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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.
But let’s get straight to it. Here’s are the best cycling jeans for men and women in the world right now:
Best Bike Jeans
[Men] [Women]
-
Water-resistant trousers
DUER All-Weather Denim Men
Has a wind and waterproof membrane, and tons of other tech features to keep you safe, warm and dry.
-
Perfect Bike Jean
Osloh Indigo Denim Gravel Jean Men
Versatile trouser in a relaxed straight fit that feels just right when other 5-pocket jeans are just a bit too casual.
-
Made for adventure
DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans Men
Offers elastic stretch, COOLMAX® fibre technology for optimal moisture control, and triple stitching for added durability.
-
All-day comfort
Levi’s Flex 511 Jeans Men
Good jeans for commuting by bike, with added stretch.
-
Cheap stretch jeans
UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Slim Fit Jeans Men
Provides some added stretch for bicycling.
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.
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Best Cycling Jeans for Men [Top 5]
1. DUER All-Weather Denim
-
£199 -
$199 -
€135
Prices are approximate
Pockets:
- Two front hand pockets
- Two buttoned rear pockets
Materials:
- 70% Cotton
- 28% Coolmax® All Season Polyester
- 2% LYCRA® Spandex
- Membrane: 100% Polyester
Waterproof membrane to keep you dry
Reflective detailing on cuff and waistband
Discreet gusseted crotch
2. Osloh Denim Gravel Jean
-
£135
-
$100
-
€150
Prices are approximate
Pockets:
- Four front pockets
- Two front hand pockets
- Coin pockets above each hand pocket
- Three rear pockets
- One side pocket high on right thigh
Materials:
- 98% Cotton
- 2% Spandex
- Button Fly
Durable stretch jeans
7 pockets (inc. a side pocket)
Gussetted crotch, reinforced seams and double lined pockets
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 Gravel 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 Gravel 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.
3. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans
-
£155
-
$129
-
€130
Prices are approximate
Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 70% Cotton
- 28% COOLMAX Polyester
- 2% Lycra Spandex
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.
4. Levi’s Flex 511 Jeans Men
-
£110
-
$70
-
€110
Prices are approximate
- Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 99% Cotton
- 1% Elastane
- Two deep front hand pockets
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.
5. UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Slim Fit Jeans Men
-
£40
-
$50
-
€50
Prices are approximate
- Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 98% Cotton
- 2% Spandex
- Two deep front hand pockets
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.
Best Cycling Jeans for Women [Top 4]
-
Straight leg cycling jeans
Vaela Cycling Jeans Women
Enough stretch to be comfortable but not so much as to become jeggings.
-
Maximum flexibility
DUER Performance Demin Slim Jeans Women
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.
-
Good-looking jeans
Vulpine Women’s Cycling Jeans Women
The flattering slim cut combined with premium stretch fabric offers style with comfort.
-
Super-comfortable jeans
Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans Women
Made with an innovative tummy-slimming panel and a skinny cut that makes your legs look longer.
1. Vaela Cycling Jeans Women
-
£160
-
$160
-
€160
Prices are approximate
Pockets:
- Three front pockets
- Two front hand pockets
- Coin pockets above right hand pocket
- Three rear pockets
Materials:
- 97% Organic Cotton
- 3% Degradable Elastane
- Zip Fly
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.
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.
⚡ Get 10% off at Vaela by using promo code DISCERNING⚡
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 on Vaela’s Jeans (READ IN FULL)
2. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans Women
-
£150
-
$140
-
€160
Prices are approximate
- Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 70% Cotton
- 28% COOLMAX Polyester
- 2% Lycra Spandex
- Two deep front hand pockets
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.
3. Vulpine Women’s Cycling Jeans Women
-
£120
-
$100
-
€140
Prices are approximate
- Pockets:
- Two front hand pockets
- Coin pocket above right pocket
- Two rear pockets
Materials:
- 98% Cotton
- 2% Elastane
- Two front hand pockets
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.
4. Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans Women
-
£95
-
$70
-
€70
Prices are approximate
- Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 60% Cotton
- 17% Lyocell
- 16% Viscose
- 7% Elastane
- Two deep front hand pockets
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.
Biking 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.
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. DUER’s All-Weather denim is the most waterproof cycle jean available.
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]
Do Rapha jeans exist?
Rapha did used to make a really good pair of stylish cycling jeans (and used to be on this list), but they discontinued the range in 2022.
Read More:
