Cycling shorts might be the most personal piece of gear you choose. Along with saddles and shoes, they top the list of items that can make or break your ride. So many factors influence how shorts feel—body shape, riding style, temperature, ride duration, saddle type, and bike fit, just to name a few—that it's hard to make universal recommendations. But here’s one we stand by: choose shorts with padding that matches your anatomy. Skip this step, and you're almost guaranteed a miserable ride.
The best shorts feel like a second skin. Made from a stretchy, close-fitting fabric with an elastic waistband (or bib straps), they move with your body and virtually disappear once you're pedaling. You often need to try on (and test out) multiple pairs of shorts or bibs before finding the ones that are perfect for you (or as close to perfection as you can get). Invest the time, and yes, and the money. Trust us, it's worth it.
Best Cycling Shorts
- Best Overall: Pearl Izumi Attack
- Best Value: Pearl Izumi Quest
- Best Cheap Bib Shorts: The Black Bibs
- Best Men’s Bibs: Endura Pro SL EGM Bibshort
- Best Women’s Bibs: Velocio Women's Signature Bib Short
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How We Selected The Best Cycling Shorts
Here at Bicycling, we ride—a lot. From quick spins to all-day adventures, casual coffee rides to competitive races, gravel grinders to gran fondos, daily commutes to indoor sessions, and everything in between. We put our cycling clothing through serious mileage each week (just ask our overflowing laundry baskets). We’ve had the pleasure of riding in some of the best cycling shorts ever made—and we've endured the misery of suffering through rides in the not-so-great ones.
Comfortable shorts are essential to an enjoyable ride, so we’re always on the hunt for the perfect pair. And along the way, we’ve learned a few things:
Shorts wear out—and when they do, they can become your worst enemy. Don’t cling to a favorite pair once they stop performing.
There’s no break-in period anymore. If a pair doesn’t feel good on the first ride, it’s not going to get better.
Double down when you find your favorite. If a pair fits and feels great, buy as many as you can justify. Future you will be grateful.
Chamois cream is a game-changer. It might seem odd if you’ve never used it, but it can turn a rough ride into a smooth one.
We evaluate cycling shorts based on comfort, construction quality, durability, fabric, fit, price, and overall value. And we ride in them long enough to know whether they’ll hold up—or fall apart. These are the shorts we trust and reach for again and again.
Pros
- Gel grip waistband
- Moisture wicking fabric
Cons
- Thin fabric may feel less secure
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS – 3XL (Women’s); S-3XL (Men’s) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black |
| Inseam | 8 in. (Women’s); 10.5 in. (Men’s) |
| Additional features | UPF 50+ |
Designed specifically for performance, Pearl Izumi’s Attack shorts have a compressive, tight fit similar to “higher end” cycling brands such as Rapha and Assos, but without the sky-high price tag. They feature a wide waistband that doesn’t pinch and a breathable, stretchable medium-density chamois for comfort no matter how far or long you’re riding. Plus, they’re made from a fabric woven with naturally stretchy (and recycled) yarns which minimizes the number of seams and, by extension, reduces the potential for chafing.
Pearl Izumi shorts are also extremely durable. My buddy Tom, a veteran cyclist, said “they wear like iron.” One of the issues with spandex and other stretchy fabrics is that eventually the points which experience the most stress start to break down, rendering the fabric see-through. In my cycling group, we routinely have to organize interventions wherein we inform someone that it’s time to retire a specific pair of shorts. As of yet, there has never been a Pearl Izumi pair involved in one of these conversations.
Pearl Izumi Quest Cycling Shorts
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable waistband
Cons
- Stitching may cause irritation
Key Specs
| Sizing | S – 3XL (Men’s); XS – 2XL (Women’s) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Navy |
| Inseam | 9 in. (Men’s); 8.5 in. (Women’s) |
| Additional features | Wide waistband (Women’s) |
Go on any group ride and you’ll probably notice quite a few cyclists wearing shorts that sport the Pearl Izumi logo. Not necessarily considered a “premium” cycling brand, Pearl Izumi makes durable active wear that’s surprisingly comfortable and lasts for years. Made from nylon and spandex with a compression fit, the breathable fabric wicks sweat from your skin. Their “levitate” chamois, fashioned from a dense foam that eliminates bulk, provides just the right amount of padding.
One of the women I cycle with regularly had this to say about her Pearl Izumi shorts, “I bought these when I first started riding; when I knew nothing, and they’re still one of my favorites. And they’ve lasted longer than a lot of the more expensive shorts I have.” She rides about 300 miles a week, so if anyone was potentially going to wear out a pair of shorts, it would be her.
