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From race-cut and casual options to bibs, baggies, and sub-$40 all-stars. Mens Biking Shorts
Picking a pair of cycling shorts or bibs is extremely personal. An ill-fitting pair can rub the wrong places or bunch up as you move making it hard to even think of anything but your shorts. Riding with a chamois that doesn’t pad the parts of you that need the most support can completely ruin your ride. You’ve probably been out on a group ride before and noticed one of your fellow cyclists doing the telltale bad shorts dance: Lifting out of the saddle every minute or so and shifting their weight from side to side, front to back.
Well-made, well-fitting shorts allow you to forget that you’re wearing them. Made from a stretchy, close-fitting fabric with an elastic waistband, they mesh with your body almost like another layer of skin. You often need to try on (and test out) multiple pairs of shorts or bibs before finding the ones that are perfect for you (or as close to perfection as you can get). I’ve been looking for years, so I can help you take the next step toward finding the best cycling shorts for you.
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There are tons of cycling shorts and bibs out there, and many of them appear near-identical at first glance. To be fair, many are. But they are not all the same, and you will have a much better time riding if you figure out what kind of shorts you prefer.
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Cycling shorts come in two varieties: Standard shorts with an elastic waistband, or “bib” shorts, which feature shoulder straps to hold them up. There’s no right answer here, just what you like best. Many cyclists own and wear both, so don’t be afraid to try different versions of both options as you expand your wardrobe to find your new fave.
Cycling shorts are more convenient than bibs when nature calls midride. The best designs have wide, contoured waistbands that don’t dig into your skin. Some, especially women’s shorts, have a high waist cut to help cover the gap between the top of a standard waistband and the bottom of a jersey, which may get exposed as you ride.
Men’s shorts (for some reason) often opt for a low-waisted cut, so you should try bending over into riding position when trying on a new pair to make sure they don’t creep down in the back. As one of my cycling buddies, Tom, told me recently about a pair he needed to return, “They were too low-rise. I was in serious danger of plumber’s crack.”
Bib Shorts, or cycling bibs, offer an alternative to elastic waistbands if you find them too tight or constraining. They cover the same amount of leg as a high-waisted short, but with shoulder straps that hold the shorts up and in place without any pressure. Many bibs also feature fabric panels that cover your back and stomach, providing additional coverage.
Bibs are specific to cycling and may be something of an acquired taste if you haven’t tried them. Not everyone likes the downward pressure, however slight, that bib straps can put on your shoulders. They also complicate bathroom stops, unless they have a drop tail or super-stretchy straps. (Some women’s bibs solve this issue by featuring rear straps that you can separate or detach to adjust the back portion of the bib.)
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to shorts versus bibs. Many of the men I cycle with regularly are not fans of bibs as they don’t “see the need for that extra fabric.” We recommend trying both to find the one that’s most comfortable for you - which, honestly, can change depending on what kind of riding you’re doing on a particular day.
The term “chamois”–often pronounced “shammy” in the US–refers to seat padding that’s often woven into cycling shorts (and bibs). The term comes from an especially soft and absorbent leather made from a species of European goat-antelopes, though modern chamois pads are pretty much always made from synthetic materials.
A good chamois is an integral piece of biking gear. Engineered to pull moisture away from your body while reducing chafing on sensitive areas, a chamois adds padding to make your rides more comfortable. And less irritation and bacteria build-up helps prevent dreaded saddle sore.
Most chamois have an inner foam padding wrapped in low-friction, anti-microbial fabric. The better ones have fewer and/or smoother seams and more anatomical cuts to prevent bunching. That said, chamois fit is highly personal, and you’ll need to try some shorts on to find what you like best.
Women’s and men’s chamois are inherently different, designed for the best fit, comfort, and protection of the sensitive areas of each. If you’re a person who loves science and enjoys a good internet rabbit hole, take a dive down the CyTech Company’s elastic interface cycling chamois product pages.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of mountain biking created a sharp sartorial divide between the cross-country racers, whose tight-fitting Lycra shorts and jerseys were often indistinguishable from those of roadies, and downhill riders who gravitate to loose-fitting, impact-oriented gear inspired by motocross racing.
