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Whether you're clipping into the pedals for the first time or have thousands of miles under your tires, a great pair of bike shorts can make all the difference in your ride. We purchased 11 pairs of women's bike shorts for our testing team of female cyclists to assess side by side. We pushed each pair hard, riding our way along winding, scenic gravel roads, endless road climbs, and rugged, technical mountain single track trails to find the best.
The plush, durable, breathable, and silky-smooth Endura FS260 DropSeat Bib Shorts were an instant favorite for long rides of all kinds. These bibs have a great fit, good coverage, and they stay in place thanks to comfortable mesh straps. The molded 3D chamois has a women's specific design, with higher density foam in key places to keep you supported on multi-hour efforts. They also have effective, even compression throughout the shorts, which helps facilitate good blood flow and reduces fatigue. The silicone leg grippers stay in place without squeezing thighs, and the drop seat function saves time and energy when you need a quick bathroom break while riding. “These weren't my favorite for style, but I still liked their classic, streamlined look paired with just about any shirt or cycling jersey I wore with it,” said our head tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
50% Nylon, 30% elastane, 20% recycled polyester
Inseam Measurement
8.5 in
Chamois
Women's 600 Series CVP with gel inserts
Short or Bib
Bib
We have very few complaints overall about the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bibs, but perhaps some minor details could be improved. While the drop seat function is amazing, some more petite riders may find that these are loose around the mid-section, though sometimes this felt more like a pro rather than a con for comfort. While the chamois is top-tier and we really appreciated the strategically placed higher density foam, there are a couple of other super premium models (like the Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short) that have a slight edge when it comes to comfort on long rides. However, those high-end models will cost you significantly more. For a premium bib short that can take on races and long rides without a crazy price tag, we appreciated the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bibs.
Some riders want to look and ride uber-fast, while others just want to take a scenic tour of the countryside in comfort and style. Enter the more casual yet still functional Terry Hi-Rise Holster Short. We found both the comfort and coverage we desired for shorter, laid-back rides. Aside from the built-in chamois, these shorts don't scream, “I rode my bike here.” Their longer length, spacious thigh stash pockets, and looser fit make them a little more discreet. Don't be fooled, though; they still have full coverage and a women's specific chamois.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
75% nylon/25% spandex
Inseam Measurement
8.75 in
Chamois
Flex Air
Short or Bib
Short
The Terry Holster is a capable short, but it's not built for all-day missions. Compared to premium bibs designed for big mileage, its chamois is thinner, lower density, and tends to compress after a couple of hours in the saddle. We wouldn't recommend these for your next century ride or gravel race. Some testers also found the waistband a bit snug in a tucked position, especially if they sized down. That said, the high-waisted cut offers much better comfort than most non-bib shorts we tested, and for shorter spins, commutes, or café rides, the Holster really shines. If you prefer the feel of bibs, check out options like the Rapha Core Bib Shorts, which use seamless edges to help prevent chafing.
The Heathyoga 4D Padded Bike Shorts surprised us with their performance and comfort, all for much less than many other shorts we tested. Let's be real: Cycling is an expensive sport. For those looking to get into it without breaking the bank, or want a bit of padding for casual rides, the Heathyoga 4D is a standout choice. They cost nearly a tenth of some ultra-premium bib shorts. We appreciated the added features of these shorts, with an easy mesh stash pocket on the back that kept our phone in place even on rough mountain bike descents, and effective pockets on each thigh for snacks. The fit is a touch more relaxed, with silicone-backed leg hems that stay in place without squeezing. While they don't offer a ton of compression, the higher waist kept them in place without slipping down.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
80% nylon, 20% spandex
Inseam Measurement
7 in
Chamois
4D Gel Padded
Short or Bib
Short
As you might expect, the durability of the Heathyoga 4D simply can't compete with higher-end shorts. While these offer great breathability, the thinner fabric will also undoubtedly have less longevity. We noticed some stitching pulling out of the pockets after a handful of washes and some heavy use during the test period. On longer rides, especially when the climbs stacked up, we wished we had a chamois with thicker and higher-density padding. For most moderate rides, they totally did the trick. For slightly more durability but a similarly low price, check out the Baleaf 4D Padded, which has a more snug, compressive fit. For comparable comfort but higher quality fabric, the Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts were a favorite. However, price-wise, nothing in the lineup can quite match the screaming deal offered by the Heathyoga bike shorts.
