The best cycling shorts are about as make-or-break as it gets in terms of cycling kit. Get it right and you'll be in for endless miles of blissed-out riding in perfect comfort. Get it wrong and you may as well perch yourself atop a housebrick and ride down a cobbled street.
Whether you're getting your first pair of cycling shorts or your tenth, we've got you covered. Josh, Will and Tom make up our tech team and, between them, have tested almost every pair of bib shorts around. The following list is what we like to think of as the crème de la crème; these are the shorts we reach for when heading out for a ride.
Here, we've tested the best cycling shorts for general road use, cargo bib shorts for those who need extra storage, and winter cycling shorts for cold-weather riding.
Our top pick is the Pas Normal Mechanism, as they have been spectacularly comfortable in every riding scenario we have used. There are plenty of other options though, scroll down to see our picks of the best cycling shorts for men. Women have very different needs, so we have a separate guide outlining the best women's cycling shorts.
As ever, if you're not quite sure what you're after, we've got all the key questions taken care of at the bottom of the page to help you make the most effective use of your cash.
The best cycling shorts available today
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best cycling shorts overall
✅ You want a supportive fit: The Mechanism shorts fit really well.
✅ You want plenty of colour choices: Pas Normal offers five options.
❌ You want to save money: The Mechanism shorts are premium priced.
❌ You don't like the contrasting stitching: The white between the panels is likely to show wear first too.
The Mechanism bib shorts are Pas Normal's premium offering and I've been really impressed with them during several months of riding.
As Pas Normal claims, the shorts do indeed provide a compressive and supportive fit and haven't given me the slightest niggle or bit of discomfort whilst in use. I've worn them to climb Soller in Mallorca and whilst descending the Ghisallo pass with rain bouncing off the road.
The bib straps are slightly restrictive whilst standing in the shorts, but sat atop the bike they feel perfect. They are also around four centimetres wide and are thin and comfortable. The foam chamois pad was really comfy for me using a range of saddles and isn't trying to rewrite the rulebook in its design, so should work for a wide range of riders.
They have washed well, and there is no sign of the lettering disappearing after several months. In Pas Normal’s latest iteration of these cycling shorts, they have opted for colours ranging from navy through to earth and medium grey. This neutral and sophisticated palette still reflects Pas Normal’s position as both a premium and fashion brand. It has since discontinued the burgundy option I tested and removed the risky white that had previously featured in its lineup, also, not all the shorts feature the contrasting white stitching if you're not a fan.
Best budget cycling shorts
✅ You want quality features at a low price: Altura's feature-rich shorts undercut the competition.
✅ You want crash protection: The Kevlar content should increase abrasion resistance.
❌ You want comfier leg grippers: We found Altura's a little tight.
❌ You want a lower front: The high waist makes comfort breaks harder.
When I (Josh) first put on the Altura Endurance bib shorts, their comfort immediately impressed me. The high front might make toilet stops a little more challenging, but it creates a secure and cosy feeling that's unrivalled at this price point, only really matched in this regard by the twice-as-expensive Endura Pro SL bibs.
The big feature of Altura's Endurance bibs is the Kevlar-infused fabric from Swiss textile specialists Scholler. This adds to the compressive, comfortable feeling, with the added theoretical benefit of increased abrasion resistance when crashing. (I opted not to test this theory.)
The fit is true to size, too. The only concern I had, if you can call it that, was the leg gripper which is a solid band that wraps around 4/5ths of the leg. It's fairly tight, pulled on hair, and left a bit of an indentation at the end of rides.
Best cycling shorts for durability
✅ You want shorts that last: Our Giara shorts are still looking good after three years.
✅ You want a comfort-oriented pad: The Giara's pad is designed for gravel, so it has plenty of padding.
❌ You want more features: The Giaras offer the basics without frills.
❌ You want more road performance: These shorts aren't aero and are geared to endurance rather than fast rides.
The Giara bib shorts are our pick as the pair of cycling shorts that will stand up to anything you throw at them, be that in the course of one ride, or over the cumulative years of ownership. I (Josh) have been using this pair of Giara bib shorts for approximately three years now, and they still look the way they did when they arrived. That's despite being put through various multi-hour rides on road, gravel and mountain bikes alike.
They don't boast any real talking points in terms of features or specs. This dark green colourway and the reflective band are about as exciting as they get, but they're comfortable, with light compression, a medium-thickness low-density chamois, and there aren't any pressure points or chafing seams.
