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 covered the latter in our best bib shorts guide). Waist shorts have an elastic waist, are often cheaper, and are 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.
Should you need even more cycling gear, you'd better check out T3's guides on the best cycling jerseys and best cycling sunglasses. Do you also need a new bike, too? 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.
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 MTB
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
Material: 100% Nylon with DWR finish
Padding: detachable liner with 200 series pad
+ Durable Nylon construction
+ Removable inner lining
+ Lots of pockets
- Availability issues
The Endura Hummvee Short II with liner is an ideal urban-meets-MTB cycle short, which has the added benefit of a ClickFast liner that is fully detachable. They’re cool to look at and even cooler to wear, thanks to vents and the breathable design. Anyone riding for a day out or longer will find the padded inner liner super comfy An excellent value-for-money product for keen cyclists.
Read our full Endura Hummvee Short II review
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.