For rides that ended at the brewery, after-work trail sessions, or casual weekend spins, the Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts were a reliable favorite. The soft, supple fabric feels more like a pair of premium yoga pants than traditional cycling shorts, offering impressive comfort and stretch. The deep thigh pocket securely holds a phone, and the high-waisted cut with a wide waistband keeps the shorts in place without any constriction, providing a flattering fit for a range of body types. Departing from the skintight aesthetic of most cycling shorts, the Bermuda features a slightly relaxed leg opening and full-coverage style that we especially loved for mountain biking. “More than once, I found myself accidentally wearing them long after the ride… they're that comfortable,” admitted our lead tester, Kaylee Walden. With thoughtful styling, appealing color options, and an inclusive size range from XS through XXL, these shorts deliver a blend of comfort, versatility, and everyday wearability.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
75% nylon, 25% spandex
Inseam Measurement
9.5 in
Chamois
Fleet Air
Short or Bib
Short
While there's little not to love about the supple Terry Bermuda, similar to the Terry Hi-Rise Holster, the padding isn't quite enough for when your rides start to exceed a couple of hours. They saw a lot of mileage and washes throughout our testing, and the seams on the Terry Bermuda started to show signs of wear with subtle fraying, especially near the thigh pocket. For more durable shorts with thicker chamois, look into the Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts or the Louis Garneau Fit Sensor Short, although neither can match the comfort, coverage, or casual fit the Terry Bermuda provides.
For quick map checks to be sure you'll outrun the storm, the Terry Bermuda has you covered -- and you don't have to worry about your phone jostling out on the downhill. Credit: Kaylee Walden
With the near-perfect, glove-like fit of the Rapha Core Bib Shorts, we couldn't help reaching for them on almost every ride. “The fabric has an incredibly soft, airy feel, and the fit feels like a second skin. I didn't want to take these shorts off,” remarked Kaylee. With silicone leg grippers and comfortable, wide shoulder straps, these bibs stayed exactly where we wanted them to for long climbs. And, when the temperatures rose, or we were working extra hard, they had the breathability to keep us cool and comfortable. These bibs had among the best breathability in the lineup, with a more permeable fabric that keeps you as dry as possible during tough efforts or tempo workouts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Fabric
79% recycled nylon, 21% spandex
Inseam Measurement
7 in
Chamois
Rapha women’s specific
Short or Bib
Bib
It's tough to find anything we didn't like about these bibs, but they aren't the easiest to take off when nature calls, as they don't have a drop seat function. Many other bibs tested do have this capability, and are certainly easier in that regard. Overall, these bibs are fairly streamlined and don't have nearly the amount of specialized features as something like the Assos Uma GTV C2 Evo, which features a 4D chamois, high UPF protection, and the ability to unbuckle the bib straps. While the Rapha Core's chamois design is comfortable and supportive, it's much simpler than many others in the lineup. Once you start pushing the mileage, you can feel a comfort and support edge in the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bib Shorts or Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short. But, for most rides, we loved the high style and breathability of the Rapha Core bibs.
The Core Bib Shorts are a staple in our rotation, and the perfect fit and style are hard to beat. Credit: Kaylee Walden
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The best cycling shorts can keep you smiling through lots of miles! Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
Reviewing the best women's bike shorts began by researching the best products on the market. We researched over 70 different pairs and purchased the top contenders to start hands-on testing while riding endless smooth pavement, gravel roads, and technical single-track trails. We considered the function of women's specific bike shorts and tested comfort and durability by logging lots of miles. The tests became particularly informative past the two-hour mark on any given ride. We tested breathability and drying times and took a detailed look at the varying chamois designs. Finally, we considered style, with many of the best-looking shorts coincidentally also being high performers in other metrics. To learn more about our testing process, take a look at our in-depth testing article.
