Dedicated cycling shorts can substantially improve your comfort on the bike, but with so many options available, there are a number of different elements to consider.
Choosing the best cycling shorts is a personal and subjective choice, from chamois pads and bib straps to pockets, compression and leg length, as well as sizing options, the choice can seem like a bit of a minefield.
If possible, it’s always good to try a pair before buying, or look for online purchases which allow free exchanges or returns.
If you're still unsure what to look for, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about women's cycling shorts at the bottom of this guide to help you choose the right pair for your needs.
Last updated on 8th March 2026 The Castelli Premio Black Bib Shorts, Assos Dyora Spring/Fall RS S9, and Matchy Women’s Altitude Wardrobe Shorts have been removed from the guide as they are no longer available. The Assos Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 has been added as the new pick for best for style, a bullet point "How to choose” section has been added at the bottom, and several FAQs have been updated and reworded for clarity.
Best women's cycling shorts
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Best endurance
✅ You want tons of pockets: These shorts feature three pockets so you can stash whatever you need with you.
✅ You want a comfort break feature: The high-stretch elastic system is great.
❌ You want lots of colour choices: These only come in black.
If you’re looking for a bikepacking-friendly pair of shorts built for long-distance riding, the Albion ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts are well worth considering.
They’ve become a popular choice among women who regularly spend long days in the saddle, thanks to their combination of compression, comfort and practicality, while also maintaining a solid fit and feel.
The shorts use Albion’s three-pocket setup, with two leg pockets and a rear side-entry pocket, giving you plenty of space to stash essentials on the go.
The chamois is from Elastic Interface, and they also have a high-stretch elastic strap system for quick and easy comfort breaks without having to remove layers.
We've reviewed the male version of ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts, which shares many of the same features, aside from the comfort-break system.
Best entry-level
✅ You want value for money: These shorts pack loads of tech in at a great price.
✅ You want a comfort break feature: The DropSeat feature makes it easy when nature calls.
❌ You want top-level tech: These are an entry-level pair of shorts.
❌ You want compression: These do not offer much compression.
A good-quality pair of bib shorts around the £100 mark is becoming harder to find, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a well-designed and versatile option.
Endura's FS260-Pro DS bib shorts, for example, come with a modest price tag compared to some of the options listed here, and yet they offer an extremely comfortable fit, along with one of the ultimate things we look for in women's bib shorts: a great comfort break feature.
Endura's solution is a drop-seat contraption, which means it has extra material at the back, so all you need to do is pull these down, and the faff is gone.
Given their more affordable price point than some others on this list, the fabrics aren’t quite as technical, so they offer slightly less compression and breathability, though the soft, stretchy fabrics will suit lots of riders.
While the chamois pad is great for endurance rides, Endura's pads tend to run a little wider than some other brands, which may not suit every rider. Despite this, they remain a solid option for those looking for a good-value entry-level pair.
Best money-no-object
✅ You want a premium pair of shorts: These are top of the range with a price to match.
✅ You want hot-weather shorts: These feature highly sweat-wicking materials.
❌ You want entry-level: These have a high-performance focus and fit.
❌ You want a comfort break feature: You will need to take off layers when nature calls.
Rapha's Pro Team Powerweave Bib Shorts are the brand's most expensive offering, sitting at the top of the Rapha bib short range.
They are a race-ready offering constructed from the brand’s proprietary Powerweave fabric, which is woven rather than knitted (the more traditional material for bib shorts), similar to the Velocio Ultralight shorts listed here.
From experience, we've found them to offer decent compression, supporting fast recovery and helping to prevent fatigue, while there's a lot less bulk to weigh you down on race day.
Since they are designed for high-intensity race efforts in summer, they offer high breathability and moisture wicking. In fact, Rapha claims they wick away moisture twice as fast as knitted fabrics, and while we can't quantitatively confirm or deny this, we definitely found them to manage sweat build-up really well compared to other shorts we've tried.
Other features include laser-cut bib straps, an integrated radio pocket, and an "Elite-level chamois" that Rapha says is tailored for hot-weather riding.
However, they are incredibly expensive, so think of them as more of a long-term investment in your racing success.
Best for nature breaks
✅ You want recycled materials: These shorts are made from 87% recycled polyamide.
✅ You want a comfort break feature: The Velocio Flyfree system works effortlessly.
❌ You want pockets: These are a minimal-fuss pair of shorts.
❌ You want entry-level: These are top of the range in terms of tech and price.
Velocio are one of the market leaders for women-focused brands, and the Luxe shorts are designed to be worn all day, over many miles, and they definitely deliver on that front.
It's actually difficult to adequately explain the feel of the fabric: a soft touch, almost brushed finish, it feels silky, smooth, and soft, while maintaining high levels of compression.
The shorts are particularly flattering through the hips, while the upper design is fairly unique. A solid mesh front panel prevents pressure on the chest and almost doubles as a base layer, while the FlyFree back design makes mid-ride comfort breaks easy - the stretchy rear panels allow you to pull the shorts down without removing the straps or any layers.
