Your Reemergence Wardrobe Deserves a Pair of Bike Shorts

So. Many. Outfit. Ideas.

Your Reemergence Wardrobe Deserves a Pair of Bike Shorts

The late Princess Diana, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kendall Jenner’s stylebooks are vastly different, but one common thread is a serious love for the best women's bike shorts. Lady Di and SJP wore them back in the ’80s and ’90s, and over the last few years, the stretchy cutoffs have become as essential to a well-rounded wardrobe as a good pair of black leggings.

Bike shorts are undoubtedly comfortable for working out during warmer temps—and over the last year they've proven ideal for all sorts of activities, from Instagram shopping on the couch to catching rays on early morning walks. With their snatched waistbands and versatile inseams, bike shorts are the antithesis to baggy, borrowed-from-the-boys sweat shorts. And despite the sporty vibes they give off, the best bike shorts for women have infinite styling potential for turning a full lewk on hot days. Pair them with an oversized hoodie or graphic tee for an effortlessly cool take on the trend, or wear them with a button-down and gold jewelry to add polish to your outfit. 

As we prime our wardrobes for a summer actually spent outdoors, bike shorts are the versatile staple we plan to coordinate many reemergence ‘fits around. Whether you want a celeb-approved style for your next brunch date (looking at you, Alo) or a quick-drying pair to wear with cute hiking boots, we combed the internet to bring you all the best women’s bike shorts you can buy right now. Check them out below.

Tried-and-true black

Black bike shorts will stand the test of time—and you can get a pair for as little as $7 (hi, Amazon). If you want something you can dress up, à la Gigi Hadid, try experimenting with materials like a superfine ribbed knit or lustrous black. 

Everlane The Perform Bike Shorts

Universal Standard Knockout Bike Shorts

BP. High-Waist Bike Shorts

Outdoor Voices Zoom 10" Shorts

MWL Form High-Rise Biker Shorts

Hanes Women’s Stretch Jersey Bike Shorts

Lounge-ready bottoms

Quarantine introduced us to knit bike shorts in a range of super soft materials—think ultra-fine ribs, cashmere, and bouclé—and we're eternally grateful for the advent of this supremely cozy style. Because they're made of thicker fabrics, they're a practical choice for wearing in A/C filled spaces (we're definitely not working out in these), and you can dress them up in a low-key way with a matching top. 

Cotton Citizen The Ibiza Rib Bike Shorts

Skims Cozy Knit Bouclé Shorts

Morgan Stewart Sport Cashmere Biker Shorts

Reformation + Net Sustain Sanzo Ribbed Organic Cotton Shorts

Year of Ours Sleep Shorts

Rag & Bone The Knit Rib Bike Shorts

Bright colors

Arguably the most attention-grabbing style of the bunch, this season’s rainbow hues come in everything from baby pink to soft sky blue and lime green. Pair yours with a contrasting bikini top when it’s hot, then throw on a roomy crewneck when things get breezy.

Solid & Striped Sport 7" Ribbed Biker Shorts

Reformation Ecomove High Rise 7" Bike Shorts

Alo Yoga High-Waist Biker Shorts

Carbon38 Tortoise Shell Biker Shorts

Tropic of C Movement Adagio Shorts

Koral Two-Tone Stretch Shorts

Sustainable materials

Whether it’s using recycled plastic bottles for fabrics or empowering the people producing the clothing, a number of brands are working hard to improve fashion’s carbon footprint. Here are six high-quality bike shorts worth checking out if you’re shopping more consciously.

Girlfriend Collective Fig Float High-Rise Bike Shorts

Summersalt The Do-It-All High Rise Biker Shorts

Adidas by Stella McCartney True Purpose Allover Print Cycling Tights

Nike One Women's 7" Shorts

Pangaia Move Bike Shorts

Mate the Label Organic Stretch Biker Shorts

High-performance shorts to actually work out in

Yes, we all want cute workout clothes in our repertoire, but who can exercise comfortably in a pair of bike shorts that's too sheer or flimsy? Whether you're indoor cycling, mountain biking, or doing a HIIT class in your living room, the options below are made from breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics that will hold up during any kind of workout. PS: If you want a chamois to prevent butt chafing (read: cycling shorts with silicone cushioning for long rides), we like these padded bike shorts with side pockets from Pearl Izumi. The gel padding is a godsend for saddle sores on stationary or road bikes.

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Shorts 10"

Nike One Icon Clash Women's 7" Printed Shorts

Adidas No-Dye Short Tights

Le Ore Corso Crossover 5-Inch Biker Shorts

Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Shorts

Free People Good Karma Running Shorts

’80s-inspired unitards

Bike short onesies are an unexpected trend we're vibing for effortless dressing. The look is a riff off compressive, spandex pro bibs (a.k.a the onesies professional cyclists wear on long-distance rides), making this silhouette super practical for working out. The one-and-done piece slips on quickly, and there's no too-loose or wide waistband to constantly pull up. The straps also stay put—and you can find quick-drying, moisture-wicking options with thick, flat straps or spaghetti-thin ones. Oh, and when turned out in fun colors and prints, unitards can also look super elevated. For outfit inspo, style with a boyfriend blazer and your favorite dad sneakers. 

Lacausa Luna Unitard

Girlfriend Collective Earth Bike Unitard

Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Bodyshort

Free People Everyday Bikeshort Romper

Onzie Biker Babe One-Piece

Bumpsuit The Cindy

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Talia Abbas