with a super-handy phone pocket, these bike shorts give you a lot of bang for your buck. They come in various lengths – so you can be as practical or as cheeky as you like – and a bunch of different colours, but are all crafted with the same Aeirsoft thick fabric which keeps them squat proof but also breathable, as well as slimming and contouring to your body. Theyre moisture-wicking and UV resistant and have a high-waist and four-way stretch so theyll stay up and stay comfortable whatever your workout.
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Nicky Kay Seamless Bike Shorts, $65 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Crafted from a nylon/spandex blend, these are super soft and flexible and should be a staple in pretty much any wardrobe. The seamless design means theyre unbelievably comfy, yet with a ribbed panelling and a high rise waist, theyre also supportive and body sculpting.
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lululemonTM Align High-Rise Short 6″ $69 at Lululemon
Image: Lululemon
Source:BodyAndSoul
These unbelievably comfortable shorts are great for yoga, the gym, or just going about your day. Made from Lululemons buttery-soft and weightless Nulu fabric, you can barely tell youre actually wearing them. (I know… I have two pairs!) Available in a bunch of different colours, the four-way stretchy material has added lycra that moves with you and the shorts are sweat-wicking and breathable. They also have a hidden pocket for stashing away your key or your credit card.
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Best for the gym
Core Trainer Lara Active Bike Shorts, $49.99 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
With a mid-length and a high waist, these will stay up no matter how active your workout, they also have a reflective strip on the side. Made from a nylon/spandex blend, theyre sweat-wicking and breathable, flexible for working out and comfortable for off-duty wear.
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Rally Bike Short, $50 at Lorna Jane
Image: Lorna Jane
Source:BodyAndSoul
Up your gym game and make sure youre noticed even in the back of the class with these fluoro shorts from Lorna Jane… you can even get yourself a matching crop top (and you should definitely do that) These are cool to the touch – so theyll always keep you feeling fresh – and have four-way stretch making them shrink and fade resistant as well as squat proof. Moisture-wicking and breathable thanks to their polyester/elastane blend, theyre perfect for those who want their activewear to make a statement.
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adidas Womens Karlie Kloss Short Shorts, $79.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
Created in collaboration with supermodel Karlie Kloss, these shorts are made from 85% recycled polyester with moisture-absorbing Aeroready technology that is breathable and sweat-resistant. The elastic waistband has a drawcord so you can adjust to suit your own body and the high-rise waistband gives you extra support and comfort. Theres also a small hidden pocket for stashing your essentials. “Great Purchase,” writes one reviewer, “These shorts are so comfortable and the perfect fit. I found they stayed in place for the whole of my gym session, would definitely recommend them. I am just going to purchase another pair, love them!!!!”
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Best for the bike
Womens HeatGear® Armour Geo Bike Shorts, $50 at Under Armour
Image: Under Armour
Source:BodyAndSoul
Built for riding (especially if youre heading out for a ride in winter) these shorts are made from super-light HeatGear fabric which will keep you warm without weighing you down. Theyre extremely sweat-wicking and quick-drying and are crafted with 4-way stretch material that will move with you through every ride, and have flatlock seams to make them extra comfy and chafe-free. They also have a high-rise waistband and a built-in pocket.
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Triban 100 Womens Bibless Cycling Shorts, $19 at Decathlon
Image: Decathlon
Source:BodyAndSoul
An affordable pair of shorts that have a lot of fans, these are designed for cycling, with an ergonomic foam pad in the seat that absorbs vibrations and reduces chafing while you ride. Theyre breathable, stretchy and moisture-wicking, as well as being machine-washable. “Great product,” writes one, “Got these as have started indoor cycling and they are fab! Great fit and worth the money.”
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Running Bare Womens Spinclass Bike Tights, $79.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
Its there in the name: These shorts are quite literally built for your spin class. Made from a nylon/elastane blend, they are breathable and moisture-wicking and have flat-locked seams so they wont chafe no matter how many hills your climb or how many sprints you manage. With a high-waist and compression performance fabric, theyll offer comfort and support. “Great fit,” writes one. “They don’t come up or roll down from the top. Great quality and thicker, non-see-through material.”
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Best for yoga
lululemon AlignTM High-Rise Short 8″, $79 at Lululemon
Image: Lululemon
Source:BodyAndSoul
Not all shorts are built for yoga, but these ones most certainly are, with a high rise and a long leg to support every pose and movement. Made from the same buttery-soft Nulu fabric with extra lycra to make it super stretchy, its sweat-wicking and moisture resistant and has a hidden pocket for your valuables. They have heaps of positive reviews online. “So flattering… Id purchased the long legs in this same gorgeous fabric, also in navy, so just had to have the shorter version as well for hot yoga. Both are very flattering and comfy!”
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Running Bare Womens Ab Tastic Studio Bike Tights, $79.99 at Under Armour
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
Perfect for studio work or barre, these have Running Bares highest waistband so they wont drop or distract you from every tricky pose. Crafted from supportive compression fabric theyre comfy and form-flattering and have flatlock seams to help reduce the risk of chafing as you exercise.
