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Our radical female experts researched 50 models of the best women's bike shorts before buying 11 of the market's finest to test side-by-side. Whether you're clipping into the pedals for the first time or have thousands of miles under your belt, we know the perfect short makes all the difference. Putting each short through the wringer, we gravel biked, road cycled, and mountain biked many miles for each pair. Testing on the eastern side of the Sierras and in the Rocky Mountains, we experienced a large range of temperatures and varying conditions. In order to assign an objective score, we take into account our real-life experience and lab results. We offer our favorite recommendations that'll have you logging miles with comfort, without breaking the bank.
Drop-tail design for nature break convenience, minimal seaming and raw-edge straps enhance feel, center bib clip allows for customizable front strap position
Pitstop bib straps, seamfree chamois
Pitstop bib straps
Water repellent finish, physiologist designed chamois with medical-grade silicone elastomer
Magnetic clips in back to facillitate "natural breaks", ZeroPressure belly panel to support comfort and deep breathing
Flatlock seams positioned carefully throughout to prevent chafing, silicone leg grippers keep shorts in place.
High-rise waist, two deep hip pockets, made in the USA
1 pocket at the side
Drop-in strectch pockets on both sides can carry your phone, reflefctive accent on back of leg, gripper tape keeps legs in place.
Available in XXXL
SPF 50
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The plush, comfortable, and stylish Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short is our favorite for long days in the saddle. Its cushy chamois feels almost luxurious (not something we often say about performance bike wear), and the seamless construction of the bibs makes it feel like nothing is there. The bibs have a center clip so that you can customize the fit; we preferred to ride with the bibs clipped to stay out of the way of our shoulders. We also really appreciated the drop-tail bib design for easy bathroom breaks.
There's not much we didn't love about this bib, but they certainly aren't the cheapest. If you're looking for an intro-level piece of equipment, you might want something easier on the wallet like the Rapha Core Cycling Bib, although they can't come close to the Pearl Izumi in comfort. We love the Pro Bib's plush comfort and fun colors, and their cut was also universally flattering on our testers. Overall, these are some of our favorite bibs we've ever tested. If you prefer to spend hours in the saddle not knowing you're wearing bike shorts, the Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short is our top recommendation.
Fun colors, smooth seams, and buttery soft fabric make this bib a favorite.
The Sugoi Evolution Bib Short married the best of technical, comfortable bibs without breaking the bank. It brings design, high-quality materials, and execution to the table, making this short not only comfortable but high-performing in the saddle. Our testers loved how soft and stretchy the bib material was. Also, these bibs were amongst the easiest to use for bathroom breaks — a necessity for any ride. Though not the cheapest short in our lineup, it's the Goldilocks of bibs at the perfect intersection of a high score and reasonable price.
This model lost a couple points because the leg openings were a little tight on our testers. This is truly fit-dependent, though, so we don't want to discourage you from trying this gem of a bib. While it's true that its chamois wasn't the most padded in our lineup, it was still one of our favorites and was wonderful for rides over two hours. These bibs were among our top performers. If you're seeking a short that won't break the bank but offers plenty of performance for long rides, you may have met your match.
Style, comfort, and durability are highlights of these bibs.
The streamlined, aerodynamic design and excellent quality of the SUGOi RS Pro Bib short exceeded our expectations. Not only did we enjoy the fit and comfort of this technical bib, but we were thrilled with the fact that it never chafed us. We're big fans of the breathable fabric and the stretch in the shoulder straps that allowed for more convenient pit stops than traditional bibs. This bib could be a better option for taller riders since it's a little longer, but all of our testers were dazzled by the RS Pro Bib.
We noticed that some of the seams on the RS Pro Bib showed small amount of wear and tear, and we wish these bibs were available in more color options. Overall, though, we think cyclists seeking breathability and ultimate comfort on lengthy rides will find this bib to suit them well. Endurance riders and racers take note: this is one of the best bibs we've tested.
This bib nearly outperformed all other shorts and bibs included in this review - and at a fraction of the cost.
