Whether youre ready to invest in your first pair of bike shorts or simply need to add another pair to your expansive cycling wardrobe, weve rounded up the best cycling shorts for women. A good pair of padded bike shorts can make a world of difference, allowing you to ride longer in comfort and to avoid chafing and saddle sores.Our team has tested these shorts on century rides, quick lunchtime spins, indoor cycling sessions, and after work group rides. Theyve gone through the wash countless times and come out on top. Weve also polled our community to see what yall like. Our favorite regular bike short is the Terry Bella. Its comfortable, will last many, many miles, and doesnt cost a fortune. For bib shorts, we think the Specialized SL Race bib takes the cake. Of course, bike shorts are only one piece of the solution when it comes to comfort down there. Weve also tested womens bike saddles and chamois creams for you. Our Top PicksTips For Buying (And Wearing) Women's Cycling ShortsOther Ways To Keep Your Butt HappyPlus Size ShortsSilicone Free ShortsOur Top PicksWhat We LoveList PriceBIB SHORTSSpecialized SL Race BibSoft fabric, true to size$180Pearl Izumi Pro BibSubstantial padding$225Pactimo Ascent Vector BibLightweight, breathable$174Wild Rye Baddie BibComes in numeric sizes$149Velocio Luxe BibSilky, compressive fabric$279REGULAR SHORTSTerry BellaMultiple length options$129Samsara OGFun, feminine prints$159Terry BreakawayStay in place$99Pearl Izumi AttackWide range of sizes$80Pactimo Ascent VectorFlattering cut$134BUDGET OPTIONSBaleaf Bike ShortsSuper affordable$28Pearl Izumi SugarShort inseam$65Specialized RBX BibsBang for your buck$90Specialized SL Race Bib ShortsPrice: $180Buy at Specialized.comBuy at CompetitiveCyclist.comReasons To Buy Buttery soft fabric True to size and a wide range of sizes Comfortable leg gripper Magnetic closure for pee breaksReasons To Avoid Difficult to re-clasp buckle Only come in blackWhen we asked the Femme Cyclist Community which bibs they preferred, the Specialized SL Race came out as the resounding winner. Why?The magnetic rear clip makes the shorts super easy to get out of for road-side pit stops. (Although it can be hard to get them closed back up again). Women also like thecompressive four-way stretch fabric and the higher cut on the belly, both of which help hold everything in. The material is buttery soft, and doesnt irritate sensitive skin. Theres also a slightly cheaper SL bib (not the Race version), but the chamois on the SL Race is significantly nicer, so if you can afford the extra coin, Id recommend it.The biggest complaint we have is that they only come in black. While black is always great, sometimes we ladies like to mix it up, you know?Read Our Review: Specialized SL Race BibsPearl Izumi Womens Pro Bib ShortPrice: $225Buy at PearlIzumi.comBuy at CompetitiveCyclist.comReasons To Buy Very few seams Holds up through many wash cycles Drop tail for nature breaks Substantial chamoisReasons To Avoid Somewhat diaper-esque PriceyThe Pearl Izumi Pro bib shorts arent cheap, but they sure are comfortable. There are very few seams to irritate sensitive skin, and the chamois is substantial.The bibs are designed with cross-over straps to help taking the shorts off easier for nature breaks. They run to size and come in a nice range of sizes (x-small to xx-large).The one thing to be aware of is that the chamois is substantial and may be too much for some. You might love the additional padding, but it does feel more like a diaper than some other chamois we have tested.Read Our Review: Pearl Izumi Womens PRO Bib Short Pactimo Ascent Vector BibPrice: $174Buy at Pactimo.comReasons To Buy Lightweight and breathable Compressive without being oppressive Straps stay in place No skin irritationReasons To Avoid Chamois is longer and wider than most (only a problem for smaller women) No quick release for pee breaksThe Pactimo Ascent Vector Bib is our go to summer cycling bib. Thanks to the mesh upper and thinner material, this is a great choice for hot days. (And less so for cool days). The shorts are mildly compressive but not overly so, so if you dont like the super tight feel of European bibs, these are a good choice. The straps are comfortable and stay in place, although there is no quick release for pee breaks. The chamois does have a larger footprint than mostit is both long and wide. For me, it was excessively large but for other women, it might be a great fit. These are a high quality bib for under $200 making them a killer deal in my book. Read Our Review: Pactimo Ascent Vector BibWild Rye Baddie BibPrice: $149Buy at Wild-Rye.comBuy at Evo.comReasons To Buy Very comfortable chamois Wide leg bands that are non-irritating Comes in numeric sizes (0, 2, 4, etc)Reasons To Avoid Not potty friendly Low compressionWild Rye targets the mountain bike and gravel market with the Baddie Bib, but you could wear this short on the road as well. The inseam is shorter than most so a good choice for preserving tan lines or for wearing underneath baggies. We really appreciate the exact sizing that goes from