The 14 cutest and comfiest biker shorts, according to stylists, editors and fitness experts
According to the stylists I consulted for this story, you can pair biker shorts with an oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt and sneakers for an effortless look, or even dress them up with a blazer, sandals and statement purse. I personally love wearing a colorful pair of biker shorts with a simple white tee and my ballet sneakers for a comfortable, casual outfit. Plus, biker shorts look great with denim jackets and trench coats, so you can even wear them into fall.
Whether you're searching for a pair of biker shorts for more active days or just to wear while you chill, I've rounded up favorites from stylists, editors and fitness experts.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Keep Pace 5-Inch Biker Shorts
Recommended by both fashion consultant Katerina Kladis and the founder of hot yoga and pilates studio YO BK, Kate Davies, these shorts are also one of the most comfortable pairs I've personally tested. The experts love the high-waisted cut and the variety of fun colors. Davies also said that Beyond Yoga is her favorite long-lasting brand.
Lululemon Align High-Rise 6-Inch Shorts
'El clásico,' Davies said, adding, 'Lululemon is a household name for a reason. These shorts are lightweight and flattering.' They're specifically designed for yoga, which means they really hug the body and move with you.
Colorfulkoala Dreamlux 6-Inch Biker Shorts
Colorfulkoala is a go-to on Amazon for quality athleisure and activewear. Stylist Katie Schuppler approves of these biker shorts from the brand, noting that they are the perfect length and come in a wide variety of colors. They also feature a seamless front, which means no dreaded camel toe.
Spanx SpanxShape CoreLuxe 6-Inch Biker Shorts
Schuppler and stylist Samantha Dawn recommend these flattering Spanx shorts that offer tummy compression. 'These are great for those who want more shaping in their midsection and love biker shorts that can be both casual and more elevated,' Dawn said.
Diesel Sheer Biker Shorts
Kladis suggests this pair of biker shorts for a dressier option. According to the stylist, they'll look great paired with an oversized button-up shirt, tee or blazer, with the lace peeking out from the bottom.
Popilush BRXL Sculpted Shorts
For athletic biker shorts that are great for workouts or relaxing, Dawn points to this pair, which are available in 10 colors. 'They have pockets, underwear isn't required and they have a thick waistband to help with midsection compression,' she said.
Hanky Panky Body High-Rise Bike Shorts
Featuring a double-layered waistband, these biker shorts are great for layering under dresses and skirts. Kladis loves the neutral color options, and she suggests styling the shorts with a fun sweatshirt or tee and a pair of colorful sneakers.
Kosha Fit Kanti Shorts
Davies said these are the best shorts for Miami weather, which means they'll be great anywhere that's hot and humid. They have a V-front and back seam to flatter, and the fitness expert said that they're superlight and fast drying. Aritzia Golden Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise 7-Inch Shorts
Marissa Miller, a contributing editor and certified personal trainer, considers these Aritzia biker shorts a must-have. 'Not only is the material super supportive for everything from high-impact cardio to low-impact Pilates, but it feels soft enough to serve as the base of your outfit for a day of errands or meeting up with friends,' she said. 'I love the subtle 'cheeky' hem that creates a look of fullness at the rear without drawing too much unwanted attention.' The shorts come in a variety of inseams, and Miller prefers the 7-inch version for 'the perfect amount of coverage while warding off inner thigh chafing.'
Aritzia Golden Butter Rib New Cheeky Hi-Rise 5-Inch Shorts
Updates writer and avid runner Ellen McAlpine is also a fan of the Aritzia Butter fabric. She has this ribbed version of the shorts, which she said are 'one of the most comfortable pairs of biker shorts (or shorts in general) I own.' She loves them for morning walks, low-impact workouts and just running errands. 'The 5-inch inseam hits just above my mid-thigh, and it's easy to wear with a baggy tee for a comfy on-the-go look,' she said.
Yunoga High-Waisted Yoga Shorts
Editorial director Chelsea Stone has multiple pairs of these comfy biker shorts. Available in 6-inch and 8-inch inseam options, they're lightweight and great as an anti-chafe layer under your summer layers.
Alo 5-Inch Airlift Energy Shorts
Another 5-inch inseam pair McAlpine loves, these Alo biker shorts have been in her rotation for the past year. 'The high-rise waist makes them easy to pair with long-line sports bras or crop tops for extra-warm days or workouts. I've long been a fan of the Airlift fabric since it's so sweat-wicking and compressive, so these shorts were a no-brainer buy for me. They've held up well over dozens of washes too.'
Offline by Aerie Real Me Crossover 7-Inch Bike Shorts
Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal raves about this 7-inch pair from Aerie, which features a cute crossover waistband. The material is light and sweat-wicking, so it can take you from the tennis courts to your Hot Girl Walk.
Daily Drills Go! Shortie Shorts
'These shorts from Daily Drills have gotten so much wear from me since I got them last summer,' McAlpine said. 'I pair them with the coordinating sports bra for a comfortable and put-together workout set. They're great for wearing when meeting up with friends or while lifting at the gym (surprisingly the shorts are squat-proof!).' Fit, size, compression and length are the top factors the stylists cited for picking out a pair of biker shorts. Each of these will ultimately determine the comfort level of the shorts.
While all biker shorts offer stretch, some will be designed with more compression in the waist and/or tummy area. 'The fit should not restrict you where you can't move or sit but, at the same time, should be snug without bunching,' Kladis said. Schuppler highlighted the importance of checking the brand's size guide to ensure you're picking the best fit for you.
As for length, Kladis said to 'choose a length you feel confident and comfortable wearing.' According to Dawn, the inseam and rise measurements are the two numbers that will help you determine where the shorts will hit you.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Samantha Dawn, Katerina Kladis and Katie Schuppler.
Do you wear underwear under biker shorts?
Do you wear underwear under biker shorts?
Dawn and Kladis said biker shorts are typically made to be worn without underwear. However, Schuppler said it's ultimately up to personal preference. 'If you choose to wear underwear, opt for a seamless thong so that you don't show any underwear lines,' Schuppler said.
What is the best material for biker shorts?
What is the best material for biker shorts?
According to all three stylists, you should look for a fabric blend that includes nylon, spandex and/or polyester. 'These fabrics are best because they are smooth and moisture-wicking,' Kladis said.
What is the perfect length for biker shorts?
What is the perfect length for biker shorts?
The stylists said biker shorts that end mid-thigh or just above the knee (generally 6- to 9-inches in length) are good options, and the 'perfect length' depends on your personal proportions and preferences.
'Shorter lengths are better for fashion or exercise activities,' Kladis said, while longer shorts can help with chafing during the hotter seasons, Dawn added.
For this article, we consulted the following style and fitness experts to gain their professional insights.
Kate Davies, yoga and pilates expert and founder and teacher at YO BK
Samantha Dawn, personal stylist and style coach
Katerina Kladis, fashion consultant, personal shopper and visual merchandiser at Katerina Styles
Katie Schuppler, Chicago-based wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and founder of KS Style Consulting
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw consulted stylists, fitness experts and our editors about some of their favorite biker shorts.
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