Best women's cycling shorts 2024 ridden and rated

A good pair of women's cycling shorts can make all the difference to your comfort on the bike - here's what to look for and some of our favourite pairs

Female cyclist wearing a pair of the best cycling shorts for women
(Image credit: Future)

Being comfortable on your bike can make all the difference to the enjoyment of a ride. There are a number of component parts to achieving this, but owning a pair of the best women’s cycling shorts is likely to help.

Matched to a women's bike saddle that suits your physique and riding style they can provide you with comfort and absorption, even over long distances. 

But what makes a good pair of cycling bib shorts? The chamois is vital of course, and there are varying densities and materials used for rides of differing lengths. Likewise the material can vary greatly, with an emphasis on breathability, compression and even weatherproofing. And then there’s the details - think leg grippers, reflective accents, bib straps and pockets.

We’ve tested numerous pairs with a view to helping you find the right shorts for you. We’ve listed our picks below, all ridden and rated. Below this we’ve some further advice on what makes a great pair of cycling shorts.

The Quick List

The best women's cycling shorts 2024: Our picks

Best overall

Velocio Women’s Signature Bib Shorts which are some of the best cycling shorts for women

(Image credit: Katherine Moore)
Best overall

Specifications

Sizes: XXS - XXXL
Colors: Black, navy blue
Chamois: Velocio proprietary Signature Chamois developed with Elastic Interface
Easy pee design: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Close body hugging fit
+
Mesh bib for modesty
+
FlyFree design for easy comfort breaks
+
Chamois comfortable for long rides

Reasons to avoid

-
Premium price range

With an understated design and minimal branding, the Signature shorts from the American brand Velocio are stylish in their subtly, yet highly functional. 

The top notch performance is delivered thanks to a chamois pad that is designed to provide comfort on long rides and Lycra that is both figure hugging and breathable. 

Practicality isn’t overlooked with the FlyFree design allowing you to go to the loo without having to take all your layers off, and the mesh front panel which is an additional highly breathable layer, ideal for added support when un-zipping your jersey on a hot ride. 

They aren't the cheapest on test, especially when compared to the likes of the dhb Aeron bib shorts, but we feel that the performance and practicality of the shorts easily justified the splurge. 

Read more: Velocio Women’s Signature Bib Short full review

Best value

Female cyclist wearing the Rapha Women's Core Bib Shorts

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best value

Specifications

Sizes: XXS - XL
Colors: Black, navy or burgundy shorts; white bibs
Chamois: Dual density foam
Easy-pee design: No

Reasons to buy

+
Robust enough for day-to-day wear
+
Great fit and comfort
+
Well contoured and flat seams
+
Comfortable chamois
+
Range of colors

Reasons to avoid

-
A little too heavyweight for warmer days
-
No easy-pee system 

The Core Collection from Rapha is designed for the everyday; less fancy, more rugged and more affordable than most of the Rapha range.

The Women's Core Bib Shorts are a straightforward design and we found they were extremely comfortable; everything just does what its supposed to. The chamois is a dense dual-foam which we found copes well with a few hours in the saddle. 

The Core's material is quite thick which makes them nice and durable and up to the lack of care and attention that comes with the daily commute or mid-week ride. The design of the bib section gives you quite a tucked-in and snug feeling which could be a bit too much if you're riding in warmer weather.  

Read more: Rapha Women's Core Bib Shorts full review

Best for long rides

Female cyclist wearing the Assos UMA GTV Short C2 which are some of the best bib shorts for women

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best for long rides

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XLG
Colors: Black
Chamois: Elastic Interface featuring GoldenGate, 3D Waffle Foam and 9mm Superair Microshock
Easy pee design: Yes (Bisclick)

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable
+
Moderate compression
+
Endurance chamois
+
Well-made

Reasons to avoid

-
Clasps may irritate if you stop in a cafe

In its 2022 UMA GTV shorts, Assos has moved the easy-pee access from the front to the rear, and used two clasps rather than one. It all makes for a simpler comfort break and helps distribute any strain on fabrics more evenly. Our tester found it to be one of the easier-to-use designs she's experienced.     

