Best Cycling Jeans [Top 12 Stylish Commuter Jeans in 2023]

I’ve found the most unforgiving article of everyday clothing – when it comes to cycling – to be jeans. They’re thick, warm and don’t typically offer enough give or stretch for riding comfortably – making it hard even to get your leg over the saddle.

It’s unsurprising, therefore, that there’s a multitude of cycling clothing manufacturers out there who have gone on the pursuit of creating commuter jeans that boast functionality suited to cycling.

What are Cycling Jeans?

Cycling jeans are denim jeans that boast discreet functionality that makes them comfortable to cycle in. Typically, this means that cycling jeans are stretchier than normal jeans, more breathable and more durable.

Below, we look at more key features to look for in the perfect pair of cycling jeans:

Bicycle Commuter Jeans – Key Features

• Gusseted/reinforced crotch – jeans generally wear down on the crotch faster than any other place – especially when cycling – so a gusseted or reinforced crotch really is crucial to ensure your jeans last the test of time.
• Stretch fit
• Slimmer fits are better – less to get caught up in your chain.
• Breathability
• Sweat wicking
• Reflective detailing
• Water resistant – there’s nothing worse than wearing damp jeans, they take a seeming eternity to dry and can be extremely uncomfortable

So, with the bicycle jeans’ features in mind, let’s set about finding the best commuter jeans for cyclists, starting with the best urban cycling jeans for men.

Why You Can Trust Us

Discerning Cyclist’s expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing cycling products so you don’t have to.

Testing stylish cycling gear since 2012

Hundreds of hands-on product tests

Unfiltered opinions from experienced cyclists

Learn more about Discerning Cyclist here.

Best Cycling Jeans for Men [Top 7]

1. DUER All-Weather Denim [REVIEW]
2. Osloh Denim Traffic Jean [REVIEW]
3. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans [REVIEW]
4. Rapha Cycling Jeans [REVIEW]
5. Swrve Cycling Jeans [REVIEW]
6. Levi’s Commuter 511 Jeans [REVIEW]
7. UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Jean [REVIEW]

Click here for best women’s cycling jeans

Best Jeans for Cycling

1. DUER All-Weather Denim

Stylish stretchy jeans with a wind and waterproof membrane

• Waterproof membrane to keep you dry
• Reflective detailing on cuff and waistband
• Discreet gusseted crotch

I first came across DUER in 2017 and even visited their HQ in Vancouver not long after.

Back then, they claimed to produce the “World’s Most Comfortable Pants” and they weren’t far wrong. Now they’re producing a greater variety of pants and jeans, including a growing collection of water-resistant trousers.

The All-Weather Denim is the best pair of water-resistant trousers I’ve ever come across and it’s pretty amazing that they’re able to achieve this with a pair of jeans.

These jeans are made from a blend of cotton, polyester and Lycra, which provides a comfortable and breathable stretch to the material, but the waterproofing comes courtesy of the polyester membrane of the eajns.

But these aren’t just practical waterproof jeans. These are beautiful jeans. Even those with the most discerning of eyes wouldn’t label them as ‘cycling jeans’ based on their appearance.

The All-Weather slim fit denim jeans from DUER are a practical take on a classic wardrobe staple. Coming in a choice of two colours your outfit doesn’t have to be compromised due to your choice of transport into work.

These jeans also benefit from being both water and windproof thanks to the specialist membrane used, you’ll be covered no matter what and kept both dry and warm while riding to work.  

Fit wise the All-Weather jeans are also a comfortable and flexible fit due to having 2% LYCRA® included in the blend, ensuring optimal movement and comfort. 

The only downside to these jeans is their hefty $199 price tag. However, DUER also have a cheaper “Stay Dry Denim” jean which is very similar although not quite as waterproof (but can still protect you from moderate downpours) and retails for $139.

The DUER All-Weather Denim jeans are available in slim and relaxed fits for both men and women.

