The 10 most popular bike shorts everyone is wearing this summer
Here's how to get in on one of the year's biggest trends.
Credit:
Bandier
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I feel like something of a trendsetter because I wore bike shorts before they were cool. But I wore them for the least cool reason: baggy shorts would always scrunch up between my thighs, forcing me to look like a waddling penguin during running sessions.
My first forays into bike shorts included brands like American Apparel and Danskin, though as I started increasing the intensity of my workouts, I opted for Champion shorts for their sweat-wicking fabric (a sweat stain is never fun to worry about) and overall snug fit.
When I discovered that bike shorts are one of the hottest trends of 2020, I was relieved. And they're no longer just for working out—bike shorts pair perfectly with everything from crop tops to tie-dyed sweaters and dad-like accessories from fanny packs to mid-calf socks and chunky sneakers. If celebrities like Kim Kardashian can take the trend to a whole other level with translucent heels and a dramatic leather trench coat, certainly you and I can comfortably pull off the trend with casual items we already own in our closet. But before we get ahead of ourselves planning outfits we don’t own, here are the Internet’s most popular bike shorts you can buy right now.
1. Lululemon’s cult-favorite leggings in bike short form
When it comes to bike shorts, keep your standards high and your waistbands higher.
We think of Lululemon as the Mecca of leggings, so it only makes sense we also worship them for their bike shorts. They come with Lulu’s signature discrete front pocket, a high-rise waist for a compression-like feel, and butter-soft Nulu fabric. If you're on the shorter side, the eight-inch inseam could work better instead of 10 inches. One thrilled customer plans to wear them night and day: “Super versatile! I love wearing these to gym or even on a night out with a cute top! Biker shorts are really in but I love these by far the comfiest!”
Get the Align Super High Rise Short 10” at Lululemon for $58
2. These Pact bike shorts made for lounging
Break out an unexpected hue.
If you’ve been doing more lounging than biking these days, fear not. You can still rock that fitted, silhouette-shaping pair of shorts within the context of a softer, more delicate outfit. Pact took their best-selling ribbed leggings and gave them a makeover (or make-under!) for summer. What you’re left with is the same cozy recycled cotton feel, with no cumbersome seems. The brand calls it great for low activity, which is an extremely welcome option in peak heat season. While the brown version goes with anything in your closet, clay is a great way to channel nostalgic autumn vibes.
Get the Ribbed Bike Short at Pact for $24
3. These tie-dye Shein bike shorts
We're dye-ing for these.
If you don’t own several tie-dyed items, what are you doing with your life? All jokes aside, tie-dye is a trendy way to add some pep to your outfit. Good thing Shein is an actual gold mine when it comes to tie-dye biker shorts, with the Elastic Waist Tie Dye Shorts coming out on top for their stretchy spandex material, vibrant color combination that’s arguably at the foundation of all tie-dye creations, and sizing that goes up until 4XL. While we believe that Shein can be hit or miss when it comes to purchasing their low-cost, trendy clothing, these specific shorts are loved by reviewers. People have raved that they look “just like the photo with vibrant colours. Not see through, really comfy and stretchy.” Pair them with a top-rated cuffed cropped T-shirt to complete your look.
Get the Elastic Waist Tie Dye Shorts at Shein for $9
4. These pearlescent pink Bandier bike shorts
These bike shorts from Bandier are just peachy.
If you're looking for a pair of biker shorts that'll turn heads, grab this influencer- and style blogger-approved pair will make you feel nice and tucked in with its extra wide waistband that lies flat on your body. Our trending editor Amanda Tarlton calls them a shorter version of their wildly popular Center Stage leggings, which she owns and loves. Because you can wear these shorts both to work out and run errands, she says "they're super versatile, which I think makes them well worth the price." Since Bandier is one of our favorite places to get matching sets, pair it with the All Access Chorus Bra that features eight-way stretch compression and a trendy Y-shaped back for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates.