It's not surprising that the shorts feature Assos' classic X-frame and the chamois boasts Golden Gate; both are winning features and make for a supremely comfortable short.

The Elastic Interface chamois is exceptionally supportive - certainly suited to endurance riding.

Fabrics are robust while still remaining light and breathable, the medium pair only weighs 35g more than Velocio's Ultralights. Odour control and active cooling are integrated into the fabric, rather than via any kind of treatment. The overall finish is a deep, dark black, and UPF 50 protection. We loved that the leg grippers anchor the shorts firmly in place without over-compressing the thighs.

While anyone who appreciates quality and comfort will enjoy using these shorts, we think that out of the four we've tested recently, these are the best choice for performance orientated endurance riders.

Read more: Assos Women's UMA GTV Bib Shorts C2 full review

Best for warm weather

Female cyclist wearing the Velocio Ultralight Bib Shorts which are some of the best bib shorts for women

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best for warm weather

Specifications

Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Color: Black
Chamois: Proprietary Signature Chamois developed with Elastic Interface
Easy pee: Yes (FlyFree)

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Breathable
+
Understated
+
FlyFree

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be prone to transparency
-
Not inline with Velocio's eco-credentials

Understated comfort jumps to mind when you pull on Velocio's Ultralight Bib Shorts. The medium we tested weighed just 150g, making them perfect for those who enjoy warm weather training on a regular basis, or who ride indoors a lot. 

Velocio's FlyFree makes comfort breaks possible, though we'd advise sizing up to make things less of a wriggle affair. 

The pad's breathability matches the fabric's, so it's ideal for intense workouts while still offering decent support for longer rides.

Unlike most of Velocio's range, the Ultralights don't use recycled fabrics. We thought the shorts felt rougher than the others we reviewed, though it wasn't noticeable once we were riding in them. Velocio claims that the fabric is only 140 grams per metre, yet totally opaque. 

Our tester had a few issues at a side seam, thankfully none at the rear, so we'd definitely recommend sizing up if you think your hips are bigger than average - Velocio's chart only uses height and weight, no hip or waist metrics. If you are concerned about potential transparency Velocio's own Signature Bibs might be worth considering, though they won't be quite as breathable.

Read more: Velocio Women's Ultralight Bib Short full review

Best for comfort

Female cyclist wearing the Sportful Women's Classic Bib Shorts

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for comfort

Specifications

Sizes: XS - XXL
Color: Black with six choice of colors for leg detail
Chamois: Dual density foam
Easy-pee design: No

Reasons to buy

+
Minimal and flat seams
+
Leg-openings don't have elasticated band so very comfortable and low-thigh bulge risk 
+
Great feel

Reasons to avoid

-
Bib straps a little on the short side
-
No easy-pee system
-
Black bib section may show under pale tops

At first glance it would be easy to overlook the Sportful Women's Classic Bib Shorts. There's no fancy fabrics, no new-fangled features and no elaborate easy-pee system.  Even Sportful has held back on the marketing hyperbole. But don't let this mislead you, the Sportful Classics are an outstanding set of bib shorts.

We found that the material used is nice and lightweight with a gentle compressive feel, they just slip on your legs and feel like they should have always been there. The long leg has the silicon gripper applied straight to it so there's no hem or band to be overly restrictive, overly loose or chafe. 

The bibs are a lightweight mesh and sit comfortably over the shoulder. If I was being really picky I'd say the straps were a little tight and some riders may prefer white so its less noticeable under pale jerseys. Other than that, these are a very solid choice at the mid-range price point. 

Read more: Sportful Women's Classic Bib Shorts full review

Best on a budget

dhb Aeron bib shorts which are some of the best cycling shorts for women

(Image credit: Hannah Bussey)
Best on a budget

Specifications

Sizes: UK 8-16
Colors : Black, black/pink, black/white, navy
Chamois : Elastic interface Paris HP
Easy pee design : No

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable fit
+
Great chamois 
+
Bib strap design
+
Ideal for performance focused riding 
+
Wallet friendly price
+
Fabric ethical certification 

Reasons to avoid

-
Sizing comes up small

In a world where bib shorts costing eyewatering figures are commonplace, it’s refreshing to see a top quality pair retailing for significantly less. Dhb makes its Aeron shorts from Italian M.I.T.I. fabric designed to shrug off abrasion and maintain its elasticity over a hard life, and best of all it's made from recycled yarns. It doesn't quite match the Alé Green Road Lady pair standards, but it's great to see environmental considerations becoming a high priority for big brands. 

