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It’s that time of year again where many of us whip off our waterproof cycling trousers to uncover our pasty legs ready for summer.
In this guide to the best urban cycling shorts for both men and women, we’ll run through a bunch of really good cycling shorts that are perfect for urban and commuter cyclists.
Stylish Cycling Shorts – Not Lycra!
First off, let’s emphasise that Discerning Cyclist is a Lycra-free zone (although we do make exceptions if something doesn’t look overtly “Lycra-y”). Our mantra is that “we don’t want cycling clothes – we want stylish clothes we can cycle in”. That means we love clothes that:
- Look great for urban life
- Feel great in general
- Boast discreet functionality for cycling
Simple.
Best Casual Cycling Shorts
[Men] [Women]
-
Lightweight, stretchy + beautiful
Ornot Lightweight Mission Short
Everything you should look for in a casual bike short. Look and feel superb.
-
Stylish lightweight city shorts
Rapha Randonnee Shorts
Technical lightweight shorst that look and feel great in warm conditions.
-
Elegant shorts with Scandi style
Sigr Strandvägen Cycling Short
The Swedes know a thing or two about style and cycling, so with Sigr combining the two, you should take notice.
-
Stretchy with great pockets
Chrome Industries Union Short 2.0
Chrome currently have several urban cycling shorts available, but the Union Short 2.0 is their best.
-
Breathable cotton cycling shorts
DUER Live Lite Journey Short
Cut just above the knee and are extremely stretchy. They look great too.
-
Durable shorts for daily life
Mission Workshop The Stahl Short
A short that’s not just beautiful but also steeped in performance specs.
-
oozing in urban style
Ministry of Supply Kinetic Short
If you like short shorts, this pair cut off several inches above the knee with an 8″ inseam.
- Show more
Best Women’s Casual Cycling Shorts
-
Simply beautiful shorts
Sigr Strandvägen Cycling Short for Women
A thing of pure beauty combined with cycling functionality
-
Stylish lightweight city shorts
Rapha Women’s Randonnee Cycling Shorts
Some of the very best commuter shorts around – for both men and women.
-
Stylish summer shorts
Chrome Women’s Seneca Short
Short cycling shorts for women that look great on and off the bike.
-
Endura Hummvee Lite Women’s Short with Liner
Endura Hummvee Lite Women’s Short with Liner
Something of a legend in the cycling world thanks to the incredible functionality and comfort embedded.
-
Chic commuter cycling shorts
Ministry of Supply Momentum Ladies Chino Short
The most stylish ladies’ cycling shorts on this list.
-
Lightweight jean shorts for women
DUER Weightless Denim Adventure Short
A stylish pair of stretch denim cycling shorts for women.
-
Velocio Women’s Gravel Short
Velocio Women’s Gravel Short
They’re not the most beautiful shorts in the world. On the bike, though, these shorts are perfect.
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Baggy Cycling Shorts
This guide will be looking at “non-Lycra” cycling shorts, i.e. “baggy cycling shorts” – although some will have some slim stylish designs. We’ll also feature some padded cycling shorts (that also look good), as well as cotton cycling shorts and several other commuter bike shorts that we like the look of.
What Are the Best Commuter Bike Shorts?
So, what makes a pair of good cycling shorts for urban rides?
Well, for starters, flexible material is a must in order to ensure cycling stays comfortable and your bike shorts don’t rip. A gusseted crotch is also a bonus to ensuring your cycling shorts stand the test of time, while bonus points are also awarded for having moisture-wicking properties, strong, stretchy material, a raised-back and for being waterproof and good-looking. Oh, and pockets. Secure pockets.
Urban Cycling Shorts
So, with that in mind, let’s start by looking for the best men’s bicycle shorts for urban cyclists (ladies, you can skip to the best women’s cycling shorts section by clicking here).
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 gear since 2012
Hundreds of hands-on product tests
Unfiltered opinions from experienced cyclists
Best Men’s Commuter Cycling Shorts [Top 8]
1. Ornot Lightweight Mission Short
-
£100 -
$118 -
€110
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 2 deep front pockets. 1 open rear pocket. 1 zipped rear pocket.
Materials:
- 85% Nylon
- 15% Elastane
Inseam: 8.5″
Breathable, stretchy and fast-drying
4 pockets (including a zipped rear pocket)
Elegant design that looks fantastic on/off the bike
Simply stunning casual bike shorts. Lightweight, breathable, fast-drying and flexible. These shorts tick every box.
There’s even a gusseted crotch to maximise protection on the shorts most sensitive area.
These Ornot shorts also have nice deep pockets and are a pleasure to ride in, especially on warmer days.
Pros
Perfect for leisurely summer rides or even gruelling climbs. These shorts look as good off the bike as they feel good on the bike.
Cons
A hefty price tag is the only criticism of these stunning shorts.
2. Rapha Randonnee Shorts
-
£100
-
$130
-
€115
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 2 zipped front pockets. 1 buttoned rear pocket. 1 zipped rear pocket.
Materials:
- 94% Nylon
- 6% Spandex
Inseam: 12.5″
Breathable, stretchy and fast-drying
4 pockets (including a zipped rear pocket)
Crease-resistant and reflective detailing
No urban cycling style guide is complete without a mention of Rapha. The slim-fit Randonnee shorts make no compromises in terms of style and are available in navy and black.
The fabric is made up of 94% nylon and 6% spandex, which helps provide extra flexibility in the material , which is also crease resistant and quick drying.
Rapha are known for their attention to detail, and that’s why you won’t be surprised to find these city cycling shorts also feature a high-cut back to prevent unwanted backside exposure when riding, as well as discreet hi-vis detailing.
Pros
These technical shorts look stunning and are perfect for summer rides. Lightweight, breathable, stretchy, fast-drying, stylish… perfect.
Cons
Now only available in two colours. Waist size only goes up to a 36.
3. Sigr Strandvägen Cycling Short for Men
-
£87
-
$98
-
€93
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 2 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 2 buttoned rear pockets.
Materials:
- 48% Spandex
- 48% Cotton
- 4% Spandex
Inseam: 12″
Breathable, stretchy and fast-drying
4 pockets (inc. 2 button down rear pockets)
Reflective detailing on rear pockets
These smart-looking urban cycling shorts are perfect both on and off the bike.
Off the bike, they look great and can be dressed up with a smart dress shirt for evening activities or dressed down with a tee or polo for a trip to the beach (“Strandvägen” is actually Swedish for “beach road”).
These bicycle shorts are made from a blend cotton, polyester and spandex, and the result is a stretchy, breathable short that performs superbly while pedalling. There’s even reflective detailing on the rear pockets.
Pros
Pure Scandinavian style packed with useful cycling functionality, include stretch, breathable properties and even reflective features
Cons
No zipped pockets.
4. Chrome Industries Union Short 2.0
-
£105
-
$125
-
€140
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 5 pockets in total. Two deep front pockets Plus a coin pocket on left Two deep rear pockets Left-rear pocket also has a pop-out reflective strip Right-rear pocket has a full-zip (fits a phone or wallet)
2 open front pocket, plus 1 coin pocket. 1 open rear pocket. 1 zipped rear pocket.
Materials:
- 94% Add Material
- 6% Add Material
Inseam: 14″
Full-length gusset to reduce cycling wear-and-tear
Five pockets (include a zipped rear pocket)
Stretchy, breathable and very comfortable
Chrome is one of my favourite urban cycling brands. They find that perfect blend of style and function for commuter cyclists every time.
The Union shorts offer a durable 4-way stretch design, with a full-length gusset to ensure that the crotch and other areas don’t blow out even if you’re riding in them a lot. They also have reflective detailing, as well as a DWR coating to ensure that any unexpected summer downpours will largely roll straight off the material.
These shorts are inspired by NATO military shorts and mountain biking baggies, resulting in a relaxed fit that cuts off just above the knee with a 14-inch in-seam.
