Best bike shorts for workouts or fashion in 2024
Why the “luxurious” new range has proved a hit with shoppers, plus more bike shorts you can buy for your summer activewear wardrobe now.
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Once relegated to the 1990s, bike shorts are back in a big way.
The perfect alternative to leggings during summer, what makes bike shorts a great wardrobe staple is that they can be worn for your workout or dressed up with an oversized tee for a casual weekend look.
When shopping around for bike shorts, think about whether you want a high-waisted or low-waisted fit, and what sort of length you’d like to wear. We also recommend checking to see if they offer a four-way stretch or more of a compressive fit, and added features like built-in pockets or a scrunch bum can always be a nice bonus.
To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best options from STAX., Lululemon, Amazon Australia, THE ICONIC and more.
Our current favourite are the SECONDLEFT Seamless Midi Biker Shorts from STAX. Fans on Instagram are frothing over the new collection, commenting: “Obsessed seriously! How is it so buttery soft!?” and “Big yes from me!!!”
A STAX. spokeswoman told news.com.au the “luxurious, buttery soft” bike shorts have proved popular with shoppers, selling out in just 30 minutes during their launch event.
“We sold out of all styles and colours during our shock drop post-event on August 24 and since officially launching September first, we’re seeing limited stock availability in bike shorts remaining,” they said.
“Our Australia customers are loving this range, especially with warmer weather approaching!”
Keep on scrolling to see our favourite bike shorts you’ll want to add to your wardrobe stat.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BIKE SHORTS FOR EXERCISE
Nike Universa Bike Shorts with Pockets, $85 at Nike
Why we love it: Pockets for keys and phone
What to consider: Snug fit with a long leg
Material: 76 per cent nylon/24 per cent elastane (made from at least 50 per cent recycled nylon fibres) | Length: Long | Colour: Black, Playful Pink, Red Stardust, Deep Jungle, Fireberry
What you need to know
These sleek biker shorts from Nike are ideal for exercising as they're made from soft and comfy fabric, yet with a snug fit to support you and keep everything in place. The high rise waist band offers extra coverage and helps reduce rolling, pinching and sliding, while Nike Dri-FIT technology draws sweat away so you stay dry and comfortable. And best of all, the design includes pockets to keep all those essentials such as phone and keys close-at-hand.
There are plenty of five-star reviews for these bike shorts with many shoppers particularly loving them for their comfort factor. One reviewer commented, "These shorts are super comfortable. A little tight for my liking tho. But perfect if you want a snug fit for biking or whatever else you need then for. They are really really soft also! The material is amazing. I would definitely recommend!"
"I am always skeptical of these types of shorts due to my size," wrote another. "These shorts however are comfortable and I can wear them all day. The fabric is breathable and the shorts do not ride up my legs. The fabric is surprisingly soft and stretchable. I will definitely wear these shorts a lot, especially when I exercise."
High Waist Spin Short, $25 (down from $59) at Jaggad
Why we love it: Made of strong stretchy fabric that doesn't go see through
What to consider: Only one length available
Material: 74 per cent Polyester, 26 per cent Elastane | Length: Mid | Colour: Black
What you need to know
Jagged's stylish bike shorts are made from durable and supportive fabric with a four way stretch that's up for the challenge of medium to high intensity activity such as circuit training, HIIT and running. Featuring a high waist and back phone pocket, they are comfy, functional and super flattering - and best of all, won't go see through like other brands.
"My new wardrobe staple!" wrote one happy customer. "Absolutely love how comfortable these are! I went up a size as I was worried the legs would be tight at the knees but absolutely not an issue at all! Perfect length, perfect amount of detailing, nice height waist. Can't go wrong."
Another shopper left the comment, "These are the comfiest shorts I own. I will definitely be buying another few pairs for the warmer months. Love them!"
Active Bike Shorts, $12 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Super affordable and multiple lengths
What to consider: No side pockets for phone
Material: Cotton/Elastane | Length: Short, Mid and Long | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
If there’s any store to rely on, it’s Target. They always have the goods at affordable prices, and these Target bike shorts are no exception.
Coming in a long, mid and short length, they’re available in a size range of AU6 to AU20 and offer durable stretch for comfort and flexibility, and breathable, moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry throughout your workout. They have a flattering slim fit, mid-rise waist, wide waistband, with a hidden pocket at the top of waistband for your essentials.
Reviewers have praised the "good quality" and fit" of the shorts. "Very comfortable shorts, great fit and fabric is nice on the skin," one five-star reviewer raved.
Optime Training Bike Short Leggings, $49.50 (was $55) at Adidas Australia
Why we love it: Supportive and durable fabric
What to consider: Tight fit
Material: 76 per cent recycled polyester, 24 per cent elastane interlock | Length: Long | Colour: Black and Shadow Violet
What You Need To Know
If you’re a fan of the three-stripe brand but are after something a little more sleek and simple, these Adidas bike shorts are the perfect option.
