A pair of the best women's cycling shorts can make all the difference to your comfort on the bike - here's what to look for and our top-rated
Combining the best women's cycling shorts with one of the best women's saddles is nearly guaranteed to increase your comfort on the bike exponentially. These two elements are now the only two areas where female-specific design and features are recognised as making a difference.
However, the shorts need to fit you well, of course, with padding in the correct place, no irritating seams, leg grippers that don't over-squeeze yet still keep the shorts in place, and fabrics that work well in terms of breathability, wicking, and durability—all within your budget. After that, features like color, reflective details, pockets, etc, can also be considered.
That is why we rate Velocio very highly in this guide, featuring no less than three mentions, including our top pick for best overall women's bib shorts, the Velocio Signature. Velocio have nailed the fit of their women's bib shorts, offering excellent chamois and comfort break solutions. We are very fond of their best women's cycling jerseys, too.
All the women's cycling shorts in this guide are tested and approved by our female testers. It's important to use here at Cycling Weekly that you get open and honest reviews from female riders.
Remember that the best women's cycling shorts will work even better after you apply the best chamois cream.
Best overall
With a comfortable chamois, great fit and mesh panel at the front, the Signature bib shorts are fantastic to ride in. The 'comfort break' solution works very well for easy pit stops and although they are pricey, we think that they are well worth it.
Rapha's Core shorts offer decent durability and good levels of comfort thanks to thicker materials, flat seams and a good pad. They might be a bit warm on very hot days and they lack any form of quick wee stop design, but they are robust enough for regular wear.
Excelling at long-distance comfort, the UMA GTV balances lightweight breathability and durability well. The goldenGate chamois is superb and the 2-clasp design workers well for when nature calls.
Understated and breathable, the Velocio Ultralight shorts are ideal for warm weather or indoor riding. FlyFree allows for toilet stops without the need to undress but the short don't use any recycled materials making them an outlier in Velocio's range.
You'll barely feel the chamois at all, which is why these are perfect for a 60-minute-or-less indoor ride. Plus, the Castelli Insider 2 provides excellent compression and a waistband that stays put.
The Velocio Utility bib shorts are great all-rounder cargo bottoms. Its three deep pockets have plenty of space and feel very secure. The chamois and sturdy straps are also comfortable; the only drawback is the price tag.
With excellent lower-torso coverage and plenty of pockets, the Specialized Prime SWAT bib shorts have a sturdy, secure feel and excellant chamois, which offers excellent padding to mute vibrations from the trail.
Aimed at battling the ultimate cycling clothing conundrum, what to wear in the Spring and Autumn, the GripGrab AquaRepel bibs work extremely well. However, be mindful the more durable materials make fit tricky.
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.
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 it's 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.
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 goldenGate; both are winning features and make for a supremely comfortable short.
The Elastic Interface chamois is exceptionally supportive - certainly well suited to endurance riding.
Fabrics are robust while remaining light and breathable, the medium pair only weighs 35g more than Velocio's Ultralights. Odor 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.
If the name didn’t give it away, the Velocio Ultralight bibs are indeed “ultralight”. The medium we tested weighs in at just 150g and holding the bibs in your hand feels like holding hardly anything at all.
But how does it perform?
The chamois is thick enough to be comfortable during longer indoor rides, but not so bulky as to become sweat-logged or chafe while sitting in the same position on the trainer or a spin bike for long periods of time. The Ultralight bib straps have a nice horizontal strap about three-quarters of the way up the back connecting the two shoulder straps, so no matter how sweaty you become, you won’t experience any shoulder strap slippage. Plus, the “easy pee” design with extra-stretchy fabric just above the tailbone makes for an easy way to pull down the bibs without removing the straps for a quick restroom stop.
These bibs are $260 USD, which is getting up there in price (but not all the way - the MAAP Pro 2.0 Bibs are $355 USD). Spending $260 may cause you to raise an eyebrow when considering that the Ultralight fabric is a tad rough - it didn’t cause any chafing or discomfort while riding, but be warned that these aren’t silky smooth bibs like the Rapha Core bibs. The fabric is also a smidge see-through when stretched, such as when bending forward for a more aero position or when standing to climb. This may not matter as much if you’re riding solo in an indoors pain cave, but could be frustrating for some.
Our expert review:
If you’re looking for cycling shorts for indoor sessions lasting 60 minutes or less, then the Castelli Insider 2 might be for you…
In testing, we found the shorts fit true to size with a nice compression to them—just the right amount to feel snug in the shorts but not so much as to feel like a sausage. Which leads us on to the chamois..
The Insider 2 chamois is the definition of “barely there” —the padding is minimal, but comfortable enough to ride for about an hour before starting to shift around on the saddle. It has Castelli’s classic honeycomb padding design is present as with the Velocissima 3, but the extra layer of padding beneath the honeycomb (again, as with the Velocissima 3) is not included in the Insider 2.
Just like the Adidas’ The Cycling Short, the result of a thin The Cycling Short, the Insider 2 could easily be worn for yoga, core workout or even a weight lifting session.