Inside is a Paris HP Elastic Interface chamois, it's a highly regarded option and crosses over several cycling disciplines, which gives the shorts great versatility from short races, to all day in the saddle rides. 

We found there was very little to fail with the dhb Aeron shorts,  with our tester saying they were the best shorts she'd worn in a long time. Available in male and female fits.

Read more: dhb Aeron women's bib shorts full review

Female cyclist wearing the Velocio Women's Foundation Bib Short

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best value shorts for pit stops

Specifications

Sizes: XXS - 3XL
Colour: Black
Chamois: High density foam
Easy-pee design: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Recycled materials (78%)
+
Simple and effective easy-pee system
+
Comprehensive size range

Reasons to avoid

-
Bib straps easily overstretched
-
Thigh gripper elastic could be more generous diameter

The Foundation is the most affordable of Velocio's bib shorts. Based on the design of the flagship Signature the Foundation has a thinner chamois but the same high proportion of recycled materials. 

We found the Foundation shorts to be comfortable and supportive, with the panelled design easily accommodating all the lumps and bumps of your legs and bum. The compression-fit makes the bibs appear a little on the small side and we did find the leg grippers and shoulder elastic a bit on the tight side.

The FlyFree easy-pee design is brilliantly simple and effective, we were very impressed with its performance - there if you need it, completely unobtrusive if you don't.  

Read more: Velocio Women's Foundation Bib Short full review

Female cyclist wearing the MAAP Women's Short Team Bib Evo cycling shorts

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for sustainable production and materials

Specifications

Sizes: XXS - XL
Color: Black or light grey
Chamois: 3D Thermo Moulded multi-layer
Easy-pee design: No

Reasons to buy

+
Chamois comfort and profile
+
Supportive, compression fit
+
Good breathability

Reasons to avoid

-
Stitching quality
-
Price for performance

Australian brand MAAP focus producing kit which is both high performing and sustainable. As the name suggests, the MAAP also now has a shorter-legged version to sit alongside its popular Team Bib Evo.

The Evos have a compressive design with relatively thick but highly breathable material. The bibs themselves have wide, comfortable elastic straps and a ribbed waist band. There's a broad elastic leg hem with silicon gripper to hold everything in place. 

We found the Evos were comfortable and the chamois low-bulk chamois performed excellently rides of various duration. In line with MAAP’s ethos, the bibs are constructed from bluesign materials that are produced by sustainable methods. This is great to see, however the finishing of our test sample lacked the quality that we'd expect at this price.

Read more: MAAP Women's Team Bib Evo (short version) full review 

Female cyclist wearing the Endura FS260-Pro Bib Short DS which are some the best bib shorts for women

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best value with clasp-free system

Specifications

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Black, Kingfisher, Neon Pink
Chamois: 600 series: Italian 3D multi density stretch pad with Silver Dry® antibacterial technology
Easy pee: Yes (DropSeat™ (DS))

Reasons to buy

+
Modest pricing
+
Soft fabrics 
+
DropSeat doesn't compromise shorts
+
Color options

Reasons to avoid

-
No compression
-
Not as breathable as some

The FS260-Pro shorts really impressed, as when lined up with the other three shorts above, they are less than half the price of them and still have a lot to offer.

Our tester felt that there were very few compromises with chamois comfort; the pad (using gel inserts) might be marginally weightier, wider and less breathable, but its pressure relieving capabilities are just as good as the others. 

The fabrics are exceptionally soft, with hardly any sign of compression. However, unlike Cafe du Cycliste's Adeline (which also offered very little compression), the FS260 Pros didn't budge thanks to some very effective leg grippers. 

