The single most important part of a cyclist's wardrobe, a pair of the best cycling shorts will provide comfort and protection on long rides allowing you to enjoy your time on the bike more. Made from stretchy, supportive Lycra the shorts' material should fit perfectly when in the cycling position whilst the all-important seat pad (or chamois) provides a plush interface between your backside and the saddle.
Some shorts also offer tougher materials and pockets for long-distance or off-road rides, others provide compression for muscle support or feature special aerodynamic fabric to reduce drag.
It is vital that your shorts fit well and work for you and your body - what's comfortable for one rider might be torture for another, especially where seat pads are concerned so keep trying until you find the right shorts for you. Even the best road bikes will feel better with a good pair of shorts.
However, we have tested dozens of pairs of shorts from many different manufacturers across multiple testers so this guide is a great starting point for the best cycling shorts. This list includes our favorites from a few different categories and there are pointers for making your own decisions further down this article.
This guide covers men's shorts and although many features and considerations are the same as they are for the best women's cycling shorts, men's and women's versions of the same shorts will feature a different construction and gender-specific pad shape and placement.
The Equipe R S9 bib shorts have all the Assos comfort that you'd expect, with a comfortable seatpad and excellent fit, at a more accessible price. The fabric may be a bit less durable than their pricier shorts though.
Very comfy and superb value, Endura's Pro EGM Bib Shorts are available in 2 leg lengths. The seat pad is amongst the best we've used but they are more suited to cool UK conditions than hot continental temperatures.
Rapha's Core Cargo bib shorts are aimed at the gravel market but are equally well suited to long road rides too. A long-time favorite of ours, the 4 pockets add extra carrying capacity without diluting the short's performance credentials.
Le Col ups the ante in terms of weather resistance with the Thermal Cargo Bib Shorts. The higher waist and thicker fabric significantly extend the short-wearing season, especially when paired with decent legwarmers.
Castelli shorts for the price-conscious, with very little compromise on performance, the Competizione shorts are also available in multiple colors to match your jersey. Leg length is good, but overall sizing is definitely Italian so consider sizing up.
As the name suggests, the Assos Mille GTS Spring/Fall C2 Bib Shorts offer a bit more warmth and weather protection than most, with a brushed fabric and DWR treatment keeping the chills at bay.
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Best bib shorts for comfort
The Assos Equipe R S9 feature a comfortable pad that perfoms over long distances
Assos has built a reputation for producing some of the finest clothing within cycling, but that usually comes with a price that's out of reach for many.
The Equipe R bib shorts S9 are more affordable than their premium stock, and quality hasn't been reduced along with the price. The chamois is excellent, the front pad placement is probably the most comfortable we've ever experienced, and the performance is second to none. We particularly like the compressive fit and were impressed with the degree of breathability - even when testing in the heat of Spain they kept us pretty cool and there were no signs of any salty sweat marks after a ride.
We were disappointed by a few signs of fraying and the Swiss brand still don't know how to sew on their logo, but overall this is a really good pair of high-performance bib shorts.
Additional features : Integrated leg grippers, waist anchor
Sizes: XS-XXL
Reasons to buy
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Waistband keeps shorts in place well
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Integrated leg grippers
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Great seat pad
Reasons to avoid
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Tight fit
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No eco credentials
While bib short prices can be extravagant, the Endura Pro SL EGM shorts offer range-topping performance to match the best at a more affordable price. The multi-panel construction includes a waistband designed to work with the wide bib straps to keep the shorts in place well. We really liked the lumbar panel, which helped to make the shorts feel secure when riding.
Fit-wise there are standard length and 4cm longer legs available, both with the silicone grippers built into the leg panels, rather than using a separate gripper. We rated the 800 Series Conform EGM seat pad among the most comfortable we've used.
Size-wise we found that the shorts come up quite small, so you may need to size up, and we did find the fabric a bit warm on hot days.
Additional features : Pockets, reflective details, easy toilet breaks
Reasons to buy
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Very comfortable chamois
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Very comfortable short
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Pockets sit comfortably
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Take the weight out of jersey pockets
Reasons to avoid
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Cargo style is more expensive than standard bibs
Having spent a fair amount of time in the Rapha Core Cargo bib shorts, the practicalities have shone through and they’ve become one of Cycling Weekly's go-to pairs for all types of riding.