Crafted from their new adimove fabric which is slick and provides smoothing support with four-way stretch, it also has added LYCRA SPORT technology for optimised shape retention and AEROREADY properties to manage your body’s moisture to keep your dry.
It has an elastic high-rise waist, hidden waistband pocket, a tight fit to keep you supported and held in, and a small white Adidas logo on the bottom side of the leg.
Sitting shy of a five-star rating, customers praise the shorts for being “very breathable and comfy”.
“I’ve been wearing this for the gym, hiking, and just as a daily wear and it never disappoints. It’s so comfortable and cute at the same time,” one wrote.
SL Seamless Midi Biker Shorts, $69.95 at STAX.
Why we love it: Seamfree
What to consider: No pockets
Material: 94 per cent Nylon and 6 per cent Spandex | Length: Midi | Colour: Black, Blue, Butter and Red
What You Need To Know
In 2023, our favourite Aussie athleisure brand STAX unveiled their newest global brand, SECONDLEFT, and collection, Premium Seamless – and we’re obsessed.
Inspired by international luxury athleisure, the collection consists of a range of basics and active cover-ups and we’re shouting out the SL Seamless Midi Biker Shorts.
Featuring a high ribbed waistband, midi length and SECONDLEFT logo detailing, the shorts have a glute contouring design and are made from a nylon-spandex blend fabric that offers sweat-wicking properties.
Available in sizes XS to 2XL and a range of colours including blue, butter and red.
Align High-Rise Bike Shorts 8”, $64 (was$79) at Lululemon
Why we love it: Buttery soft fabric that's super comfortable
What to consider: Not suitable for high-impact activities
Material: 1 per cent Nylon, 19 per cent Lycra Elastane | Length: 8 inches | Colour: Black and Ether Green
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Shopping Editor
These Lululemon bike shorts are a great wardrobe staple, I wear them on walks, to the beach, working from home or for pilates. They look great paired with an oversized tee and chunky runners for a Princess Diana-inspired outfit.
My only complaint would be that they ride up a bit if you’re doing any high intensity exercise like running, but the high waistband never budges.
Premium Seamless V6 Midi Bike Shorts, $54.95 at STAX.
Why we love it: Seamless
What to consider: No pockets
Material: | Length: Midi| Colour: Beige, Burgundy, Black, Grey, Navy
What You Need To Know
The Premium Seamless range has a cult following among activewear devotees and frequently sells out on launch dates. For their sixth and latest collection the Aussie brand has a released a range of updated colourways and a more fitted waistband to cinch you in.
“This is by far the best seamless yet. The colour is gorgeous, the fit is perfect, and the fabric is so soft. These are my favourite pair of shorts ever,” one shopper wrote in a five star review.
On Instagram, STAX. shoppers have raved about how “obsessed” they are with Premium Seamless saying it is “phenomenal” and ultra flattering.
Elixir Mid Short Tight, $70 at LSKD
Why we love it: Wide size range, from 2XS to 3XL
What to consider: Some reviewers say material is see-through
Material: 70 per cent Nylon, 30 per cent Spandex | Length: Mid | Colour: Black No Logo, Black Camo, Tangerine, High Tide
What You Need To Know
LSKD’s Elixir range is one of the Aussie brand’s best-selling styles, with the leggings previously selling out because they were so popular. Their bike shorts are made from their same lightweight Zephyr fabric that took 12 months of formulating to make.
Five star reviewers say they “love the fit” and that they “don’t dig in, BUT they don’t move”.
BEST AFFORDABLE BIKE SHORTS
Form Fit Mini Bike Shorts, $19.99 at Glassons
Why we love it: Affordable
What to consider: Short length
Material: 81 percent Nylon, 19 per cent Elastane | Length: Mini | Colour: Black, Cypress, Milk
What You Need To Know
Glassons is out go-to for basics and we’ve got our eye on the Form Fit Mini Bike Short. Made from a soft, buttery fabric, these shorts are perfect for yoga, lounging and coffee dates. Available in sizes XS to L.
CRZ YOGA Women’s Sport Shorts, $34 (down from $50.99) at Amazon
Why we love it: Dupe of Lululemon Aligns
What to consider: Not suitable for high-impact activities and small sizing
Material: 62 per cent Polyamide, 38 per cent Spandex| Length: 6 inches | Colour: 13 Colours
What You Need To Know
CRZ YOGA is a popular brand stocked by Amazon Australia whose products get likened to Lululemon, with shoppers claiming they are just as good while costing a fraction of the price.
These shorts are made from CRZ YOGA’s Naked Feeling Light fabric that is buttery soft with four-way stretch all while staying cool and not going see-through.
The high-waisted shorts also have two side pockets are designed to hug you in all the right places.
Five star reviews say these shorts are “exactly like the Lululemon version but a lot cheaper”, however, some shoppers advise sizing up.