Some riders want to look ultra-fast while racing, while others are looking to take a scenic tour of the countryside in the comfort and function required for a slower-paced day. Hence, the less racy Terry Hi-Rise Holster Short. We found both the comfort and coverage we desired for shorter road rides. Aside from the built-in chamois, these shorts don't scream, “I cycled here.” Their longer length, spacious side pocket, and looser fit make them a little more discreet. Don't be fooled, though; they still have full coverage and a comfortable chamois.
We wouldn't recommend these for rides or races longer than a few hours, as the excess fabric may bunch and lead to unpleasant chafing. Also, they're held in place by a waistband (rather than suspenders, like bibs), which dug into some of our tester's stomachs if they were even marginally tight. Luckily, these shorts are high-waisted, which means they dig in less than other shorts styles we tested. Still, for shorter rides, commutes, or rides that also consist of grabbing a coffee afterward, our testers highly recommend this style.
Huge pockets can easily fit a phone, snack, and more.
Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
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These shorts are so comfortable you likely won't mind taking a nice relaxing break in them before hopping back on the bike for the next leg of your adventure.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
How We Test Women's Bike Shorts
Reviewing the best women's bike shorts began by researching the best products on the market. We researched over 50 different models and purchased the top contenders to start hands-on testing while riding 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 2-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 Fit (30% of overall score weighting)
Padding and Protection (25% weighting)
Breathability and Fabric (20% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Rebecca Eckland and Madison Botzet. 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. Rebecca also holds several course records in the Silver State 508. 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 mountain bike coach and having ridden thousands of miles herself, she has the experience to understand the importance of bike shorts' functionality. Both women spend a lot of time on two wheels and love it.
We also tested these shorts with our bike on a trainer to see exactly where they shine and where they fail.
Our reviewers really liked the look of the Pearl Izumi Escape Quest. After about an hour in the saddle, though, we weren't as thrilled about this short.
We put in the miles to learn everything we could about these bike shorts.
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 Biking Do You Do?
The first step to finding the right pair of shorts is to consider the type of riding you enjoy and the usual distances of your trips. Someone who typically only rides an hour or two at a time will have different requirements from their shorts than someone who participates in long-distance races and ultra-endurance gravel events. Some shorts focus on performance while sacrificing looks and length, while others are great at providing comfort and necessary padding for your bottom.
Bibs or Shorts?
Deciding between bibs and shorts is largely a personal preference, but it's worth looking into the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. Bibs offer the added comfort of avoiding material bunching and riding up while moving and offer a more uniform fit across your body. Shorts are convenient and easier to wear casually but are confined by the use of a waistband, which can be uncomfortable when biking. Bibs also tend to run a bit hotter since more material is worn on the body, so those in the hottest climates might find bibs to be too much clothing.
Whether you choose bibs or shorts, your garment should feel comfortable and snug.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
How Imporant is the Chamois?
The chamois, or padding, in your bike shorts can take what would typically be a great day into a very sore evening. Finding a pair of shorts with quality chamois will help you avoid soreness and save you from questioning your bike short purchase. Look for a chamois with 3D construction that conforms to your bottom instead of padding that appears as one big cushion with no shape or varying lines. The cushioning level and the memory are important, too. Sorta like a good mattress, a chamois should conform and cushion your body without losing its structure.
What Features to Look For?
While some features are nice to have on a given day, others are downright necessary for many folks. Shorts help facilitate easy bathroom breaks so you can get back on the road quickly. However, certain bibs are designed with innovative straps designed to be taken on and off easily. Other features, such as hip pockets and water-resistant coatings, are worth noting if you have specific needs for your climate, bike style, and routines.
Features such as pockets capable of carrying a cell phone are great for shorter rides where a pack isn't necessary.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
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 Fit, Padding and Protection, Breathability and Fabric, Durability, 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.
The Louis Garneau Optimum 7 is super comfortable and very reasonably priced.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
What's the Best Value?
We usually have to make tradeoffs when purchasing any type of gear, and bike shorts are no different. Therefore, we test a range of models price-wise to be able to recommend great products across the 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. The Sugoi Evolution Bib Short was a clear choice for best value. It performed near the top but costs less than many high-performance models. In our experience, the much cheaper models are shorts, which just don't feel as comfortable. If you do prefer shorts, our highest performing model, the Terry Holster Hi-Rise Cycling Shorts costs less than the Sugoi.
