Bicycling has become more popular this pandemic summer, for commuting, exercise and fun. And while bicycle shorts are certainly an integral piece of biking gear, they’ve also become a super-comfy way to make a fashion statement.
Yes, if you’re a serious cyclist, you may still partner your bike shorts with a fitted shirt in moisture-wicking material with pockets in the back for extra small stuff, but that’s not the only way to wear them. Think of your favorite bicycle shorts as a summer outdoor workhorse of your wardrobe, like jeans in the fall or your go-to white button-up. Throw something unexpected and even sophisticated over them — a blazer, or mini dress, a more structured shirt — to create a look that’s effortless but a little more elevated.
Keep scrolling for so many cute bike shorts, and some not-just-for-working-out tops and dresses to pair with them.
Biker shorts outfits
Colorfulkoala Women’s High-Waisted Yoga Shorts with Pockets (starting at $19.99; amazon.com
These have loads of positive user reviews — and invaluable pockets.
Year Of Ours Ribbed High-Waisted Bike Short ($70; urbanoutfitters.com
Stretched fabrication make these all the more comfortable.
TechSweat Crop Top ($48; outdoorvoices.com
If you’re going to wear yours with activewear, this crop top is one of our fave silhouettes.
Zella Snow Wash Rib Bike Shorts ($55; nordstrom.com
Look closely and you’ll find a subtle acid-washed pattern to these.
Free People FP Movement Biker Baby Shorts ($68; nordstrom.com
The seam details help sculpt your waist and hips, and we love a pink pearl anything.
UO Julia Tiered Ruffle Mini Dress ($49; urbanoutfitters.com
Practical application: Bike shorts underneath a minidress or longer sundress for a little extra coverage.
Persit Women’s High-Waist Print Workout Yoga Shorts (starting at $17.99; amazon.com
High-rated, and in a number of fun prints like camouflage and leopard.
Perfect Shirt in Poplin (starting at $37.97; gap.com
Striped preppy button-down, tied at the waist, is a perfect weekend runaround combo.
Raypose Workout High-Waist Yoga Print Shorts (starting at $17.99; amazon.com
A shorter version great both for physical activity and for wearing under little dresses in summer.
High-Waisted Powersoft Side-Pocket Bermuda Shorts for Women ($26.99; oldnavy.com)
Cycling, hiking, swimming, walking into town? These are suitable for all.
Anytime Cami Top ($29.50; madewell.com
A loose cami over bike shorts makes the whole ensemble a little more alluring.
Love Proudly 9” Bike Short ($49.99, originally $69; athleta.com
Just the cutest swirly sherbet pattern.
The ReNew Sweatshirt ($24, originally $48; everlane.com
A look that may carry you well into the fall.
High-Rise Bike Short ($56; freepeople.com
Prime for a more citified look.
High-Waist Iridescent Short ($78; aloyoga.com
The lace-up waist gives these a more athletic feel, but the shiny finish lifts them up into the luxe department.
Saturday Morning Crop ($38; freepeople.com
Cropped sweater plus fitted shiny short = cool-kid uniform.
The Perform Bike Short ($38; everlane.com
Everlane took its bestselling leggings and cut them off for summer — and we’re pretty sure at least one of our editors is wearing them while publishing this piece. You can read our review of them here.
Offline OG Ribbed Bike Short ($29.95; ae.com
The comfiest cotton that goes from couch to class to coffee in one seamless motion.
Popover Pocket Shirt in Linen ($47.99, originally $59.95; gap.com
A linen pullover adds a touch of elegance.
Adidas Cycling Tights ($28, originally $35; adidas.com
Truly the intersection of performance and style.
J.Crew Biker Short in Signature Flex ($45; jcrew.com
Your basic black everyday option — and styled on point.
Classic Ponte-Knit Blazer for Women ($44.99; oldnavy.com
Add a little black blazer over any of these combos and it’s #casualgoals.
Seamless 9” Biker Shorts ($44, originally $65; sweatybetty.com
Sleek and seamless, with ribbed cuffs to keep the legs from riding up.
Everyday Bikeshort Romper ($40; freepeople.com
A marriage of two great clothing categories.
Bike short outfits for men
Don’t think this is a trend that only the ladies can get in on.
Baleaf Men’s Cycling Shorts (starting at $26.99; amazon.com)
Padded for bike riding, and built with quick-dry material, these sculpted shorts would pair well with a loose button-down, tank top or T-shirt.
Amazon Essentials Men’s Seamless Run Tank Top (starting at $8.51; amazon.com)
Made of quick-dry material as well, we love the idea of this aqua tank with a black bike short.
Sportneer Men’s Cycling Shorts ($19.99; amazon.com)
Made with material that can actually keep you cool and cushy on your ride (or just some errands), these are certified Amazon favorites with more than 1,700 reviews.
Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve T-Shirt (starting at $13.39; amazon.com)
Another Amazon favorite, this easy T-shirt is available in more than 20 different colors and styles. Feel free to pick more than one.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers’ listed prices at the time of publication.