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Colours:

DUER All-Weather Denim

A pair of great-looking jeans that do a remarkably good job of keeping you dry thanks to their waterproof and windproof membrane.

Also a great fit for cycling and offer plenty of stretch with 2% LYCRA featured in the material.

Buy Here

Best Reinforced Cycling Jeans

2. Osloh Denim Traffic Jean

Durable bike commuter jeans with lots of pockets

• Durable stretch jeans
• 7 pockets (inc. a side pocket)
• Gussetted crotch, reinforced seams and double lined pockets

Like Resolute Bay did in the UK, Osloh came into the scene in the USA by producing only jeans for cycling.

And, like Resolute Bay, Osloh have done a great job in producing cycling denim jeans that are strong, stretchy and practical.

Durability is at the forefront of what Osloh bicycle jeans are all about. Not only do they feature a sturdy gusseted crotch, but they’ve also reinforced all the areas of the jean that are likely to wear out when they’re frequently used for bike rides. That means you’ll also find a quilted reinforced chain side leg panel, a double lined phone pocket and binding at the seams.

When it comes to reinforced cycling jeans – it doesn’t get any better than this.

Osloh’s Denim Traffic Jean is also packed to the rafters with pockets. There’s four front pockets, three rear pockets and a side pocket that I really like for putting in my earbuds (a phone fits too, but peaks out of the top).

The Traffic Jeans utilised buttons throughout the pant, with a button-up fly and a double-buttoned closing at the waist. There are also snap waistband adjusters on either side if you want to bring in the waist at all and avoid wearing a belt.

Read our full Osloh Bicycle Traffic Jean review here.

Osloh Demin Traffic Jean

Cycling jeans that are built to last.

These jeans are extremely hard-wearing with a gusset and numerous protective panels. Oh, and pockets. Lots of pockets!

Buy Here

Best Stretch Jeans for Men

3. DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans

Active jeans offering plenty of stretch

• Stylish stretchy jeans for bike riding
• Classic 5-pocket design
• Gussetted crotch and reinforced seams

I’m a big fan of DUER, having previously reviewed their No Sweat Pants and paid a visit to their Vancouver HQ in 2018.

The DUER Performance Jeans have tonnes of stretch and are pretty durable too. But, importantly, they look just like good-looking every jeans.

They’ve not been built specifically for bike commuters, but instead for active people going about their business. But that means, whether by design or not, DUER have created jeans for bike riding in style.

Indeed, as well as being great stretch jeans, DUER’s Performance Denim is also breathable thanks to the COOLMAX fibres wicking moisture from the body, while the jeans also feature reinforced seams and DUER’s signature gusset to ensure they’re durable too.

The DUER Performance Denim Jeans come in a range of colours and are also available in both a slim fit and relaxed fit design.

Colours:

DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans

Stylish urban jeans with lots of stretch to make for comfortable rides.

Look and feel great and come in lots of colours. available

Buy Here

Stylish Bicycle Jeans

4. Rapha City Denim Cycling Jeans

Strong and stylish slim-fit jeans for bike riding

• Strong material built to survive everyday cycling
• 5-pocket design (inc. a hidden zip pocket for phone)
• Hi-vis piping and reflective logo

No messing from Rapha: durable, fast-drying, added stretch and branded reflective detailing on the right leg when rolled up shows that these are certainly some of the best cycling jeans around.

Made from a blend of cotton, nylon and elastane, the Rapha Cycling Jeans are stain resistant and fast drying, having also be made to fit perfectly for city rides.

The only downside is the £150 price tag which will prove too much for many people. That said, you’ll be getting a great pair of stylish bike jeans if you do splash out.

Colours:

Rapha City Denim Cycling Jeans

Beauitful cycling jeans that are durable and packed with functionality.

Not cheap, but you're paying for real quality.