The Insider 2 is highly breathable and lightweight, and much of that stems from the thigh cutouts, which feature perforated fabric (so yes, the outer thigh area is definitely see-through). This allows for tons of breathability and sweat wicking, but could be uncomfortable for those who don’t like to show so much skin. Rest assured, the groin and behind areas are covered in non-see-through fabric, though.
The Velocio Utility Bib Shorts are no nonsense, no-frills-attached bib shorts that just get you where you need to be going...
In testing, we thought the standout feature was the “FlyFree” design, which enables women to take easier bathroom breaks thanks to extra-stretchy fabric above the tailbone. It's as simple as pulling the bibs down; the straps don't even need to be removed—a bit of a game changer if you need to go when you're out on a remote gravel road.
The chamois is Velocio’s proprietary Signature Chamois, the same one found their Ultralight road shorts. It's a thick chamois that mutes vibrations caused by gravel and it doesn't feel too bulky when you're off the bike.
The Utility shorts' three pockets are deep and have the capacity to hold everything you could need like a flat kit, nutrition, phone—you name it. Our only qualm was the lack of extra security on the pockets like the Assos Uma GTC shorts have. That said, the nutrition we stored in our pockets while testing stayed put but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
This shorts come in around $300 USD while alternatives like the Assos Uma GTC shorts are $280 USD and Le Col Sport Cargo Bib Shorts II are about $240 USD. Sure, it's only a $20-60 price difference, but that could be enough for some riders to shop elsewhere.
Our expert review:
Specialized’s new Prime SWAT Bib Shorts are an interesting pair of shorts. Here's how they tested...
The Prime SWAT Bib Shorts offer four pockets. In testing, we found the thigh pocket (one on each leg) had a nice ergonomic design that makes it easy to slide your hand in and out of the pocket without fumbling for its opening. The other two pockets are near where the straps connect with the low back fabric of the shorts and can hold a couple of gels, a CO2 canister or other small items. These two pockets are a bit harder to reach while riding, requiring the rider to push up their jersey to access these pockets—but all in all it wasn’t any great effort. A clasp or flap to provide further security for your cherished nutrition, phone or flat kit would also be a handy addition...
The chamois is quite dense and provides more-than-sufficient padding to mute vibrations from the road or trail. The chamois is great while riding, but could be considered a bit too bulky for comfortable “hike-a-bike” moments when walking alongside your bike.
Our only qualm was the fit. The tightness around the midsection was noticeable during the test ride, but did not feel so constrictive as to make breathing or expanding/relaxing core muscles difficult. But the bib shorts shone in other ways: “heavy duty” coverage makes for a very secure feel in the shorts, albeit perhaps a bit too secure with how tight the midsection is.
Our expert review:
For these shorts, GripGrab has used the same stretchy, softshell three-layer fabric that appears on its AquaRepel Leg Warmers. This shell fabric is 88% Polyester and 12% Elastane and features a membrane that’s said to be 100% waterproof and windproof. It is slightly stretchy in four directions, but it’s worth noting that it’s certainly not as stretchy as the fabrics you’d typically find on bib shorts.
In other areas that are less exposed to the elements, a soft brushed-fleece fabric is used instead. This fabric is still treated with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment to provide some protection from road spray.
On the road, the shorts do a great job for those in-between temperatures when you might not want to fully commit to bib tights. I found that the outer membrane easily shrugged off wet conditions, and the fleecy lining kept me warm in conditions down to 6°C.
Even though there’s some stretch to the weatherproof membrane, it’s not much, so there is a chance they won’t quite be perfect. A good option for a rider that wants to ride through the transitional seasons - or milder winter conditions - in bib shorts and leg warmers
The team here at Cycling Weekly are constantly testing and clothing more than anything. That is due to the seasonal nature of clothing, with fall/winter and spring/summer, as well as the huge variety of layering and styles. Frankly, you can't go out on your bike without wearing something, so it's easy for us to put thousands of hours into all kinds of garments.
More than any other piece of cycling clothing, cycling shorts are likely the most subjective. Thats why when it comes to the best women's cycling shorts, we always have women test these products, and where possible, we have multiple women test to ensure they suit different anatomies. The team absolutely, from time to time, endure pain and discomfort to bring you honest reviews and advice.
What are we looking for?
Fit, feel, and comfort are all important factors when assessing shorts, as is the quality and durability of the fabric, and that is why we always look to put shorts through a number of washes throughout testing.
Last but not least, we always try to use products not just shorts in a range of temperatures and conditions, regularly totally out of their intended use range, because you never know what surprises might arise.
You can find out more information on our testers and on how we test via our helpful guide.
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.
Women's 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.
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 (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.
Sportful women's pad
To add to the gel-versus-foam chamois conundrum is a myriad of construction fabrics, intended to reduce 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 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 your legs and groin when you start pedalling.
Women's pad stitching
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.
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 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 that 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 around 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, the 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, bib shorts do tend to offer a better experience when on the bike.
Women's cycling shorts
Bib shorts more or less overcome this waistband issue as the shorts' leg fabric continues much higher up the torso before eventually transitioning into the bib straps. A good pair of women's specific bib shorts 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 drafty gaps and sweat channels.
Unlike shorts, some bib shorts 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 their 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!
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 from 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.