Endura's DropSeat™ function is one of the only zip/clasp-free systems that doesn't put excess strain through seams and fabrics. However, there's a trade-off in terms of breathability; you might well suffer from a sweaty lower back in warmer conditions due to the layered fabrics that make up DS. It's worth knowing that Endura also has a zip-verson of the FS260-Pros though. 

We felt that these were the most inclusive pair of shorts in our test; ideal for newcomers to the sport with their modest price tag, three color options, a decent chamois and an easy bio-break system. Only compression and breathability fell short, elements that aren't necessarily everyone's priorities. 

Read more: Endura Women's FS260-Pro Bib Shorts DS full review

Female cyclist wearing the Cafe du Cycliste Adeline Fade Bib Shorts which are some of the best bib shorts for women

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best for colour options

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Denim Black, Denim Navy
Chamois: Elastic Interface
Easy pee design: No
:
:

Reasons to buy

+
Unique design
+
Quality chamois
+
Soft fabrics
+
Color options

Reasons to avoid

-
Ineffective leg grippers
-
Mesh upper not so breathable
-
Potential fit issues with full bib

Out of the four pairs of shorts in the test, the Adelines proved to be a favourite for 'casual' riding. Their unique styling, super soft fabrics and quality chamois made them an ideal choice for gentle cafe rides and long, lazy days with friends. They certainly turn heads when lined up against conventional black shorts. 

Our tester didn't find the fit of the full bib to her liking; the Adelines are better suited to those with a shorter than average body. Fabrics here are not overly breathable either, so these aren't the best shorts for deep, sweat-inducing efforts. 

While leg length is about average, you'll likely end up with a short-short - the grippers aren't so effective. Due to the fabrics being silky soft, gliding over the body, you won't notice this is happening.

We felt that these shorts were ideal for those not so keen on donning traditional, compressive lycra but who refused to compromise on comfort in the saddle, or style. Unfortunately, the price isn't as inclusive as the design. 

Read more: Cafe du Cycliste Adeline Fade Women's Bib Shorts full review

Assos UMA GT half shorts which are some of the best cycling shorts for women

(Image credit: Picasa)
Best for padding in a no-bib design

Specifications

Sizes : XS - XLG
Colors: Black only
Chamois: Assos' UMA GT
Easy pee design: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable but compressive fabric
+
Excellent chamois

Reasons to avoid

-
Waist band dips down at the front

Most of the comfort in these shorts comes thanks to the 8mm of memory foam chamois and S7 'waffle design' alongside the 'goldenGate' - which means the pad is attached at the front and rear, allowing for movement and 'float'. It's the same chamois that's used in the much loved Assos T.Laalalai bibshorts and Habu Laalalai S7 tights

The leg grippers are also really wide and graduate towards the centre, meaning they stay put without digging in around the thighs. 

While the waist rises up at the back to ensure no bare skin is ever exposed, the front did dip a bit too low, and was slightly too compressing for optimal middle comfort.  

Since we reviewed these, waist shorts have seen a bit of a renaissance, thanks to most of us spending at lot more time cycling inside, or shorter commutes, which make bib shorts seem a little OTT. 

When compared to other waist short options these certainly share top spot with the Oldo Element shorts (below). 

Read more: Assos UMA GT half shorts full review

Turbo/ exercise bike specific women's cycling shorts

With the huge rise in the number of riders heading inside, some brands have dedicated ranges, and we’ve even selected our best indoor cycling clothingkit for indoor sessions in a separate buyers guide.

These generally come with slightly more padding, to counter more time in the saddle, are designed to be more breathable and sweat-wicking than standard shorts.

If you're wondering about the best home training set up then our guides on the best exercise bikes or best turbo trainers can help answer all your questions and recommend the ideal indoor riding experience for you.