We found the SUGOi RS Bib useful in all kinds of situations. You get the benefits of a bib, but with the convenience of a short (due to the stretchy upper).
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
Comfort and Fit
Wearing comfortable bike shorts is the difference between an enjoyable ride and chafing so badly that you have to walk your bike home. In our testers' opinions, it is one of the most important metrics to consider when looking at different models. We also balanced this metric across each model's intended use. A sporty bib with a plush chamois designed for multi-hour rides isn't designed for the same thing as a casual, short-style commuter model. And yet, both should be comfortable enough that you enjoy wearing them for their intended purposes.
A major factor to consider in picking out bike shorts is how well they fit your body. They should feel compressive and supportive, but not overly tight. The way this is generally achieved is by using six or eight panels in the construction of the short. The multi-panels are meant to contour to your body 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.
Most shorts have either silicone around the leg openings or a stickier fabric - like the REI Junction Shorts shown here - to keep the shorts from riding up.
Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
Some of the most comfortable shorts (and bibs) in this metric, such as the SUGOi RS Pro Bib, utilize eight panels to conform to a woman's shape by adding extra give in the hips and securing the legs with silicone. The eight-paneled Pearl Izumi Pro, a tie for top comfort, utilizes seamless edges to reduce the amount of friction from seams. This means less chafing overall, a boon for long rides.
Seamless edges were tester favorites because they are less likely to chafe - as shown on the Pearl Izumi Pro bibs.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
One of the most important factors that our testers considered in ranking bike shorts for their comfort was how easy it is to take a nature break. Even the most comfortable bibs become a pain when you have to strip off all your layers to use the bathroom. The best bibs these days are designed specifically for women's anatomy so that we can easily hop off the bike and go.
Bathroom breaks are a breeze with the Evolution's stretchy bibs and a low back for pitstops.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
Our favorite bike shorts in this category - such as the SUGOi RS Pro, Pearl Izumi Pro, and SUGOi Evolution - utilize a smart but simple solution to a women's specific bathroom predicament. The bib straps are super stretchy (yet durable) and are designed so that you can just sit down and pull the back down. Other models, like the Assos UMA GTV C2, are innovative but complicated. These use 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. While we have our favorite pairs for ease of use, we would recommend any with bathroom capabilities (even the finicky ones) over a model that doesn't support nature breaks, like the Rapha Core Cycling Bib.
The best design for bathroom breaks is obviously the shorts-styles. However, we found that these models were less comfortable overall because they are held up by a tight waist rather than bibs. This means that when you bend over on a bike, the waistband digs into your stomach, which isn't fun for long rides. Notably, we found that the Terry Hi-Rise Holster was more comfortable than most other bike shorts because of its high-waisted design that didn't dig in as much.
Bibs are generally more flattering and comfortable than shorts - such as the Terry Hi-Rise shown here - due to being held up by straps vs a waistband.
Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
Padding and Protection
While athletic shorts come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, the cycling short has one feature the others lack — a chamois. The chamois is a cushioned pad that protects your sit bones from the hard saddle and from chatter, a.k.a. the vibrations from bumps, stress cracks, and other irregularities of the terrain you ride on. The chamois is arguably the most crucial part of a cycling short for this reason. 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.
Here's a little history about bike shorts: the chamois used to be a strip of leather (like the kind you use to dry off your car, hence the name "chamois"). Innovations in technical fabrics have fortunately come a long way. These days, cycling chamois employ foam compounds 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.
A variety of chamois shown here.
Credit: Madison Botzet
An important aspect to consider is whether a chamois has 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. Both the Pearl Izumi Pro and the Endura Pro SL had plush, supportive 3D chamois that provided comfort all day long. At times, we even forgot we were wearing them. The SUGOi bibs were amongst the top performers in this metric too.
We also tested the “memory” of each chamois — its ability to “bounce back” to its original shape and form after a long 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 comfort of a chamois is everything - we loved the all-day comfort of the RS Pro bibs.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
The way the chamois is connected to the short also contributes to its 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. The Assos UMA GTV C2 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 was comfortable for rides on smooth terrain with a soft chamois that had full front-to-back protection. The REI Junction Short also performed reasonably well on shorter trips with a chamois that was thicker than the Terry's but bunched up some. Both options have seams around the chamois and lack the “memory” of some higher-performing models. However, they are up to the task of protecting you from cracks, bumps, and other not-so-smooth things you might encounter on a beach cruise or lunch commute.