size 0 up to a size 18, which helps in getting the perfect fit. (Though we recommend going down a size based on our experience). The chamois is one of the best weve tested in terms of comfort and it doesnt feel like a diaper. We liked the unique back design that keeps the straps in place but to the side of your boobs.In addition to the black, the bib also comes in a pretty maroon color that includes a little bit of flair at the legs. We hope to see more prints for this short in the future.The Baddie doesnt have as much compression as higher end shorts, nor is it particularly potty friendly. Still, for the price, we think these are a good choice. Read Our Review: Wild Rye Baddie BibVelocio Luxe Bib ShortPrice: $279Buy at Velocio.comBuy at Backcountry.comReasons To Buy Silky smooth fabric Highly compressive Straps stay in place and dont dig in Large range of sizesReasons To Avoid ExpensiveThey aint cheap, but if youre an avid cyclist who lives for long hours in the saddle, the Velocio bib shorts are what you want. Theres actually nothing negative to say about these shorts other than the high price.The material is incredibly soft, the chamois is comfortable, the strap design is our favorite weve tried, and the colors are rich and beautiful. The compression is high on these and may feel tight to women who arent accustomed to high end bibs, but trust us, youll end up appreciating the support.The sizing on these shorts is inclusive, going from a XXS to a XXXL. The sizing guide is actually helpful, and the fit runs true to the chart.Full review coming soon!Terry Bicycles Bella ShortPrice:$129Buy at TerryBicycles.comBuy at REI.comReasons To Buy Durable, last a long time Comes in several lengths Comfortable, elastic free waistbandReasons To Avoid Leg bands can irritate skinWe dont know anybody who has tried Terrys Bella bike short and not liked it. From a company that designs solely for women, the Bella short is an all-around winner. The waistband is super comfortable, the legs stay put, and the padding is magical. These shorts are also durable even with frequent wear. In fact, I have a pair that I wore for close to five years before they wore out.One unique thing about them is the fact that they come in multiple lengths. Whether you like less coverage or more coverage, youll find a length that you like. Our one complaint is if you are wearing the shorts for multi-hour rides, the leg band can begin to become uncomfortable. Read Our Review: Terry BellaSamsara OG ShortPrice: $159Samsara-Cycle.comReasons To Buy Beautiful colors and prints No stitching around the chamois to irritate Comfy leg and waistbandsReasons To Avoid No black optionThe Samsara OG short wins in both form and function. These shorts come in adorable prints but also have a high quality chamois and superior construction.Both the waistband and leg bands are comfortable and stay in place. The length is dependent on size, and they hit around mid-thigh. Sizes are also fairly inclusive going from XXL to XXL. Something unique about these shorts is that there are two fabric layers. The inside layer is thin and mesh like and the chamois is sewn into it. This means there is no external stitching where the chamois is.While I love the fun prints, if youre a black short kinda girl, youre out of luck with this one. Read Our Review: Samsara OG ShortTerry Breakaway ShortPrice: $99Buy at TerryBicycles.comBuy at REI.comReasons To Buy Waistband and legs stay in place Great value Multiple versions/lengths of the short True to sizeReasons To Avoid Thinner fabric Limited color optionsAnother Terry bike short on the list! (Can you tell we like and trust this brand?!)The Terry Breakaway is Bicycling Magazine editors choice and we agree with them. Its a relatively affordable short that checks all the boxes.Unlike many bike shorts, the waistband is extremely comfortable and does not roll down. Similarly, the leg bands dont dig in and stay in place.There are several versions of the short, including one with a high waist and another with hi-viz accents. Unfortunately, with the exception of the hi-viz accents, these only come in black or grey, so if youre looking for something more stylish, youll have to look elsewhere. Finally, compared to more expensive shorts, the fabric is a little thinner than most. If you want a more compressive, substantial feeling short, you wont want these. That said, we have not found durability to be an issue. Stacy has a pair thats 3 years old and still going strong. Read Our Review: Terry Breakaway ShortPearl Izumi Attack ShortPrice: $80Buy at PearlIzumi.com Buy at REI.comReasons To Buy Wide range of sizes Substantial chamois Reasonably pricedReasons To Avoid Potential irritation points Only comes in blackPearl Izumi sells LOTS of bike shorts, but the Pearl Izumi Attack short is their best-selling short of all time. Its a no-frills, get her done kinda short.They have a nice wide waistband that stays in place and prevents plumber crack, and a comfortable chamois. They also come in a wide variety of sizes so are a good pick for all sizes and body types.Of course, the