Pros
Stylish urban cycling shorts that offer plenty of stretch, fit well for cycling and have great deep pockets (including a zipped rear pocket). Could well be the perfect bike shorts for commuters.
Cons
Stylish urban cycling shorts that offer plenty of stretch, fit well for cycling and have great deep pockets (including a zipped rear pocket). Could well be the perfect bike shorts for commuters.
5. DUER Live Lite Journey Short
-
£70
-
$84
-
€80
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 5 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 2 buttoned rear pockets. 1 zipped side pocket
Materials:
- 62% Cotton
- 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell
- 6% LYCRA® T400® Polyester
- 2% LYCRA® Spandex
Inseam: 7″ or 9″
Moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial
5 pockets (including a zipped side pocket)
Up to 10x more stretchy than traditional woven fabrics
I’ve covered DUER a few times on Discerning Cyclist, from reviewing their excellent No Sweat Pants to visiting their head office/shop in Vancouver.
Indeed, I’ve also become acquainted with DUER’s Live Lite commuter shorts during the past couple of years and they’re absolutely top notch.
These are slim-fit performance shorts, made from a blend of cotton and breathable materials to keep you feeling fresh on warmer days. They’re also soft against the skin and have moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties due to the TENCEL Lyocell material which is derived from eucalyptus.
The fit and stretch means you can easily squat in them without busting seams, so cycling is no problem.
Pros
Great-looking urban cycling shorts that are very breathable and offer plenty of stretch. Come in a variety of colours.
Cons
There’s no gusseted crotch in these shorts, so if you’re really clocking up the miles they might start wearing out at some point.
6. Mission Workshop The Stahl Short
-
£195
-
$225
-
€220
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 5 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 2 open rear pockets. 1 zipped side pocket
Materials:
- 100% 4-Way Stretch 520E Nylon
Inseam: 10″
4-way stretch with a full gusset
5 pockets (including a zipped side pocket)
Water-repellent finish + quick-drying
These urban cycling shorts, with a 10” in-seam, feature four-way stretch to ensure they have plenty of give when riding, while they also feature a fully gusseted crotch, which helps drastically reduce cycling wear-and-tear.
These Mission Workshop shorts also feature four good-sized pockets (your standard two hand pockets and two rear pockets) as well as a zipped side pocket which can fit most phones.
The shorts are also water-repellent and fast-drying – two very welcome features if you’re caught in some summer rain.
Pros
Performance bike shorts that look fantastic for day-to-day-life. Built with 4-way stretch, the Stahl shorts are, water repellent, fast-drying and available in a large variety of sizes.
Cons
The price may put you off.
7. Ministry of Supply Kinetic Short
-
£76
-
$108
-
€87
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 5 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 2 open rear pockets. 1 side zipped pockets.
Materials:
- 100% Primeflex Warp-knit Japanese Polyester
Inseam: 8″
Stretchy, lightweight and breathable/icon_content] 5 pockets (including side zip pocket for phone)
Moisture-wicking and crease-resistant
The short version of Ministry of Supply’s stunningly versatile Kinetic pants, these are probably the best-looking urban cycling shorts on this list.
In terms of style, they are incredibly versatile – they can be pair with a smart dress shirt for evening entertainment, a t-shirt for your ride, or even with a vest for the beach.
The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Shorts are extremely breathable and offer plenty of stretch. They’re also easy on the waistband, and have urethane dots (like rubber) in order to provide a bit of friction if you want to keep a shirt tucked in.
Pros
Extremely stylish cycling shorts for summer rides. As well as looking great, they are very lightweight and breathable, while offering plenty of stretch to stay comfortable while riding.
Cons
Ministry of Supply don’t manufacture the Kinetic in a range of colours and at the time of writing availability of sizes wasn’t great.