Female cyclist wearing the dhb Aeron indoor Women's shorts which are some of the best women's cycling shorts

Best for wicking sweat

Specifications

Sizes: 8 - 16 UK,
Colors: Black
Chamois: Elastic Interface NICE HD Super Air pad

Reasons to buy

+
Quick dry fabric is effective
+
Comfortable chamois

Reasons to avoid

-
Waist band is annoying

To avoid drowning in sweat when training indoors, the dhb Aeron turbo waist shorts are constructed from a lightweight, breathable fabric, with an even lighter fabric along the quads.

Its Elastic Interface Paris HP Super pad by Cytech is geared to deal with sweat – featuring perforations to allow for greater airflow. Our sweat test found that these shorts were true to their word and kept our tester drier than a pair of 'non-turbo' waist shorts from Assos. The firm but protective chamois was effective in providing comfort too.

As mentioned above, there's not lots on offer in terms of specific indoor cycling kit yet, and we do expect more on the market soon to offer a better comparison, but if you are a sweaty betty when training inside, these could be just the ticket for you. 

Read more: dhb Aeron Turbo indoor women’s shorts full review

Female cyclist wearing the NoPinz SubZero shorts which are among the best exercise bike specific women's cycling shorts

(Image credit: Michelle Arthurs-Brennan)
Best for keeping cool

Specifications

Sizes : XS - XXL
Colors: Green, light grey, purple
Chamois: TBC

Reasons to buy

+
Breathable fabric of shorts
+
Moisture-managing chamois  

Reasons to avoid

-
Gel ice packs require pre-planning

In a time that has seen us take to indoor cycling way more than we ever expected, the NoPinz SubZero shorts have come up with an innovative way to stay cool, thanks to frozen gel packs. 

When administered with ideal timing, the gel packs that set the SubZero shorts apart are useful, and they do make tough sessions feel that tiny bit easier.

The pad is comfortable and, clearly, the fabric is breathable, though the near-naked appearance means you’d not be able to get additional use from these by wearing them outside.

A great option for anyone undertaking indoor racing and looking for every performance gain possible. There aren't really a lot of options for indoor specific kit on the market just yet, but with the huge popularity of on-line racing, we suspect that will grow. 

In the meantime they are certainly a rival for the more expensive Wahoo X Le Col pair that was awarded near full marks, and defiantly beats popping some frozen peas down your shorts.  

There are three colors available and both female and male fit options in sizes XS to XXL.

Read more: NoPinz SubZero shorts full review

Buyer's guide to women's cycling shorts and bib shorts

Why do women wear cycling shorts?

Women wear cycling shorts for the same reasons men do, that is: to provide additional cushioning for long duration riding. Cycling shorts also have the additional benefits of providing light compression to your muscles and quickly wicking away sweat from your skin. 

Being skin tight has its aerodynamic benefits, with no material free to flap away in the wind, but it also makes for a more comfortable riding experience not having excess material getting in the way and potentially chafing.


What to look for in a set of women's cycling shorts

At the top of the checklist for any of the best women's cycling shorts is the padded insert, otherwise known as a chamois. There’s a fine line between sufficient padding and too much bulk, and this also depends on the kind of riding you're going to be doing. Long days in the saddle will require more cushioning, but if you’re on and off the bike a lot, for example a quick commute or a cyclocross style ride, you may prefer much less.

A quick squish test can give you a rough idea as to the level of padding, but also take into account construction: is it made from foam, gel or both? As a rule of thumb the more variety and densities of layers, the more cushioning you will receive, especially over a longer time period (both in terms of riding time and age of shorts) when padding can compress flat – offering little in terms of support.

On the whole, the addition of gel inserts may help reduce some shock absorption, but can add weight and bulk to the shorts. Foam may give you a little more road buzz feedback, but will create a lighter, more streamlined and less restrictive pair of shorts.


Best women's cycling shorts

(Image credit: mike prior)

What's the best way to prevent saddle sores?

To add to the gel-versus-foam chamois conundrum is a myriad of construction fabrics, with a view to reducing the risk of saddle sores (of the infected hair follicle type). But try not to get too bogged down with this as most shorts' chamois now offer some kind of antibacterial properties, breathability, sweat wicking and quick drying capabilities.

