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Jun 16, 2023

17 Best Biker Shorts for Warm Weather Activities

By Hannah Singleton It’s time to put away the leggings. When the temps start to climb, biker shorts are our go-to bottoms. There’s a lot to love about them, but it’s their versatility that takes the

By Hannah Singleton

It’s time to put away the leggings. When the temps start to climb, biker shorts are our go-to bottoms. There’s a lot to love about them, but it’s their versatility that takes the cake: The best biker shorts will help you feel supported while hiking, running, practicing yoga, and weight lifting, but they’ll also feel super comfy when you’re lounging around the house. Whether you like to keep it simple in all black, add a pop of color, or mix and match bold patterns, the color options and styles are endless.

When shopping for biker shorts, you’ll want ones that are comfortable enough for all-day wear, and the waistband and leg hems should feel snug without pinching. But perhaps the most important quality of bike shorts is in the material: They should be durable and squat-proof (meaning they remain opaque and provide coverage even when you bend, move, and, well, squat in them). And, even if they’re ultra-stretchy, they should maintain their shape with repeated wear. As someone constantly on the move who wears bike shorts all summer long, I’ve been using this criteria to choose the pairs that make me feel supported, comfortable, and overall pretty damn good.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the best biker shorts from reputable brands like Athleta, Girlfriend Collective, REI Co-op, and Lululemon.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Athleta Salutation Stash 5 Short

Athleta

A top contender for best bike shorts ever (in this writer’s humble opinion), the Athleta Salutation shorts are my personal favorite for all activities—from climbing to boxing to yoga—because of their supreme comfort, ideal length (they hit a bit above mid-thigh), and seriously soft fabric. Best of all, they feel lightly compressive but not constrictive, and they don’t roll up mid-workout.

Available in sizes XXS to 3X.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short 6"

Lululemon

With a minimalist high-rise design, the best-selling Lululemon Align is a quintessential pair of bike shorts that’s perfect for anyone who likes their activewear streamlined and simple. They’re form-fitting with silky-soft, stretchy fabric, and their wide waistband doesn’t dig into your stomach. You can choose between 4", 6", and 8" inseams depending on your style and preferences.

Available in sizes 0 to 20.

Outdoor Voices Snacks 6" Short

Outdoor Voices

Your hiking partners will love you for these statement-making bike shorts that—as the name suggests—are designed to carry snacks (and lots of ’em). They have pockets galore along the side and back, many of which feature zippers and drawcords for added security. And while the mini backpack attachment may feel a little extra, it’s adorable and actually perfect for dog walking: It even includes a hole for doggy bags.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

Girlfriend Collective Moss High-Rise Bike Short

Girlfriend Collective

With over 5,000 reviews, Girlfriend Collective’s high-waist bike shorts have a cult-like following, and it’s easy to see why: They are squat-proof, don’t rise up, and stay comfortable all day long. The 8.5" inseam is meant to reach just above the knee, and the extra high-rise fit feels like plenty of coverage, even when you pair it with just a sports bra.

Available in sizes XXS to 6X.

Yogalicious Lux High Waist Biker Short

Amazon

A wallet-friendly and squat-proof pair of bike shorts is a rarity, but this pair manages to be both. With almost 600 five-star ratings on Amazon, you’ll be in good company when you wear these shorts. They come as a single pair, or you can buy a two-pack, with either 5" or 7" inseam lengths.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

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The North Face Trailwear QTM Bike Shorts

REI

The North Face

Colorful and sporty, the Trailwear QTM bike shorts have five pockets, so they’re perfect for runs when you don’t feel like wearing a vest or running belt. The FlashDry polyester and elastane blend fabric wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable, while the high waistband and 7" inseam provide decent coverage.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

Patagonia Maipo Shorts

REI

Patagonia

Backcountry

Patagonia’s Maipo shorts are a 2023 Activewear Award–winner for Best Bike Shorts, thanks to their playful prints and high-quality nylon and spandex fabric that feels lightweight yet secure. Reviewers love that they’re snug (yet not overly tight) and feel breathable—essential in hot temperatures.

