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10 Best Womens Cycling Shorts 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Castelli Women’s Espresso Short for Road Cycling and Racing - Black - Small

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,426
Chamois (Padding)
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
3 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
The shorts deliver exceptional cushioning that provides significant comfort on long rides, especially around sensitive areas.
Fit
They run notably small, so sizing up at least one size is essential to ensure a proper fit.
Leg Grippers
Despite the snug fit, the shorts maintain a secure hold thanks to their silicone grippers, preventing any slipping during cycling.

The CASTELLI Women’s Espresso Short is tailored for female cyclists seeking comfort and durability during long rides. It features the Progetto X2 Air Seamless padding, which is designed to provide maximum comfort with its soft skin-care layer that minimizes chafing and separate cushioning layer with high-density foam and gel inserts. This makes it suitable for those who spend extended periods on their bike.

The raw-cut leg ending with a silicone gripper ensures a secure fit without slipping, which is crucial for uninterrupted cycling sessions. Additionally, the reflective piping enhances visibility and safety during low-light conditions, making it a good choice for early morning or evening rides. Made from 100% Spandex, these shorts are lightweight at 149g for a medium size and are designed to work best in temperatures ranging from 59°F to 95°F.

For those prioritizing high-quality padding and durability in their cycling gear, these shorts could be a valuable addition.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,426
Chamois (Padding)
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
3 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
The shorts deliver exceptional cushioning that provides significant comfort on long rides, especially around sensitive areas.
Fit
They run notably small, so sizing up at least one size is essential to ensure a proper fit.
Leg Grippers
Despite the snug fit, the shorts maintain a secure hold thanks to their silicone grippers, preventing any slipping during cycling.
#2

Terry Bike Shorts Women Padded Cycling Shorts for Women, Hi Rise Holster High Waisted Compression Shorts, Reg & Plus Sizes - Black, Medium

Rating
9.4
Chamois (Padding)
Fit
Fabric

Most important from
31 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
The chamois is perfect, staying in place and not getting in the way, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough terrain.
Fit
The compression is just right and provides excellent support for glutes and upper leg muscles, significantly reducing leg fatigue during long rides.
Fabric
The fabric is awesome, and the shorts should fit snug, not like lounge wear, ensuring optimal performance.
Leg Grippers
The leg openings stay in place comfortably without silicone, making these shorts a dream to wear.
Seams
The flat lock seams and lack of a seam in the groin area prevent irritation and provide a comfortable ride.

The Terry Bike Shorts for Women offer several noteworthy features that cater to various cycling needs. The high-rise waistband and the updated fabric provide a higher level of compression, which can be beneficial for muscle support and comfort during long rides. The inclusion of deep mesh hip pockets is a practical addition, allowing cyclists to carry small essentials securely. The absence of elastic in the leg bands helps prevent the shorts from digging into the skin, enhancing comfort.

The Flex Air Chamois with soft wing technology and perforated foam is designed for breathability, making it suitable for extended periods of use without causing discomfort. The shorts are available in both regular and plus sizes, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of body types. Additionally, the longer inseam lengths (8.5 inches for regular and 9.75 inches for plus sizes) provide extra coverage and protection.

Some users may find the compression level to be moderate rather than high, which might not meet the needs of those looking for extremely tight support. The 75% nylon and 25% spandex fabric blend is durable and easy to care for, but it may not be as soft as some other materials. These shorts are versatile and well-suited for various types of cycling and outdoor activities, but it's essential to note that personal fit and comfort preferences can vary. The satisfaction guarantee offers peace of mind, allowing users to return the product if it doesn't meet their expectations.

Rating
9.4
Chamois (Padding)
Fit
Fabric

Most important from
31 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
The chamois is perfect, staying in place and not getting in the way, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough terrain.
Fit
The compression is just right and provides excellent support for glutes and upper leg muscles, significantly reducing leg fatigue during long rides.
Fabric
The fabric is awesome, and the shorts should fit snug, not like lounge wear, ensuring optimal performance.
Leg Grippers
The leg openings stay in place comfortably without silicone, making these shorts a dream to wear.
Seams
The flat lock seams and lack of a seam in the groin area prevent irritation and provide a comfortable ride.
#3

Castelli Women’s Endurance Short for Road and Gravel Biking I Female Padded Cycling Shorts - Black - X-Large

Rating
9.1
Chamois (Padding)
Fit

Most important from
15 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
My undercarriage was the only thing that wasn’t hurting during a century ride. Highly recommend!
Fit
Perfect for MS150 rides!

