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The Best High-Waisted Biker Shorts

Last updated on October 26, 2022

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Bicycling became a popular activity during the pandemic, even leading to a bicycle shortage for a time. It remains a great way to get exercise while also enjoying nature. But the right gear is essential if you’re going to be taking your bike on roadways.

The right biking gear starts with safety. You’ll need a helmet, as well as reflective clothing. It’s also helpful if you keep yourself comfortable while riding by wearing clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. It can help to choose a material that wicks moisture to help keep yourself dry and cool while cycling on warm days.

But biker shorts aren’t just for biking. You can wear them for activities like yoga and running. You can even wear them around the house or while out running errands. They can be a great option for pairing with T-shirts during the summer or sweatshirts in the wintertime. But before you buy a pair of biker shorts, it’s important to consider how you’ll be wearing them.

If you’ve ever had a pair of exercise shorts that didn’t stay in place while you were moving, you know the importance of a pair that holds its shape. Some even have longer seams that keep them from riding up while you’re stretching or exerting yourself while climbing a steep hill on your bike.

Most bike shorts are made from polyester material with spandex built in. Polyester shorts tend to bring breathability without sacrificing durability, making them great for sportswear. You’ll also find polyester is a lightweight material that holds its shape after multiple washes, which is a huge plus for a pair of shorts you’ll be wearing while sweating.

Sweating is where polyester can bring the biggest benefits. Look for a pair of shorts with moisture-wicking properties to ensure that even on those hot days when you’re working up a sweat, you’ll stay dry and comfortable.

Our Picks For The Top High-Waisted Biker Shorts

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Sunzel Side Pocket High-Waisted Biker Shorts

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Sunzel

Side Pocket High-Waisted Biker Shorts

Available in a wide range of colors, this pair of biker shorts gives you comfort and versatility. The material is 75 percent polyester and 25 percent spandex to give you four-way stretch and sweat wicking. The side pockets have plenty of room for storing your phone, keys or other essentials.

Overall Take

Plenty of ComfortThese polyester-spandex biker shorts are buttery soft to keep you comfortable whether you’re working out or lounging around the house.

 Runner Up

BALEAF Compression Spandex Pocket High-Waisted Biker Shorts

BALEAF

Compression Spandex Pocket High-Waisted Biker Shorts

You’ll get moisture wicking and moderate compression with these biker shorts, which feature a polyester-spandex blend. The two side pockets are deep enough to hold mobile phones up to 5.5 inches. The shorts feature longer inseams to keep you covered even during deep stretches.

Overall Take

Supportive BuildThese shorts have just enough compression to provide support while you’re wearing them.

 We Also Like

ODODOS Side Pocket Tummy Control High-Waisted Biker Shorts

ODODOS

Side Pocket Tummy Control High-Waisted Biker Shorts

The wider waistband on this pair of biker shorts helps hold them in place throughout your workout. It has two side pockets for storing valuables and chafe-free seams to help protect your skin. You can choose from a variety of colors, as well as different lengths, to customize your look.

Overall Take

Keep-Cool OptionSoft polyester helps wick moisture from the skin to keep you cool while you’re wearing them.

 Strong Contender

YOLIX Buttery Soft High-Waisted Biker Shorts, 3 Pack

YOLIX

Buttery Soft High-Waisted Biker Shorts, 3 Pack

This set of three workout shorts lets you boost your workout wardrobe overnight. The polyester-spandex blend gives you plenty of stretch combined with moisture-wicking benefits. You can choose from various neutral colors, as well as some bolder colors and prints to let you customize your look.

Overall Take

Great for Everyday WearAlways stay stocked in biker shorts with this multipack that gives you a pair to wear while the others are waiting to be laundered.

What to Look For

  • Black is a popular color for biker shorts, but you can find them in other colors. Some even feature patterns to help you show off your individuality.
  • If you wear biker shorts frequently, look for a multipack set. Having multiple pairs means you won’t have to wash your biker shorts every day or two.
  • Spandex helps gives your biker shorts the stretch you need, particularly if you’re wearing them for activities like yoga. But even if you’re wearing them for comfort, spandex can make a big difference, especially after you’ve eaten a big meal.
  • Side pockets can be a big help if you’re wearing your biker shorts for activities like running. It’ll give you a handy place to store your phone and house keys.
  • Some biker shorts build in compression, which is great for offering you support during your workouts. This can get uncomfortable over the course of the day, so that might not be the best option if you’re looking for a pair of shorts for lounging around the house.
  • The waistband is an important feature in a pair of biker shorts. Look for a wider elastic band around the stomach area to keep you comfortable while you’re wearing them. A narrow band could start to cut into your skin over time.
  • Chafing can be a serious problem. It happens when your skin rubs against another object or material long enough to begin to form a rash. This can be painful and uncomfortable and get in the way of your active lifestyle. Look for moisture-wicking material that fits well to keep chafing at bay. Applying a thin layer of deodorant to an area where you fear chafing will occur can help reduce the risk.

More to Explore

Bicycling exploded in popularity in the 1890s, and the impact changed fashion forever. Women wanted in on the fun, too, but the skirts and dresses that were standard at the time weren’t safe for the sport. As 30,000 cyclists hit the streets in 1896, designers began looking for appropriate apparel.

What did women wear for bicycling? It started with the “bicycle dress,” which was divided and had detachable apron panels that covered the pants beneath. But pants in the form of bloomers were also soon acceptable for women cyclists. One newspaper described it as a shirtwaist with a “mannish collar.” The shirt had something known as “leg-o’-muffin” sleeves, which were puffy at the upper arms, tapering and becoming extremely fitted around the forearm and wrist.

More to explore