A pair of bike shorts with padding is a must if you are planning to ride your bike over a distance greater than a couple of miles. The right pair of bike briefs will help you distribute your weight and reduce pressure on the saddle. bike seatWomen-specific models have anatomically accurate cutouts that further reduce pressure and chafing. I have worn padded bike briefs for over a decade and seldom ride without them. I have different shorts I use for mountain biking and town riding, but I always wear them for long distances. They are comfortable, wick away sweat, antimicrobial, and they don’t ride around my legs or waist.
Our tests included everything from leg band stability, compression support, to the elastic of the waistband, as well as how effectively they wick sweat away during hard rides. I tried out two of our top choices on gravel rides and road rides in my local area, as well as a multiday tour. Then, I compiled all the information from others. Travel + Leisure Testers have come up with the top pairs of women’s padded bike shorts.
Why We Love it
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The combination of the stretchy, knitted fabric, zippered pocket on the side, and 4D chamois provides the ultimate comfort for all-day rides.
The material quality, chamois fit, overall design, and comfort of the Terry bike shorts were all amazing. I’d never tried Terry before. It was great to find a side pocket that I could use for my credit card and phone on gravel rides. The material was thick, but it wicked sweat and didn’t feel hot. The silicon leg bands, although tight, kept the shorts in place around my legs. The shorts were never too tight or I had to pull them down.
The chamois is really where these shine—it’s one of the most comfortable I’ve worn, with precision cutouts and a form-fitting shape that didn’t extend or bunch up while walking or riding. It stayed fresh and did not absorb odors. I also felt no additional pressure or discomfort even after long rides. The waistband felt a bit tight. Instead of the narrow, thick, elastic, I would prefer a more wide, yoga-style waistband.
Details: Size XS–XL | Polyester, nylon, and spandex | 8-inch inseam
They’re not just the “top pick” for our “top bibs”, but they are also the least expensive bibs that we tested, without compromising on durability, comfort or quality. The fit was perfect, and there was a range of inseam lengths based on the size, which is a nice feature for accurate fit. The padding was firm and protective, from front-to-back. We did not have to adjust these pants during riding.
The chamois wicked away sweat, and it didn’t feel damp. It worked well in high heat and humidity. The reflective details and pockets of more expensive options were not available to us. For a pair of bibs at a fraction the price of most expensive models, this is a great option.
Details: Size XS–3XL | Polyester and spandex | 7-inch inseam
The lightweight, breezy shorts are a great antidote for sweaty rides. We also loved the smooth, slim-fitting material. These bibs are lightweight, weighing only 6.5oz. and have a thin, sheer fabric. These bibs were lightweight, but still provided enough coverage to allow us to bend over comfortably without feeling exposed. They also had enough support in the legs, without feeling too compressed.
The bibs were breathable and wicked sweat, even during high-output rides. The chamois provided cushioning and was shaped to avoid a “diaper-like” feel. Fit was not perfect from the bottom to the top. The straps were too short. While the shorts of the bibs fitted true to size we experienced some problems. For longer rides we opted to ride without the straps. We recommend that you size up if your are between sizes.
Details: Size XXS–3XL | Spandex and nylon | 8.5-inch inseam
I have worn these shorts under mountain biking shells, and also on their own during gravel rides. Wild Rye is a company that’s led by women and designed by them. feel more like athleisure They are less compressive and more comfortable. They still perform well—you’ll just get a more comfortable fit during your rides.
Eleanor Chammys are among Wild Rye’s more casual offerings. They have an airy, light feel. The chamois has a wide, high waistband that is reminiscent of yoga pant style, with barely visible silicone bands on the legs. It’s a nice chamois, but it lacks the precision shape and cut of other chamois we’ve tried, so I wouldn’t recommend them for long rides. If you want a pair of bike shorts with a padded seat that won’t be too noticeable, but you don’t have to rip them off every time you ride, then these are the perfect choice.
Details: Size 0–24 | Nylon and spandex | 6.5-inch inseam
Some Other Products We Like
In the past three-years, we tested a number of bike shorts. A few made the cut but some didn’t. These shorts, while they may have a flaw or two in them, will still be useful for many cyclists and travelers.
Terry Bella Bike Short: These shorts were very comfortable and we barely felt them. The chamois is a great mix of firmness and support. It is a bit limiting to people with wide hips or legs.
