A Great Pair Of Bike Shorts Is The Perfect Addition To Your Summer Wardrobe
While bike shorts have been a much-beloved staple for cyclists for many years, this unique style of short has recently exploded into the fashion scene. One part 80s nostalgia and one part particular workout wear, the bike short provides a little bit of fashion and function in one comfortable piece of clothing.
A great pair of bike shorts can truly be a workhorse in your wardrobe, and can be the perfect piece that you can style and wear for all types of occasions. Whether you are hitting the pavement on a long ride, headed to the gym, or just want a comfortable and stretchy pair of shorts to lounge around the house in, there is no end to the different options when it comes to bike shorts.
However, with so many of these shorts on the market right now, it can be difficult to determine which shorts are the best shorts to meet your needs. The good news is, we have taken care of most of the legwork for you and curate a list of our favorite comfortable bike shorts. Whether you’re headed on a run or to the couch, there is a lot to love about all of the shorts that made our list. Now all you need to do is determine which of these shorts you are going to try first.
1. Wolven
Type of Bike Shorts | Recycled Midi Bike Short
Benefits | Fair Trade Certified, GOTS Certified, Recycled, Organic Cotton, Give Back, WCA Certified, Vegan
Color | Lavender
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $62
Looking for a stylish and colorful bike short? Take a look at this Lavender Midi Bike Short from Wolven. While we are sure you will love the color, there are even more features to love with this active bike short. While the color of these bike shorts is great, one of our favorite style features is the v front waistband design that is both functional and flattering. The unique and figure-flattering silhouette comes from a women-owned brand who knows how to combine flattering fashion with function.
These shorts are also a great option for eco-friendly shoppers. These shorts are Fair Trade Certified, meaning you can rest assured that everyone was fairly compensated for their efforts to make these shorts. In fact they were all ethically made in a WCA certified workshop in China. The shorts themselves are crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic and spandex. Wolven actually removes one pound of waste from the ocean with every order placed, which is something we can all feel good about contributing to.
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2. Patagonia
Type of Bike Shorts | Recycled Midi Bike Short
Benefits | Fair Trade Certified, Recycled, Natural, Breathable, Pull on Design
Color | Black
Sizes | 0-18
Price | $79
When it comes to quality outdoor gear, there are very few companies that can compare to Patagonia. This brand specializes in crafting adventure-ready pieces that are meant for exploring, including these Sport Mountain Bike Shorts. These are not your average “fashion” bike shorts, but instead are an actual durable pair of outdoor shorts that are ready for the mountain bike trails ahead.
These shorts have a long inseam, minimal style and pull-on elastic waistband. We also love that these shorts are Fair Trade Certified sewn so you can rest assured that everyone involved in making these comfortable shorts was fairly compensated for their efforts. We also love that the lightweight and breathable fabric of these shorts is made with recycled materials. In fact, 64% of all Patagonia’s fabrics this season are made with recycled materials—as part of their ongoing efforts to help protect the planet.
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3. Ten Tree
Type of Bike Shorts | Bike Short
Benefits | GOTS Certified, Recycled, Eco-Friendly, Give Back, Saves Waste
Color | Multiple Colors
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $45
If you are looking for a comfortable, natural and sustainable pair of bike shorts, then take a look at this on-trend pair from Ten Tree. We love these comfortable and stretchy bike shorts, which will make a versatile addition to your closet. These bike shorts are made in a closed-loop process that uses recycled post-consumer garments, meaning they are good for the planet and good at keeping unwanted materials out of our landfills.
In fact, these bike shorts have a truly positive impact on our planet. With every pair of shorts that Ten Tree sells, they save 0.87 l of water, 0.18 kg of CO2 and 0.02 g of waste. The result is a pair of shorts that is not only functional, stylish and comfortable, but one that is actually helping to reverse the negative impact that the clothing industry is having on our planet.
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4. Vuori
Type of Bike Shorts | Bike Short
Benefits | GOTS Certified, Recycled, Eco-Friendly, Give Back, Saves Waste
Color | Black
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $54
Looking for a fun, fashionable and shorter pair of bike shorts? These Women’s Clean Elevation Shorty Black Camo shorts are a great option to consider. There is so much to love about these black camo shorts. These bike shorts are designed with a high rise, but they also have high performance in mind. You don’t have to worry about the high wsie of these shorts rolling down either. We love the fit of these shorts and the naturally breathable and lightweight material that makes them great for working out.
Like many items in the Vuori line of products, these women’s bike shorts are made using clean processes and with safe, natural and eco-friendly materials. This is all part of Vuori’s efforts to help bring more sustainability to the fashion industry and to help eco-conscious shoppers find the high-quality and reliable workout clothes they need while still doing their part to help the planet.
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5. Columbia
Type of Bike Shorts | Half Tights
Benefits | GOTS Certified, Recycled, Sun Protection, Moisture-Wicking, Polyester
Color | Yellow
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $40
Many people know and love Columbia for their outdoor-friendly products. This includes items like this pair of women’s half tights. We love these classic bike shorts and the fact that they are made to be a durable addition to your wardrobe that is perfect for all of your outdoor adventures. These bike shorts are moisture-wicking. These shorts are made of a polyester fabric with a hint of stretch that will bring plenty of comfort to these shorts.