Our bike shorts testing is divided into five rating metrics:
Comfort and Padding (30% of overall score weighting)
Fit and Features (25% weighting)
Breathability (20% weighting)
Fabric Quality (15% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Kaylee Walden. Kaylee lives in Southwest Colorado and brings a mountain biker's perspective to the review, although she spends a fair amount of time riding gravel and road as well. She's no stranger to endurance efforts and has completed a handful of 100-mile rides and races on her mountain and gravel bike, and frequently chases the high-alpine singletrack of the Colorado Trail right out her front door. Rebecca Eckland, and Madison Botzet also contributed to this review. Rebecca is a former marathoner and Ironman triathlete turned cyclist who competed as a USAC Cat 3 road racer on the Clean Powered by Tesla team. She was the first woman from Nevada to win the California Triple Crown Stage Race. Madison commutes every day via bike (not a small feat when it's snowing) and has made a pact not to drive anywhere less than 5 kilometers away. Being a youth bike coach and having ridden thousands of miles herself, she has the experience to understand the importance of bike shorts' functionality. All of these women spend a lot of time on two wheels and are excited to bring their testing insights to you.
Testing shorts in a variety of environments -- here they keep us protected on a rough gravel ride. Credit: Kaylee Walden
There are as many cycling shorts as there are approaches to cycling. We hope you find the right ones that help you get the most out of your next ride. Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
We compared shorts and bibs side-by-side to see how they ride. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We tested these shorts on hundreds of miles of gravel, road and single-track trails. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Analysis and Test Results
Through riding nearly 1,000 miles in the shorts in this review, we assess each model across five different metrics: Comfort and Padding, Fit and Features, Breathability, Fabric Quality, and Style. We've ranked these metrics according to their relative importance to us, but if one metric is especially important to you, we encourage you to check out the specific rankings of each model in that category. We compiled all our notes and findings throughout this review to help you find the perfect short for your cycling needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We made sure to test a wide cost range of shorts to recommend great products across the price spectrum. While more money doesn't always get you a better product, we found that in this category, it does tend to get you a more comfortable chamois. Style, however, seems to be less tied to a dollar sign. While the best-performing products win our top awards, our best-value awards are granted to products that offer the best performance without breaking the bank.
By far, the most affordable option of the lineup is the Heathyoga 4D Padded, which probably costs less than your post-cycling coffee date. While we have some longevity concerns with the fabric, these are a great pair of entry-level shorts that are sufficient for most casual and shorter rides, and have a super comfortable fit. Another modestly priced option is the Baleaf 4D Padded. We didn't find them as comfortable as the Heathyoga shorts, but they similarly offer casual performance and decent protection for a low cost for newer cyclists, or shorter rides.
Our top-performing shorts, the Terry Holster Hi-Rise Cycling Shorts and Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts, both come at a fair price. Even our top choice for bibs, the Endura DropSeat Bibs, don't cost as much as some of the super premium options out there, and still offer excellent performance across the board.
The affordable Baleaf 4D shorts weren't the highest performing shorts, but offer an excellent value for casual riding. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort and Padding
Comfortable, well-padded bike shorts can be the difference between an enjoyable ride and having pain and major chafing. Padding and comfort are unequivocally one of the most important considerations. The chamois, a cushioned pad that protects your sit bones from the hard saddle and from chatter (a.k.a. the vibrations from bumps, cracks, and other irregularities of the terrain), is arguably the most crucial part of a cycling short. Without it, you'll likely be sore and potentially miserable, so the right kind of padding and protection is key to finding the proper cycling shorts for you. We assessed the comfort of each pair both on the bike and off, and shorts that were pleasant to wear and move in scored the highest.
These days, cycling chamois employ foams, gels, and other synthetic materials to maximize the amount of padding where you need it most (again, under your sit bones). They also help keep other areas well-ventilated to avoid an excessive build-up of moisture and sweat that can lead to uncomfortable chafing or sores, especially during hours-long rides.