8. Bluffworks Ascender Shorts
-
£57
-
$78
-
€65
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 9 pockets in total. Five front pockets. Two hand pockets. One internal zipped pocket in left pocket. Phone pouch pocket in right pocket. Small multi-tool utility pocket in right pocket. One zipped side pocket. Three rear pockets. Regular pocket on right. Zipped pocket on left. Built-in phone pocket below waistband on right.
Materials:
- 100% Polyester
Inseam: 9″ or 10″
Odour and wrinkle-resistant
9 pockets, including 3 anti-theft zippered pockets
Breathable and quick-drying
If you’re looking for comfortable, breathable and crease-resistant gear for travelling and commuting, Bluffworks are well worth checking out. They even make office-friendly suits you can cycle in.
Bluffworks Ascender Shorts are the optime of what their products are all about: they’re lightweight, breathable and practical as hell. I mean, they have nine (9!) pockets. How is that even possible?
These shorts with a 9” in-seam have a simple but elegant style and come in a relative loose regular fit. They’re also extremely lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and anti-microbial.
Pros
Lightweight shorts that are crease-resistant and extremely breathable. Great for travelling and commuting by bicycle. They also have a scarcily believable nine built-in pockets, including three zipped pockets.
Cons
Whilst the Ascender’s are available in two inseam lengths, the 10″ might still be too short of some. Plus, there’s no DWR coating to ward off a shower when riding.
9. Club Ride Apparel Men’s 12” Fuze Short
-
£85
-
$100
-
€96
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 2 open ront pockets. 2 zipped side pockets.
Materials:
- 95% Polyester
- 5% Spandex
Inseam: 12″
Gusseted crotch to prevent cycling wear and tear
Four pockets (inc. two zipped side pockets)
Removable two-hour padded chamois short
While padded bike shorts are in no-short supply for Lycra-clad cyclists, it’s a significantly bigger challenge to find stylish commuter “baggy” cycling shorts with padding.
But Club Ride have stepped up in a big way to fill this void thanks to their Fuze Short.
And it’s not just any old gel padding inside these 12” shorts, you’re getting a premium two-hour chamois lining which you can switch out whenever you want.
And the cycling functionality doesn’t end there…
These shorts also boast a gusseted crotch, two-way stretch, are water resistant, have Velcro adjustments and even boast reflective detailing for good measure.
Pros
Breathable loose-fitting cycling shorts that come with a padded chamois liner. Perfect for all times of riding, from mountain biking to commuting.
Cons
Baggy fit won’t suit some social situations and the lack of traditional back pockets might put some people off.
Best Women’s Commuter Bike Shorts
1. Sigr Strandvägen Cycling Short for Women
-
£87
-
$98
-
€93
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 2 buttoned rear pockets.
Materials:
- 48% Cotton
- 48% Polyester
- 4% Spandex
Inseam: 5.5″
Breathable, stretchy and fast-drying
4 pockets (inc. 2 button down rear pockets)
Reflective detailing on rear pockets
The shorts look wonderful and can be paired with other clothing items to seamlessly switch between more formal and casual looks.
On the bike they’re also outstanding, with the cotton/polyester/spandex blend providing a stretchy breathable fabric that performs well and feels great against the skin.
You’re also not short of pockets on these shorts, with the two rear button-down pockets even featuring reflective detailing to aid nighttime visibility.
Pros
Minimalist Scandinavian style packed with tonnes of functionality for urban cycling, Sigr’s Strandvägen look and feel great on and off the bike.
Cons
No zipped pockets.
2. Rapha Women’s Randonnee Cycling Shorts
-
£100
-
$130
-
€115
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 2 open front pockets. 1 buttoned rear pockets. 1 zipped rear pockets.
Materials:
- 94% Nylon
- 6% Spandex
Inseam: 11.4″
Breathable, stretchy and fast-drying
4 pockets (including a zipped rear pocket
Crease-resistant and reflective detailing
Unsurprisingly, the women’s Randonnee Shorts feature all of the same great features as the men’s version, that means you’ll find a pair of lightweight shorts with a technical fabric that is breathable, quick-drying and stretchy.