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Best high-waisted
Leopard Valley Bike Shorts, $79 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Lurv has a huge range of bike shorts but these are our pick (cos you cant go past leopard print, amirite?). These have a high-rise waist and are made from a polyester/elastane blend making them breathable and comfy. They have a slight stretch, so are more suited to daily wear or running/cardio than intense, studio workouts.
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Align Super High-Rise Short 10″, $54 at Lululemon
Image: Lululemon
Source:BodyAndSoul
With the highest-rise and longest leg of Lululemons Align range, these are great for any kind of exercise. A perfect length for going about your busy day, theyll also keep you comfy and supported during barre work, a spin class or a jog around the park. Sweat-wicking, breathable and moisture-resistant, they also have a hidden pocket. “Perfect for anything”, says one reviewer, “These shorts are super comfy and great fit Perfect for yoga or pilates or the gym including running – very happy, good coverage of legs too.”
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Running Bare Womens Power Move Bike Shorts, $89.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
“Best Workout Shorts,” writes just one of the many happy customers who liked these shorts so much they bothered to review them. “My favourite bike shorts. Flattering and stays in place. Also, love the phone pockets. I use it for all my workouts.” These are made from 80% supplex compression performance fabric and 20% elastane for ultimate stretch and flexibility. They have an ultra-high waist do flatter and support and flatlock seams to reduce irritation and chafing.
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Best value
Cotton On The Pip Jersey Bike Shorts, $19.99 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Super affordable and available in six great patterns and colours, these make a great addition to your everyday wardrobe. Cotton-rich and with a mid-rise waist, theyre stretchy and comfy.
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Factorie Basic Bike Shorts, $14.95 at THE ICONIC
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Another cheap and cheerful option, available in two lovely pastel colours, these shorts from Factorie are made from a stretchy, cotton-rich blend and are designed to move with you throughout your day.
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Best for everyday
Girlfriend Collective +Net sustain bike recycled stretch shorts, $85 at Net-a-Porter
Image: Net-a-porter
Source:BodyAndSoul
Just as suited to the gym as the cafe, these shorts are sleek, supportive and comfortable and are made from repurposed plastic bottles to give you a compressed, sculpted fit with a high waist to keep you tucked in and supported.
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Ibiza 5″ Biker Short, $199.78 at Revolve
Image: Revolve
Source:BodyAndSoul
One reviewer calls these shorts, “BEST BIKER SHORTS IVE EVER OWNED,” adding, “price was steep but bite the bullet, worth every penny.” Theyre definitely more toward the athleisure side of things rather than the spin class, but there is no reason these shorts cant do double duty when needed. Made from a spandex/cotton jersey blend theyre incredibly soft and comfy and feel soft as silk to wear. Also, bright pink bike shorts? That is undeniably hot.
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Lay Back Phone Pocket Bike Short, $89 at Lorna Jane
Image: Lorna Jane
Source:BodyAndSoul
Stretchy and comfy with a retro feel, these shorts have an elasticated waist with a drawcord for a perfect fit. Breathable and lightweight, theyre great for the studio, but just as good for everyday, paired with a white tee. They also have a handy phone pocket.
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Nike Womens One 7 Inch Shorts, $49.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel
Source:BodyAndSoul
You cant do a roundup of activewear without including Nike, and these shorts are a great option for your daily workout or for your daily life, with a comfortable, mid-thigh length, moisture-wicking fabric and seamless fabric for a chafe-free feel. The fabric is compressing to keep you snug but not so tight you cant wear them all day long, and there are several small hidden pockets to keep your essentials handy. “The Best Shorts Ever! These are my favourite shorts! I dont usually go back to buy another pair of something but with these I had to. So comfortable, butt looks great in them and perfect length! So so soft, if I could wear them every day I would!”
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What should I look for when buying bike shorts?
Like any activewear, it depends on what exactly you plan to do in them but at the very least, you should look for fabric that is sweat-wicking, moisture-resistant, and breathable. Polyester, nylon, and cotton blends are best, with elastane and lycra great additions for flexibility and added stretch. Bamboo is a great choice because it’s moisture-wicking and regulates temperature well – so it keeps you both hot and cold as needed. It’s also soft to wear and durable, so it’ll last longer than some other fibres. For me, things like pockets are essential because when I head for a workout, I want to take my phone and my house key and thats it. But not everyone needs a pocket in their shorts.
How can I make my activewear go the distance?
Always check the washing instructions before you go and chuck your activewear in the washing machine – some fabrics (like bamboo) might require a cold or a hand wash. But either way, it’s always a good idea to give your activewear a quick hand wash in cold water first which will prevent colour bleed and shrinkage. And it’s usually a good idea to skip the dryer and opt for air-drying.
Want more great buying guides? Here are the best shorts for yoga and pilates and our favourite leggings with pockets. Want to get some great deals on your activewear? Weve found up to 15% off mens and womens workout gear at Asics.