A Guide To The Best Biker Shorts You Can Wear This Summer

OSTN Staff

The resurgence of leggings as “real pants” has only been accelerated by the past year’s shift towards comfort-first wardrobes. We no longer ask ourselves whether or not the body-con bottoms are a truly viable option to wear outside of the gym; with the right styling, the right attitude, and the right pair, the stretchy, clingy pant now gets a resounding yes. However, as summer rolls around, the same goes for the leggings’ cropped counterparts: biker shorts.

Bike shorts caused quite the stir when they returned to the runway again a few years back, with fashion girls all over the world embracing the controversial trend. And, while we weren’t quite sure of their longevity, after seeing our favorite designers from Heron Preston to Rachel Comey manufacturing pairs of their own, it became clear that bike shorts are here to stay. What’s the trick to doing them right? Our advice: grab a pair with some length — it’s more fashion-forward and makes navigating your shoe selection so much easier. Leggings and heeled sandals? Most likely no. Bike shorts and heeled sandals? Kind of great. Wear with an oversized blazer, a simple hoodie, or with a pretty white blouse, and you’re good to go.

Ahead, shop our picks for the best biker shorts you’ll need for summer — from high-rise to ribbed and pocket-clad.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Best High-Rise Bike Short

Girlfriend Collective FLOAT High-Rise Bike Short

Girlfriend Collective FLOAT High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at

Best Ribbed Bike Short

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short, $, available at

Best Compression Bike Short

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short, $, available at

Best Knit Bike Short

Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D Knit Ribbed Shorts

Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D Knit Ribbed Shorts, $, available at

Best Eco Bike Short

Everlane The Perform Bike Short

Everlane The Perform Bike Short, $, available at

Best Bike Short For Yoga

Lululemon Align Short 6″

Lululemon Align Short 6″, $, available at

Best Bike Short in Black

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Short

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts, $, available at

Best Bike Short with Pockets

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7″ Short

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7″ Short, $, available at

Best Bike Short for Comfort

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short, $, available at

Best Bike Short Under $15

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts, $, available at

Best Sweat-Wicking Bike Short

Outdoor Voices Core 7″ Short

Outdoor Voices Core 7″ Short, $, available at

Best Cotton Bike Short

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7″ Inseam Bike Shorts

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7″ Inseam Bike Shorts, $, available at

Best Faux Leather Bike Short

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short, $, available at

Best Bike Short for Running

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts, $, available at

Best Printed Bike Short

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus, $, available at

Best Bike Short for Going Out

Good America The Boss Bike Short

Good American The Boss Bike Short, $, available at

Best Mid-Rise Bike Short

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short, $, available at

Best Padded Bike Short

Rapha Core Shorts

Rapha Core Shorts, $, available at

Best Super Stretchy Knit-Ribbed Bike Short

Los Angeles Apparel Ultra Heavy Knit Ribbed Bike Shorts

Los Angeles Apparel Ultra Heavy Knit Ribbed Bike Shorts, $, available at

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