To be honest, the best prevention of saddle sores is self help and chamois care by always wearing fresh shorts, using an antibacterial chamois cream, limiting chamois time when not on the bike and hopping into the shower asap post ride and of course knowing what's in your Chamois and how to look after it will help.

Areas of soft tissue need protection. This is often in the form of extra soft padding to help alleviate pressure points and the all-important avoidance of stitching in these regions. The design also needs to appreciate that women’s sit bones are wider apart than men's and position the thickest padding accordingly.

This attention to padding placement will also help you decide your overall chamois size requirement – bigger is not always better. Bear in mind that when on a bike your legs aren’t any wider than hip distance apart at the top, so too much padding overspill can create an unnatural leg position. While too much length at the rear may just be unsightly, too much at the front will potentially cause friction burns to the top of legs and groin when you start pedalling.

Best women's cycling shorts

(Image credit: mike prior)

What's the difference between the chamois in women's and men's cycling shorts?

A women’s specific chamois should be shorter and have sit bone padding wider apart and more central soft tissue support than a men's.

One of the biggest causes of short discomfort can be the chamois-to-short interface. Unfinished edges and badly positioned stitching can irritate legs, buttocks and groin. A niggle, when multiplied by several thousand pedal revolutions, can swiftly turn into full blown painful chaffing and skin loss. To protect yourself from this, the best women's cycling shorts will have flatlock sewing right at the edges of the padding and ensure that the unpadded fringes of the chamois flow a few centimetres below the groin to prevent irritation in creases.

Talking about other anatomical areas that need protection, you might find our guide on the best sports bras for cycling a helpful insight into how to find the best chest support for you.


Women's bibshorts versus waist cycling shorts

There are two kinds of cycling shorts: ones with bibs and ones without, and both have pros and cons. It’s very much horses for courses as to what type will suit you and your riding needs best, and like chamois padding, this need may change depending on what riding you’ll be doing on any given day.

The biggest benefit to plain and simple shorts is easy access, be it for the inevitable comfort break on long rides or just a bottom half change for quick rides to and from the office.

With no body upper, shorts can also be a cooler option on hot days or indoor training sessions. With less fabric, this generally makes them lighter weight and a cheaper option price-wise.

The downside is, unless you’re a unicycle rider, all forms of bike riding require you to bend in the middle – the exact point where a waistband sits. This can create a ‘digging in’ sensation when on the bike, which can range from merely an ‘awareness’ to ‘organ squeezing’!

Some shorts get round this issue with the creation of a low slung waistline, but that can give an unflattering pot belly illusion and create a gap between shorts and jersey at the back. The better option, and one that you'll find in the ideal women's cycling shorts, is a wider waistband with a high back to counter the stretching effect on the bike.

However, construction of waist shorts varies hugely, so when trying on, make sure you try with a bike specific jersey and adopt an on-the-bike position to see how the waistband fits and feels.

Brands and retailers agree that waist shorts are currently the biggest sellers for women. However, in terms of performance, bibshorts do tend to offer a better experience when on the bike.


Best women's cycling shorts reviewed

So, are bibshorts actually better than traditional cycling shorts?

Bibshorts more or less overcome this waistband issue as the shorts' leg fabric continues much higher up the torso before eventually transitioning into the bibstraps. A good pair of women's specific bibshorts will take account of a female's increased hip to waist ratio compared to a man's and ensure they fit snugly around the waist, preventing crafty gaps and sweat channels.

Unlike shorts, some bibshorts offer an element of skin protection if you’re unfortunate enough to end up sliding on tarmac - though the amount of coverage will vary depending upon the design.

This male/female fit difference also holds true for bibstrap design. Traditional up and over straps may work for some, but others find straps directly laying on breasts uncomfortable and/ or find the shorts no longer sit flush on the stomach, again creating drafts or sweat channels.

You may find the best women's cycling short bib straps for you take account of the female form by contouring either side of the chest, running directly down your middle or having another solution, such as the dhb halterneck design.

The other thing to look for on the straps is length: too short will become painful and sore on the shoulders, too long and shorts will sag and not hold the chamois in position. A good fit will feel slightly too short when standing, so again when trying on, adopt a riding position to get a better idea of how they’ll feel on the bike.