Comparing chamois and padding density and thickness for all of the shorts we tested. Credit: Kaylee Walden
An important consideration is whether a chamois features a 2D or 3D design. If a chamois is 2D, it has a single, flat plane; if a chamois is 3D, it has various depths and dimensions to it. The Pearl Izumi Pro, Endura Pro SL, the Endura DropSeat Bibs, and the Assos Uma feature the most plush, supportive 3D chamois that provide all-day comfort. At times during testing, we even forgot we were wearing these on high-mileage days, and they protected us from discomfort on the longest rides.
For long rides, we loved the supportive compression of the Endura DropSeat Bibs. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We also tested the “memory” of each chamois — its ability to “bounce back” to its original shape and form after a long ride, and to not compress too much during the ride. Memory indicates that a chamois has the resiliency to last for many rides spanning multiple seasons. The Endura Pro SL stands out for its physiologist-designed chamois with medical-grade silicone elastomer, which maintains its shape and support long after the first pedal stroke. The Assos Uma also features a unique, multi-layer construction intended to provide maximum comfort and loft.
An ergonomic chamois with different density foams, like the Endura seen here, provide a lot of comfort for hours on the bike. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The way the chamois is connected to the shorts also contributes to comfort. Flat-lock seams are most comfortable, while raw edges around a chamois can cause trouble down the road. A raw edge may lead to chafing or, in the very worst cases, part of the chamois coming apart from the short. Again, the Assos Uma is unique because the chamois isn't stitched into place on the sides, which allows it to move with your body. Some of our testers loved it, while others weren't as convinced.
For a reasonable amount of protection and padding needed for a cycling class or work commute, the Terry Hi-Rise Short and Terry Bermuda shorts were quite comfortable. These aren't our top recommendations for long, long days in the saddle, but we liked their soft chamois with full front-to-back protection for rides on smooth terrain, and they're up to the task of protecting you from some cracks, bumps, and other not-so-smooth sections you may encounter on a short beach cruise or lunch commute.
Checking out the chamois of the Terry Bermuda short. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Fit and Features
A major factor to consider in picking out bike shorts is how well they fit your body, as well as the features they provide and their utility. They should feel compressive and supportive, but not too tight. This is generally achieved by using multiple stretch panels in the construction of the short. The panels are meant to contour to your curves to match the unique body position of cyclists. This doesn't necessarily determine how comfortable a short is, but rather, it determines how well the short moves with your body. We tried on each pair side by side and determined how “true to size” each pair fit. We also used each feature while riding to assess its practical function.
Some of the best-fitting shorts and bibs in this metric utilize eight panels to conform to a woman's shape by adding extra give in the hips and securing the legs with silicone grippers. The Endura DropSeat Bibs have pre-formed panels and raw edge hems in their construction to conform to the body and prevent chafing. The eight-paneled Pearl Izumi Pro also utilizes seamless edges to reduce the amount of friction from seams. Both of these pairs excelled on long rides. While they have fewer features, our favorite fit among the shorts we tested came from the Rapha Core Bib Shorts. The close-knit, supportive fabric fits perfectly and moves with us instead of working against us, with minimal seams and laser-cut edges.
The Assos Uma features straps that unhook in the back, though we found them challenging to use. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Some of our favorite bib shorts in this category – such as the Pearl Izumi Pro, Endura Pro SL, and Endura DropSeat Bib Shorts – use a smart but simple solution to the female bathroom predicament. The bib straps are super stretchy (yet durable) and are designed so that you can sit down and pull the back down without taking off your top. Other models, like the Assos UMA GTV C2, are innovative, using magnetic clasps at the back of their suspender straps so that you can unhook and go. However, our testers found that you need extreme shoulder flexibility to re-hook them again because they tend to ride up your back. The best design for bathroom breaks, of course, is shorts without a bib. The trade-off is that shorts often aren't as comfortable overall because they are held up by a tight waistband that can roll down. Notably, we found that the Terry Hi-Rise Holster, Terry Bermuda, and Heathyoga 4D were an exception to this rule, each with a great fit because of high-waisted designs that don't dig in.