We love the brand Columbia because they are not only dedicated to creating products to get out and explore the outdoors, but they are also a brand that is about protecting the outdoors as well. This company uses eco-friendly materials and practices when creating their outdoor-friendly gear and uses safe, organic and natural materials to create their sustainable outdoor gear.
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6. Cotton:On
Type of Bike Shorts | Bike Short
Benefits Natural Cotton, Give Back, Soft, Flattering
Color | Black
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $62
Looking for a comfortable pair of bike shorts that are also made of durable, breathable, natural cotton? Then Cotton:On has you covered. There is so much to love about the brand’s Original Bike Shorts. These bike shorts are made with 95% natural cotton which is naturally moisture-wicking and breathable. We love that these cotton bike shorts also have a hint of elastane in them to give them that nice and comfortable stretch that will move with you.
The result is a pair of bike shorts that are form fitting, not see through and have a flattering and comfortable fit. We don’t just love these bike shorts either. We love the common behind them as well. Cotton:On is a brand committed to sustainability. The company has already made some big impacts on the planet and is working to bring more sustainability to the fashion industry while reducing their own carbon footprint.
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7. Onzie
Type of Bike Shorts | Bike Short
Benefits | Flattering Fit, Polyester, High Rise, Natural, Moisture-Wicking, Made in the USA
Color | Black or Leopard
Sizes | S/M, M/L, XS/S
Price | $54
This pair of high-rise black bike shorts is designed to be super flattering and fashionable. The higher rise fit on these bike shorts will smooth out your midsection and give you a flattering silhouette. There is a lot to love about these shorts, that are truly meant to wear all day. They feature full booty coverage an a waistband that is meant to stay in place—that means no worrying about your shorts rolling down while you work out.
These pants feature a material that has four way stretch to accommodate your curves and your movement, in a material that is quick-drying and naturally moisture wicking. Plus, we love that these breathable, comfortable bike shorts are made right here in the USA using safe and sustainable practices that shoppers can feel confident in.
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8. MPG Sport
Type of Bike Shorts | Climb Bike Short
Benefits | Sustainable Style, Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, Recycled, Sculpting
Color | Marble, Abstract, Floral
Sizes | XS, S, M, L
Price | $62
If you are looking for a great pair of bike shorts that are designed to keep up with all of your activities, then take a look at these MPG Sport Bike Shorts. These bike shorts are meant for outdoor activities like climbing, biking and hiking and feature a high-waisted design that is meant to stay in place during all of your outdoor activities. This isn’t the only thing we love about these sporty shorts either.
This company is truly committed to creating a sustainable and stylish pair of shorts. These shorts utilize recycled materials that will help keep extra fabric out of our landfills. This fabric is also sustainably sourced using ethical environmental and social practices. The result is a pair of shorts that are sure to fit the bill for any eco-conscious shopper.
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9. New Balance
Type of Bike Shorts | 8 Inch Bike Short
Benefits | Green Leaf Standard, 50% Environmentally-Preferred Materials, Moisture Wicking Technology
Color | Black
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $35
If you are looking for a pair of fitted bike shorts that will help get you through all of your upcoming workouts, then take a look at these shorts from New Balance. There is a lot to love about these shorts, including the fact that they have a longer inseam for a little extra coverage and protection. These shorts are also made with moisture-wicking technology that will help keep you cool, dry and comfortable, no matter how difficult of a workout you have ahead of you.
However, our favorite feature of this unique material is that it meets New Balance’s Green Leaf Standard. This means that these shorts are made of 50% or more environmentally preferred materials. This includes recycled content, organic fabrics and more. The result is not only a higher quality pair of shorts, but a fabric that is actually better for you and our planet as well.
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10. Organic Basics
Type of Bike Shorts | Bike Short
Benefits | Ethically Made, Stay Fresh Design, Recycled Materials, Seamless
Color | Black
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price | $70
The right bike shorts can be a must-have addition to your yoga wardrobe, and if you are looking for a new pair of active yoga shorts than these Organic Basics are perfect for you. We love that these basic bike shorts are meant to stretch and move with you as you get into all of your favorite yoga poses. This isn’t the only thing that helps these basic yoga shorts stand out either.
These shorts are made with the brand’s signature Polygiene Stay Fresh design. This is a bluesign approved feature that will stop the growth of odor causing bacteria on your fabric. Polygiene is not a nano-silver like other odor blocking agents and won’t harm the environment. This unique fabric also comes from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills, and the shorts are ethically made, creating a truly sustainable piece of clothing that you will love having in your closet.
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Women’s Bike Shorts You Will Love
Bike shorts are such a great addition to any wardrobe. These lightweight, flexible and longer-length bike shorts are not only fashion-forward but versatile as well. Whether you are looking for a comfortable pair to lounge in, or really want a pair of shorts for when you get out and bike, there are so many great options to consider. With the items on our list there is no denying that you will have a pair of bike shorts that fits your need, no matter what type you are looking for.
Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.
Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey