The 20 Best Biker Shorts You Need in Your Athleisure Wardrobe Right Now

Best Color Options

Golden Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise Short

Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise Short

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.”

Best Ribbed

Year of Ours Ribbed V-Waist Biker Short

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!”

Best Supportive

Nike Pro 365 High-Waisted Shorts

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.

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Best Drawstring

Bandit Running Cadence Compression Shorts

Cadence Compression Shorts

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

Best on Amazon

FULLSOFT High Waisted Biker Shorts

High Waisted Biker Shorts

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.”

Best Budget

BALEAF Compression Spandex Shorts with Pockets

On Sale

Compression Spandex Shorts with Pockets

Now 26% Off

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.”

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Best Designer

Anine Bing Blake Biker Shorts

Blake Biker Shorts

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

Best Multi-Purpose

Montce Crochet Micro Bike Short

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!”

Best for Training

Vuori All The Feels Shorts

All The Feels Shorts

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.”

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Shape Shifter

Fanka Body Sculpt Patterned Waistband Biker Shorts

Body Sculpt Patterned Waistband Biker Shorts

Now 30% Off

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!”

Best Sustainable

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short

High-Rise Bike Short

Now 40% Off

Pros
  • High-waisted
  • Inclusive size range
  • Sustainable materials

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.

Best Crossover

Gymshark Crossover Shorts

Crossover Shorts

Now 70% Off

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

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Best Seamless

AUROLA Intensify Workout Seamless Scrunch Shorts

Intensify Workout Seamless Scrunch Shorts

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!!!!”

Best Low Impact

Splits59 Airweight High Waist Short

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.

Best Value

Free People Movement Never Better Bike Shorts

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!”

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Best for Yoga

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short

Align High-Rise Short

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.

Best for Athletes

One Peloton Cadent High-Rise Pocket Bike Short

Cadent High-Rise Pocket Bike Short

Pros
  • Squat-proof
  • Good for all exercise modalities
  • Pocket
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

Best Balletcore

437 The Scrunch Short

The Scrunch Short

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.”

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Best for Everyday

Joah Brown The Biker Short

The Biker Short

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

Best Lightweight

Alo Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short

Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short

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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