Best cycling shorts for compression
✅ You want premium, performance-focused shorts: Velocio says the Concept shorts have been designed without compromise. They offer a compressive fit and a high-end feel.
✅ You want a top spec pad: Velocio avoids extra stitching by integrating its pad into the shorts. The pad features a graduated thickness front to rear and offers more support than the previous Concept's pad.
❌ You want something lower priced: The premium design comes with a premium price, although Velocio does include a repair program and a crash replacement discount.
❌ You like subtle shorts: The large Velocio logo on the legs may not be for everyone.
The Velocio Concept bib shorts are the US brand's top offering and offer a compressive fit that focuses on performance.
The Concept shorts got a big overhaul for this latest generation and became even lighter and faster, according to the brand.
This latest version is available in even more colourways, though I tested black, which never fails.
The cut of the shorts is now a little bit longer, and the bib straps' back panel has been removed to save a little bit of weight and aid breathability. The bib straps are also supremely comfortable, wide, stretchy and not in any way restrictive.
The shorts have a little bit more structure and a compressive fit that isn't too tight.
The chamois pad is a little bigger, in my opinion and uses a graduated thickness, which is well suited to pressing on when there is often more pressure on the front of the saddle.
These are really comfortable, quality bib shorts that suit performance riding or riders who prefer a tighter, more compressive fit.
Best cycling shorts for racing
✅ You want a truly versatile race short: Perfect in a race position on warm days, but great all-round too.
✅ You want compression without restriction: The fit is as close to perfect as it gets.
❌ You want a really deep pad: This generation is thinner but denser than before.
❌ You want something cheaper: They are expensive, but you can feel the quality.
Rapha's Pro Team Bib Shorts III are a pretty radical overhaul of the British brand’s top-tier race short, and they're now even better for hard rides.
They have more compression, fewer panels, and a thinner, lower-density chamois pad that's much more in line with the trend of race-oriented shorts. Also on-trend are the laser cut edges on the leg openings, simply backed by silicone dots at the hem.
The front cut of the shorts part is a happy middle ground between too low and too high, and the rear is high enough that the straps are unlikely to peek through. The straps themselves are wide elastic, which may not be ideal if you're looking to maximise breathability on sweltering days, but are great for shoulder comfort and a secure fit
All in all, a very good set of bib shorts. Perfectly compressive, comfortable, well-made, great straps, and with a chamois that better suits high intensity riding.
Read more in our Rapha Pro Team Powerweave bib shorts review.
Best cycling shorts for endurance
✅ You want long-ride comfort: We found the shorts great for long rides.
✅ You value warm-weather breathability: The temperature regulation really works.
❌ You prefer a low-profile chamois: Some of the comfort comes from the thickness
❌ You're coy: The extra comfort-space at the front is noticeable.
Assos's Mille range focuses on comfort and endurance, but the new Mille GTS S11 bib shorts also enjoy some of the compression and enhanced breathability features from their race-oriented Equipe siblings.
Warm-weather oriented, with a heap of Assos proprietary fabrics and features, they perform exceptionally well. The Assos chamois continues to impress, with new breathability features. It's made from a dual-layer of high-density foams, designed to be fast-drying, with different perforations in each layer to "keep a cool microclimate" where it counts, in Assos's words.
If you suffer from compressed genitals on long rides, you'll be pleased to know that the Mille GTS S11 is deliberately designed for extra room in that area. It does create a more noticeable bulge than some other shorts, but you can decide whether that's a good thing or not.
A raft of other small, neat design features combine to make a very easy-wearing short, with UPF 50+ protection as a bonus on long, hot days.
For more, see our full Assos Mille GTS S11 bib shorts review.
Best cycling shorts for adventure riding
✅ You want useful stowage: Albion's rear mesh tube lets you stash more kit than usual.
✅ You want to keep the price down: The Albion shorts are competitively priced.
❌ You want more compression: The Albion shorts are less compressive than most.
❌ You want integrated grippers: Albion's look a little retro.
I've found it very hard to fault the Albion ABR1 pocket bibs. They are comfortable, they fit well without being overly compressive, which I find can get annoying on longer or multi-day trips, and they're not fragile. They're cut perhaps for a slightly less racy position than something actually designed for crit racing like the Rapha Powerweave, but for an endurance setup, they're ideal.