Coming with four pockets, two on the legs and two on the back, there's easily room for a plus-sized phone inside a riding case, wallet, keys or a pump between them, without any sagging issues.
Built around the brilliant Rapha Core bib short, the Core Cargo adds versatility to an already comfortable package, and is ideal for gravel riding - but shouldn't be dismissed for an all-day, all-use pair of all-round excellent cycling bib shorts.
As for how they ride, we were left impressed. The grippers did their job, an we experienced no 'riding up' of the legs. The pad also did its job well, keeping us comfortable on both on and off-road rides of varying distances.
There are sizes XS to XXL to choose from, and as it's Rapha, there's a female option too, but both come in black only.
Additional features: Reflective strips, side mesh pockets
Reasons to buy
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Thermal qualities really do work in the winter
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Higher waistline provides more protection at the front and the lower back and kidney area
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Well-designed easy access pockets securely hold all manner of ride essentials
Reasons to avoid
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Price may be prohibitive to those on a budget
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Color choice is limited
Designed with all-round versatility in mind, Le Col’s Italian-made bib shorts are perfect for virtually every kind of ride. Whether that’s the daily commute, the Sunday club run, nipping out on an errand or shredding gravel trails.
The combination of insulating and wind-resistant properties, complete with a raised waistline, gave us extra coverage and protection on chillier days. The capacious pockets have been designed and cut in such a way that we found reaching into them to access items to be hassle-free, while the elastic mesh held all our ride essentials firmly in place. From a large smartphone to keys, gels, inner tubes, gas canisters or handy tissues, the pockets add extra on-bike capacity for ‘stuff’.
The shorts’ triple-layer chamois and gel insert also add to their all-purpose useability. The ‘give’ in the material made them super-comfortable with leg warmers, while we found that the gripper also ensures a snug fit without.
Le Col offer the shorts in Navy/Saffron classic Black colorways, in sizes XS to 3XL (M)/XL (W). Both come with reflectivestrips on the rear of the legs to aid visibility in low light conditions.
Colors: Black, Dark Gray, Forest Gray, Deep Green, Savile Blue, Belgian Blue
Material: Affinity Pro Lycra / Vortex BLC
Sizes: XS - 3L
Additional features : Reflective details
Reasons to buy
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Soft-feeling fabrics
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Comfortable pad
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Good leg length for taller riders
Reasons to avoid
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Compressive fit - may need to size up
Despite their competitive price and lowly position in the Castelli bib shorts pecking order, the Castelli Competizione shorts feel much more luxurious, with soft, stretchy fabrics and flatlocked stitching. We found them to have pretty tight compression, which we liked.
The raw-edged , wide leg grippers also performed to our liking. They kept the leg in place and didn't dig in during any point. The Kiss Air2 seat pad has varying thickness to provide support where it's most needed, although for longer rides we'd still have preferred a slightly thicker one.
Castelli sells the Competizione bib shorts in a wide array of colors, from the usual black to two greys, two blues and a deep green. As with many Castelli products, the sizing is on the small side, so bear this in mind when buying.
With Assos's 13mm deep Mille GTS C2 seat pad, slightly longer legs and a water-repellent finish to the fleeced fabric, the Assos Mille GTS Sprint/Fall C2 bib shorts are a great option for cooler, changeable conditions. We really loved the feel of the fleecy material and found that it also delivers across a range of temperatures.
They are fine on their own in milder conditions around 16C, but add leg warmers or knee warmers and we found that they were comfortable down to 8C or lower. They even worked for us on the turbo in a cold garage. All in all, we found then to be far more versatile than their name might suggest.
They're quite pricy, but given their versatility and durability we feel they can likely extend your short-wearing days to all but the coldest conditions.
Additional features : Laser cut ventilation, reflective logos
Reasons to buy
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Sublime body contouring chamois
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Highly compressive fabrics
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Snug fit
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Heat and moisture management
Reasons to avoid
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Pricey purchase
Velocio's aim with the Concept bib shorts was to make bibs that a pro rider would wear if they weren’t contractually obligated to pull on shorts from their team sponsor.