Previously, I didn't prioritise this feature that much, but it’s something I now really appreciate when choosing bib shorts for longer days in the saddle.
Minimal seams reduce chafing, something we confirmed on long rides, and the compression provides noticeable muscle support.
The Signature chamois uses a dual-density construction designed to absorb vibrations and deliver all-day comfort. Our only gripe was the slightly tight leg banding, though this softened after a few washes and rides.
While it was written by a male tester, it's well worth checking out our review of the Velocio Luxe bib shorts. Our female tester, Mildred, has covered many miles in the women's version and agrees with everything in there.
Best cargo
✅ You want fun colour options: Maap offers fun colour choices to add personality to your kit.
✅ You want to ride far: These are made for long-distance riding, on and off road.
❌ You want a comfort break feature: These do not offer a quick solution for nature calls.
❌ You want bigger sizes: Offered up to XL, these do not cater for bigger sizes.
The MAAP Alt_Road Cargo 2.0 bibs are another excellent option for long-distance riding, combining MAAP’s off-road-specific chamois, which has a thicker density, with plenty of storage. They feature three rear pockets and dual-sided cargo pockets, with the central rear pocket large enough to stash an extra layer.
Our contributor Emma Cole wore two pairs of these for 18 consecutive days on a bikepacking trip and was hugely impressed, praising their blend of comfort, compression and practicality.
The fit is high-rise, with solid compression through the thighs. Thick cuffs and silicone grippers help keep the shorts securely in place while riding.
Unlike the Albion option, these shorts come in a range of colours. However, it’s worth noting that the lighter shades can show sweat more easily. There’s also no dedicated comfort-break feature, which is a bit of a drawback for shorts aimed at long-distance riding, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
Best for style
✅ You want to look good without sacrificing on comfort: These shorts are super easy to wear with simple styling and impressive overall comfort.
✅ You want a performance fit: These are designed for riding in a more aggressive position and with a slightly longer leg length.
❌ You want a comfort break feature: These do not offer a quick solution for nature calls.
❌ You want a short leg length: These are race-oriented bib shorts, and with that comes a slightly longer leg.
Assos bib shorts have been a firm favourite of mine since I got my first pair over a decade ago, and the Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 are no exception. The fabric and finish are superb, delivering top-tier comfort despite sitting below the Swiss brand’s most premium offerings in price.
They sit within Assos’s Racing Series, which is designed to provide comfort in aggressive riding positions, though I found them comfortable across a range of riding styles.
The waistband sits slightly lower than on some bib shorts, which isn’t noticeable while riding as it’s covered by a jersey, but you may need to be mindful of this when standing around at a café stop. Assos refers to the waistband construction as the zeroPressure waist, and it plays a big role in the overall comfort. The raw-cut edges and absence of tight elastic mean there’s no digging in or restriction, even during harder efforts.
The shorts also feature a longer leg length, which may not suit everyone’s preference.
The chamois pad is Assos' goldenGate 2.0 technology, which means it’s attached at the front and rear but left floating at the sides and centre. This is said to allow it to move with your body, which works effectively across a range of ride types.
Overall, these are a very comfortable and good-looking pair of high-performance shorts.
If you're after bib shorts with a little extra protection for changeable conditions in spring and autumn, Assos also makes the Dyora R Spring Fall Bib Shorts S11, which feature a fleece lining and provide protection against wind and light rain.
Best budget waist shorts
✅ You want value for money: These shorts pack tons of tech for a smaller price.
✅ You want a comfort break feature: The fact these don't have straps makes it easy when nature calls
❌ You want top-level tech: These are an entry-level pair of shorts.
❌ You want compression: These do not offer much compression.
Shorts without straps can be a great entry point into cycling clothing and the Madison Roam Cargo Cycling Shorts are the only pair in this guide without bib straps.
While bib straps are common in cycling apparel, they’re not for everyone. Waist shorts can reduce chafing, feel more comfortable for some riders, and make things easier when nature calls.
As well as being an excellent pair of waist shorts at a good price, they also feature four rear pockets and two leg pockets for on-the-fly storage. The shorts also get a premium Italian chamois pad.
Our contributor Emma has been wearing these and found them to offer a delightful balance of tech and comfort. They are great for a casual ride and hit all the entry-level points bang on.
Madison describes the shorts as having a performance fit, though Emma found the sizing comes up quite big. It’s worth checking the size guide carefully to make sure you get the right fit for you.
How to choose the best women's cycling shorts
- What type of riding will I be doing? Long-distance riders should look for shorts with an endurance-focused chamois that can support you for hours in the saddle.
- Do I need a pee-friendly design? If you're out for hours at a time, you might need to take a pee break occasionally. A pair of shorts with pee-friendly design features avoids having to undress behind a hedge.
- Would pockets be useful? Having pockets on the sides of your bib shorts can be really helpful. Cargo bib-shorts include pockets and many of the best cargo bib shorts in our buyer's guide are available in women's as well as men's fit.
