A Guide To Every Pair Of Bike Shorts You Can Wear This Summer

The resurgence of leggings as "real pants" has only been accelerated by the past year's shift towards comfort-first wardrobes. We no longer ask ourselves whether or not the body-con bottoms are a truly viable option to wear outside of the gym; with the right styling, the right attitude, and the right pair, the stretchy, clingy pant now gets a resounding yes. However, as summer rolls around, the same goes for the leggings' cropped counterparts: bike shorts.

Bike shorts caused quite the stir when they returned to the runway again a few years back, with fashion girls all over the world embracing the controversial trend. And, while we weren't quite sure of their longevity, after seeing our favorite designers from Heron Preston to Rachel Comey manufacturing pairs of their own, it became clear that bike shorts are here to stay. What's the trick to doing them right? Our advice: grab a pair with some length — it's more fashion-forward and makes navigating your shoe selection so much easier. Leggings and heeled sandals? Most likely no. Bike shorts and heeled sandals? Kind of great. Wear with an oversized blazer, a simple hoodie, or with a pretty white blouse, and you're good to go.

Ahead, shop our picks for every pair of bike shorts you'll need for summer — from high-rise to ribbed and pocket-clad.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Best High-Rise

Girlfriend Collective Plum High-Rise Bike Short

Girlfriend Plum High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at Girlfriend

Best Ribbed

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short

Free People Seamless Rib Bike Short, $, available at Free People

Best Compression

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Short, $, available at Alo Yoga

Best Knit

Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D Knit Ribbed Shorts

Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D Knit Ribbed Shorts, $, available at Uniqlo

Best Eco

Everlane The Perform Bike Short

Everlane The Perform Bike Short, $, available at Everlane

Best For Yoga

Lululemon Align Short 6"

Lululemon Align Short 6", $, available at Lululemon

Best Black

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Short

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts, $, available at Universal Standard

Best with Pockets

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Short

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Short, $, available at Athleta

Best For Comfort

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short, $, available at Beyond Yoga

Best Under $15

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts

Old Navy High-Waisted Jersey Bike Shorts, $, available at Old Navy

Best Sweat-Wicking

Outdoor Voices Core 7" Short

Outdoor Voices Core 7" Short, $, available at Outdoor Voices

Best Cotton

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts

A New Day High-Waist Cotton Blend Seamless 7" Inseam Bike Shorts, $, available at Target

Best Faux Leather

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short

Eloquii Faux Leather Bike Short, $, available at Eloquii

Best For Running

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts

Nike Air Running Tight Shorts, $, available at Nike

Best Printed

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus

Abacaxi Smocked Shorts Hibiscus, $, available at Abacaxi

Best For Going Out

Good America The Boss Bike Short

Good American The Boss Bike Short, $, available at Good American

Best Mid-Rise

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short

Billie the Label Peggy Biker Short, $, available at Verishop

Best Padded

Rapha Core Shorts

Rapha Core Shorts, $, available at Rapha

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