The best women's bike shorts

Believe me when I say, the bar for our best bike short award was high. Nowadays, the best of the best has to be all encompassing: Bike shorts need to be durable, comfortable, and adaptable, so you can take them for a spin on your bike one day, hit the trails for a run the next, and perform a yoga flow with ease. Athleta's Ultimate Stash Pocket Short fits the bill.

For starters, let's talk fit. Athleta's Stash Pocket short is available in two inseams: 7 inches and 9 inches, both with a high-rise waistband to keep the tummy area tucked in and smooth. The shorts also feature a fully adjustable drawstring that's completely hidden in the interior, so it won't get lost or tangled up in the wash.

And let us not forget the pockets; this pair of bike shorts has three — two stash pockets and one back waistband pocket, so you have room to store everything from your phone to your keys, license, cash, etc.

I spent a fair amount of time testing the Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Short, and can vouch for its comfort factor, too. Constructed from recycled nylon and lycra, these sustainable shorts are equal parts soft and breathable. Plus, they were designed to handle high-intensity, sweat-inducing workouts, so whether you're cycling or training, the fabric pulls sweat away from your body and dries quickly — this way you can break a sweat, but your sweat won't break your focus.

Pros: Extremely versatile, available in a range of lengths, high-waisted, comfortable, quick-drying, hidden adjustable drawstring, three pockets.

Cons: A little snug around the waist.

Yoga is a mind-body practice that requires total relaxation and concentration. As a self-proclaimed yogi, believe me when I say the wrong gear can disrupt your Zen quickly, so it's critical to choose the right ensemble for your session.

Bike shorts have been popping up in studios and home practices lately, and the best pairs are those that allow you to flow through your poses fluidly. In other words: They move as you move, like the Onzie High Rise Bike short.

During the tests for this guide, the High Rise Bike short was one of the most comfortable pair of bike shorts I've worn on the mat. Onzie's performance-based Free Flow Fabric technology combines nylon, spandex, and polyester to create a slick material that slips on like butter and conforms to your body the more you wear it.

The shorts are also moisture-wicking, with a similar feel to a swimsuit, so you can wear them to hot yoga, spin, or an intense gym session that's going to result in a ton of sweat. The price tag is, well, pricey, but this level of comfort, in my opinion, justifies the cost.

Pros: Conform to your body, lightweight, extremely comfortable, moisture-wicking, great for home practices and fitness classes.

Cons: Slippery material.

Fresh out of Backcountry's 2020 Spring Pursuit Collection comes the Slickrock Bike Short, a technical pair designed with the intention to play up the brand's best-selling items and features.

The make of this bike short is different than any other pair on this list, too. It's constructed from nylon and spandex, so it feels more like a board short and less like a legging. It's lightweight and stretchy, which make it comfortable to wear and to ride in as it won't restrict you at any turn.

Plus, the synthetic fabric is highly durable should you graze against rocks or wild tree stems. It also dries quickly to allow for easy transition from the trail right into enjoing some after ride snacks and drinks.

While this pair of bike shorts doesn't feature a ton of pockets, the two front pockets it does have run deep and have zippers, so you can safely and securely store your essentials.

Pros: Lightweight, breathable, deep zipper-close pockets, quick-drying.

Cons: Waist isn't adjustable, not a feminine cut, no padding.

Under Armour's UA Meridian Bike Short was engineered with the indoor cycler in mind, making this the best pair for dedicated spin classers who never miss a ride.

After putting the pair to the test, I can say with full confidence that these bike shorts will meet your stride, no matter what your speed. It was love at first wear: The second I shimmied into Under Armour's bike shorts, I knew it would be a top contender. Some bike shorts are designed solely with compression in mind, while others are a little too loose. This pair is the happy medium the market deserves.

Constructed from nylon and elastane, the knit fabric is the brand's softest yet while offering riders supportive compression — your insides, thankfully, won't feel smothered. The pair also features a high-rise waistband that stays in place as you move through your workout.

And speaking of your workout, don't hold back. The material is sweat-wicking, dries quickly, and doesn't hold in odors (thank goodness). Under Armour's shorts also features four-way stretch construction, so you can move every which way and not feel constricted.

Pros: Soft yet supportive fabric, high-rise waistband that stays in place and moves with you, sweat-wicking material.

Cons: Runs slightly small.