They're not overly expensive either, in the grand scheme of things; we've got shorts in this guide that cost double what these do. The real standout feature though is the pockets, the MO of any pair of cargo bibs. While most offer a pocket on each leg and three mostly inaccessible ones on the lower back to replicate those of a jersey, the Albion Pocket Bibs instead offer a mesh tube across the very base of your spine, into which a waterproof jacket can easily be stuffed while still riding. It's a significantly more useful arrangement, and as long as these suit your anatomy and budget they're the best of the bunch.
My only real criticism is of the leg grippers, but it's not really a functional criticism. Compared to the invisible options used in the Pearl Izumi Expedition Pro they look a little old-school, but I'm clutching at straws here.
Check out our Albion ABR1 Pocket review for more info.
Best thermal cycling shorts
✅ You want shorts for high-intensity winter rides: These shorts are great for fast riding in the cold.
❌ You have short legs: The longer legs add a little extra coverage, but may be too long for shorter-legged riders
Thermal bib shorts are often overlooked but really useful parts of a cyclist’s wardrobe. They come into their own for hard, fast riding in cooler and even cold rides when you’re generating plenty of heat, and also when riding off-road to save your bib tights from getting ruined; pair them with leg warmers if it gets too cold.
Q36.5’s Dottore Hybrid bib shorts tick all the right boxes for a great set of thermal bibs. They’re cut for aggressive riding, with a lovely light compression throughout that keeps your muscles feeling supported, and removes the need for elastic leg grippers; I’ve never found that they ride up.
The backing fabric is lightly fleecy to keep things a bit warmer, but not so thick that they become waterlogged in the rain or too hot if the temperature rises. The straps are thick and secure, which keeps the chamois – itself slightly fleeced – in the right place at all times.
They’re the perfect set of shorts for fast, chilly mornings, or even those days where you commute in with leg warmers on and then ride home with your knees out.
How to choose the best cycling shorts for you
The process of choosing the right cycling shorts for you is the same as with many things you'll buy.
- How far and often do you ride? Time in the saddle will affect what will be the best bib shorts for you. If you're just going for short blasts once or twice a week, a cheaper pair of shorts may be fine. If you're going for rides of a half day or longer, you'll probably want something more sophisticated.
- How much do you want to spend? You'll probably have an idea of what you want to spend, but might not know exactly what level of shorts that'll get you. Cycling shorts can be very expensive. These higher spec shorts will be more comfortable for longer or more frequent rides though. They'll probably hold up for longer than a cheaper pair too, with less tendency for the fabric to relax and the fit to get loose and uncomfortable or seams to give way, so it's worth stretching the budget.
- What type of riding do you do? You'll also know what type of riding you do, but might not know the features to look out for in the best cycling shorts. Shorts for gravel riding are, in general, more robust than those designed for road use, for example. Our pick of thermal shorts above will keep you more comfortable on cooler rides.
- Do you want pockets? Cargo bib shorts are a relatively new option. They're handy to relieve pocket bulge in jersey back pockets and avoid having to carry too much on the bike itself. You may not need them for short rides, but if you're out for longer, they're a good option, which may not add too much to the price of your shorts.
- What leg length do you want? Cycling shorts are normally worn long, so if you have longer legs, you may want to look for shorts to match. On the other hand, you don't want your shorts to extend to the knee. Too long and they could irritate the tendons in the back of your thighs.
- How compressive do you want your shorts to be? We've got more details on the benefits of a more compressive fit below. Even if you don't want compression, in general, you want a tightish fit to help keep the pad in place.
- What weather are you riding in? Most shorts will cover general summer riding. If you're riding in very hot, cold or wet weather, it's worth considering shorts that are specifically designed for those conditions. Warm weather shorts will use lighter materials, while warmer options use fleece-lined fabrics to add a little extra insulation. Some shorts receive a water-resistant DWR treatment to fend off the odd shower.
Everything you need to know about the best cycling shorts
What features should I look for?
As with most purchases the first step is to set your budget, but beyond that it's time to focus on what features you want.
Cycling shorts used to be designed for summer use only, although the wool-based fabrics used in the past were nowhere near as lightweight until the emergence of polyester with a dose of lycra as the go-to fabric mix.
Now, you can buy very lightweight summer cycling shorts, made of highly technical, very breathable lightweight fabrics, even with some mesh panels discreetly included. They often have a compressive fit for muscle support.
