How to Pick the Right Cycling Shorts

With a wide variety of cycling shorts on the market, from bib to biker shorts, it can feel daunting to begin your quest for the right pair. Take it from Sagan, who shares that, “Choosing a single pair of shorts is never easy; it depends on many factors such as the hours on the saddle, the outside temperature and the selected discipline.” To help you find your footing, we think you should keep these factors in mind to help narrow the search.

Training Style

Something to definitely take into consideration is your training style and what activities that may entail. For instance, road cycling requires a much different skill set (and terrain) from mountain biking, which means they require different attire. Road, gravel and off-road biking often calls for compression shorts with bib straps and seat pads so they stay fuss-free and comfortable during long rides. But on the other hand, mountain biking and even DMXing requires looser-fitting shorts (with the option to wear compression cycling shorts underneath . And if you choose to bike for leisure or spin classes, you can opt for a pair of biker shorts that are long enough to prevent chafing in high-contact areas but don’t need all the extra features like seat pads and leg grips.

Design

Some people look for comfort (amazing seat pads) while others look for utility (extra pockets), so pinpointing the design aspects that you really love will help narrow down the product pool. “I’d say finding the correct length and material for your comfort is absolutely key,” muses Ramón. The Peloton instructor went on to share that, “There are a couple of things that I look for in a cycling short – non-restrictive on the waistband or the thighs (your girl has very strong legs) with muscles), [a] high waist, and dry-fit fabric for breathability so I don’t feel like my legs are being held captive, yet I still feel supported.” This feels pretty on point for us!

Comfort

Arguably the most important aspect of any sort of training gear is comfort, because the last thing you want to focus on is that digging waistband or saddle that hurts after a few hours. To battle the latter is the inclusion of a chamois, or a seat pad, which provides an extra layer of comfort and padding under the sit bones to make your ride more endurable and your training that much better. Comfort is also largely due to the fabric you choose, and no one knows this more than a trainer.“ The best fabrics for shorts with gentle compression, moisture wick, [and] breathability are usually synthetic like Lycra, nylon, and spandex,” Bullock shares. A blend of these materials are sure to sculpt and sweat-wick just where you need them to, keeping you cool in the saddle and concentrated on the road.

Take Our Word For It

Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. When researching the best cycling shorts, she spoke with Peter Sagan, three-time world championship winner and record holder of the Tour de France green jerseys; Christine Bullock, fitness expert and founder of Kayo Body Care; and Peloton instructor, Camila Ramón for their expert picks and insight. She also took a close look at material, cost, design, and functionality while compiling the list to ensure that a diverse range of needs for every type of cyclist were met.