15 Best Bike Shorts for Hiking, Cycling, and Lounging This Summer

Set Active’s Luxform fabric is buttery-soft and actually smoothes my legs. They’re high-waisted, don’t slide down as I move, and don’t dig into my thighs. These are great to work out in with a matching sports bra, but are equally comfortable to throw on with an oversized hoodie or zip-up. The Luxform bike shorts are supportive around the waist and there are no side seams, making them look even smoother on my legs. I wear bike shorts non-stop throughout the summer months, so I have a few favorite pairs, but these are the ones I reach for the most for everyday wear. Another pro: They aren’t see-through at all. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Inseam length: 5″

What we love most: Their versatility: I’ve worn these on the StairMaster and to the grocery store.

Biker shorts have never been something you’d find in my gym wardrobe. I always noticed they’d become loose in the mid-thigh area after a few leg days, but that wasn’t the case for the Girlfriend Collective high-rise bike shorts. They’re compressive yet lightweight which makes them extremely comfortable. I wore these shorts with the matching Paloma racerback bra and I got so many compliments. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer

Inseam length: 8.5″
What we love most: Every Girlfriend Collective short is made from 17 recycled water bottles, preventing over 12 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere and saving two gallons of water in the production process. After wearing your pair thin (trust us, you’ll never want to take them off), send it back to ReGirlfriend, which upcycles unwanted garments into new styles.

“These were actually the best thing I put on my body during my entire pregnancy,” says global associate director of social Mercedes Bleth. These smoothing maternity bike shorts from Beyond Yoga are made from the brand’s soft, stretchy, and breathable Spacedye fabric. Made with moms-to-be in mind, the lack of outside seams provides added comfort and the extra-high waist allows for sufficient over-the-belly coverage; wear them up high or easily fold the waistband down. These even made their way onto Bleth’s packing list for her babymoon in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Inseam length: 7″
What we love most: The extra high-waist offers over-the-belly coverage and they are oh-so stretchy.

As the name suggests, these biker shorts are buttery soft—ideal for low-impact workouts like yoga and pilates, as well as lounging about. The material hugs your body without being too thick or prohibitive to movement; the sweat-wicking fabric has helped me survive many hot yoga classes without embarrassing stains. Another thing I love about Aritzia’s biker shorts is that they come in multiple different lengths and colors that you can match with their sports bras for a cute set. —Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news

Inseam length: 9″ 
What we love most: The buttery smooth fabric and price great point

For most of the year, I’m a run-in-leggings girl. During the hottest months of summer, though, I make the switch to bike shorts. I recently went to a Lululemon to restock on my Base Pace High-Rise Shorts, only to find out they had been discontinued. Enter: the Wunder Train short. The material is slightly thicker than the Base Pace short, but still easy to move in and not overly compressive around the stomach. And while it doesn’t have silicone grips around the thigh like my previous favorite pair, the shorts still stayed in place with minimal adjusting needed during a recent six-mile run. I find the 6″ style to be the perfect in-between length, offering more coverage and comfort than the 4″ version but feeling a bit more breathable (and looking less like a Bermuda short) than the 8″. I’m excited to keep running in these this summer. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Inseam length: 6″
What we love most: The quick-drying fabric; comfortable, stays-in-place fit; and waist pocket for keys

Sometimes I find 5″ pairs of bike shorts to be a little too short for my liking, but this airbrushed option from Alo Yoga aren’t too too short—they cover just the right amount of leg for me to feel comfortable. These bike shorts are stretchy enough that they’re comfortable to exercise in, but they’re compressive enough that the high-waisted band actually stays in place while I’m working out. (There’s nothing I dislike more in activewear than when I constantly have to pull the waistband back up into place.) These actually help sculpt and smooth your butt and legs, and they aren’t see-through—a huge pro! I can also vouch for their moisture-wicking abilities—I’ve worn them at the gym, in the sauna, and on long walks (all while sweating plenty) and didn’t have any stains to show for it. I have the best-selling pair in black, but I’m also loving the limited-edition green shade. —M.K.

Inseam length: 5″ 
What we love most: They’re moisture-wicking and have a high-waist band that stays in place.

It’s a pain to workout and constantly feel like you need to adjust your outfit when you’re trying to focus. I’ve run in these shorts, lifted weights in these shorts, and boxed in these shorts—and these shorts don’t move. The quick-drying fabric acts fast to keep me comfortable and cool, even through my most intense workouts. The fabric also has a lot of stretch to it, so it doesn’t feel tight or confining while the waistband works to give a cinched silhouette. —P.W.