Bikers and runners are kindred in that they both need coverage to prevent painful chafing. They also need comfortable, durable fabrics that can support them in the long run (pun only slightly intended). That's where Lululemon's Fast and Free short comes in.

This pair of bike shorts comes in two lengths, 6 inches and 10 inches, so you can choose based on your preferred length and coverage. They're also high rise, so they keep you nice and tucked in. This means you can ditch your t-shirt and wear only a sports bra on your sweaty sprint without feeling overly exposed.

What's more, Lululemon's exclusive ultra-lightweight, nulux fabric is especially great for long-distance runners, sprinters, or anyone who's running at high speeds and breaking a sweat. The material is breathable, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and designed to do away with post-run sweat marks.

Other notable features include a continuous, easily adjustable drawstring hidden in the waistband that won't get tangled in the wash, and multiple pockets offering plenty of storage for the essentials (i.e. keys, phone, cash, etc.).

Pros: Multiple length options, high rise, breathable, sweat-wicking, pockets for storage.

Cons: Expensive.

If cycling to you means riding the pavement, you'll want to give Endura's bike short a try. The road short is constructed from a lightweight, Lycra fabric that's 71% nylon and 29% elastane, which adds up to a 100% comfortable wear and ride.

The spotlight feature of the short is its padding. As someone who's never worn bike shorts with padding built-in, I was surprised at how comfortable moving with the chamois actually was. But a cushioned bum isn't the only perk of Endura's padding; it was meticulously designed with temperature regulation in mind.

The 500 series temperature regulating pad is made from Dispersefoam which, according to the product's description, "features a disruptive foam cell construction which provides superior drying and dramatically improved air permeability compared to conventional PU foams."

In other words: It's cooling, breathable, and super stretchy. It also features a silver yarn fabric that enhances its cooling factor, allows it to be rapid drying, and boasts permanent antibacterial properties.

The short is great for warmer climates and trails that make you break a sweat. That being said, it's called the Shorty Short for a reason. It isn't long on the leg, so those looking for more coverage might want to pass here.

Pros: Specially designed padding for core temperature regulation, comfortable, great for warmer climates and high impact trails.

Cons: Expensive, short in length.

Bike shorts are now synonymous with gym shorts, so if you're looking for a new pair to train in, this number from Gymshark's Flex collection is a must-have.

As a longtime fan of the brand, I can attest to the comfort of Gymshark's flex technology. The shorts are constructed from a combination of nylon, polyester, and elastane; they're soft to the touch, stretchy in all the right places, and contour to the unique shape of your body.

Gymshark's Flex Cycling Shorts are high-waisted and pair great with a crop top or a sports bra. They also hit a few inches above the knee and don't ride up, so you can train at a more intense level without the need to constantly be tugging at the material. They're even squat-proof, meaning they won't bunch up or be uncomfortable for dead lifts, squats, or similar lifts.

Pros: High-waisted, squat-proof, stretchy.

Cons: Gymshark gear can be a little snug on first and second wear, so they will need time to break in.

I've been wearing Everlane's bike shorts around the apartment, for stationary cycling workouts, and out for errands for several months now, and they're definitely the first pair I gravitate to from my collection. They feature a very thin front pocket that works for cards and maybe one key but because the material isn't super compressive or sturdy, you won't want to carry more than one or two little lightweight essentials in there.

The shorts are made from 58% recycled nylon and 42% elastane, so they're incredibly stretchy (and somewhat sustainable), but they're also very thin. You can't see through them when you bend over, but you can definitely feel the breeze when you wear them outside. In my opinion, they're the perfect bike short for someone who isn't actually planning on doing any biking. I wear mine under oversized sweaters and button-downs more often than I wear them for actual workouts, though they do hold up well to moderate levels of activity. -- Sally Kaplan

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable for around the house or running errands, but still perform well for stationary bike workouts

Cons: Pocket material isn't overly sturdy to hold more than a couple credit cards or a small key

New to market comes this unique bike short collaboration from Rapha and Outdoor Voices. The shorts are available in two colors of Sky Captain and Ponderosa Pine and they combine Outdoor Voices' signature fit with Rapha's cycling expertise. In other words: They're a match made in heaven.

Highlighted features include Rapha's classic chamois pad designed specifically for the maximum comfort and support of female riders, high-performance fabric, a double-layer, high-rise waistband that mimics OV leggings, and internal elastic grippers to help shorts stay in place. The collaboration is the result of years' worth of development and testing to ensure the product is the first of its kind on the market.