Pros
- Good basic style so it goes with all your jerseys
- Great moisture management (keeps you dry)
Cons
- Thick pad may not be comfortable for everyone
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS - XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black |
| Inseam | 9 in. |
| Additional features | None |
Gorewear—maker of that ever-popular waterproof fabric Gore-Tex—keeps it simple with its stylish, high-performance C3 shorts which offer excellent moisture management, thermal efficiency, and aerodynamic properties. They’re form-fitting with thick padding, which may cause chafing or general discomfort on paper, but for many riders they are the epitome of a short that “just works.”
That may sound like a lot of unnecessary tech for a simple pair of black shorts, but that’s the beauty of the design. Behind the understated look are the ingredients for a long day of comfortable riding. My cycling buddy Joe only wears black shorts, and these are his favorite. He’s not a person who is much concerned with “fashion” or the latest clothing technology; he just wants to be able to ride his bike for 80 to 100 miles at a time without ever thinking about what he’s wearing. His Gorewear C3s allow him to do that.
Pros
- Well-constructed shorts
- Durable material stands the test of time
Cons
- Chamois is on the thin side
Key Specs
| Sizing | XXS - 4XL (Men's); XS - 4XL (Women's) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black |
If the price of most bib shorts makes you do a double take, The Black Bibs might be the antidote. These no-frills shorts are comfortable, durable, and built to withstand hours of riding without breaking the bank. The cut is simple, the materials aren’t high-tech, and there are no hidden pockets or premium features—and that’s exactly why the price is so impressively low.
Sure, there are a few trade-offs, but they’re pretty minor considering you could buy five pairs of these for the cost of one high-end option like the Endura Pro SL. The Lycra has a slightly heavier feel, and the waist sits a few inches higher than many other bibs—a detail we only really noticed on hot days, when the extra coverage felt a bit much. The chamois is also on the thinner side. Senior Reviews Editor Bobby Lea noted that, aside from avoiding them for long indoor trainer rides, the thinner padding didn’t cause any real comfort issues. What impressed him most was how well these bibs held up—often outperforming options that cost significantly more.
Pros
- Non-shiny fabric
- Light compressive fit
Cons
- Can be hard to find
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS – 3XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Flamingo pink, flutter butterfly print, black |
| Inseam | 7 in. |
| Additional features | 2 phone-compatible side pockets |
These shorts from women’s cycling brand Shredly are a revelation in fit, style, and comfort —and I don’t say that lightly. The first time I pulled on a pair, all I could think was, “Finally!” The Biker Cham shorts provide just the right amount of compression, so I feel supported, but not crushed. Their high-waist-band-free design ensures that I don’t have to worry about tummy flashing.
And it has one of the most comfortable chamois ever. It has perforation holes throughout that make it both quick-drying and extremely flexible—there aren’t many things worse in cycling than a stiff chamois. The nylon-spandex blend of the shorts is wonderfully soft, with no shine. The perforated, laser cut, scalloped edge on the legs adds just the right bit of style. If hot pink and butterfly-print are not your thing, they also come in black.
Pros
- Racers will like the slim, tight fit
- Ventilated lumbar support
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Sizing | S - XXL (Men's); XS - XL (Women's) |
|---|
The Endura Pro SL EGM is a premium bib short designed for racers and riders who prefer a slim, performance-focused fit. Both the men’s and women’s versions feature seamless construction and raw-edge hem bands—not only for a clean, streamlined look, but also to reduce the risk of chafing by minimizing seams.
The men’s bibs include wide, elastic shoulder straps that stay comfortable on long rides without digging in. We also appreciate the ventilated lumbar panel, which provides extra support without trapping heat—a key detail for hot summer days.
The women’s version includes a feature we’re glad to see becoming more common: a drop tail for quick and easy nature breaks.
While the Pro SL EGM is on the pricey side, this is one category where you generally get what you pay for—and in this case, you're getting top-notch materials, thoughtful construction, and long-ride comfort.
Giordana FR-C Cycling Bib Shorts
Pros
- Straps are comfortable on long days
- Very comfortable chamois
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS - 3XL (Men's) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Chocolate, Olive Green, Black/Red, Dark Grey, Midnight Blue |
| Inseam | 10.5 in. (medium) |
Seasoned riders will appreciate Giordana’s attention to the small details that make a big difference on long rides or race days. An anti-bacterial band helps prevent odor, while a mix of Lycra blends provides targeted compression for the quads and reduces chafing on the inner thighs. A reflective leg band adds visibility for those rides that stretch into low-light hours.
One standout feature is the breathable back strap, which helps reduce heat and discomfort—especially welcome during hot-weather rides. While these bibs aren’t cheap, the performance and comfort gains might do more for your ride than spending the same amount to shave a few grams off your bike.
