The 20 Best Biker Shorts You Need in Your Wardrobe Right Now
For fitness, fashion, and everything in between.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Listen up, ladies: It’s officially summer, which means you can finally banish your leggings and joggers to the wasteland under your bed and swap them out for those beloved biker shorts. Given our constantly growing collections, we consider ourselves true connoisseurs on the subject; contributor Isabelle Adler would sleep in hers if she could. Just like Princess Diana taught us, Spandex paired a sweatshirt and sneakers is always the answer.
These days, we know you need your clothes to do it all. For fitness, errands, lounging, or even as an undergarment, your shorts should work overtime. In hopes of helping you make well-informed purchases that turn into your new favorite things, we looked into which styles are worth purchasing. The top contenders offer moisture-wicking fabrics, seamless designs, and snug yet flexible fits that move with you. Below, find 20 of the best biker shorts to shop now.
Pros
- Ultra soft
Cons
- Might ride up
I’ll give it to the Aritzia girlies for this one, these are SO soft. Whether you’re crushing a yoga class or running errands, the barely there, sweat-wicking fabric will have you reaching for these biker shorts every single time.
Sizes: 00-16
Colors: 15 options
Material: 80% Nylon, 20% elastane
Customer review: “Great shorts. The 3-inch inseam is perfect and isn’t too cheeky.”
Year of Ours Ribbed V-Waist Biker Short
Pros
- High-waisted
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Not ideal for high-impact workouts
For a more flattering look, invest in a V-cut bike short that’ll hug your hips in all the right places.
Sizes: XS-2X
Colors: Black, White, Navy
Material: 85% Nylon, 15% spandex active rib
Customer review: “Emphasizes curves while staying put—love them!”
Nike Pro 365 High-Waisted Shorts
Pros
- Sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology
- Stay in place and won’t ride up
Cons
- Waistband is a bit tight
These are the shorts you can rely on when a high-intensity workout is ahead. The Dri-FIT technology will keep you feeling dry and comfortable no matter how much you sweat.
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Colors: 6 options
Material: 78-83% polyester, 17-22% spandex
Customer review: “Nice fit. Holds me in all the right places.”
Pros
- Slimming fit
Cons
- Sells out quickly
According to Adler, not only are these shorts flattering, but they’re also extremely comfortable. On the front and the back of the interior hem, there’s grip tape to prevent any riding up—and it works. These are editor-approved.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Deep Teal, Sand
Material: 72% Nylon, 28% spandex
Pros
- Tummy control
- Plenty of color options
Cons
- Limited sizing
FULLSOFT is one of our favorite activewear brands sold on Amazon. You won’t regret trying these basic-yet-effective shaping bike shorts. A simple black short is a wardrobe must-have, and this price can not be beat.
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: 17 options
Material: 92% Polyester, 8% spandex
Customer review: “A comfortable and versatile choice for lounging, fitness, and various athletic activities. With the high waist design and tummy control feature, these shorts provide a flattering fit and help to accentuate the waistline.”
Pros
- Pockets
- Moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch fabric
- Squat-proof
- Rave reviews
Cons
- Waistband might stretch out
- Might pill over time
Contributor Amanda Le recommended these to her picky older sister and now, she can’t get enough. This pair has everything going for it: an affordable price, wide color selection, comfortable fabric, tummy-smoothing waistband, AND pockets.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Color: 23 options
Material: 87% Polyester, 13% spandex
Customer review: “Best shorts I’ve ever worn.”
Pros
- High-waisted
- Soft
- Designer
Cons
- Limited colors
- Limited sizing
Anine Bing is killing the athleisure game. Not only does she design sweat-absorbent items, she also makes them really stylish. These shorts are functional but equally as cute.
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: Sage green
Material: 74% Polyamide, 26% elastane
Montce Crochet Micro Bike Short
Pros
- Double as swim shorts!
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not ideal for high-impact exercise
- Short inseam
If it’s multi-purpose, we’re gonna love it. These knit shorts, for example, can be styled fashionably or athletically. If you wear them on a hike to a waterfall, for example, they double as swim shorts.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 25 options
Material: 90% Nylon, 10% spandex
Customer review: “Goes with so much! I will get a lot of use out of these!”
Pros
- Breathable, seamless fabric
- High-waisted
- Durable
Cons
- Sells out quickly
- Limited colors
Vuori biker shorts combine functionality, style, and sustainability, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their athletic wear collection.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Pistachio, Blue Quartz
Material: 75% Recycled polyamide, 25% elastane
Customer review: “Honestly, you feel naked and comfortable wearing these. They’re so incredibly soft, and they allow you to move in any direction without any discomfort or pull.”