Buy Here

Casual Cycling Jeans

5. Swrve CORDURA Slim Fit Cycling Jeans

Men’s cycling jeans with durability

• Cycling-fit jeans with reflective detailing
• Classic 5-pocket design
• Gussetted crotch and reinforced material

One name that came up time and time again when asking about people’s favourite bike jeans was that of Swrve.

These Swrve jeans have everything you need in a pair of cycling trousers; they feature a seamless gusseted crotch, articulated knees, reflective detailing and a slight rise on the back.

They also have a low waist in the front to prevent your belt digging into you, while the back pockets are even big enough to fit a mini U-lock.

Colours:

Swrve CORDURA Slim Fit Cycling Jeans

Strong and sturdy bike jeans complete with a gusseted crotch, articulated knees and reflective detailing.

Buy Here

Best Levi’s Stretch Jeans

6. Levi’s Flex 511 Jeans

Comfortable stretch jeans that look great

• Added stretch due to cotton and elastane blend
• 5-pocket design
• Classic Levi’s look

Undoubtedly the most famous producer of cycling jeans are Levi’s and their ‘Commuter’ range. Sadly, this isn’t quite what it was circa 2011, but the Levi’s 511 Flex jeans are still good jeans for commuting by bike, with added stretch built into the jeans thanks to their 99% denim, 1% elastine blend, while the fit is also great for outdoor lifestyles – including those who get about on their bicycle.

The 511 is the best Levi’s cycling jeans option now available and they come in around 10 different colours, so you’re bound to find a finish you like.

Colours:

What are Levi’s Commuter Jeans?

Back in the day (circa 2011), Levi’s Commuter Jeans range was one of the first set of bike commuter jeans you could by. Indeed, the early Levi’s 511 was heralded as the best cycling jean in the business.

Unfortunately, though, the commuter range was diluted over the years and they don’t pack quite the same punch for cycling as they once did.

That said, the Levi’s 511 Commuter is still a good stretch jean that will do a job when cycling to work – they also boast that classic Levi’s style.

Levi's Flex 511 Jeans

The descendent of the famous 511 Commuter Jean.

No longer "cycling jeans" per se, but they're still a good pair of stretch jeans that look good.

Buy Here

Budget Stretch Jeans for Cyclists

7. UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Slim Fit Jeans

Affordable stretch jeans from UNIQLO

• Added stretch due to cotton and spandex blend
• 5-pocket design
• Classic styling

If you’re on the lookout for some cheap stretch jeans, UNIQLO have you covered.

For under £40, obviously these jeans aren’t going to boast all of the fancy features of the previously mentioned bike jeans, but you’ll still be getting a decent pair of jeans that provide some added stretch for bicycling.

Essentially these UNIQLO jeans are everything you’d expect from a normal jean, except that they are made from a blend of cotton and Spandex, which explains how they’re able to provide some extra stretch to the material.

Available in navy blue and black.

Colours:

UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Jeans

A really decent pair of stretch jeans on a budget. The blend of cotton and spandex makes these jeans more comfortable for cycling than standard cotton jeans.

Buy Here

Best Cycling Jeans for Women [Top 6]

1. Vaela Cycling Jeans [REVIEW]
2. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans [REVIEW]
3. Osloh Women’s Porteur Bicycle Jean [REVIEW]
4. Vulpine Women’s Cycling Jeans [REVIEW]
5. Betabrand Jeans [REVIEW]
6. Levi’s 311 Jeans [REVIEW]

Best Womens’ Cycling Jeans

1. Vaela Cycling Jeans

Stylish women’s jeans built for cycling

• Raised waist to prevent “bum cleavage”
• Single seam design to prevent rubbing
• Look and feel fantastic

Vaela are a new British start-up on a mission to produce women’s cycling clothing that “looks beautiful off the bike and works wonderfully on it”.

And Vaela’s Cycling Jeans are proof of this.

As we’ve shown in our in-depth review, these jeans are ideally for cycling. They are extremely comfortable, have a stylish straight fit and have plenty of stretch to make riding easy.