As an alternative, heavier weight brushed-back thermal shorts are now an option, offering extra insulation for cooler weather. Many of these shorts are surface coated for water repellency too, since cold and wet have a habit of coming together.
Either type of shorts is also available with pockets. These so-called cargo bib shorts usually have a slip pocket in the outer thigh and may add rear pockets too. They're designed to cater for the bikepacker and long-distance endurance rider, but the pockets in cargo bib shorts are a useful addition for all riders.
Why choose thermal cycling shorts?
You might think thermal cycling shorts are an odd option; why not just use some of the best winter bib tights? Versatility, that's why. The seasonal range of winter cycling shorts, when you add in a pair of the best leg warmers or knee warmers, is far greater than any set of bib tights. They can serve well even on plenty of summer rides in the UK.
If you want to go full pro you can slap on a thick layer of embrocation to heat up your bare lower legs, just be careful with it as it's spicy stuff!
Why choose cargo bib shorts?
If you want a deeper dive into the best cargo bib shorts, or just a few more options to mull over, we do have a dedicated guide to the hottest subcategory of cycling shorts.
Personally I ride in cargo bibs almost exclusively, on road or off, because I like the versatility, but they tend to be de rigeur for gravel riding. The options here are my personal favourites, having ridden innumerable pairs.
The main benefit over normal cycling shorts is either extra storage to supplement the pockets in your cycling jersey, or the fact that with the pockets in your shorts you are free to wear whatever you want on top to signal to everyone just how gosh darned radical you are; you rock that oversized t-shirt, it looks great!
What are the most comfortable cycling shorts?
The most comfortable cycling shorts are, like saddles, a personal choice and there is no one size fits all solution. All good cycling shorts have some common features though: a well designed, comfortable chamois pad; a close but not constricting fit to keep it in place; straps that don't dig into your shoulders; and leg grippers that keep the lower legs in place without making your legs look like sausage links.
There is some degree of trial and error involved with finding your dream shorts, but the options here are ones that we've collectively got on well with.
Are expensive cycling shorts worth it?
As with most things in cycling there is a point of diminishing returns; paying twice as much won't necessarily make you twice as comfortable. That being said, you will usually get a better fit, better materials, more comfortable straps, better leg grippers, better breathability, more durability, and a more well-thought-out chamois pad the more you pay. Despite being a proponent of decent budget options, the most comfortable shorts I've ever used are one of the more expensive pairs.
Do padded cycling shorts make a difference?
While there are some ultra racers with backsides of steel who can ride without padded shorts indefinitely, for the rest of us having padding in our shorts will absolutely make life more comfortable, even more so if you apply some anti-chafe chamois cream.
Road and gravel bike saddles are relatively unpadded, working on the assumption that the padding comes from the shorts, so going without can be quite a hard ride for your sit bones. If you're scared to make the leap just trust us, it's better.
If you're adamant about not wearing padding then consider opting for a leather saddle, which will break in to match your personal anatomy for greater comfort.
How tight should cycling shorts be?
In general they should be tight enough to have a next-to-skin fit all over, with no saggy spots, but not so tight that they feel restrictive in any way. You should still be able to pull the material away from your legs with a pinch, and if you can't you may be stretching the Lycra so thin that it becomes embarrassingly translucent.
Some more race-oriented shorts offer a compression fit, which will feel tighter. The aim of these is to better support your muscles during high intensity efforts, but they should never restrict a full range of motion: if they do, they're too small.
What colour is best for cycling shorts?
Traditionally, cycling shorts were always black. That's changed now, with other dark colours including navy blue and grey available. Gravel cycling shorts often come in earth colours to match the gravel aesthetic; think dark green, maroon or brown.
White shorts may seem like a good idea to keep you cooler on hot summer rides. Unless you're the World Champion, they're normally avoided though. Once stretched, white lycra can become a bit see-through, a tendency that can get all-too exaggerated if your shorts get wet. It's difficult to keep white shorts looking white over multiple washes too.
Do you go commando in cycling shorts?
Yes. This is usually the graduation moment that all cyclists go through, but I'm afraid to say cycling shorts are to be worn without underwear. The chamois pad is designed to sit directly on your skin, especially if chamois cream is involved, and adding a layer of cotton (or whatever other material your underwear is made of) creates the opportunity for saddle sores as the fabric may crease and fold, leaving pressure ridges.
What's more, cotton especially is very absorbent, will get damp and so is not hugely hygienic and can quickly lead to saddle sores.
