On the hunt for the best cycling shorts? Then you're in the right place, as we're constantly testing for the very best gym wear for you. And with warmer weather finally here, there's no time like the present to make the switch to shorts for your workouts.
Klarna has found that sportswear has firmly established itself as a versatile fashion choice for Brits, revealing that 75% of us view sportswear as versatile enough to be part of their everyday style. As a Senior Health Editor, I embrace every sportswear trend that crosses over into fashion too, and cycling shorts strike the perfect balance between chic and functional. Once the weather heats up, cycling shorts become a firm mainstay in my workout wardrobe - and for good reason. They're versatile, comfortable, and contrary to popular opinion, not just for cycling.
While plenty aren't great quality, these eleven picks are. Tested over a minimum of three workouts, they're all sweat-wicking, breathable, and designed with performance in mind (not a camel toe in sight).
Why should you trust our opinions? I'm a nine time marathoner who's worn cycling shorts for countless races, strength training sessions and, of course, brunches. MC UK's Junior Shopping Editors Valeza and Amelia both test products for a living, and adore both HIIT and Pilates.
While we've included our go-to's for cycling, too (Rapha Core Shorts, FYI), we've largely focused on our favourite designs for running, the gym, and more, because they're not just for cycling. Far from it - they're actually one of our favourite styles to workout in, especially come summer when it's scorching outside.
To complete your summer workout wardrobe, shop our edits of the best tennis skirts, shorts that don't ride up, and best oversized gym t shirts too. Next up: the best cycling shorts for all types of workouts.
Best cycling shorts: Quick shopping links
- Best padded cycling shorts: £100 at Rapha
- Best cycling shorts for running: £58 at lululemon
- Best affordable cycling shorts: £12.99 at H&M
- Best high waisted cycling shorts: £34 at Adanola
- Best cycling shorts with quick delivery: £17.99 at Amazon
- Best cycling shorts for Pilates: £35 at Gymshark
Testing process for the best cycling shorts
As above, we made sure to test all of the cycling shorts in this round up a minimum of three times (we know that there's nothing more frustrating than spending your money on kit that won't support you through your workout).
When testing cycling shorts designed for workouts like running, weight training, Reformer Pilates and so on, we looked for:
- Were the shorts designed for women?
- Were they sweat-wicking and breathable? Cotton shorts won't cut it if you plan to get a sweat on in them.
- Were they supportive - in other words, are they high-waisted, do they stay up, and do they fit comfortably without cutting you in half?
- Did they have pockets and they are in the right place? If you're using cycling shorts for floor work, avoid a zip on the lower back.
- How long is the leg length? Most shorts will indicate leg length in inches in their titles (eg 4", 6" or 8").
If you're after shorts for cycling, opt for the following:
- Did they offer adequate bum padding or cushioning so you don't get the dreaded numb bum?
- Did they offer grip around the stomach so they don't fall down? This is essential for short, mid, and long distance rides.
- Did they offer the right fit around your legs? This is key for making sure your circulation doesn't get cut off mid-ride.
11 best cycling shorts, tested by the MC UK team
1. Best padded cycling shorts
"If you're an avid cyclist, Rapha makes some of the best shorts around, with designs offering waist support, sweat-wicking fabric, and adequate bum padding (no sore glutes from your saddle over here).
When testing, I found them to be highly functional - so much so, I barely noticed I was wearing them. The main selling point for me was the amount of cushioning they offered (I often put off long cycles out of fear of how my glutes might feel the next day without adequate cushioning).
They're also a great price point for a brand that designs high-tech performance gear. When testing, I noticed that they didn't ride up or fall down, either, meaning I could enjoy a blissfully distraction-free ride." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
2. Best cycling shorts for running
"While not quite as good as their iconic Fast & Free short style (which the brand has now sadly discontinued), lululemon's Wunder Train design comes a close second.
When I tested them, I felt they were very similar in style. Made from a butter-soft material, wearing them is really enjoyable - they're light, supportive, and feel like a second skin, keeping you sweat-wicked and cool for both short and long runs and never chafing or rolling up or down. They also come with not one, not two, but three pockets (one on each thigh, and one at the base of your back) meaning you've got plenty of space for your phone, card, and keys." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
3. Best affordable cycling shorts
"I’ve owned these H&M cycle shorts for years and they’ve lasted surprisingly well - especially considering their incredibly affordable price. It’s my go-to pair for exercising as well as running errands (pairing perfectly with longline sports bras and oversized sweatshirts alike).