Those two perspectives are mostly reunited in the modern mountain bike short, which generally features a slim-fitting “baggy” outer that offers some of the style and protection of those old motocross-inspired offerings, but with a tighter fit and lighter, high-performance fabric to keep you cool.
Mountain bike shorts come in several lengths and styles. If you want to wear kneepads, you’ll want a longer short with a wider opening to accommodate them. Most mountain bike shorts are sold with a chamois liner in anticipation of a bumpy ride.
As with every kind of clothing, short sizing varies widely from brand to brand. Some companies offer two (or more) “fit types” to accommodate riders who might have the same waist size but different proportions. Shorts with a “pro” fit work best with flatter stomachs and skinny quads, while “club” or “touring” fits allow room for body proportions that are more common among recreational riders.
I selected the best cycling shorts and bibs based on my experience testing many, many shorts across countless hours of riding in a range of different cycling kits. You never really know how comfortable a bib or pair of shorts are until you’ve worn them for more than 30 miles at a time. Testing them on rides in the searing hot sun is also important as the sweat factor differentiates the “adequate” chamois from those that deserve top scores.
I’ve also spent lots of time discussing bib and short preferences with other cyclists while on group rides. Most cyclists are happy to discuss fit and comfort issues with their shorts. We’re all on a never-ending quest for that “perfect” short or bib. As my friend Richard told me, “I have issues with all of mine. Too loose, too tight!! Can’t wait to find one that is just right.”
Hopefully, this guide can help you find your “just right” cycling short.
Designed specifically for performance, Pearl Izumi’s Attack shorts have a compressive, tight fit similar to “higher end” cycling brands such as Rapha and Assos, but without the sky-high price tag. They feature a wide waistband that doesn’t pinch and a breathable, stretchable medium-density chamois for comfort no matter how far or long you’re riding. Plus, they’re made from a fabric woven with naturally stretchy (and recycled) yarns which minimizes the number of seams and, by extension, reduces the potential for chafing.
Pearl Izumi shorts are also extremely durable. My buddy Tom, a veteran cyclist, said “they wear like iron.” One of the issues with spandex and other stretchy fabrics is that eventually the points which experience the most stress start to break down, rendering the fabric see-through. In my cycling group, we routinely have to organize interventions wherein we inform someone that it’s time to retire a specific pair of shorts. As of yet, there has never been a Pearl Izumi pair involved in one of these conversations.
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Go on any group ride and you’ll probably notice quite a few cyclists wearing shorts that sport the Pearl Izumi logo. Not necessarily considered a “premium” cycling brand, Pearl Izumi makes durable active wear that’s surprisingly comfortable and lasts for years. Made from nylon and spandex with a compression fit, the breathable fabric wicks sweat from your skin. Their “levitate” chamois, fashioned from a dense foam that eliminates bulk, provides just the right amount of padding.
One of the women I cycle with regularly had this to say about her Pearl Izumi shorts, “I bought these when I first started riding; when I knew nothing, and they’re still one of my favorites. And they’ve lasted longer than a lot of the more expensive shorts I have.” She rides about 300 miles a week, so if anyone was potentially going to wear out a pair of shorts, it would be her.
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Gorewear—maker of that ever-popular waterproof fabric Gore-Tex—keeps it simple with its stylish, high-performance C3 shorts which offer excellent moisture management, thermal efficiency, and aerodynamic properties. They’re form-fitting with thick padding, which may cause chafing or general discomfort on paper, but for many riders they are the epitome of a short that “just works.”
That may sound like a lot of unnecessary tech for a simple pair of black shorts, but that’s the beauty of the design. Behind the understated look are the ingredients for a long day of comfortable riding. My cycling buddy Joe only wears black shorts, and these are his favorite. He’s not a person who is much concerned with “fashion” or the latest clothing technology; he just wants to be able to ride his bike for 80 to 100 miles at a time without ever thinking about what he’s wearing. His Gorewear C3s allow him to do that.