Deep thigh stash pockets and a good fit make the Terry Bermuda a standout. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Many shorts also feature convenient pockets to hold your phone, gels, and other essentials. However, not all pockets are created equal. The Terry Holster's thoughtful pocket design is mesh rather than fabric, which helps to maintain breathability on that side panel. The Heathyoga 4D also features several handy pockets, including a mesh pocket at the back designed to securely hold a phone, even on mountain-biking descents with jumps and rock gardens. On many shorts, like the Baleaf Padded, the pockets lack a bit of utility and, unfortunately, are too small to securely hold a modern, large smartphone even on smooth rides.
The Heathyoga shorts have several handy pockets for stashing your phone and snacks. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Breathability
A primary reason to seek out technical fabrics is that they dry quickly and wick sweat away to minimize chafing. Each manufacturer uses different materials that are a unique blend, which means some feel soft and light while others have a rougher and heavier feel.
We tested the fabric and breathability of each pair of shorts in two ways: Wearing them on long rides on scorching days, and by riding hard for one hour on a trainer indoors in a temperature-controlled environment. Riding the shorts in high-sweat situations allowed us to gauge 1) how quickly the short absorbs sweat, 2) how fast it will enable that sweat to evaporate, and 3) how the fabric feels on your body when drenched.
We tested moisture wicking ability on all-out efforts in warm temps. Credit: Kaylee Walden
It came as no surprise that generally higher-end bibs had more effective moisture-wicking fabrics. All the high-performance models were reasonably comparable in their sweat-wicking abilities, so it came down to what felt best on the skin. Bibs like the Pearl Izumi Pro and the Rapha Core Bib Shorts and Endura DropSeat Bib Shorts were among our favorites. The Pearl Izumi bib had smooth, buttery fabric that was continuous throughout the upper and lower and, even when soaked with sweat, was soft and flexible. The Rapha bibs were so airy and breathable that we reached for them often for sweaty rides. The Endura bibs also come with an anti-microbial chamois for better hygiene. For the short models, the Terry Hi-Rise has a smooth nylon-spandex blend fabric that breathes decently well. The only potential downside is that it features many seams that could lead to chafing on longer, hotter rides. The Heathyoga shorts were also great for hotter conditions, with thinner fabric than most.
To level the playing field, we also assessed each pair's moisture wicking ability during a ride on the trainer in a temperature controlled environment. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Fabric Quality
Bike shorts are an investment in a pleasant ride, and you want a product that will hold up over time. While our testing period isn't quite long enough to truly test the limits of these shorts, we read consumer reviews to get a better idea of general durability trends, and we look for indications of wear that could be warning signs for future issues. After all, looking at these details — craft, fabric stretch, seam quality, how it feels, and looks after multiple washes — all help to answer one big question: is the garment built to last?
Considering the importance of fabric and construction quality, we scrutinized each model at the end of our testing period to look for every single detail for wear and tear. Several shorts showed great resiliency due to their quality construction and mindful design. These include the Assos UMA GTV C2, Pearl Izumi Pro, Endura DropSeat Bibs, Rapha Core Bib Shorts, and the Endura Pro SL. These models each demonstrated robust construction through reinforced seams and high-quality fabrics, and all ended the testing period looking brand new.
The Pearl Izumi Pro costs a premium but has high quality materials that will withstand heavy use. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Often, the lower the price tag, the more you sacrifice the quality of materials and longevity of fabric. The Terry Hi-Rise has thicker fabric that will withstand the test of time, but some consumers expressed concerns over seam durability after lots of use. We noticed some seams starting to fray on the Terry Bermuda and the Heathyoga 4D. Both the Louis Garneau Sensor Shorts and Baleaf 4D had some minor piling and snags on the main fabric on the thighs.