Pros
- High quality materials and construction
- Straps and chamois are very comfortable
Cons
- Very expensive when not on sale
Key Specs
| Sizing | XXS - 3XL (women's); XS - 4XL (men's) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Pine, Navy |
| Additional features | Supportive mesh front and a drop tail (women's only) |
If the Giordana feels a bit too modern for your taste, the Velocio delivers comparable performance with a more classic aesthetic. Cross-back straps add a retro touch, as do the minimal foam padding and traditional five-panel construction. Designed for warm-weather riding, the Signature also has a summer-specific sibling—the Ultralight—made for the hottest days in the saddle.
Our testers praised the Signature for its exceptional comfort and durability—which, at this price point, is rightfully expected. The chamois is among the most comfortable we've ever ridden, and the straps strike a perfect balance: supportive without feeling overly tight. Testers also appreciated the drop-tail design, which makes mid-ride nature breaks much easier.
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- Fun colors
- Comfortable chamois
Cons
- No black or navy
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS – XL (Women’s); S - XL (Men’s) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Curry, eggplant (Women’s); Eggplant, thyme (Men’s) |
| Inseam | 8.5 in. (Women’s); 10.5 in. (Men’s) |
| Additional features | 4 pockets, UPF 50+ |
Inspired by the mesh pockets found in old VW camper vans, Ostroy’s Camper Cargo Bibs have four (yes, four!) pockets, each big enough to accommodate a phone, wallet, or tube. The moisture-wicking elastane and nylon fabric gives gentle compression, making them perfect for multi-day trail adventures.
I especially love the Campers’ unique colors and patterns, including the camping badges on the straps. These are for the type of rider who doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but would (almost) always rather be riding, no matter the conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Wide enough legs to fit kneepads
- Removable chamois lining
Cons
- Noisy fabric
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS – XXL (Women’s); 28 – 44 Waist (Men’s) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, cast battleship (blue/gray), cast umber, woodbine, charcoal |
| Inseam | 11.5 in. (Women’s); 13.5 in. (Men’s) |
| Additional features | UV 50+, one zippered pocket |
Made from a stretchy and lightweight, yet durable nylon fabric, Specialized’s trail shorts are perfect for a day riding over rocks and roots in the mountains. These are long shorts—with an 11.5-13.5-inch inseam, so they nearly go down to your knees to protect you from spraying gravel or a stray rock. If you wear knee pads, they’ll reach past the top of the pads. The side tabs allow you to tighten the waist as needed to ensure they stay put, even when you’ve got stuff in your pockets.
Specialized uses what the brand calls a “body geometry 3D chamois,” which is designed to minimize unhealthy pressure on your seat. It also curves to mirror the shape of their body geometry saddles, so the two are designed to work in tandem for a most comfortable ride. Even without one of these saddles, these trail shorts are comfortable and provide the extra protection you need for an off-road ride.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Crash replacement discount
Cons
- No pockets
Key Specs
| Sizing | XXS – XL (Women’s); XS - XL (Men’s) |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black plus a range of colors |
| Inseam | 10.5 - 11 in. |
| Additional features | UPF rating 50+ |
Made from a lightweight polyamide and elastane blend, MAAP Evo Bibs have exceptional stretch, recovery, and shape retention. They hold up after multiple washes, and don’t bag or stretch or gap when confronted with excess sweat. The mesh back panel offers great air flow and breathability while the wide straps sit comfortably without digging in. The silicone leg grippers work well without causing the very unattractive “sausage leg” syndrome. Basically, you won’t give this bib another thought once you’re wearing it which is exactly what you need during a competition.
Though they’re hard to find at retail, MAAP bibs and shorts come in a wide array of colors if you’re inclined to break out of the basic black mode. Most every time I’ve complimented someone on their shorts color, it’s turned out to be MAAP. Unrelated, but I also appreciate the brand offers a 40 percent discount on crash replacements.
Pros
- Stylish and functional
- Comfortable
Cons
- Only one zippered pocket (more would be ideal) though there are 2 additional non-zippered ones
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS – 3XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Pine, lavender, graphite tie dye |
| Inseam | 5.5 in. |
| Additional features | Zippered pocket |
No, these aren’t technically shorts or bibs, but they are my current, absolute favorite thing. I wear them with Shredly’s no-chamois biker shorts, but you can pair them with a padded pair for extra support.
If you’re like me, a bikepacker straddling the road and mountain biking worlds, these are for you. They will confuse certain people in your group road rides because it’s difficult for some riders to wrap their heads around someone breaking out so significantly from the typical roadie tight spandex look. But that’s okay: You’ve never really been one to follow the crowd.
Plus, as my cycling buddy Andres observed, “You can go right to dinner after the ride in that.”