These shorts from women’s cycling brand Shredly are a revelation in fit, style, and comfort —and I don’t say that lightly. The first time I pulled on a pair, all I could think was, “Finally!” The Biker Cham shorts provide just the right amount of compression, so I feel supported, but not crushed. Their high-waist-band-free design ensures that I don’t have to worry about tummy flashing.
And it has one of the most comfortable chamois ever. It has perforation holes throughout that make it both quick-drying and extremely flexible—there aren’t many things worse in cycling than a stiff chamois. The nylon-spandex blend of the shorts is wonderfully soft, with no shine. The perforated, laser cut, scalloped edge on the legs adds just the right bit of style. If hot pink and butterfly-print are not your thing, they also come in black.
In my numerous conversations with fellow cyclists, one of the biggest complaints about chamois is that they are too “robust” (bigger isn’t always better). If that sounds right to you, the Equipe R S9 bib should provide just the right amount of cushioning.
Assos uses an ultralight nylon elastane blend fabric for these high-performance bib shorts, which feel like a second skin. The shorts have a pretty tight compressive fit so some could find them a bit constrictive. The minimalist, suspender-style straps are perfect for anyone who feels constrained by bibs with back and stomach panels. It also takes a lighter approach with its thin, thermoformed chamois. This is the kind of bib that you put on and forget about—no matter what kind of riding you’re doing that day.
Café du Cyclist bibs have some of the most comfortable chamois available. Their top-of-the-line CyTech pads feature “elastic interface technology” with 360 degrees of elasticity so they’re designed to move with you as your body adjusts on your seat and provide cushioning for the points of your body that experience the most pressure.
The Marinette stands out, even among Cafe Du Cyclist’s bibs, because of its minimal seams, stylish look, and sleek front mesh panel over the stomach section. The fit is stable and compressive without being too intense—perfect for long days in the saddle. The Marinette bib is designed to sit close to your body and curves but has a more relaxed overall shape than Cafe du Cyclist’s more performance oriented pieces.
Café du Cycliste, while extremely expensive, has achieved a bit of a cult-like following among many of the women I ride with. On a recent cycling trip to Mallorca, my friend Victoria was more excited to shop the Café du Cycliste store in Palma than to visit the cathedral. Cycling is, after all, a kind of religion for many of us.
Inspired by the mesh pockets found in old VW camper vans, Ostroy’s Camper Cargo Bibs have four (yes, four!) pockets, each big enough to accommodate a phone, wallet, or tube. The moisture-wicking elastane and nylon fabric gives gentle compression, making them perfect for multi-day trail adventures.
I especially love the Campers’ unique colors and patterns, including the camping badges on the straps. These are for the type of rider who doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but would (almost) always rather be riding, no matter the conditions.
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Made from a stretchy and lightweight, yet durable nylon fabric, Specialized’s trail shorts are perfect for a day riding over rocks and roots in the mountains. These are long shorts—with an 11.5-13.5-inch inseam, so they nearly go down to your knees to protect you from spraying gravel or a stray rock. If you wear knee pads, they’ll reach past the top of the pads. The side tabs allow you to tighten the waist as needed to ensure they stay put, even when you’ve got stuff in your pockets.
Specialized uses what the brand calls a “body geometry 3D chamois,” which is designed to minimize unhealthy pressure on your seat. It also curves to mirror the shape of their body geometry saddles, so the two are designed to work in tandem for a most comfortable ride. Even without one of these saddles, these trail shorts are comfortable and provide the extra protection you need for an off-road ride.
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The hardest time to dress for cycling is often between the seasons—it’s too cold for your favorite pair of summer bib, but not yet cold enough to warrant a pair of insulated winter cycling tights. Assos’ Equipe RS Spring Fall S9 Bib provides just enough extra protection against the elements to keep you comfortable as it gets chilly.
Made from a heavier brushed knit fabric, plus two layers of windproof and waterproof fabric across the legs and stomach, these keep the biting winds and occasional freezing rain from forcing you to cut your ride short. The low-profile suspender-style straps hold everything in place without adding pressure.