Available in sizes XXS to XXL.

REI Co-op Swiftland Training Shorts

REI

Moisture-wicking and quick-drying, these four-way stretch bike shorts are built for summertime outdoor adventures. The internal drawstring lets you dial in the fit, and the 9" inseam provides the most coverage out of all the shorts on this list. That extra length and protection should come in handy on hikes and trail runs, when you may accidentally brush against tree branches or rocks.

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

By Sara Coughlin

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

By Malia Griggs

Superfithero Pocket Bike Shorts

Superfithero

These shorts also earned the title of Best Bike Shorts in SELF’s 2023 Activewear Awards because they “withstand water, sweat, dirt, and pretty much anything else you throw at it,” wrote SELF’s commerce writer Sarah Madaus. They come in nine different colors, have side pockets, and stay in place during tough workouts.

Available in sizes L to 7X.

Peloton Cadent 7" High Rise Pocket Bike Short

Peloton

Peloton’s Cadent shorts offer a bit more compression than other pairs on this list, making them ideal for high-impact (and high-sweat) activities. They were another Best Bike Shorts winner in the 2023 Activewear Awards because they’re long enough to reduce camel toe, and their compression fabric can feel energizing for your muscles.

Available in sizes XS to 3X.

Brooks Run Visible 6" Short Tights

Amazon

Dick's

For early-morning jogs and late-night training runs, the Brooks Run Visible Shorts feature high-visibility and reflective detailing so drivers and other runners can see you on the road. The material is sweat-wicking, the legs stay in place and move with your stride, and the pockets can store valuables like your credit card or phone.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

By Sara Coughlin

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

By Malia Griggs

Cotopaxi Mari Bike Short

Amazon

Cotopaxi

A pair of classic black bike shorts is a wardrobe staple, but if you’re looking for something a little more fun, Cotopaxi’s Mari Bike Shorts have brightly colored accents on the waistband and leg hems. The mid-thigh length is suitable for everything from cycling to yoga, and the flat seams prevent chafing.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

FP Movement Good Karma Running Shorts

FP Movement

The Good Karma running shorts are well reviewed and equipped with SPF 30 UV protection. We also love that, in classic Free People fashion, you can choose between 20 different colors, which include blue balsam, margarita, and hot pink. With a 2.75" inseam, they’re the shortest option on the list. And be aware that reviewers note that they aren’t very curve-friendly because of the slim fit in the legs.

Available in sizes XS/S to XL.

Year of Ours Ribbed V Waist Biker Short

Year of Ours

Another winner of the 2023 Activewear Awards, these biker shorts are perfect for walking, weight training, and yoga. They have a V-shaped waistline, which one of our editors said “not only offers more visual interest, but keeps the fabric from pinching and constricting your belly.” This pair has a ribbed material and comes in six different colors. They run a touch larger, so consider sizing down if you want a more compressive fit.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

By Sara Coughlin

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

By Malia Griggs

Vuori Halo Vintage Short

Vuori

REI

With a drawstring waistband that’s reminiscent of your favorite sweatpants, the Halo Vintage shorts are perfect for chilling at home or taking a walk. And Vuori always manages to find the dreamiest materials—these feel so soft and buttery on the skin. They come in heathered gray and black, and our only complaint is there aren’t more color options.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

Alder Adventure Performance Bike Shorts

Alder

REI

For bike shorts that are comfy enough for everyday lounging but perform well whether you’re running or cycling, the Alder Apparel Adventure shorts check all our boxes. They’re made of recycled nylon with a bit of spandex, which ensures they don’t lose their shape even after dozens of wears.

Available in sizes XS to 6X.

Janji Pace 7" Shorts

REI

If you’re looking for shorts that will be consistently comfortable during a long run, consider the Janji Pace bike shorts. They have a comfortable waistband and a grippy silicone lining around the hem of each leg (to prevent the dreaded ride-up). They also feature four pockets, including a pass-through pocket in the back to store a light jacket or base layer. Plus, each season, Janji collaborates with an artist to release unique colorways and prints.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

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