- What weather do I ride in? If you are more of a fair-weather cyclist, you can get away with minimal design features as long as the fabric is thin and breathable. If you ride year-round, look for added warmth, like a fleece lining and thick fabric.
- How much compression do you need? If you're training hard, look for a pair of shorts that offer a decent amount of compression, which helps keep the blood flowing to your leg muscles and makes for an easier recovery.
Everything you need to know about the best women's cycling shorts
Should I wear underwear under cycling shorts?
No! Most cyclists will be far more comfortable going commando under cycling shorts...It may seem strange if you're new to cycling in padded shorts, but one of the key roles of the chamois pad is to absorb and wick away moisture, keeping your downstairs area clean and free of harmful bacteria build-up.
If you wear underwear under your cycling shorts, then the chamois cannot do its job, you'll experience more sweating and bacteria as a result of the extra layer, and are therefore at a higher risk of developing saddle sores and/or a yeast infection.
What's more, the best women's cycling shorts are usually designed with minimal seams to prevent any rubbing or friction. Adding underwear to the mix will likely cause irritation.
Do I need padded cycling shorts?
Although non-padded cycling shorts can be fine for short trips on the bike, more often than not, women who cycle longer distances will benefit from some padding. Padded cycling shorts are often more comfortable, offer greater support and are specifically designed with cycling in mind.
It's important to remember that everyone's anatomy and riding styles are different. As a result, there are many different shapes, sizes and thicknesses of chamois pads inside padded cycling shorts.
If you've been cycling for a while and have a pair of shorts that you are comfortable in, it is often a good idea to stick with that company, or at least that pad; many pad manufacturers tend to be third-party, so you'll find different brands using the same chamois.
Most companies have a range of different options all using the same pad as well, so you can have some variety whilst ensuring performance and comfort.
Why does cycling hurt my bum?
When riding a bike, all of your weight goes through three contact points - your hands, your feet and your bum. There are many reasons why you might be experiencing discomfort, and we discuss this in more detail in our saddle sores feature.
When new to cycling or returning after some time off the bike, it is not unusual to experience some discomfort in the undercarriage area.
However, if this persists and you've already tried a range of padded cycling shorts and different saddles, it may be worth investing in a bike fit to help identify positional issues that are causing discomfort. If you're interested in which saddles we recommend, take a look at our best women's road bike saddles guide.
Wearing padded cycling shorts can help ease discomfort. A chamois pad (pronounced 'shammy') creates a cushioned barrier between sensitive areas and the firm surface of a saddle.
Why do some cycling shorts have suspenders?
Many cycling shorts are what are known as bib shorts, where 'bib straps' are built into the shorts and loop over the shoulders like suspenders to keep them up. Bib straps ensure that the chamois pad stays in the right position, but can make toilet breaks harder.
They also eliminate the need for an elasticated waistband, which can be more comfortable and less restrictive when on the bike.
Some people do prefer non-bib shorts like the Madison Roam in this guide, as they can feel more comfortable if you don't like the feeling of having straps against you while you ride.
Read our bib shorts vs waist shorts post for an in-depth guide.
Should cycling shorts be very tight?
The best cycling shorts should be skin-tight but not uncomfortable. You want to be able to breathe, and you don't want to be cutting off your circulation.
However, you also don't want them to be too loose, otherwise, the chamois pad is more likely to shift from side to side as you pedal, causing unwanted friction and making it more likely that you'll develop saddle sores.
If you measure up between sizes, it's the best bet to go for the smaller size. If you're unsure, you should always try them on first before you commit, so either visit your local bike shop or check different companies' returns policies first.
How should I wash my cycling shorts?
You should wash your cycling shorts after every ride, no matter how short, to prevent bacteria build-up - especially as they’re designed to be worn without underwear.
In general, most manufacturers say to wash their cycling shorts at 30 °C using a mild detergent, but it's always worth checking the labels first. After washing, air-dry your cycling shorts rather than using a tumble dryer, as high heat can degrade the elastic fibres and shorten their lifespan.
How do I choose the best shorts for me?
If all else fails, wear what you like and what you like yourself in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with opting for the shorts that are flattering over the ones with maybe a slightly better pad. If you feel good and confident, you will want to spend more time on the bike, and ultimately, that's the goal.
There are enough high-end women's cycling shorts out there that performance, comfort, and style can all work hand in hand, and at least we can know it's not our shorts stopping us from going the distance.
How we test
We love cycling, and as women, we know all too well how important it is to feel comfortable on the bike.
We've rigorously tested these bib shorts, wearing them for hours in the saddle, wearing them on long and short rides, and on both gravel and road.
We've tried 100s of women's bib shorts between us, and with every test and ride get more clued up about what works and what doesn't.
With bib shorts, our testers look for a balance between comfort, performance, comfort break features and pockets, and take note of when one aspect might trump the other.
We also take a critical look at the chamois pad, noting whether it's thick enough for the intended use, and whether it moves, as well as features like leg grippers, straps and, of course, whether there is a comfort break feature or not.
See our How We Test page for more information on Cyclingnews' testing protocol and scoring system.