As soon as I put the jeans on, I noticed how comfortable they were. The amount of stretch was perfect for a secure fit but also flexible enough to ride in. I was also relieved that I didn’t have to worry about them falling down at the back when I was cycling.  

I have been wearing them on my rides to and from work, and during my shifts, for the past few weeks to give them a thorough test. They were versatile, durable and also fitted in with my smart casual dress code due to their colour and style.

The above key features came in handy, in particular the lack of seams and also the reinforced belt loops which I used to attach my helmet to when walking into work.  

Lucy Guiliano (READ FULL REVIEW)

These bicycle jeans also have nice deep pockets that have plenty of space for a smartphone, have a zip fly and just about tick every box.

⚡EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT⚡
To help reduce the financial burden for Discerning Cyclists, Vaela will give you 10% off when you use code “DISCERNING” at the checkout.

Best Stretch Jeans for Women

2. DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans

Women’s active jeans with plenty of stretch

• Stylish stretchy jeans for bike riding
• Classic 5-pocket design
• Gussetted crotch and reinforced seams

When it comes to creating stylish jeans with stretch, not many do it better than DUER.

Like the men’s version, the Women’s Performance Denim Jean is available in a range of cuts (mid-rise or high-rise), fits (skinny, slim, straight or carpenter) and colours (including various shades of blue and black).

The DUER Performance Jeans provide lots of stretch due to the blend of cotton, polyester and Lycra Spandex in the material, but the jeans are also durable and look great.

These are also some of the most breathable cycling jeans around, while their durability is aided by the gusset and reinforced seams throughout.

Colours:

DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans

Great-looking jeans that are ideal for active women.

Stretchy and durable, DUER's Performance Jean come in a range of fits, cuts and colours.

Buy Here

Best Reinforced Cycling Jeans

3. Osloh Women’s Porteur Jean

Durable bike commuter jeans with lots of pockets

• Durable stretch jeans
• 7 pockets (inc. a side pocket)
• Gussetted crotch, reinforced seams and double lined pockets

Strong and sturdy bicycle jeans that have been built specifically for female commuters.

We loved these Osloh women’s cycling jeans when we reviewed them and there’s not much more you could ask for in a ladies’ bike jean.

But what makes them so great?

Well, these jeans have been reinforced in all the right places (such as the fly, the seat area, the crotch, the chain leg side) to ensure they’re gonna last the test of time even when pedalling in them every day.

They’re also packed with nice deep stretchy pockets, while the material itself also offers plenty of stretch thanks to its blend of cotton and spandex.

The Porteur Jeans are also adjustable at the waist, so you don’t even need to wear a belt. The toughest bike jeans around.

Osloh Women's Porteur Jean

Extremely strong and sturdy jeans that have been built specifically for women who cycle.

Osloh's jeans provide plenty of stretch and are reinforced in all the right places so that they'll stand the test of time.

Buy Here

Lightweight Bike Jeans for Commuters

4. Vulpine Women’s Cycling Jeans

Stretchy cycling jeans that look great

• Look like regular stylish jeans
• 5 pockets
• Gusseted crotch and stretchy

Probably the most impressive thing about Vulpine’s cycling jeans is that even the most beady-eyed fashionista wouldn’t recognise these as “cycling jeans”.

They just look like really good-looking jeans.

But under the hood you’ll find a gussetted crotch, reflective detailing when you turn ankle cuff and plenty of stretch.

Very comfortable jeans that feel good on the bike and look great off it.

Vulpine Women's Cycling Jeans

Stylish jeans that have been secretly built for cycling.

The Vulpine jeans are stretchy, have a gusseted crotch and feature reflective detailing.

Buy Here

Women’s Stretch Jeans

5. Betabrand Yoga Denim Jeans

Best active jeans with stretch

• Lots of difference designs, cuts and colours available
• 4 pockets
• Extremely versatile sizing for ladies of all shapes and sizes

Betabrand is a quirky American company that collaborates with its users in order to regularly create and drop new gear.

