There’s been a resurgence of leggings as “real pants” in the past few years which has been accelerated by the recent indoors comfort-first wardrobe. We no longer ask ourselves whether or not the body-con bottoms are a truly viable option to wear outside of the gym. With the right styling, the right attitude, and the right pair, the stretchy, clingy pant now gets a resounding yes. However, as summer rolls around, the same goes for leggings’ not-as-long counterpart: the bike short.
Bike shorts caused quite the stir when they first hit the runway again a few years back, with fashion girls all over the world embracing the controversial trend. And while we weren’t quite sure of their longevity, after seeing our favorite designers, from Heron Preston to Rachel Comey, manufacturing pairs of their own, it became clear that bike shorts are here to stay for another moment.
So what is the trick to doing them right? Our advice: grab a pair with some length — it’s more fashion-forward, and since the shorts don’t go all the way down to your ankles (obviously; ’tis the nature of shorts), it makes navigating shoe selection so much easier. Leggings and heeled sandals? Most likely no. Bike shorts and heeled sandals? Kind of great. Wear with an oversized blazer, a simple hoodie or with a pretty white blouse, and you’re good to go.
Ahead, find our picks for taking this stretchy trend for a spin.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Universal Standard Knockout Bike Shorts – Black, $, available at Universal Standard
Nagnata Colour Block Yoni Short, $, available at Carbon38
Alexa Chung Mesh Cycling Short, $, available at Need SupplyPhoto Courtesy of Need Supply.
Girlfriend High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at Girlfriend
Zara Limitless Contour Collection 02 Bike Shorts, $, available at Zara
Athleta Elation 8″ Short in Powervita, $, available at Athleta
Vans X Sandy Liang Mimi Shorts, $, available at Sandy Liang
Marine Serre Abstract Print Bike Shorts, $, available at Farfetch
Eloquii Biker Shorts, $, available at Eloquii
Stelen Loriana Biker Short, $, available at Need Supply Co
& Other Stories Ribbed Cropped Tights, $, available at & Other Stories
Beyond Yoga High-Waisted Bike Short, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Old Navy Compression Bermuda Shorts, $, available at Old Navy
Outdoor Voices TechSweat Flex Shorts, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Nike City Ready Shorts, $, available at Nike
Good American The Boss Bike Short, $, available at Good American
Intimately Seamless Rib Bike Short, $, available at Free People
Tibi Anson Stretch Biker Short, $, available at Tibi
COS Seamless Performance Shorts, $, available at COS
HERON PRESTON Spandex Logo Patch Bike Shorts, $, available at Farfetch
H&M Cycling Shorts, $, available at H&M
Abacaxi Jamun Pocket Shorts, $, available at Abacaxi
Billie the Label Peggy Short, $, available at Billie The Label
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