Stretchy, smooth, and soft options from editor-approved brands.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
As the temps continue to climb, we’re on the lookout for the best biker shorts to swap in for our go-to leggings (we’ll see them again in the fall). Stretchy, sleek, and soft, biker shorts are about as versatile as bottoms come: They can help you feel supported and covered while hiking, running, practicing yoga, and working out, but they’re also super comfy when you’re lounging around the house.
The very best pairs feel snug without pinching or chafing and retain their shape after dozens of washes. Great biker shorts should also feel easy to move in, and their waistband and hems should sit at comfortable points on your torso and thighs. We tapped SELF staffers and a certified personal trainer to find cute options that are easy to wear everywhere—as a layer or on their own.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Short
- Runner-Up: Patagonia Maipo Shorts
- Best Budget: Baleaf High-Waisted Biker Shorts with Pockets
- Best for Yoga: Lululemon Align High-Rise Short
- Best Compression: Superfit Hero Pocket Bike Shorts
- Best for Running: Janji Pace Shorts
- Most Breathable: Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short
In this article:
Shop the best biker shorts
Below, check out the best biker shorts from top-rated, SELF Activewear Award–winning brands like Athleta, Beyond Yoga, 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.
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1
Athleta
Salutation Stash High Rise Short
Best Overall
- Pros: Wide and supportive waistband, two pockets, lots of color options
- Cons: Next to none—practically perfect
The warm-weather version of the 2024 Activewear Award–winning Salutation Stash leggings, these shorts have the same do-it-all appeal as their longer sibling. They’re lightly compressive, made with soft, thick fabric, and don’t roll up your things in the middle of a workout, says Hannah Singleton, a SELF contributor and former backpacking guide: “[They’re] my personal favorite for all activities, from climbing to boxing to yoga.” This pair is versatile, comfortable, and easy to wear—everything biker shorts should be.
- Sizes: XXS to 3X | Inseam lengths: 5 inches | Colors: 18
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2
Patagonia
Maipo Shorts
Runner-Up
- Pros: Breathable and lightweight, two pockets
- Cons: May not be compressive enough for some people
The Maipo shorts won a 2023 Activewear Award for their playful prints (a Patagonia calling card) and high-quality nylon-spandex fabric. Our tester noted that they felt wonderfully lightweight and didn’t budge an inch. REI reviewers agreed, calling the Maipos “snug” but not too tight. Plus, the fabric dries quickly and has built-in odor control to keep you cool during sweaty workouts or long hikes. When you need shorts that are easy to move in, this pair is our top pick.
- Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 8 inches | Colors: 7
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3
Baleaf
High-Waisted Biker Shorts with Pockets
Best Budget
- Pros: Wide and supportive waistband, two pockets, very soft
- Cons: May run large, not as sweat-wicking
Baleaf’s silky biker shorts cost a fraction of the price of some other shorts on our list, but they don’t sacrifice quality (reviewers say they simultaneously feel super soft and lightly compressive—a win at any budget). Two side pockets are deep enough to fit most smartphones, while a wide waistband and opaque fabric make them ideal for hopping on your exercise bike or walking on the treadmill. FYI: Some reviewers noticed their pairs tend to show sweat, so they might not be the best choice for extra-tough workouts.
- Sizes: XS to 3XL | Inseam lengths: 6 and 8 inches | Colors: 9
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4
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Short
Best for Yoga
- Pros: Extremely soft and stretchy, hidden waistband pocket, multiple inseam options
- Cons: No compression, no side pockets
Lululemon’s Align legging has a fan following and continues to dominate our Activewear Awards year after year. If you aren’t already a devotee, here’s your chance to board the bandwagon. The shorts have the same buttery soft, stretchy fabric as the leggings that we hold so dear, which allows them to move with you like a second skin. Made with next to no compression, the Aligns are perfect for yoga, Pilates, stretching, or days when you want to feel your comfiest.
- Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 2, 4, 6, and 8 inches | Colors: 11
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5
SuperFit Hero
Pocket Bike Shorts
Best Compression
- Pros: Very supportive, thick and opaque
- Cons: On the pricey side
For compression that doesn’t dig in or restrict your movement, we recommend these Activewear Award–winning bike shorts from Superfit Hero. During testing, we found the support they offered truly impressive, and we appreciated how well they held up against sweat and water: Our reviewer wore them while swimming laps, lifting weights, and using the elliptical, and felt comfy and confident the whole time. Tired of pausing your workout to adjust your bottoms? These are designed to stay in place—no slipping, sagging, or rolling here.
- Sizes: L to 7XL | Inseam lengths: 9 to 10.75 inches (depending on the size) | Colors: 9
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6
Janji
Pace Shorts
Best for Running
- Pros: Designed to prevent distractions during runs, adjustable drawstring, lots of pockets
- Cons: Grippy hems can tug at the skin, on the pricey side
Janji’s Pace should be your go-to if you’re looking for comfortable, reliable running shorts. They’re made from stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric that should help keep you dry and prevent chafing (even on long runs). A comfortable waistband and a grippy silicone lining inside the hem of each leg help prevent the dreaded mid-run ride-up. And runners who like to keep their essentials handy will appreciate all four of the Pace’s pockets, including a pass-through pocket in the back that can hold onto a light jacket or base layer as you jog.
- Sizes: XS to 3XL | Inseam lengths: 7 inches | Colors: 6
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7
Alo Yoga
Airbrush High-Waist Biker Short
Most Breathable
- Pros: Thin and lightweight, retains stretch
- Cons: May run small in the thighs (according to reviewers)
These Alo bestsellers strike a balance that few biker shorts do: According to one SELF staffer, they’re very lightweight but totally opaque. “They feel breathable, compared to other shorts [that make me] feel stiff and restricted,” she says. At the same time, “your underwear won’t show—you can bend all you want and they won’t reveal too much.” She especially likes them for yoga and Pilates, noting how stretchy they are, even after multiple trips through the washer.
- Sizes: XXS to L | Inseam lengths: 5 inches | Colors: 4
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8
Nike
(M) One Dri-FIT High-Waisted Biker Shorts
Best Maternity
- Pros: Quick-drying, two pockets, foldable waistband
- Cons: Limited color options
This pair won an Activewear Award for Best Maternity Shorts back in 2022. (One tester wore them to a Peloton class in her eighth month of pregnancy and had nothing but good things to say about their ability to shed sweat.) Now, they’re back and better than ever. They have a body-hugging fit and a wide, high-rise waistband that you can fold up or down. Plus, the polyester-spandex fabric helps sweat evaporate faster so you don’t overheat.
- Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 8 inches | Colors: 1
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9
Beyond Yoga
Spacedye Keep Pace Biker Short
Best for Everyday Wear
- Pros: Very soft, wide waistband, no visible seams
- Cons: No pockets, not as supportive or sweat-wicking
Beyond Yoga has made repeated appearances in our Activewear Awards, thanks to its ultra-soft Spacedye fabric that our testers can’t get enough of. Equal parts soft and stretchy, it makes great leggings—and even better bike shorts. This pair is a solid option for yoga class and other low-impact workouts. You know those days when you just need something easy, comfy, and cool to wear? These shorts were made to fit the bill.
- Sizes: XXS to XL | Inseam lengths: 5 inches | Colors: 10
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10
FP Movement
Good Karma Running Shorts
Best Extra-Short Short
- Pros: Supportive waistband, tons of color options
- Cons: Minimal coverage, tricky sizing
The Good Karma running shorts from Free People are a hit among reviewers for their ribbed, compressive waistband that doesn’t roll or dig and their legs that rarely ride up. If you find that longer shorts feel too compressive or warm, a pair of the super-short Good Karmas will be a welcome addition to your workout wardrobe. Just note that the sizing can be funky, so you may want to peek at the brand’s size chart and customer reviews before you order.