Get All Access Center Stage Biker Short at Bandier for $85
5. These Alo Yoga black bike shorts
The LBD of shorts.
Face it: You’re going to wear your black pair of biker shorts more than any other variety based on the sheer (or should we say opaque) reality of how well they’ll pair with any outfit—dress them up, dress them down, and live in them all day. Because they’ll get a considerable amount of wear, it makes sense to invest in an athleisure brand with a strong track record of producing durable, comfortable garments. These shorts are made of moisture-wicking antimicrobial fabric and contain a front-smoothing panel to hide any commando-induced camel toe. Certain customers found that sizing up helped them find the perfect length without compromising a snug fit at the waist.
Get High-Waist Biker Shorts at Alo Yoga for $56
6. These longer bike shorts from Aritzia
It's not hard to sea why these are so popular.
Can’t figure out if the forecast is calling for leggings or shorts weather? Come equipped with a mix of both. Tna’s nine-inch inseam hits just above the upper knee, providing both comfort and protection. Nylon and elastane fabrics work to give you that stretchy, barely-there invincible feeling (you know the one). If they’re supermodel Gigi Hadid’s all-time favorite pair of shorts, you know they’d probably make a stellar wardrobe addition. If you’re in a matchy mood, pair them with the Karelis Tank.
Get the Tna Atmosphere Short at Aritzia for $22.50
7. These faux leather Spanx bike shorts
Perfect whether you're looking to run faster than a cheetah or chill harder than a sloth.
You'd trust Spanx to hold you in on your wedding day, so naturally, you'd trust them to keep your core tight during spinning class (or just chilling on the couch). We are big fans of Spanx here at Reviewed, having tried and loved their faux leather leggings for their signature contoured waistband and material that looks and feels like real leather. These shorts are simply a cropped version featuring that same glossy finish and comfortable seam-free center (bye, camel toe!).
Get Spanx Faux Leather Bike Shorts at ShopBop for $68
8. These festive cycling shorts from Adidas
Adidas bike shorts are a great way to look both fierce and feminine.
Adidas athleisure has long been incredibly reliable both from a comfort and style perspective, and these shorts are no exception. Whether you're dancing up a storm at an outdoor festival or riding your bike, these shorts put a spin_ on typical activewear with their feminine pattern and glossy sheen. Plus, they're made with recycled polyester so they're sustainable to boot. Shopping online for bike shorts can be a little tricky, but one reviewer’s testimonial is inspiring enough to go for it: “The material is so comfortable and moves freely with you, not constricting. Matches back to the cute sweatshirt to give you a really cute sporty outfit.”
Get Cycling Tights at Adidas for $35
9. These comfortable Athleta shorts
No one on your Zoom call needs to know how darn comfy you are.
Now that you're not bound by office dress codes, a pair of uber comfy versatile biker shorts available in regular, tall and plus sizes is just what the productivity gods ordered. They include a three-layer waistband with a supportive mesh inner lining and Athleta's Powervita proprietary fabric that customers call "thick thigh friendly." Made for life on and off the yoga mat, they're a great pair of shorts to put on first thing in the morning when you're anticipating a quick lunch break vinyasa flow. Reviewers say "Love, love, love these shorts. They are incredibly comfortable and have become my WFH daily wardrobe. I purchased 4 pairs so far and would get more if they wouldn't keep going out of stock. The material is soft and they wash very well."
Get Athleta Elation 8" Short at Gap for $59
10. These bike shorts on Amazon that are actually made for biking
High in style, higher in performance.
Look, it’s no secret that bike shorts have become more of a fashion statement than gear used to enhance athletic performance, as per their original designation. But this top-selling pair with over 1,700 Amazon reviews actually gets the job done. It features a spandex and polyester material that absorbs perspiration and assists with range of motion. Though three-dimensional gel padding prevents pressure sores and chafing, customers note how this pair is particularly suitable for folks newer to biking who want to ease into hardcore, clunkier gear. Best of all, they look cute enough to wear while sipping a post-bike ride beer.