Some may find the larger chamois a bit too bulky—it’s pretty significant in the derriere area—but riders with less natural padding in that department may appreciate the extra support. This is a solid pair of fall or early spring bibs that will keep you warm without overheating.
Made from a lightweight polyamide and elastane blend, MAAP Evo Bibs have exceptional stretch, recovery, and shape retention. They hold up after multiple washes, and don’t bag or stretch or gap when confronted with excess sweat. The mesh back panel offers great air flow and breathability while the wide straps sit comfortably without digging in. The silicone leg grippers work well without causing the very unattractive “sausage leg” syndrome. Basically, you won’t give this bib another thought once you’re wearing it which is exactly what you need during a competition.
Though they’re hard to find at retail, MAAP bibs and shorts come in a wide array of colors if you’re inclined to break out of the basic black mode. Most every time I’ve complimented someone on their shorts color, it’s turned out to be MAAP. Unrelated, but I also appreciate the brand offers a 40 percent discount on crash replacements.
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No, these aren’t technically shorts or bibs, but they are my current, absolute favorite thing. I wear them with Shredly’s no-chamois biker shorts, but you can pair them with a padded pair for extra support.
If you’re like me, a bikepacker straddling the road and mountain biking worlds, these are for you. They will confuse certain people in your group road rides because it’s difficult for some riders to wrap their heads around someone breaking out so significantly from the typical roadie tight spandex look. But that’s okay: You’ve never really been one to follow the crowd.
Plus, as my cycling buddy Andres observed, “You can go right to dinner after the ride in that.”
Do you really need to wear a chamois?
You do not necessarily need to wear a chamois, but the majority of riders find there is a benefit to the additional comfort and cushioning it provides for long days on the road. Chamois also are typically made from materials with antibacterial properties, which help prevent saddle sores.
How do you wash cycling shorts?
Wash cycling shorts in cold water with a gentle laundry detergent formulated for delicates such as Woolite or Seventh Generation Free and Clear. You can wash them by hand or use the gentle cycle in your washing machine. Always hang-dry cycling shorts and bibs, though.
Why are some cycling shorts so expensive?
Some cycling brands use high-tech fabrics and materials which usually correspond to higher prices. Likewise, cycling-specific brands design technical garments with unique features including zippered pockets and breathable mesh panels that make for a more expensive product.
That doesn’t necessarily account for how expensive some of them are, though. Realistically, part of the answer to the why are cycling shorts so expensive aligns solidly with the same reason Gucci can sell a cotton black t-shirt for $600—because it has the Gucci name on it and someone (many someones) will pay that much for it.
Rapha was one of, if not the first company, to implement a marketing plan that altered the way cyclists’ thought of their riding gear, manufacturing unique, sophisticated cycling clothing and charging a premium for it.
Ultimately, there’s a whole spectrum of cycling shorts. The best pair is the one that feels right when you try them on. It may cost you $300, but it may only cost $30.
Do I have to wear cycling-specific clothing?
Obviously, you do not have to wear cycling specific clothing to ride a bike. You can wear whatever you want. People have been riding bikes in all kinds of attire for over two centuries.
If you’re racing, stretchy, tight-fitting clothing will render you somewhat more aerodynamic. That has led many people to try cycling clothes, and many people find they are more comfortable riding in them. On top of that, cycling specific clothing has features like secure, well-placed pockets that allow you to stash your stuff without it getting in the way of pedaling, and there's also moisture wicking fabric to keep you dry.
Bikes, though, have always been and will always be for everyone. The kid in jean shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers racing a steel bike across Central Asia's Mongolian steppe is just as much of a cyclist as the guy in his $600+ designer kit riding a $10,000 Pinarello through the Italian Alps. Don’t be afraid to do you—even, or perhaps especially —when cycling.
Vanessa Nirode is a freelance writer who covers wellness, culture, outdoor adventure and travel for Hearst, HuffPost, PopSci, BBC Travel, and Threads, among others. She’s also a pattern maker and tailor for film and television but most of the time, she’d rather just be riding her bicycle.
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