best part is the price. The Attack short is comfortable and well constructed, but wont break the bank. There are more seams and potential irritation points than more expensive Pearl Izumi shorts, so keep this in mind if you have particularly sensitive skin.Pearl Izumi also makes the Attack in a bib version. While a bit more spendy than the Attack short, its still reasonably priced and doesnt give up much performance when compared to a premium priced bib.Read Our Review: Pearl Izumi Attack OR Pearl Izumi Attack BibPactimo Ascent Vector ShortPrice: $134Buy at Pactimo.comReasons To Buy Moderate thickness chamois (not too thick, not too thin) Moderate compression Flattering cutReasons To Avoid Doesnt come in plus sizes Restrictive leg cuffsLike the Ascent Vector bib above, the Pactimo Ascent Vector short is a high-quality short at a competitive (though not budget) price. These are supportive without being overly compressive, so if you dont like feeling like a sausage, youll like these.The Ascent Vector shorts are comfortable as well as flattering. They arent too short and arent too long, and the chamois is not too thick and not too thin. Talk about hitting the sweet spot.Unlike some of Pactimos other offerings, these shorts do not come in plus sizes which will be a limiting factor for many. Read Our Review: Pactimo Ascent Vector ShortsBalaef Bike ShortsPrice: Price not available (Last updated: 2023-10-06 at 18:41 More Info) Buy At Amazon.comReasons To Buy VERY affordable Comfortable chamois and fabric Run true to sizeReasons To Avoid Thin fabric Not super durableFor a pair of budget bike shorts, the Baleaf womens shorts perform pretty well. They are comfortable, and have a chamois that doesnt rub or chafe. Ive worn these on plenty of multi-hour rides and finished happy.Where they fall a little short (pun intended!) is their durability. The fabric is thinner and the stitching inferior to higher end shorts.Still, for women wanting to try out their first pair of padded bike shorts, or needing some shorts for spin class, wed recommend these.Read Review: Baleaf Womens Bike ShortsPearl Izumi SugarPrice (List): $65Buy at PearlIzumi.comBuy at REI.comReasons To Buy Short inseam allows you to avoid tan lines Minimalistic chamois for short rides Works well in the heatReasons To Avoid Not a lot of compression Legs can ride upIf youre looking for a short short, the Sugar short is one of my faves. It works well if you want to wear it alone or under a skirt or gym shorts. Its not the best pick for LONG days in the saddle, but is ideal for spin class, avoiding ugly tan lines, and wearing under your favorite bike skirt when you want to look cute. Its also great for ladies who prefer a more minimalistic chamois. For me personally, this is my go-to bottom for rides on the indoor trainer. Ill also pick it for shorter rides outside in hot weather.The leg grippers arent as good as higher end shorts, and these do end up riding up a bit. Thats pretty typical for shorts at this price point though.Full review coming soon!Specialized Womens RBX Bib ShortsPrice: $90Buy at Specialized.comBuy at Backcountry.comReasons To Buy Good value Leg grippers stay in place Breathable chamois Easy to get on and offReasons To Avoid May irritate sensitive skin Straps are long for shorter torsosThere arent many budget bibs around. If you want a pair of bibs under $100, we highly recommend the Specialized RBX bibs.They have a comfortable chamois (that works even better if youre using a complimentary Specialized saddle). The material is of good quality, and they are breathable even when hot.I am especially impressed with the quality of the chamois in these lower-priced bibs. It is substantial but not too thick, the material is of great quality, and it is incredibly breathable which is just so important, especially on longer rides.The only place where you can tell its a budget short is with the mesh and seams on the straps. They arent as high of quality or as comfortable as higher end shorts. Still, this is a great place to start.Read Our Review: Specialized Womens RBX Bib ShortsTips for Buying (and Wearing) Womens Cycling ShortsDont Wear UnderwearIf youre new to cycling, you might not know yet: youre not supposed to wear underwear with padded bike shorts. Really. Yes, I know that might seem weird, but trust me. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without anything underneath and if you do wear underwear, youre gonna end up with extra bulk, chafing, and even saddle sores.Learn More: Dont Wear Underwear With Bike Shorts & 5 Other Tips About How To Wear Bike ShortsWhats a Chamois?A chamois is the pad inside your bike shorts. It provides cushioning and helps prevent chafing and saddle sores. We recommend choosing a womens-specific short rather than a mens short because the chamois will be better designed for a womans anatomy. A womens chamois is wider at the rear (because our sit bones are wider) and provides more soft tissue support.What You Should Look For In A ChamoisIf you are new to cycling, you may just assume that the more padding a short has the