Your cycling attire is almost as important as the bicycle that you choose. Not only do you want to be fashionable when biking, but you also want to be comfortable. Depending on your biking style, you might be on the bike for many hours, sometimes tackling difficult terrain. A good pair of bike shorts is important to prevent discomfort from chaffing.
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Style Trends of Bike Shorts
No longer are biker shorts reserved for the time you spend cycling. Bike shorts have finally become a fashionable item, meaning you can enjoy them both for comfort and style. In fact, bike shorts are becoming so popular that buyers choose them to be a part of their primary wardrobe, which does not always include time spent cycling.
The History of Bike Shorts
It is not easy to pinpoint the exact time in history when bicycle shorts were introduced. However, many people claim that they first became popular in the 1980s. If you are familiar with '80s movies and TV shows, then you might recall your favorite characters wearing them, including the cast of Saved By the Bell and even model icons, like Fendi.
Bike shorts eventually transitioned to become a popular item worn by enthusiastic bikers until they returned again most recently with the re-emergence of previous decade’s fashions. Much of this return was likely attributed to the popularity of women’s leggings. As women focus more on fashion that is also comfortable, leggings have become one of today’s most popular clothing items. Not only are leggings comfortable, but they also tend to pair with most outfits.
Many consider the comfort of road bike shorts to be similar to leggings, except that they are shorter in length. With a pair of good bike shorts, you can enjoy the benefits of your favorite leggings, while staying cool with the shorter length. Some fashion experts believe that 2020 has portrayed longer bike shorts as being more stylish.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of today’s bike shorts is that they can be incorporated into any outfit. That means that you can hop on your bike, comfortably ride to your destination, and be ready for your destination, whether it is a day in the office or a fun night out in the city with your friends.
The Benefits of Bike Shorts When Cycling
There is no question that traditional bike shorts are in-style today. But, they are also beneficial when cycling. If you have ever spent an extended amount of time biking, then you know how important a good pair of cycling shorts is.
Bike shorts can provide the following benefits:
Reduce pressure points when biking
Reduce chafing on longer rides, while maximizing movement and range of motion
Encourage airflow and keep you cool on warm days
Control and wick moisture
The right bike shorts can improve your experience by making you more comfortable. They can also help to prevent clothing difficulties when riding.
Best Bike Shorts of 2020
The best bike shorts are ones that fit your biking style and preferences. These are a few of the top bike shorts of 2020:
For Women | Details |
|---|---|
 Ultimate Stash Pocket 9” Short The Ultimate Stash Pocket bike shorts are not only comfortable but are also accessible. You can find these top-rated shorts at local stores like the Gap. | |
 Mid-Thigh Cotton High Waist Active Short The Mid-Thigh Cotton High Waist Active Short is very cost-efficient, making it a good choice for entry-level bikers. It is also designed with a high-waist styling, which removes any discomfort around the waist. | |
 Topshop PU Bike Shorts The TopShop PU Bike Shorts are a good mix between fashionable style and comfort. They are designed with a unique black polyurethane material that is sure to stand out. | |
 Gore Long Distance Bib Shorts+ The Gore Long Distance Bib Shorts+ are a good option for bikers who prefer a bib style. They offer a tighter fit for more support and reduced air resistance. |
For Men | Details |
|---|---|
 Aero Tech Men’s Gel Padded Touring Shorts The Aero Tech Men’s Gel Padded Touring Shorts are a good bib option for men cyclers. | |
 Aero Tech Men’s Elite Padded Cycling Shorts The Aero Tech Men’s Elite Padded Cycling Shorts are another good option for a long-distance rider. These men's shorts are designed with premiere materials to ensure that the shorts stay in place. | |
 The Black Bibs The Black Bibs are a good bib-option for entry-level bikers. They come at an affordable price and have many good features. | |
 Enduro Pro The Enduro Pro shorts are one of the most stylish options for men cyclers. They offer both comfort and durability. |
Important Characteristics of Bike Shorts
When you’re in the market for a pair of good bike shorts, it is important to consider which characteristics are the most important to you.
These are a few of the top short characteristics to consider:
Fabric
Fabric is important when choosing the right type of bike shorts. Bike shorts often come in one of the following:
- Synthetic
- Moisture-wicking
- Opaque
- Stretch
The best fabrics are comfortable and include certain features like lightweight materials, moisture-wicking properties, UV blocking, and support. You might notice that most bike shorts come in black. This keeps them looking clean and fresh, despite the dirt and sweat that occurs during normal bike riding.
Chamois
A chamois is the padded part in the crotch area. Shorts with a chamois are important for the additional support and superior comfort they offer. Chamois are gender-specific and they protect the body from bike saddle sores and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Chamois also often come in either a 2-D or a 3-D design. While 2-D designs can be more affordable, they do not offer as much comfort or support as 3-D does.
Chamois pads are also made with other comfort-improving features like foam and gel padding inserts. Bikers who bike long distances might pair a high-quality chamois with a good bike saddle for the best results. It can also be helpful to consider the type of biking that you do most often. Casual bike riders tend to sit upright, whereas long-distance bikers tend to lean forward, closer to the handlebars. The chamois location is another important feature to consider when choosing the right shorts.
Length
Traditional bike shorts come in two lengths:
- Bibshorts: Bibshorts have shoulder straps and wrap around the shoulders. This style gives long-range bikers more comfort.
- Shorts: Traditional shorts are ones that wrap around the waist like other shorts.
Purpose
It can also be helpful to consider what activity you will use your bike shorts for. Bike shorts can be worn in many environments, more than just cycling, including:
- Yoga
- Running
- Fitness class
- Hiking
While price might be a consideration, it should not be the only one when choosing the best bike shorts. A good pair of bike shorts will be important to ensure that you are comfortable during both short and long-term bike rides.
Underwear and Bike Shorts
One of the most common questions when it comes to purchasing new bike shorts is whether or not you will wear underwear with them. This can affect the size and material that you choose. The shorts that you choose will determine whether or not you will wear underwear with them. In most cases, a good pair of bike shorts does not require that you wear underwear. In fact, wearing a pair of underwear negates the unique design of the bike shorts.
This can lead to an increase in chaffing and a lack of moisture-wicking capabilities. Underwear can also cause the chamois padding to move, which can make you uncomfortable while riding.
This year, drop the leggings and enjoy fresh air on your ankles and calves with a pair of very stylish, bike shorts. With the right bike shorts, you will find that it is easier to bike longer distances in comfort. You might also find it easier to navigate more difficult terrain or warmer temperatures with your cycling shorts.