What makes for a comfortable chamois pad?
There's a lot of tech that goes into a modern chamois. It will consist of multiple layers of foam padding of different densities, often with ventilation holes, sometimes with gel inserts and with a soft, absorbent top layer next to your skin.
You don't want your chamois to be too thick though, as you'll sink into it, you'll get sweaty and it will be prone to rub.
Higher quality chamois pads are made of higher density foam layers, so you sit more on top of them but are still isolated from the saddle. You'll usually get a less padded, thinner central channel to reduce pressure on soft tissues. The higher density foams are more expensive, so you'll usually find them in more expensive shorts.
We've got all scientific over chamois pads and taken a pile of shorts to the lab to pressure-map their pads on a pair of saddles to understand better what makes for saddle comfort. Take home message: although a more expensive pair of shorts may help, find a saddle that you're comfortable on first. Read our guide to the best road bike saddles and the best gravel bike saddles for advice.
If you're wondering why it's called a chamois, in days gone by it was made from a single layer of leather cut from a chamois goat. This wasn't the most comfortable thing between you and your saddle, so padded synthetic seat pads have taken over.
Do I need bib straps?
No, but they help a lot. Most new cyclists start with one pair of budget strapless shorts and then quickly realise, usually after these sag and slip down resulting in a cold lower back, that straps might actually be a good thing after all.
The cycle of standing and sitting when riding tends to move a waistband around and the elastic can dig into your stomach when riding. Women cyclists, however, may prefer waist shorts for their easier comfort breaks.
Cycling kit looks silly from an objective standpoint, but there's a good reason that all the men's cycling shorts in this guide have straps. They keep everything in the right place and prevent sagging, ultimately making you more comfy on the bike, which is what it's all about.
How should bib straps fit?
For straps to work, they need to be short enough to hold up the top of the shorts. That can make some bib straps feel a little tight over the shoulders when standing. Once on the bike, you're more bent over though, so straps that were tight suddenly feel just right when riding.
If you're trying a pair of shorts on prior to purchase, check the fit of the straps in the riding position, not just when standing upright.
How do I pee when I'm wearing bib shorts?
The material that cycling shorts are made of is usually stretchy enough to allow access to the male anatomy just by pulling the front of them down. You may need to adopt a bit of a forward lean, but it's easier than getting completely undressed.
Some winter bib shorts have a higher front for extra insulation and include a short zip to help with comfort breaks. We've never found the zip very useful though, as there's usually enough stretch in the fabric not to need it.
For those without a penis, or those in need of a slightly more involved nature break (yes, a poop) you will need to take your jersey off and then pull the shorts down wholesale. Some cycling shorts, the majority of them women's specific for good reason, feature a 'drop tail' design that allows you to pull the rear of the shorts down without having to get totally undressed.
How do I wash cycling shorts?
Most cycling shorts need to be washed in cool water, usually at no more than 30C, to help keep the Lycra/spandex in good shape and stop it losing its elasticity. You should choose a short/delicate cycle and wash inside-out. A wash bag will help to keep your cycling shorts in good shape.
You should also use a mild sports detergent rather than a standard laundry detergent, as the latter can degrade the fabric. It can also leave residues which make the fabric's wicking qualities less effective and, in the case of DWR-treated shorts, stop the water repellent coating from working.
Always air dry your shorts and never use a tumble dryer; it's another thing that will degrade the fabric.
How we test the best cycling shorts
Hours and hours in the saddle is the only way. Even when we're not testing shorts specifically, if we're riding a bike we are invariably wearing a set of cycling shorts, so each and every ride we get more clued into what works and what doesn't.
Critical is the comfort of the chamois pad, so we consider this carefully. It needs to be thick enough for the intended use, without rubbing or moving around. The latter relies on the shorts having a good fit and being made of quality fabrics. There's no substitute for Lycra content here.
We also look at how well the leg grippers keep the shorts in place and whether the bib straps are comfortable. For summer shorts, air circulation is vital.
For specific duties there also comes specific testing. The thermal shorts I've tested in Atlantic storms on the clifftops of Cornwall and cargo bibs have been laden with snacks and accessories.
My colleagues have used the sweaty world of indoor cycling to put those designed for the hottest, most humid conditions through their paces. There's a whole world of indoor cycling clothing, including shorts, designed specifically for this too.
For more details on our testing and scoring methods, we have a detailed How We Test page.