The Randonnee shorts are also longer than Chrome’s Seneca shorts, with an in-seam of around 11.4” (although this varies by size).
These shorts look great and use technical fabric that is stretchy, quick-drying and very breathable – making them great all-round urban cycling shorts for ladies.
The Randonnee shorts feature four pockets, including a zipped rear pocket, as well as a button-down back pocket.
Pros
Plenty of stretch and plenty of pockets. The Randonnee shorts have everything you need for comfortable city cycling. Typical of Rapha: it’s beautiful and practical.
Cons
Only available in black.
3. Chrome Women’s Seneca Short
-
£85
-
$100
-
€115
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 6 pockets in total. Two deep front pockets. Plus a coin pocket on left. Two deep rear pockets. Hidden zipped pocket above right rear pocket
Materials:
- 47% Cotton
- 42% Nylon
- 11% Spandex
Inseam: 5″
4-way stretch material that is wind and water-resistant
6 pockets, including a secure zipped rear pocket
Contoured waistline to prevent rear “exposure”
With a 5” in-seam, these shorts certainly aren’t hot pants, but they still allow you to get your legs out in the sun for summer rides.
They’re also stacked with an impressive six pockets, the highlight of which is a hidden zipped pocket tucked just below the waistband on the rear right of the shorts.
But these aren’t just stylish shorts – they’re also great urban cycling shorts for commuters. The Seneca is made from a Cotton/Nylon/Spandex blend. The result? A smart looking, flexible, breathable and wind/water resistant short.
The short also have a contoured stretch waistline, which means the waistline is slightly raised on the rear to make for a better fit for cycling and will prevent any unwanted cracks from being exposed to people behind you while you ride, while also being a bit more forgiving while you’re in a seated position.
Pros
Great-looking urban cycling shorts made from a Cotton-Nylon-Spandex blend which results in stretchy, breathable and water resistant shorts. Feel good on the bike, look great off it.
Cons
Shorter, 5″ inseam means the front pockets aren’t the deepest.
4. Endura Hummvee Lite Women’s Short with Liner
-
£70
-
$95
-
€75
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. 1 front hip pockets. 1 zipped thigh pocket. 1 small rear pocket
Materials:
- 95% Nylon
- 5% Spandex
Four-way stretch with DWR coating
4 pockets (including a zipped thigh pocket)
Includes Clickfast™ detachable liner with women’s specific 200 series pad
These women’s padded cycling shorts are discreetly functional and perfect for urban life or a rural explore. The padding (8mm) in the shorts is part of a datable liner, which has been ergonomically designed to fit the female form.
They feature zipped hand pockets (woop), cargo pockets and large rear pockets – so there’s plenty of storage available.
The Hummvee shorts also have DWR coating to make them rain resistant, while the four-way stretch nylon fabric makes them flexible enough to ride in comfortably.
Pros
The legendary Hummvee shorts come with a detachable liner, making these probably the best padded cycling shorts for commuters. Extremely comfortable, with four-way stretch and practical pockets.
Cons
May look ‘too cycling’ for some and their only available in black.
5. Ministry of Supply Momentum Ladies Chino Short
-
£69
-
$95
-
€79
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 5 pockets in total. Two front hand pockets. Two rear pockets. Hidden earbuds pocket at waistband.
Materials:
- 58% Hollow-Core Polyester
- 31% Nylon
- 11% Elastane
Inseam: 3-4.5″
Extremely soft and stretchy material
5 pockets (including a hidden earbuds pocket)
Water resistant and durable
The most stylish ladies’ cycling shorts on this list.
Ministry of Supply create performance activewear that looks extremely smart and looks great in more formal settings – while also being capable of paired with other items so they can look good as casual wear too.
The Momentum shorts provide a flattering fit with an extremely soft fabric that feels great against the skin.
What’s more, these shorts are also water-resistant and don’t create easily. They’re also extremely stretchy to make for comfortable rides.
