You know how essential the best cycling shorts are if you ever rode a bike for longer than five minutes. As the last layer between you and the saddle, padded cycling shorts perform a crucial function: letting you cycle for hours without chafing or saddle sores.
There are two types of cycling shorts: waist shorts and bib shorts – we're covering the former here and the latter in the best bib shorts guide – head over if you're interested in those. Both types of cycling shorts have their benefits and drawbacks.
Waist shorts have an elasticated waist, are often cheaper, and prove a popular choice for newer and casual cyclists. On the other hand, bib shorts are the choice of cyclists who cover longer distances since these shorts stay up thanks to the comfortable supporting braces but can make toilet stops more complicated.
Based on the first-hand experience of our cycling testing team, we've rounded up the best waist cycling shorts for women and men to help you decide which are right for you.
Should you need even more cycling gear, you'd better check out T3's guides on the best cycling jerseys, best cycling shoes, best cycling sunglasses and best cycling bags. Do you also need a new bike? Gosh. Have a look at the best road bike guide for more info on what bike to buy right now.
Best cycling shorts to buy right now
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best cycling shorts overall
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 82% Polyester, 8% Elastane
Padding: Moderate
+ Really comfortable
+ Gets the basics right
- Not the cheapest (but not the most expensive either)
The Core range is Rapha’s more affordable range and while still not cheap, you get Rapha quality, which includes a supremely comfortable chamois, and that's the same Rapha chamois pad used in all of the brand’s Classic range.
For both women and men, the Rapha Core Shorts are available as bib shorts and non-bibs. For the non-bib cycling shorts, instead of using a drawstring at the waist as some brands do – which can chafe skin on longer rides – Rapha has opted for the same grippy silicone around the waist as you’ll find around the leg openings. When it comes to balancing quality, comfort and price, we think Rapha's cycling shorts are the best you can buy right now.
Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best cycling shorts for women
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Material: Polyamide, Elastane, Polyester
Padding: See below
+ Flattering, comfortable shape
+ Fit-specific padding
- Some reports of snug sizing, so check the guide
Evans Cycles' own-brand FWE has put out some corkers when it comes to great-value cyclewear, and these women’s cycling shorts are no exception. The padding is specifically engineered for ladies. These are great cycling shorts for women that won't break the bank.
Reviewers commended the FWE Women's BKB Waist Shorts for their flattering cut and comfortable fit, with some claiming this was the only pair that didn’t give them what cyclists seem to variously call “muffin legs” or “sausage legs”, all thanks to snug but not over-tight bands that hold the shorts in place at mid-thigh.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best cycling shorts for warm weather
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Material: Nylon, Elastane, Polyester
Padding:
+ Quick-wicking material
+ Gel padding to relieve pressure
- Maybe a little long on the legs for some riders
“Gel cycling shorts” might sound like folly, but reviewers say the Endura 8 Panel Xtract Gel Shorts come in pretty handy in hot weather. These bike shorts do everything they can to keep riders comfortable on warm days.
This includes super-fast wicking to whisk away sweat; antibacterial finishes to eliminate sweaty smells; dimpled gel padding to relieve put-upon pressure points; and soft-on-skin microfibre for a cool and comfortable feel. That's a lot of promise, but 94% of reviewers on the Evans website recommend these cycling shorts – and at under £50, they're great value too.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best cycling shorts for city riding
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Material: Elastane, Polyester, Cotton
Padding: Light, detachable
+ Comfortable and practical
+ Comes with a detachable cycle short liner
- People may think you're a bike courier
The Hummvee range was originally aimed at mountain bikers, but these new cycling shorts have a more tailored cut. They’re designed to take you from the bike to the office or pub, making them a great option for urban riders and more modest road riders.
That's because they just look like shorts but are hard wearing and comfortable, with a detachable liner short providing extra seat padding and support – but under your shorts, so nobody needs to know. Quite literally the best of both worlds. As you'd imagine, this can feel a little bulky and odd initially, but you soon get used to it.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best cheap cycling shorts
Sizes: 30-44
Material: Nylon
Padding: Well-padded
+ Budget-friendly
+ Eight-panel construction
- Not without quality issues
Single-figure prices are, understandably, few and far between in the world of cycling garments, but these budget Tenn Mens Coolflo 8 Panel Padded Cycling Shorts come very highly rated by users. It’s certainly no bad thing in a sport that can sometimes feel inaccessible to those on a budget, and whether they’re an entry-level pair or a spare, they’re sure to perform admirably.
The eight-panel construction allows a maximum range of movement, while the nylon-spandex blend stays stretchy in action and retains its shape when washed. If you're tight on cash, these cycling shorts are worth a look.
Our rating: 3 out of 5 stars
How to choose the best cycling shorts
All cycling shorts have some degree of padding, which is where they differ from your average pair, although how much is up to you. The same goes for the price. If possible, it's always worth grabbing your bike helmet and going for a test run in new cycle shorts before setting off on a long ride just to make sure everything sits as it should.
