Picking a pair of cycling shorts or bibs is extremely personal. An ill-fitting pair can rub the wrong places or bunch up as you move making it hard to even think of anything but your shorts. Riding with a chamois that doesn’t pad the parts of you that need the most support can completely ruin your ride. You’ve probably been out on a group ride before and noticed one of your fellow cyclists doing the telltale bad shorts dance: Lifting out of the saddle every minute or so and shifting their weight from side to side, front to back.
Well-made, well-fitting shorts allow you to forget that you’re wearing them. Made from a stretchy, close-fitting fabric with an elastic waistband, they mesh with your body almost like another layer of skin. 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). I’ve been looking for years, so I can help you take the next step toward finding the best cycling shorts for you.
Gear Up For Your Next Ride: Best Bike Helmets ● Best Moisture-Wicking Shirts ● Best Cycling Shoes
Best Cycling Shorts
- Best Overall: Pearl Izumi Attack
- Best Value: Pearl Izumi Quest
- Best Men’s Shorts: Gorewear Men’s C3
- Best Women’s Shorts: Shredly Biker Cham
- Best Men’s Bibs: Assos Equipe R Bib Shorts
- Best Women’s Bibs: Café du Cyclist Marinette
The Expert: I’ve worked as a journalist and gear reviewer for 15 years, testing camping and biking equipment for publications like Dirt Rag Magazine, Adventure Cycling, BBC Travel, Popular Science, Fodors, Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and many others. I’ve been what most would call an “avid” rider for close to 15 years: I was an amateur racer for a brief moment in time, and have bikepacked across all sorts of terrain, all over the world—from the smooth tarmac in Italy and France to the sand of the Mongolian Steppe and the rock-strewn roads of the Pamir Mountains. I’ve tried dozens upon dozens of cycling shorts and bibs, and I know it can be very difficult to find one that works.
What To Consider When Picking Cycling Shorts
There are tons of cycling shorts and bibs out there, and many of them appear near-identical at first glance. To be fair, many are. But they are not all the same, and you will have a much better time riding if you figure out what kind of shorts you prefer.
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How We Selected The Best Cycling Shorts
I selected the best cycling shorts and bibs based on my experience testing many, many shorts across countless hours of riding in a range of different cycling kits. You never really know how comfortable a bib or pair of shorts are until you’ve worn them for more than 30 miles at a time. Testing them on rides in the searing hot sun is also important as the sweat factor differentiates the “adequate” chamois from those that deserve top scores.
I’ve also spent lots of time discussing bib and short preferences with other cyclists while on group rides. Most cyclists are happy to discuss fit and comfort issues with their shorts. We’re all on a never-ending quest for that “perfect” short or bib. As my friend Richard told me, “I have issues with all of mine. Too loose, too tight!! Can’t wait to find one that is just right.”
Hopefully, this guide can help you find your “just right” cycling short.
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.
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.
Gorewear Men’s C3 Shorts
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
- 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
- Incredibly lightweight
- Simple suspender straps
- Minimal seams
Cons
- Main seam may cause chafing
Key Specs
| Sizing | S - XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black |
| Inseam | 10.5 in. |
| Additional features | UPF 50+ |
In my numerous conversations with fellow cyclists, one of the biggest complaints about chamois is that they are too “robust” (bigger isn’t always better). If that sounds right to you, the Equipe R S9 bib should provide just the right amount of cushioning.
Assos uses an ultralight nylon elastane blend fabric for these high-performance bib shorts, which feel like a second skin. The shorts have a pretty tight compressive fit so some could find them a bit constrictive. The minimalist, suspender-style straps are perfect for anyone who feels constrained by bibs with back and stomach panels. It also takes a lighter approach with its thin, thermoformed chamois. This is the kind of bib that you put on and forget about—no matter what kind of riding you’re doing that day.
Pros
- Minimal seams
- Sleek profile
- “Elastic interface” chamois
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Sizing | XS - XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, navy |
| Inseam | 10.5 in. (Medium) |
| Additional features | Minimal seams |
Café du Cyclist bibs have some of the most comfortable chamois available. Their top-of-the-line CyTech pads feature “elastic interface technology” with 360 degrees of elasticity so they’re designed to move with you as your body adjusts on your seat and provide cushioning for the points of your body that experience the most pressure.
The Marinette stands out, even among Cafe Du Cyclist’s bibs, because of its minimal seams, stylish look, and sleek front mesh panel over the stomach section. The fit is stable and compressive without being too intense—perfect for long days in the saddle. The Marinette bib is designed to sit close to your body and curves but has a more relaxed overall shape than Cafe du Cyclist’s more performance oriented pieces.
Café du Cycliste, while extremely expensive, has achieved a bit of a cult-like following among many of the women I ride with. On a recent cycling trip to Mallorca, my friend Victoria was more excited to shop the Café du Cycliste store in Palma than to visit the cathedral. Cycling is, after all, a kind of religion for many of us.
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
- Windproof front panel
- Ultralight leg grippers
- Suspender-style straps
Cons
- Large chamois may feel too bulky
Key Specs
| Sizing | S - XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black |
| Inseam | 10.5 in. |
| Additional features | Double fabric front layer |
The hardest time to dress for cycling is often between the seasons—it’s too cold for your favorite pair of summer bib, but not yet cold enough to warrant a pair of insulated winter cycling tights. Assos’ Equipe RS Spring Fall S9 Bib provides just enough extra protection against the elements to keep you comfortable as it gets chilly.
Made from a heavier brushed knit fabric, plus two layers of windproof and waterproof fabric across the legs and stomach, these keep the biting winds and occasional freezing rain from forcing you to cut your ride short. The low-profile suspender-style straps hold everything in place without adding pressure.
Some may find the larger chamois a bit too bulky—it’s pretty significant in the derriere area—but riders with less natural padding in that department may appreciate the extra support. This is a solid pair of fall or early spring bibs that will keep you warm without overheating.
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.”
More Cycling Questions & Answers with Vanessa Nirode
Vanessa Nirode is a freelance writer who covers wellness, culture, outdoor adventure and travel for Hearst, HuffPost, PopSci, BBC Travel, and Threads, among others. She’s also a pattern maker and tailor for film and television but most of the time, she’d rather just be riding her bicycle.