Inseam length: 7″
What we love most: The affordable price point and core-controlling capability

This style from Outdoor Voices sculpts and lifts thanks to textured compression material, which stretches with your curves and—most importantly—stays put to minimize chafing. The best news? All thigh sizes are welcome: According to the site’s myriad rave reviews, the shorts flatter nearly every body type and will stay in place while dancing, jogging, hiking, biking, lounging, or walking around town. Choose from bright fun colors or simple neutrals.

Inseam length: 5″
What we love most: The textured compression fabric feels so smooth and actually moves with you.

Fashion, meet function. I love these Ganni bike shorts because they can go from biking around the city to lunch with friends (there’s a wide range of how “casual” they look based on what you wear up top). They’re a comfy 75 percent recycled nylon/25 percent spandex blend, with a flattering shape and seams that make them feel that much more pulled together. There’s also a little pocket in the back where you can fit your keys—or, if you aren’t scared of a tight stretch, an iPhone—which makes them decidedly more usable than other fashion-y bike shorts. The leopard is a mood, but I love the sporty black with a green racing stripe up the side. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

What we love most: The back pocket to store your keys and how stylish this pair looks on

Helly Hansen’s Roam trail tights are ideal for travelers looking for maximum coverage, without dipping into a legging-length tight. The longer hem (it hits an inch or two above my knee) helps avoid any sort of chafing, and makes it a great pick for bike rides or long runs. I like the back pocket, too, for stashing my keys and a card in.” —M.F.

Inseam length: 9″
What we love most: The longer hem and convenient back pocket

Sometimes, style isn’t everything. Those with actual cycling plans have a different set of needs when it comes to the best women’s bike shorts—namely, padding in the seat area, which is essential for preventing saddle sores. With over 10,000 happy reviews on Amazon, the people have spoken: Beroy’s best-selling cycling shorts are top of the line. The chamois is built with 3D gel padding that molds to the body and reduces impact, the performance fabric reduces friction while absorbing moisture, the reflective logo ensures on-road safety, and built-in silicone beads prevent the material from riding up your leg. The hardest decision left to make is choosing among the 36 different designs.

What we love most: These are available on Amazon Prime and $40, making them one of the most affordable options on our list.

Once the weather warmed up in New York, I was eager to pull out the No Better bike shorts from Free People. The smooth, soft fabric makes them a staple for lazy days spent lounging on the couch in the AC, while also making them comfortable enough to walk around the city in. While black clothing is a common closet staple, I usually steer clear of it because so many fabric variations are see-through. I can attest that the No Better bike shorts are a deep black that won’t show anything underneath, whether you’re doing a light yoga session or weightlifting in the gym. The short comes in 17 colorways, so if you love them as much as I do, you’ll have plenty of variations to choose from, including this fun purple-gray hue. —P.W.

Inseam length: 5″ 
What we love most: Uber-soft fabric and wide range of colors

I’m obsessed with everything Aerie makes with its mega-popular crossover waistband. This silhouette flatters every body type and provides just enough support around the waist without feeling uncomfortable. The material is buttery smooth and makes these shorts feel a lot more expensive than they are. I don’t wear these for very active days, but they’re one of my favorite pairs to throw on for running errands, lounging around the house, or when I’m going for a light walk. They fold up super tight—making them a nice addition to my weekender bag when I just need a few light athleisure pieces on hand. —M.K.

Inseam length: 7″
What we love most: The crisscross waistband and affordable price point

Unless I’m literally running a marathon, I want my athletic-adjacent gear to be just that—adjacent. That’s what drew me to Sporty and Rich. You can’t tell if these bike shorts are for a yoga class or a Princess Di coffee run (both, obviously), and they feel like pure butter when they’re on. If you get a lighter color, just be mindful that sweat will show more, if you are in fact planning on getting a workout in. If you just want to sip coffee on your hotel balcony in an oversized sweatshirt and these guys, take advantage of the lovely pastels. —M.S.

What we love most: Each time a pair of these are sold, Sporty & Rich will plant a tree through Eden Reforestation Projects in Madagascar.

If you dig the biker short look but prefer a fabric that’s a little less athletic, check out this pair from Year of Ours. The soft short is made with a nylon-and-spandex stretch material that’s ribbed for added texture, with a crossover waist that is universally flattering. This wouldn’t be the pair I’d throw on for a high-intensity workout, but it would be the one when I want comfort and flexibility on the go. Throw on a loose-fitting top and add a denim jacket for a look that works as well in a museum as it does a farmer’s market. —M.K.

Inseam length: 7″
What we love most: The combo of ribbed material and a crisscross waist is oh-so flattering.