Pros
- High-waisted
Cons
- Only available in one color
These Fanka bike shorts offer a snug fit that stays in place without digging in. The waistband provides additional support and ensures that the shorts won’t slip or sag.
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: Sunrise
Material: 70% Polyamide, 30% elastane
Customer review: “I just love how they feel! Went running in them, great movement!”
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short
Pros
- High-waisted
- Inclusive size range
- Sustainable materials
Cons
Crafted from recycled water bottles, these versatile shorts truly do it all. Whether you’re biking, running, training, or doing yoga, you’ll no longer have to worry about your shorts riding up.
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Colors: 6 options
Material: 79% RPET, 21% spandex
Customer review: “I love the length and how compressive they are. Very comfortable and supportive for any kind of workout.”
Pros
- Cute crossover detail
- Soft as butter
Cons
- Limited colors
Material that is quite literally as soft as butter and a price tag under $50? Say no more.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Iceberg Blue, Pomegranate Red, Black
Material: 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane
Pros
- High-waistband provides tummy control
- Affordable
- Booty-flattering ruching
Cons
- Might pill over time
Take it from the thousands of positive reviews on Amazon: These shorts are a great dupe for any of the more expensive mall brands. You’ll never have to worry about readjusting in the middle of a session again. We’ll take one in every color, please!
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 45 options
Material: 56% Nylon, 34% polyester, 10% spandex
Customer review: “THESE DO NOT NEED TO BE ADJUSTED ONCE!!! They stay put and aren’t cutting off circulation at the same time!!!!”
Splits59 Airweight High Waist Short
Pros
- High-waisted
- Super soft
- Moisture-wicking, quick-dry technology
Cons
- Better for low-impact workouts
Great for pilates, yoga, or barre, these lightweight bike shorts will feel like a second skin.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 7 options
Material: 81% Nylon, 19% spandex
Customer review: “I feel like I am not wearing anything.”
Free People Movement Never Better Bike Shorts
Pros
- Seamless performance fabric
- High rise
Cons
- Best for low-impact workouts
Free People is always a good idea, if you ask us. The fabrication of these shorts ensures they maintain shape and elasticity even after numerous washes and extended use. That durability makes them a worthwhile investment for long-term wear.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 13 options
Material: 79% Polyamide, 21% elastane
Customer review: “These are so buttery soft and the perfect thickness. It is really quality material, and they come in the cutest colors!”
Pros
- Available in four different inseams
- Buttery-soft and weightless fabric
- Hidden waistband pocket
Cons
- Only intended for low-impact workouts
Calling all yogis! If you don’t already live in these cult-favorite Lululemon bike shorts, which were specifically designed for yoga, you’re in for a treat.
Sizes: 0-20
Colors: 11 options
Material: 81% Nylon, 19% lycra elastane
Customer review: “I don’t feel self-conscious in these at all.”
Pros
- Squat-proof
- Good for all exercise modalities
Cons
- High risk of a camel toe
Peloton seems to be the best at anything it does—merch included. ELLE is home to several Pelo-loyalists. If you also love the team, then this is the short for you. Why not match your favorite instructor?
Sizes: XS-3X
Colors: 10 options
Material: 71% Recycled polyester, 29% spandex
Pros
- Stylish ruching
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- Thin fabric could snag
- Not meant for high-impact workouts
These shorts are so stinking cute. Adler immediately put them in her cart after discovering them. The matching ballet top is a must-have, too.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Espresso, Glacier, Espresso
Material: 78% Recycled polyester, 22% spandex
Customer review: “Soooo flattering! Buying all the colors.”
Pros
- High-rise waistband contours the midsection
- Second-skin feel
- Retains shape
Cons
- Not ideal for high-intensity workouts
- Limited sizing
If working out isn’t your thing, no worries; you can still rock these bike shorts. Dress them up with an oversized blazer or down with a tee and sneakers. Plus, associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue claims Joah Brown does buttery soft fabrics like no other.
Sizes: X/S, S/M, M/L
Colors: Sueded Onyx, Sueded Yuma, Sueded Lemon
Material: 76% Polyester, 24% spandex
Pros
- High rise
- Ideal for high-intensity workouts
Cons
- Short inseam
Here’s another pair we can personally vouch for. These are durable, comfortable, flattering, and well-worth the price. Alo, we love you.
Sizes: XXS-L
Colors: Black, White, Limestone, Botanical Green, Pink Summer Crush
Material: 87% Polyester, 13% spandex
Customer review: “I’m in the early stages of my fitness journey and rewarded myself with these for being consistent for a few weeks and I loved them! They’re super flattering.”
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