After clocking up the miles in them, we can confidently confirmed that the New England-based company has not just met its objective, but surpassed it - we found them to be among the most comfortable bib cycling shorts we've ever ridden.
They weren't quite as breathable as the brand's Ultralight bib shorts, but were a close second, especially in terms of moisture management.
For us, the stand-out feature by far is the 'floating chamois. It's similar to the Assos GoldenGate floating pad, as featured below in the Assos Cento Evo bib shorts, and together with the uber compressing fabric, creates an almost perfect pair of cycling bib shorts, with just the eye-watering price tag losing them top marks.
The sizes range from XS to XXXL, and male and female fits in both black and navy colors; if you do purchase, you won't be disappointed.
Additional features : Laser-cut thighs, Pro Gel Chamios
Reasons to buy
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Excellent gel pad for long periods of sitting
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Pro rider fit
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Heat management and great ventilation
Reasons to avoid
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Pricey end of market
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Limited to indoor only
Le Col says that compared with regular bib shorts, the indoor training optimized bibs offer increased temperature regulation throughout their construction and a pad that offers extra protection in the areas that you most need it when in an indoor training environment.
On test, we found it was hard to disagree with any of the brand's claims. The huge perforated panels on the hips and front of the legs provided us with excellent ventilation, and assist these bib shorts in being exceptionally light, despite the straps' heavier construction.
The gel pad may seem bulky when pulling the shorts on for the first time, but these have been specifically designed for indoor use, which generally means more time in the saddle and fewer changes of position.
We found that these high-quality shorts achieved this and made indoor training a more attractive proposition for us. If you're concerned about the shorts' transparent nature, you might want to look elsewhere but if you've signed up for virtual riding and racing, we found these to be a high-performing pair of shorts.
Here's our run-down on all the tech you'll find in cycling shorts and how to choose the best cycling shorts for your use.
How do I choose the best cycling shorts?
The most critical part of any cycling shorts is the seat pad, so it's worth looking for a pair with a pad that's dense, even if it's not thick, to help protect you from the saddle on longer rides. Elastic Interface is generally considered to be the foremost seat pad maker.
Next, look at the fabric. Do you want super-lightweight shorts for hot summer rides or more insulation for spring and fall? Or maybe you're looking for extra protection for gravel rides or in case of a fall. They're all catered for across the range of available shorts.
Look at the leg grippers. Wider grippers tend to be more comfortable and less likely to cut into your legs.
Do you want bibs? They help keep your shorts and seat pad in place as you ride and avoid an elastic waistband cutting into your stomach. On the other hand, they do make comfort breaks harder.
Some straps are designed to lay flat over your shoulders for more comfort and a more streamlined look.
The crucial question, of course, is how much you want to pay. Although you can find excellent bib shorts at reasonable prices, the best bib shorts tend to be expensive.
Why wear padded cycling shorts?
The number one job for a pair of cycling shorts is to protect the rider from saddle sores and chafing by providing a layer of padding that is shaped to suit the riding position.
In preventing saddle sores, it's also really important to ensure you have the right saddle, so highly recommended further reading are our pieces on the best bike saddles (or best women’s bike saddles).
Cycling shorts are also constructed from high-wicking, quick-drying fabrics that encourage sweat to leave the surface of the skin thus keeping the rider dry and stink-free on hot days and helping to reduce the discomfort associated with riding in the rain.
How much should I spend on cycling shorts?
You can pick up a pair of cheap cycling shorts for as little as a meal out.
These will meet basic needs, coming with a chamois pad and will be constructed from lycra which won't flap in the wind and shouldn't bunch up when riding. These will be a marked improvement over jeans or non-padded sports shorts, but the difference between super cheap and a branded pair of shorts is like night and day. The pad and fabrics used will likely be thin, the fit won't be great and durability will be poor.
The middle ground for a pair of quality cycling shorts will likely take you into triple digits, and for that you can expect to buy a high-quality pair of bib shorts that will provide several seasons of cycling in comfort.
Spending even more for a high-end pair will provide you with more durable fabrics and extras such as compressive materials, and better fit thanks to the use of multiple panels and carefully constructed leg grippers. The chamois will often offer more breathability, better comfort and multi-density padding that provides more targeted cushioning.