better off you will be. This isnt necessarily true. A chamois that is too bulky will feel like a diaper (not comfortable), and can actually cause rather than prevent saddle sores and other discomforts. We tend to choose a moderately padded chamoisone that isnt too thin or too thick.Of course, a chamois is also a highly personal thing. Some ladies like more padding, some like less. You may have to try a few different pairs of shorts until you discover the chamois that works just right for your body. For shorter rides, indoor spin classes, and hot days, a thin chamois is ideal. For longer century rides and week-long tours, youre probably going to want something a little thicker.Another thing to look at it when buying a pair of shorts is the stitching around the chamois. Bad stitching can be the worst! Look for flatlock sewing around the edges of the chamois, and feel it to make sure that it feels smooth. If you pick one of the shorts on this list, dont worry about the stitching; weve already picked shorts with chamois with high-quality seams.Bib Shorts versus Regular Waist Bike ShortsCyclists generally fall into two categories: those who love bibs and will wear nothing else, and those who think theyre a pain. In general, bibs tend to be more comfortable. They dont have a waistband to dig into your tummy while you ride, and they help you avoid that dreaded gap between your shorts and jersey where your muffin top can spill out. Plus sized ladies, in particular, tend to prefer bibs. The one big drawback to bibs is that they are more challenging to change in and out of, and for women, make bathroom breaks considerably more difficult. That said, weve included some bibs on this list that have been designed to help make those pit-stops a little easier.Leg Bands and Waist BandsSecondary only to the chamois, leg bands and waistbands can make or break a bike short. We like waistbands that dont cut into our skin, but that also doesnt sag. Nobody wants plumber crack. Leg bands are also important. Most bike shorts have a silicone leg band or other grippy material. This helps keep bike shorts in place so you dont have to keep constantly pulling them down.Choose Your Favorite LengthNot all bike shorts have the same inseam length. Some will hit right above the knee, and some show a bunch of thigh. Which you should pick is totally a personal choice. Just pay attention to the inseam length when youre shopping, if you have a preference.Benefits of a longer short are more protection against chafing, and more protection in the event of a crash. Some women just might not want to show that much leg either.Shorter shorts make for better tan lines and can provide additional airflow. Just keep in mind that youre providing yourself less protection from the sun and from potential road rash. Options For Plus Size LadiesFor women with bigger bodies, it can be really hard to find a pair of bike shorts. Walk into your local bike shop, and its highly unlikely that youll find anything at all.Fortunately, there are a growing number of brands offering shorts in a wide variety of sizes. To learn more about these, check out our article on plus size bike shorts. Silicone Free OptionsWe recently had someone ask us for recommendations for bike shorts without any silicone. We had no idea, but reached out to our community on Instagram and it turns out there are a ton of you with silicone allergies!And the good news is that there are options. Here are all the womens shorts we could find that do NOT have silicone leg grippers:Terry (use the silicone free leg band filter)Cuore Utility bib shortsGiordana silverlinesBirds on Bikes (Australian sizing)Black bibs (goes up to 3xl)Kaden Como ChamoisVelocio Ultralight Leg GrippersUMA GT Bib Shorts C2 (crash policy!)About The Reviewers And How We TestThe shorts on this list have been tested by Stacy Smith and Kristen Bonkoski, both avid cyclists. Stacy is the founder of Sascy Cycling, and her mission is to encourage women to love their body and focus on what it can do, not what it looks like. She spends countless hours in the saddle as a leader in her local bike shop group rides.Kristen Bonkoski is the founder of Femme Cyclist and a certified USA cycling coach. She loves biking too much to choose any one discipline and is constantly out on her road bike, mountain bike, or commuter bike. Kristen is also the founder of Rascal Rides, a website dedicated to getting more families out on bikes. Weve tested these bike shorts on the road, gravel bikepacking overnighters, and way too many hours on the trainer. Theyve been thru countless wash cycles and plenty of abuse. Since we ride nearly every day, we just go about our regular lives and test shorts as we go. Other Ways to Keep Your Butt HappyA good bike short is one of the best ways to keep your bum and soft tissue areas happy, but its not the only way. We also recommend picking a good saddle and using chamois cream.Best Bike Saddles for LadiesBest Chamois Creams for WomenHow to Heal (and Prevent) Saddle SoresThe post Best Womens Padded Bike Shorts appeared first on Femme Cyclist.