These days, Betabrand focuses on “connected active women”, with its range primarily focussing on Yoga – i.e. being stretchy and smart. They used to have devoted cycling ranges although that’s no longer the case.

Nevertheless, the stretch needed for their Yoga jeans also means they make really good jeans for cycling too.

Indeed, Betabrand Jeans feature four-way stretch and boast two deep front hand pockets. Their denim jeans range also provides lots of different fits, colours, cuts and options and they can seriously cater to women of all shapes and sizes.

Colours:

Betabrand Yoga Denim Jeans

Jeans built for Yoga also make good on the bike thanks to their abundant stretch.

Available in lots of different colours, fits and cuts for women of all sizes.

Buy Here

Stylish Cycling Denim Jeans

5. Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans

Stretchy skinny jeans for women

• Lots of colour options available
• 5 pockets
• Offer plenty of stretch

If you’re looking for women’s skinny jeans for cycling, these are well worth considering.

They’re not exactly packed with cycling functionality, but have been made from a blend of cotton, lyocell, viscose and elastane, they’re certainly stretchy.

Colours:

Levi's 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans

Classic Levi's style, but packed with stretch so that they work well on the bike too.

Available in a variety of colours, cuts and fits.

Buy Here

Cycling Jeans – FAQ

Below we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about cycling in jeans, including whether you can ride a bike in normal jeans, which jeans are good for cycling, which jeans have most stretch, what a gusset is in jeans and whether cycling jeans are waterproof.

Can you ride a bike in jeans?

While it is possible to ride a bike in normal denim jeans, the material might not offer enough stretch and so be uncomfortable and cause chafing. Cycling jeans which also feature other materials will be more comfortable while riding.

Are jeans good for cycling?

Jeans made from 100% cotton aren’t typically ideal for cycling as they are not stretchy or breathable. However, denim jeans that feature both denim and a more stretchy material (e.g. Spandex) can be more comfortable to cycle in.

SEE: DUER Performance Denim Jeans

Which jeans have the most stretch?

Our research found that the Resolute Bay NX5 Cycling Jeans provided the most stretch as they are made from a blend of 70% Cotton, 26% Polyester, 3% Tencel and 1% Elastane.

SEE: Resolute Bay NX5 Cycling Jeans

Do Levi’s 511 Jeans Stretch?

As Levi’s 511 Jeans are made from a blend of 99% Cotton and 1% Elastane, they do stretch more than 100% Cotton jeans.

SEE: Levi’s FLEX 511 Jeans

Which jeans are best for cycling?

Jeans with added stretch and durability are best for cycling in. We recommend the Resolute Bay NX5 Cordura Jeans and the Osloh Denim Traffic Jean as the best cycling jeans for urban riders.

What is a gussetted crotch in jeans?

A ‘gusset’ or ‘gusseted crotch’ is a piece of reinforced materials that protects against wear and tear. On cycling jeans, the crotch area is most likely to wear out due to the continuous contact with the saddle and so a gusseted crotch provides an extra layer of protection.

SEE: Osloh Traffic Jeans

Are cycling jeans waterproof?

Cycling jeans aren’t typically waterproof as they are made primarily from cotton. However, some cycling jeans do feature a DWR coating which makes them water resistant. Resolute Bay’s NX5 Cordura Cycling Jeans are one example of water-resistant cycling jeans.

Are cycling jeans good?

Cycling jeans are typically more comfortable and durable than standard jeans and are especically beneficial to active people and those who commute by bike.

Some of the key benefits of cycling jeans is that they are more stretchy, more breathable and more durable than normal jeans.

SEE: Best Cycling Jeans [Top 7]

Read More:

• Best Cycling Chinos for Commuters
• Best Commuter Jackets for Cycling to Work
• Best Polo Shirts for Cyclists