Cotton On Body Active Active Core Bike Shorts, from $18.74 (down from $24.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Excellent size range, from 2XS to 5XL
What to consider: Very tight fit and some say it's a bit see through
Material: 88 per cent Polyamide, 12 per cent Elastane. | Length: Mid | Colour: Core Black, Element Blue
What You Need To Know
If you’re on a budget then Cotton On Body’s Active range is a great option — they have flattering and functional designs at an affordable price.
These no frills bike shorts are another winner, with a high waistband and moisture-wicking fabric as well as an internal waistband pocket.
TSLA Women’s High Waisted Bike Shorts, $26.98 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Big colour range
What to consider: Some reviewers say the shorts ride up the legs
Material: Polyester and Spandex Mix | Length: 8 inches| Colour: 17 colours available
What You Need To Know
These are Amazon’s best-selling bike shorts at the moment and as the most affordable pair on this list, it’s not hard to see now. TSLA is another Amazon-stocked activewear brand that’s popular with shoppers, with a wide range of colours and styles available that won’t break the bank.
These shorts are made from a soft polyester and spandex mix that has four-way stretch as well as being quick drying.
“I’m really impressed with these bike shorts! The fabric, construction, fit and overall quality of these shorts is excellent. The same quality as much more expensive brands. I love the high waist which flattens my tummy and holds me in nice and snug,” one five star review reads.
BEST LONG BIKE SHORTS
Cross Pocket Bike Shorts, $59.99 at Rockwear
Why we love it: Double layer pockets
What to consider: Some reviewers say the sizing isn't true to size
Material: 83 per cent Polyester 17 per cent Elastane| Length: | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Longer-length bike shorts are great if you don’t want to feel like your shorts are riding up while working out. They are also very flattering on thighs and legs, but cooler than wearing leggings in summer. These Cross Pocket shorts from Rockwear have pockets on the sides, a high rise fit and moisture-wicking properties that will keep you cool during high intensity workouts.
This pair has earned some incredible reviews, like “Great fit, high waisted, easy to move in and squat proof. I love the length for those warmer months and not having to feel uncomfortable as it holds everything in.”
BEST RIBBED BIKE SHORTS
Aimn Ribbed Seamless Biker Shorts, $59 (down from $65) at Aimn
Why we love it: Huge colour range and seamless style
What to consider: Some reviewers note the light colours are see-through
Material: 92 per cent Polyamide, 8 per cent Elastane | Length: Long | Colour: 17 Colours
What You Need To Know
Made of a soft soft and flexible four-way knitted ribbed fabric, these Ribbed Seamless Biker Shorts feature a high-rise waist and moisture-wicking properties.
Boasting a 4.8-star rating from over 1000 reviews, shopper have raved the "comfort" and "fit" of the shorts.
"Fits true to size, amazing fabric, comfy and stylish, couldn't love it more!" one happy customer wrote.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BIKE SHORTS
When choosing bike shorts to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Fabric: Lightweight fabric that will keep you cool in a workout but also thick enough to pass the squat test. Although if you're wearing the bike shorts mainly for low-impact activities like yoga or walking, a thinner but stretchier material might be more suitable.
Style and length: Bike shorts generally come in a short, mid and long length so consider what type of coverage you are after and where you want the shorts to fall on your thigh.
Comfort and fit: Think about whether you want a high-waisted or low-waisted fit. Consider if you're after shorts with a four-way stretch or more of a compressive fit.
Features: Are you after bike shorts with added features like built-in pockets or a scrunch bum?
Price: Although price does often reflect quality, we worked to ensure that we included a range of bike shorts at different price points for different budgets.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best bike shorts for workouts and fashion, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching products worthy of including in this article. We investigated what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews to create a reliable bike shorts round-up that range from premium to budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MATERIAL FOR BIKE SHORTS?
What material you opt for will depend on what you’re buying them for — if it’s for everyday wear and light exercise like walking, you will probably want to purchase a pair that is a cotton blend.
For more intense exercise you will want to make sure your bike shorts can stretch and move with you, so checking to see if they’re made from a spandex or elastane blend will be useful.
HOW DO YOU STYLE BIKE SHORTS?
Confused about how to make bike shorts work as fashion? It’s actually very similar to how you used to wear them in the ‘90s. Just team your bike shorts with an oversized T-shirt or a longline collared shirt (Blanca’s Benny shirt is perfect for this). Then, throw on some sneakers – casual white sneakers if you’re heading to a picnic or the shops, but you can get away with running shoes if you like – and you’re good to go.
For night-time, try teaming your bike shorts with strappy heels, a silk shirt and a leather blazer. Yes, really! A pair of longline bike shorts can really work for stylish party wear, you just have to wear them confidently.
More Activewear Coverage
Best women’s leggings for walking, lifting weights and running
The best running shoes for women, from beginners to pros
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