Pearl iZumi Women’s Expedition Shorts: The shorts were comfortable and fit well. They didn’t feel too tight, but the padding was adequate for longer rides and mid-distance rides. The waistband of the Pearl iZumi shorts can pinch.
Velocio Women’s Luxe Bib Shorts: The incredibly soft lycra fabric and the stability of these shorts during long training rides were a big hit. These shorts are out of the reach of many, but we have found cheaper alternatives.
Travel + Leisure
Test Process
Over the last three years, we’ve tested 46 pairs padded bike briefs to find the best option for women. These shorts were worn on a variety of training rides, including gravel biking, road cycling, mountain biking and commuter riding. The shorts were worn on indoor trainers, bumpy trails and rough roads. Everything from the initial fit to material impressions was evaluated.
We also noted the fit and comfort of the silicone leg-grippers and waistband, as well as how well it worked with our intended use. The shorts were also tested to see if they fit correctly and if they performed well in a variety of conditions. After our initial testing, we will continue to test and wear these bike shorts. We’ll also update this guide based on the long-term feedback.
Buy Women’s Padded Bicycle Shorts
The right size
The majority of bike shorts are designed with a compression design. This makes it easier to fit than shorts which have hard waistbands or numeric sizes. I want my bike shorts snug, not tight. And I will be damned if they pinch my stomach in the riding position. My shorts should also reach the mid-thigh to provide protection without riding up. The bibs can be a little more challenging to fit, since you need to accommodate legs, a chest chamois and shoulder straps. I recommend choosing leg bands and compression with light compression, but not too tight. This will allow circulation to continue. I also like wide, flexible straps that don’t cut my shoulders. Last but not least, I recommend trying on the chamois before buying, as it will differ for different body types.
Choose between standard shorts and bibs
For most casual cyclists, it is not necessary for me to go into great detail about the Bibs vs Shorts issue. I wear them both. On longer rides I prefer bibs, because the pressure from a tighter waistband can cause my stomach to cramp. While bibs can take some of the weight off your stomach when you stop to go to the bathroom, they are a bit more cumbersome than simply pulling down shorts.
If I plan to go somewhere else after my ride and do not want to look out of place at the local brewery, I will opt for shorts. It is ultimately up to your riding style and personal preference. I tend to wear each option about half the time.
Inseam length is important.
Inseams vary from 6.5″ to 13″, which is quite a range for such a small category of clothing. In terms of compression shorts, I prefer something in the middle. For my height, I find that 8-9-inch inseams provide enough coverage without feeling constricting or rolling up. When looking for long mountain-bike shorts make sure that the knees have been articulated to prevent you from getting tangled while pedaling.
FAQs
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What is the Difference Between 3D and 4D Padded Bike Shorts?
The difference between 3D and the 4D padded shorts can be difficult to discern. However, this terminology refers a difference in density/layering. While 3D padding is made of a single density foam, 4D padding is composed of different layers with body-mapped densities. By using higher density padding in areas where more pressure is applied, and lower density padding in other areas, 4D can provide more targeted support. More expensive designs are likely to have padding that is body-mapped, while budget-friendly styles often use a uniform layer.
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What is the difference between gel-padded and foam-padded cycling shorts?
Like the debate about bibs and shorts, the choice between gel or foam is highly personal. I find that foam holds up better and does not compress nearly as much as gel. Gel is softer and more comfortable than foam at first, but it also provides better pressure relief. Gel can lose shape and cushioning, and because it does not breathe as well, moisture is trapped. Foam is generally a better option, but this depends on personal preference. Both are great options, depending on the frequency and duration of your rides.
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Under your bike shorts, do you wear anything?
I don’t wear anything under padded bike shorts—they’re meant to be worn as a next-to-skin layer and are form fitting for that purpose. Wearing something underneath your chamois can cause chafing or rubbing, and it will also affect the chamois’ wicking abilities. You should always keep them aired and clean. Wash after use.
Travel + Leisure: Why Choose Us?
Maggie Slepian She has ridden her bike for a thousand miles, both on bikepacking excursions and to run errands in the city. She has a variety of pairs of bike shorts that she uses for different types of cycling. She chooses between lighter, more breezy waist pairs to wear on shorter rides, and bibs and bibshorts with extra support and padding for longer efforts. She tested the two top pairs on road rides, gravel runs, and multi-day trips, then combined feedback from other testers.
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