Apparently cycling shorts are fashionable now and the results are bizarre

Cycling shorts are now the height of fashion (apparently) Images: George Pimentel/WireImage, Randy Brooke/WireImage, Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for HUGO

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's far from the first time cycling shorts have been 'in vogue' (see: early 1990s fitness videos) but since it's rare that we 'lycra louts' have the opportunity to be ahead of the fashion curve it's well worth highlighting the fact when the sweaty chamois* hits the big time.

If you don't believe us, Vogue magazine published its does-what-it-says-on-the-tin article 'Why Cycling Shorts Are This Summer's Sleekest Hit' a trend hitting six days ago.

Admittedly, the fashion forward glossy suggests teaming your shorts with "an XXL shirt" which seems to negate the aero gains of skin tight lycra, if you ask us (of course, they didn't).

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Apparently (according to the reputable fashion source, The Guardian - it was a surprise to us, too) the trend kicked off at the spring/summer 2018 "Off-White" show, when Naomi Campbell strode down the catwalk in a pair of world champion-esque white cycling shorts

Paired with heels that probably wouldn't work with Speedplays and an oversized coat which would confuse the most effective of body temperature gauges.

L-R, A model walks the catwalk, Kourtney Kardashian is seen walking in Soho. Images: Randy Brooke/WireImage and Raymond Hall/GC Images

Eternal icon of all things fashion, the Kardashians were quick to copy, alongside several other people who are famous for reasons we can't quite fathom.

It's not just a look for women, male models were decked out in lycra at the 'Fenty Puma By Rihanna Runway' this year, too.

And the masses have joined in - with Futuro Fashion's multi-colour offerings (£3-5, without wicking lycra, compression panels, aero dimples, multi-density chamois, or HeatDissipateSuperXTech - so don't question why we're all shelling out for the likes of Rapha) apparently one of the biggest sellers on Amazon Prime Day 2018.

It's not just our cycling shorts they're after, either. Apparently cycling sunglasses are due to be all the rage, too.

The fashion versions might even turn out to be more expensive than Oakleys. Without the Prizm lenses.

Stella McCartney Runway at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

*The current influx of fashionable cycling shorts don't typically come without a chamois and we don't advise you wear them on the bike

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Editor of the Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the bike industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her first daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials. Whilst still packing in as many miles as she can, Michelle has dabbled in gym-based fitness, too, and is the title's expert in weight training, having gained a VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training in 2026.