Many women are put off bib shorts because taking a 'comfort' or 'nature' break is made a little bit more difficult. However, almost all reputable brands have now come up with a solution for this, and you can find most in our Comfort breaks for women: best bib shorts for an easier pee stop buyers guide.

Popular options include halterneck bibs, which can be pulled over the head and threaded under a jersey (Ale), or simply pulled down at the back (dhb and Giro), as well as zips around the waist (Gore) and clasps that clip at the waist or back with a similar function to the halter neck (Gore again and Assos).

Though some women prefer to go with the standard bib strap design featured on most men's bib shorts, unzipping a jersey and removing the straps when it's time to 'go', the assorted options offered by those catering for women in this way do make bib shorts more accessible for those who might otherwise have opted for waist shorts.

Bibshort designs without a quick pit stop drop will require you to remove your jersey first, so just watch out for dropping items from your pockets and if you’re wearing a race number, make sure it's not pinned through your base layer too!

Best women's cycling shorts

What leg design is best for women's cycling shorts?

While function is imperative, form isn’t far behind, with the links between looking good and feeling good on a bike being well documented.

As women generally have a higher fat percentage than men, skin tight Lycra can be both friend and foe, with the ideal short legs being body contouring and muscle supporting, while avoiding over-compression.

Aim for a close, but not a restrictively tight fit on the legs, especially on the leg cuff. This is a particularly tricky area to get right, as they need to be snug enough to prevent the legs riding up when pedalling, without squeezing the thigh giving that ‘sausage leg’ look. Wide leg cuffs and raw edges often create the most flattering finish, and when teamed with silicone or other tacky fabrics on the leg gripper, will stay put when riding.

Until relatively recently only the use of multiple fabric panels would deliver a close fit, and even now it’s a good way to ensure a simple lycra short contours the body.

With the advent of more technical materials that flow and cling to the skin, a snug fit can now be achieved using fewer panels. These fabrics often have multiple attributes, such as being incredibly lightweight and breathable, so expect a premium price tag on these shorts.

Trying on will allow you to see and feel the fit instantly, but unfortunately it’ll be difficult to judge the shorts' legs' staying power until you get out on the bike, so look out for women’s specific cycling shorts reviews to test that for you.

Best women's cycling shorts

What are the most comfortable women’s cycling shorts?

 

Personal preference will always be a factor, but of the women’s cycling shorts we’ve tested here at Cycling Weekly, the Gore C7 women's long distance bib shorts+ more than lived up to their billing as long distance shorts, while the Specialized SL R women's bib shorts provided a particularly excellent combination of on-the-bike comfort and ease of comfort breaks with a well thought out easy-pee system.

The Assos T.laalalai shorts_s7 bib shorts are strong rival to both of those shorts and boast a build quality that has seen them last season after season after season. Those are three particular highlight, but you can check out our guide to all the best women’s cycling shorts currently on the market over here. 

How do you choose cycling shorts for women?

There are a few key areas to consider when choosing cycling shorts as a woman. Most important is the chamois, whether it’s supportive enough – and in the right places – to be comfortable over long durations. 

Next is the quality of the material and the fit. You should look for a set of shorts which is gently compressive to provide support for your muscles, whilst not feeling too tight or constrictive. Higher quality fabrics tend to give a nicer feel against the skin and are more breathable during hard efforts on hot days.

Wide leg grippers help to keep the shorts in place, whilst also distributing the pressure evenly so as not to dig in. Likewise, wide bib straps do a similar job at distributing the pressure there.

It's also worth considering extra carrying capacity, as the best cargo bib shorts will include pockets, usually on the thighs, so you can carry that bit more on your rides and it's somewhere handy to reach. 

Finally, there is whether the short has an easy-pee system. The straps of a traditional set of bib shorts mean you typically have to remove your jersey to get the straps down when you take a nature break. Some shorts these days are designed so you can keep your jersey on – which is particularly useful when your pockets are full of spares.  


Hannah Bussey

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.


Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.


For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 


She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection. 

With contributions from