I’m a huge fan of the handy side and back pockets as well as the comfortable high waist design which hugs me in comfortably. Importantly, these shorts don’t dig into my thighs, so I feel supported but not too on show, despite their shorter length. Oh, and they’re lightweight, breathable and don’t show sweat marks." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
4. Best cycling shorts for the gym
"I can see why Sweaty Betty's Power shorts and leggings are best-sellers - they're really high-performance.
Flattering, supportive, and sweat-wicking, when testing I felt like they offered everything you'd need in a short to workout in. I wore them for both runs and weight training and they didn't chafe, roll up or roll up, staying in place and offering easy support for my session.
I also liked that the shorts offered an adjustable drawcord around the stomach for a personalised fit and plenty of pockets for your belongings - one on each thigh and one with a zip on your lower back, too. If you'd prefer a longer leg length, they have three options - 4", 6" or 9"." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
5. Best high waisted cycling shorts
If you know our Health Writer Grace Lindsay, then you'll know that she loves Adanola. The brand creates stylish yet functional gym wear that she practically lives in, so she couldn't wait to try out the Ultimate Crop Shorts.
"As a petite 5 ft 1 girl, I found that these offered the perfect leg length, sweat-wicked well and offered impressive support for the price tag. I was seriously impressed. My only piece of advice would be to opt for seamless underwear when wearing them, as the material is slightly thin." - Grace Lindsay, Health Writer
6. Best cycling shorts with quick delivery
"I bought these cycling shorts from Amazon four years ago and they are still in great shape. The fabric has a soft, buttery feel and the pockets offer so much room for my phone and keys (as well as ample hold to ensure nothing flies out when exercising). I love the supportive, high waisted design and extra stretchy fabric that feels high quality. They wick sweat very well and haven't changed shape or diminished in quality over the years, despite how many times I have worn and washed them." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
7. Best Nike cycling shorts
The Nike Go shorts have become a firm mainstay in my workout wardrobe as one of the best running shorts that don't ride up.
When testing, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fabric - they're squat-proof and not see-through, a non-negotiable in my eyes. Plus, the compression fabric supports and sweat-wicks well.
Word of warning: the lighter colourways do show sweat patches more than the darker designs, so be mindful of that when purchasing if you get sweaty during your workouts, like me.
8. Best black cycling shorts
"Prior to trying P.E. Nation kit, I had a misconception that the brand designed athleisurewear as opposed to high-quality activewear designed with performance in mind - and how wrong I was.
These five-inch shorts are the most supportive I've tested, sweat-wick seamlessly and offering a flattering fit without cutting me in half. When testing, I was surprised by the stretch and how little the shorts moved as I got a sweat on, never rolling down or up.
As they're made from a shiny, compressive fabric, they are tighter than other designs in this round-up - potentially too tight for some - but I love wearing them for interval sessions as I know I'll feel properly supported." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
9. Best soft cycling shorts
"Vuori activewear is some of my most worn of all time, largely due to the fact that it is incomparably soft. These shorts are no exception: they're lightweight, smooth, and a dream to wear for pretty much any workout. Yes, they're on the pricier side, but the quality really speaks for itself. They don't slip down and they're just the right mini length for me. The only thing that would make them better is built in pockets." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
10. Best cycling shorts for spin class
"These LNDR cycling shorts have become another firm favourite of mine (I ran Paris Half in them in February and can confirm, they're great). They sweat-wick well, meaning no crotch sweat patches, as well as supporting you through most exercise without cutting you in half or rolling down. They have a range of leg lengths on offer, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
11. Best cycling shorts for Pilates
"These shorts are part of Gymshark's latest launch and they're ideal for warm weather workouts thanks to the weightless fabric. Seamless and soft, they don't at all cut into the stomach or legs, which is essential. The waistband doesn't roll down no matter what exercise I'm doing, and I love the fresh blue shade that screams spring. Just be aware that the Soft Sculpt range isn't designed for heavy lifting or high-intensity training, so these shorts are best suited to exercises like Pilates or hiking." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
What to look for in a set of women's cycling shorts
It'll depend on what you're wearing the shorts for, but non-negotiables include a supportive, high waistband, pockets for your valuables, and a compressing fabric that adequately sweat-wicks, too.
If you'll be using the shorts on your bike, bum padding is also handy for avoiding the dreaded sore glutes after long rides.
Consider leg length when ordering, too - normally the number in the product title will indicate how long the short is in inches. For example, the lululemon Fast & Free 6" has a six-inch leg length.
