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Few activewear essentials are as versatile as bike shorts. For some context, the bike-short trend was all the rage in the ’90s, famously popularized by Princess Diana. The style ultimately fell out of favor until the 2010s, when they got a high-fashion upgrade. Seen on the runways at Off-White, Saint Laurent, and Chanel, among other designers, they’ve solidified their status as a chic wardrobe must have with the celebrity stamp of approval. They’re perfect for styling to the nines, throwing on with an oversize logo tee, or wearing to break a sweat at your cycling class.
True to their name, bike shorts conform tightly to your body to ensure they stay in place and prevent chafing while you rack up miles. The majority are made of compressive, stretchy, and sweat-wicking materials such as lycra, spandex, and nylon, which are comfortable to work out in and ideal for helping your muscles recover. While you can easily transition them into your everyday wardrobe, there are plenty of options featuring the same bike-short silhouette but with more fashion-forward materials like cotton and polyester.
To help you find the best pair of bike shorts to suit your lifestyle, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorites for 2023, including options from Amazon, Target, and Nordstrom. Our curated shopping list has picks for avid workout enthusiasts, homebodies, and style gurus, so you may have a hard time choosing just one pair.