We took a spin in the Terry Hi-Rise to test its chamois memory, which we found is pretty good.
Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
Breathability and Fabric
Cycling shorts are only as good as the fabric they use. If you don't believe us, put on a pair of cotton shorts, jump on your bike and ride around the block during the hottest part of the day. Most likely, the shorts will be wet and sticky against your skin. The reason to seek out technical fabrics: they dry quickly and wick sweat away to minimize chafing. Each manufacturer uses different fabrics that are a unique blend of materials, 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: by wearing them on long rides on scorching days (when it was 90+ degrees out) and by riding hard for one hour on a trainer indoors. Riding the shorts in high-sweat situations (on the trainer and during a hot day) allows 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 rode hard for an hour on either the trainer or stationary bike to do a sweat test in every pair of shorts - shown here testing the Endura Pro SL.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
It's no surprise to our testers that the higher-end bibs had softer, more wicking fabrics. All the high-performance models were reasonably comparable in their sweat-wicking abilities, so it really came down to what felt best on testers' skin. Bibs like the Pearl Izumi Pro, SUGOi RS Pro Bib, and the SUGOi Evolution were among our tester 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 SUGOi bibs were so stretchy and compressive that we found ourselves reaching for them often. Unfortunately, some bibs weren't as up to snuff in the fabric department.
The best bibs are the kind that you forget you're wearing - such as the RS Pro shown here.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
For the short models, the Terry Hi-Rise had soft, thick fabric that we enjoyed. The only potential downside is that it had many seams that could lead to chafing on longer, hotter rides. The Louis Garneau Optimum 2 was comfy, but some testers found the fabric to be see-through if the shorts were too tight.
The clip in the center of the Pearl Izumi Pro bib is great for clipping the straps together so they don't dig into your armpits.
Durability
Bike shorts are an investment in a pleasant ride. Therefore, you want a product that will hold up over time and maintain its comfort and aesthetic. While our testing period isn't quite long enough to truly test the limits of the shorts included in this review, 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 durability, we scrutinized each model at the end of our testing period to look for every single detail for wear. However, several shorts showed resiliency due to their quality construction and mindful design. These include the SUGOi bibs, Assos UMA GTV C2, Pearl Izumi Pro, 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 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 loved how comfortable and durable the Endura Pro SL bibs were, but we didn't love that the straps dug into our shoulders and armpits.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
Style
While style is a subjective measure, we believe it is an essential indicator of a short's functionality, design, and sense of fun. While cycling shorts seem pretty limited regarding what style they can offer you, 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 do look better than others. We found it interesting that the better-looking models also ranked higher in other performance metrics, 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.
No surprise here; the Pearl Izumi Pro scored highest on our style metric due to its sleek construction and availability in a patterned purple (also available in black). The purple was dark enough to hide our sweat stains, and the pattern slyly covered dirt. The Louis Garneau Fit Sensor 7.5 was available in navy blue as well as gray, but the gray option failed to uphold the clean looks rule. Not only does this color show chain grease, but it makes quite a production out of your sweat. We'd recommend dark colors as a rule of thumb.
The Pearl Izumi Pro bibs come in multiple colors, have seamless edges, and great grip.
Credit: Ryan Wishcamper
Other notable runners-up include both of the SUGOi bibs, which are like the Chanel version of cycling shorts: simple, sleek lines are well-tailored to a cyclist's physique and avoid the cycling fashion faux pas of dumpy-butt and sausage thighs. The Terry Hi-Rise Holster is also worth mentioning in this metric; unlike other shorts in this review, Terry offers unparalleled modesty and coverage with a casual short that transitions easily between bike and coffeehouse. Granted, this model has 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 love the navy color of the Optimum 2 shorts - and it's a bonus that dark colors hide sweat.
Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
Conclusion
Whether you're a competitive racer, a fairweather cyclist, a bike commuter, or an all-day endurance junkie, there's a short/bib out there that's suited to your specific goals. We'll be the first ones to tell you that not all shorts are created equal, but each one is designed for a particular purpose. We encourage you to consider which shorts align with your riding style and personal preferences.