The CASTELLI Women's Endurance Short is crafted for those who take long road and gravel bike rides seriously. One of its standout features is the Progetto X2 Air Donna Seamless seat pad, which offers great comfort and airflow, making long rides easier on the body. The padding is designed specifically for women, which enhances comfort and reduces chafing, a big win for endurance cyclists.

The fabric used, Endurance Evolution, is not only compressive to support muscles but also manages moisture well, keeping you dry during long rides. The shorts fit well thanks to their anatomic cut and soft elastic waistband, which lies flat without causing discomfort. Another plus is the GIRO3 leg grippers, which keep the shorts in place without riding up, so you can focus more on your ride and less on adjusting your gear.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The shorts are mid-rise, which may not be preferable for everyone, especially those who favor a high-rise fit. Additionally, the care instructions specify hand washing only, which might be inconvenient for some users accustomed to machine washing their cycling gear. These shorts are also on the pricier side, which could be a downside for budget-conscious buyers. Lastly, despite being listed under women's cycling shorts, it appears in the men's department, which might cause some confusion during purchasing. With its focus on comfort, support, and durability, this product is well-suited for serious female cyclists who prioritize quality and performance.

Rating
9.1
Chamois (Padding)
Fit

Most important from
15 reviews

Chamois (Padding)
My undercarriage was the only thing that wasn’t hurting during a century ride. Highly recommend!
Fit
Perfect for MS150 rides!

Buying Guide for the Best Womens Cycling Shorts

Choosing the right women's cycling shorts can significantly enhance your comfort and performance while riding. The right pair will reduce chafing, provide support, and make your cycling experience more enjoyable. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting the best cycling shorts for you.
Chamois (Padding)The chamois is the padded part of the cycling shorts that provides cushioning between you and the bike saddle. This is important because it helps to reduce pressure and friction, preventing discomfort and saddle sores. Chamois come in different thicknesses and densities. For long-distance rides, a thicker, more cushioned chamois is ideal, while for shorter rides or races, a thinner chamois may be sufficient. Consider your typical ride duration and choose accordingly.
FitThe fit of cycling shorts is crucial for comfort and performance. They should be snug but not too tight, providing support without restricting movement. Cycling shorts come in various cuts, including high-waisted, mid-rise, and low-rise. High-waisted shorts offer more coverage and support, which can be beneficial for longer rides. Mid-rise and low-rise options may be more comfortable for shorter rides or casual cycling. Try on different styles to see which fit feels best for your body shape and riding style.
FabricThe fabric of cycling shorts affects breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability. High-quality materials like nylon and spandex blends are commonly used for their stretch and comfort. Look for shorts with good moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable during your ride. Additionally, consider the weight of the fabric; lighter fabrics are better for hot weather, while heavier fabrics can provide more support and be suitable for cooler conditions.
Leg GrippersLeg grippers are the bands at the bottom of the shorts' legs that keep them in place while you ride. This is important to prevent the shorts from riding up and causing discomfort. Leg grippers can be made from silicone, elastic, or other materials. Silicone grippers tend to be more secure but can sometimes feel tight. Elastic grippers are more flexible but may not stay in place as well. Choose the type that feels most comfortable and secure for you.
SeamsSeams in cycling shorts can affect comfort, especially during long rides. Flatlock seams are designed to lie flat against the skin, reducing the risk of chafing and irritation. Avoid shorts with bulky or raised seams, as these can cause discomfort. If you plan on riding for extended periods, prioritize shorts with minimal and flatlock seams to enhance comfort.
LengthCycling shorts come in various lengths, from short to long. The length you choose can affect comfort and performance. Longer shorts provide more coverage and can help prevent chafing, making them ideal for long rides. Shorter shorts may be more comfortable in hot weather or for casual rides. Consider your riding conditions and personal preference when selecting the length of your cycling shorts.

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