While we love the feel and features of the Heathyoga shorts, the low price tag also comes with limited quality. You can see the seams starting to fray near the end of the testing period. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Style
While style is a highly subjective measure, we believe it's an essential indicator of a short's functionality, design, and sense of fun. Cycling shorts can seem limited regarding style, but you might be surprised. Even in the lineup of shorts included in this review, there are subtle variations worth noting, like length, fabric type, and color options. A functional garment is great, but who wants to ride a bike in something completely unflattering? And, let's be honest here: Some shorts and bibs do look better than others. We found it interesting that the better-looking models also often ranked higher in other performance metrics, especially comfort and fit, suggesting that style and functionality are linked. A short will usually look better if it's constructed from high-quality fabric with an appropriate chamois and a tailored, multi-paneled design.
Topping this metric was the Rapha Core Bib Short. These shorts fit like a glove, and were really flattering on most female shapes. Most bib shorts have the ability to give you the dreaded “dumpy butt”, making your backside look saggy rather than lifted (cycling women, you all know what we're talking about). Not so with the Rapha bibs. We also appreciated the simple and streamlined style of the Endura DropSeat Bib Shorts and the smooth, well-fitting Pearl Izumi Pro Bibs. We loved the range of colors and bright, fun look of the Heathyoga shorts, too.
We felt our best in the airy Rapha Core bibs. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Terry Hi-Rise Holster and Terry Bermuda are worth mentioning here; unlike other shorts in this review, both Terry options offer unparalleled modesty and coverage with a casual short that transitions easily between bike and coffee shop. Granted, both shorts have a chamois (a noticeable difference from casual shorts you might wear around in public), but the added length and looser fit make time off the bike feel slightly less awkward. We liked the Louis Garneau Sensor Shorts, but they had the tendency to slip down and look less flattering; same goes for the Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts, which scored lower here for that reason.
We liked the laid-back style of the Holster shorts. Credit: Kaylee Walden
How to Pick the Best Bike Shorts for Women
Below is a short summary of our complete buying advice article to answer the most common questions when selecting bike shorts.
What Type of Cycling Do You Do?
The first step to finding the right pair of shorts is to consider the type of riding you enjoy and the amount of mileage you log each week. Someone who typically rides for only an hour or two at a time will have different requirements for their shorts than someone who participates in long-distance races and ultra-endurance events. Some shorts are more casual, sacrificing a bit of comfort and performance, while others offer high-end features and the padding needed for hours and hours of pedaling, but come at a higher price.
Bibs or Shorts?
Deciding between bibs and shorts is largely a matter of personal preference, but it's worth considering the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. Bibs offer the added comfort of a streamlined fit, they stay in place better, and often have more compression and better padding. Shorts are convenient and easier to wear casually, but are confined by the use of a waistband, which can be uncomfortable or slip down on longer rides. Bibs are less casual, less versatile, and more focused on performance.
Choosing shorts or bibs depends on your riding style and preference.
How Important is the Chamois?
Finding a pair of shorts with quality chamois will help you avoid soreness and save you from questioning your purchase. Look for a chamois with 3D construction that conforms to your body instead of padding that appears as one big cushion with no shape or varying lines. The cushioning level and the memory are important, too. Like a good mattress, a chamois should conform and cushion your body without losing its structure or compressing all the way through.
The two best chamois of the test, the high-tech Assos Uma and multi-density Endura Pro. Credit: Kaylee Walden
What Features to Prioritize?
While some features are nice to have on a given day, others are downright necessary. Shorts help facilitate easy bathroom breaks so you can get back on the road quickly. However, certain bibs are designed with drop seats or innovative straps that can be taken on and off easily. Other features, such as thigh pockets and water-resistant coatings, are worth noting if you have specific needs for your climate, bike style, and routine.
Bibs with releasable straps or drop tail designs can help make bathroom breaks easier. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Conclusion
Whether you're a competitive racer, a fairweather cyclist, a bike commuter, or an all-day endurance junkie, there's a short or bib out there that's suited to your specific needs. Not all bike shorts are created equal, and you'll have to sort out your priorities to find which pair will perform the best for you. Consider your riding goals, budget, and style preferences, and you should be able to zero in on the perfect cycling shorts or bibs for you. Happy riding!
We hope this deep dive into women's cycling shorts helps you ride off happily into the sunset. Credit: Kaylee Walden