What are the differences between cycling bib shorts and waist shorts?
At Cycling Weekly, we test predominantly bib shorts, as in the main we find this style to offer the best cycling shorts for comfort, fit and performance. These have bib straps attached to the main body of the shorts.
The bib straps mean there's no need for an elastic waistband to hold them up, eliminating any digging in at the stomach. It's also impossible for them to fall down - so there's no need to worry about plumber's crack or an unfortunate sunburn. Finally, the straps mean that the material stays put, and the chamois can't move around.
Shorts or waist shorts are, however, still popular. There is a simplicity in just pulling on a pair of shorts - and pulling them down for nature breaks.
Waist shorts are also generally cheaper, and often a good 'first cycling short' option for those new to the sport, who aren't totally onboard with padded bib shorts — yet.
Regardless of what you choose, it's important to know that you are not meant to wear underwear with padded cycling shorts. The chamois is designed to sit against your skin.
How to dress for hot conditions
What are the best materials for cycling shorts?
The choice of materials by cycling short designers is huge, from thicker, fleece-backed leg material used on thermal bib shorts for chilly spring conditions to well-ventilated back panels to combat the summer heat.
It's a good idea to have a selection of bib shorts in your collection, with varying options depending upon weather conditions.
Breathable fabrics or cut-outs at the back are good additions to a pair of summer cycling bib shorts.
More expensive bib shorts will use fabrics that aid blood circulation through compression. Those aiming for the aero edge may also feature technologies said to slice through the wind faster than skin.
You can also buy bib shorts with extra carrying capacity and the best cargo bib shorts will give you space for your phone or a few extra energy gels where they're handy to reach during a ride.
Breathable fabrics or cut outs at the back are good additions on a pair of summer cycling bib shorts
How do I find the best fitting cycling shorts?
Cycling shorts should be constructed from multiple panels of fabric. In general, the more panels used, the better the fit, although more advanced cycling shorts will use more technical fabrics that are capable of delivering a second skin fit from fewer panels. Fewer panels mean fewer seams and less risk of chafing.
You need to ensure the shoulder straps are comfortable. Some come up short, feeling a little restrictive, even for a rider of average height. Wherever possible, try on bib shorts (over underwear) and — as silly as you may feel in the dressing room — adopt a riding position to get a clear idea of how they’d feel on the bike.
Styles vary as well - some riders like cycling shorts that reach almost to their knee joints, whilst others prefer them to finish mid-thigh. Longer shorts can rub against the tendons in the back of the knee while shorter ones may leave your legs rubbing on the sides of the saddle.
Why is the chamois so important in cycling shorts?
The other details are important to consider, but the chamois is the absolute key bib short component. Get it right and your shorts will offer years of comfortable miles. Get it wrong and the pad can be like a medieval torture device.
The best cycling short chamois pads are shaped to suit different sorts of riding — often the product description will give you an insight into the pad sewn into a pair you're looking at.
Endurance-focused chamois pads will be thicker to cater for longer hours in the saddle and will usually have denser foam at the rear to cater for a more upright position.
A chamois that's designed for short, hard, race efforts will often have more padding at the front as riders on the rivet will usually rotate more to sit on the end of the saddle.
Cycling short chamois is at the heart of the construction
(Image credit: Cycling Studio)
Many clothing brands buy in their chamois from an external company, with Elastic Interface being the leading supplier, and can often use the same pad as a competitor.
The chamois sometimes comes with some additional features, such as perforation to provide breathability or an anti-bacterial treatment to keep the shorts fresh.
How we test
Cycling Weekly has a highly experienced team of testers, who know what to look for in the best cycling shorts, thanks to their hours spent out riding and reviewing cycling products.
Our team has reviewed literally hundreds of pairs of shorts from all the leading brands, wearing them for many miles in the saddle, so we can spot the best cycling shorts that stand out from the crowd.
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After winning the 2019 National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Championships and claiming the plushie unicorn (true story), Stefan swapped the flat-bars for drop-bars and has never looked back.
But his favourite rides are multiday bikepacking trips, with all the huge amount of cycling tech and long days spent exploring new roads and trails - as well as histories and cultures. Most recently, he’s spent two weeks riding from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia.
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