- Sizes: XS/S to XL | Inseam lengths: 2.75 inches | Colors: 21
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11
Girlfriend Collective
Terrace High-Rise Bike Short
Best for Added Coverage
- Pros: Supportive and secure, great for high-impact activities
- Cons: Limited colors, no side pockets
Prefer shorts that hit right above your knee? Go with Girlfriend Collective’s High-Rise Bike Short. With almost 6,000 reviews, they have a dedicated following, and it’s easy to see why: They’re compressive, don’t ride up, and stay comfortable all day long. With a longer inseam and an extra-high-rise waistband, this pair has all the coverage you need for bending, stretching, or jumping. Pair them with your favorite sports bra or a crop top for easy wearing in warm weather.
- Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Inseam lengths: 8.5 inches | Colors: 5
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12
Peloton
Cadent High Rise Pocket Bike Short
Best for Cycling
- Pros: Medium compression, three pockets
- Cons: Not lined or padded (like traditional cycling shorts)
Peloton’s Cadent shorts offer a bit more support than some other pairs on our list, making them ideal for high-impact (and high-sweat) activities like cycling. They joined the ranks of our 2023 Activewear Award-winners because our tester found that they don’t cause uncomfortable camel toe. They also loved that the compressive fabric felt snug but didn’t cut in anywhere, which helped the shorts stay up during their workouts. This pair has two side pockets and one waistband pocket—plus, they’re breathable enough for long, sweaty rides.
- Sizes: XS to 3XL | Inseam lengths: 7 inches | Colors: 8
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What to look for in a pair of biker shorts
To get a better idea of what makes the best biker shorts truly exceptional, we asked Kendall Wood, an ACE-certified personal trainer and coach with Tonal, about the most important criteria to look for while you shop.
- Support: According to Wood, some people prefer thicker, more compressive shorts for high-intensity workouts, and stretchier, lightweight ones for low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates. “That’s not to say that you absolutely cannot wear one pair for its ‘non-designated’ activity,” she says. “I break the ‘rules’ all the time based upon what I feel like putting on that day.”
- Length: Biker shorts inseam lengths (which tell you how long the legs are) can range from about four to ten inches—make sure you check the brand’s measurements before you buy. “All forms of exercise can put us in vulnerable positions, so to speak, so it’s a good idea to keep the inseam in mind,” Wood says. “Go with the length in which you feel most comfortable and confident moving [in].”
- Material: All biker shorts are made with spandex, Lycra, elastane, or a combination of these so they can stretch and move with you. Some pairs are thicker, for a squat-proof silhouette and a more secure feel. Others are seamless to prevent chafing. And many biker shorts are made with quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials. With these, “the sweat won’t sit for hours in the material or on the skin,” Wood explains. They’re great for hot yoga, sweaty workouts, or long summer days. Trying on a few pairs made with different fabrics and amounts of stretch is the best way to learn what you like.
- Rise: Biker short waistbands can be low-, medium-, or high-rise. Like the length of your shorts, the rise that’s best for you comes down to your personal comfort level and workout routine. Wood likes high-rise shorts because they’re less likely to cause a distraction: “If you’re doing an activity where your hands are going to be occupied by weights or gloves, then constantly pulling at your pants is going to get in the way of your workout. Low-rise options might not be right for you.”
- Nice-to-have features: Some optional design elements can make a great pair of biker shorts even better. We’re partial to pockets (“a built-in purse,” as Wood says), grippy silicone inside the hem to prevent the legs from bunching up, and seam placements that stop camel toe in its tracks—Wood recommends avoiding pairs with a front seam if this is a deal-breaker for you.
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Hannah is a freelance journalist and content writer who writes about the outdoors, the environment, and travel. Before diving into a writing career, she spent years in the outdoor industry bouncing around the West as a backpacking guide and educator. She was born and raised in Baltimore, MD but now lives in… Read more
Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF’s senior commerce writer, she’s taken a special interest in skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