Pros
The chicest of the chic. Ministry of Supply known how to create elegant and minimalist gear that is still packed with practical functionality. Simply beautiful commuter shorts for women.
Cons
Short shorts! And at the time of writing sizing availability isn’t good!
6. DUER Weightless Denim Adventure Short
-
£57
-
$78
-
€65
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. Two front hand pockets. Two buttoned rear pockets
Materials:
- 32% Cotton
- 32% TENCEL™ Lyocell
- 34% Polyester
- 2% LYCRA® Spandex
Inseam: 4.5″
Invisible seat gusset to protect from wear-and-tear
4 pockets (2 front, 2 back)
Strong material that is also light, moisture-wicking + anti-bacterial
These shorts feature four pockets (two front and two back) but it is the material and build quality that is most impressive about these shorts.
The denim made from a blend of cotton, TENCEL Lyocel, polyester and Lycra, which forms an extremely lightweight, breathable and stretchy pair of bike shorts that still boast the casual style of cut-off jeans.
These DUER shorts also have a hidden gusseted crotch in the seat area to reduce the impact of the normal cycling pressure points, while the seams have also been reinforced to provide that extra bit of durability.
Throw in moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties and you can see why these are the best women’s denim cycling shorts.
Pros
Lightweight and stretchy short jeans for cycling. Despite their light and breezy feel, these shorts are also tough and can comfortable handle the strains of bicycle commuters. Perfect for ride and destination.
Cons
No DWR coating to shake off a summer rain shower.
7. Velocio Women’s Gravel Short
-
£169
-
$169
-
€190
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 2 pockets in total. Two zippered side pockets with mesh lining
Materials:
- 79% Polyamide
- 21% Elastane
Inseam: 11″
4-way stretch for maximum flexibility and movement
2 zippered side pockets
Extremely lightweight with a DWR coating
These are described as “close-fitting baggy shorts” which seems somewhat contradictory…
However, what Velocio mean by this is that the Gravel Shorts are more like regular fitting shorts (rather than skintight Lycra) but still boast a figure hugging design.
In terms of functionality, these women’s bike shorts are packed with it.
The Velocio Gravel Shorts feature four-way stretch which is perfect for freedom of movement, while there are also two zippered side pockets with mesh lining that comfortably (and securely) fit a phone.
The fit of these shorts is also interesting and ideal for cycling. The shorts have a low-profile waist with a subtle adjustment strap (basically a built-in belt).
These ladies’ shorts are also extremely lightweight having been made from a high-tech 115gsm polyamide/elastine blend. There’s even a DWR coating to repel light rain.
Pros
Super stretchy cycling trail shorts that work on and off the bike. Perfect for exploring, bike touring or even just a commute into town. Very light and very comfortable.
Cons
Loose, baggy fit doesn’t translate well to some social situations.
8. Club Ride Apparel Women’s 11″ Savvy Short
-
£68
-
$80
-
€77
Prices are approximate
Pockets: 4 pockets in total. Two open front pockets. One open rear pocket. One zippered rear pocket.
Materials:
- 96% Polyester
- 4% Spandex
Inseam: 11″
AGusseted crotch to prevent cycling wear and tear
4 pockets (inc. one zipped side pocket)
4-way stretch, with raised rear and reflective detailing
These shorts really are packed to the brims with functionality: they offer four-way stretch, an aptly named “NoCrackBack” (i.e. a raised rear to prevent exposure), a gusseted crotch, interior drawcords and even reflective detailing.
They are on the longer side with an 11″ inseam, but these are some seriously stylish women’s urban commuter shorts – although they’re technically MTB shorts!
At under $80, too, these Club Ride shorts provide excellent functionality for a very reasonable price.
Pros
Extremely versatile MTB shorts that also look good in casual settings. Packed with features like 4-way stretch, good pockets and reflective detailing. Good value shorts for every situation.
Cons
Variety of colours/patterns and two different inseam lengths mean your perfect partner may be out of stock at times.
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