All cyclists – from professionals at the top of their game to once-a-year hobbyists – will have experienced saddle soreness. Yes, that dreaded ache in the “sit bones” that come into contact with the saddle over the course of a ride or nasty chafing on the inner thighs. It’s a right pain in the backside and can put you off ever getting back out on two wheels again…trust us, we know!
But all is not lost. Wearing padded cycling shorts is a sure-fire way to help prevent saddle soreness in the first place. Invest in a good pair and you’ll not only be rewarded with new levels of comfort, but save yourself days of discomfort afterwards, too.
As you’d expect, cycling shorts are perfect for warmer weather rides (and indoor training, of course). However, that doesn’t mean they should be confined to the back of your wardrobe the rest of the year. Most shorts are designed to be thin enough that they can be worn as a base layer underneath leggings and trousers in the colder months – so you’ll get plenty of wear out of them.
Below, we pick the best women’s cycling shorts for 2021. We also share advice on picking the right pair from our brand ambassador, Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Deignan.
How to choose the right pair of women’s cycling shorts
Lizzie Deignan says:
“Owning a well-fitting pair of cycling shorts is key to making rides of more than a few miles enjoyable. The right cycling shorts will also reduce the chance of chafing and provide the right amount of padding to make sitting on a bike far more comfortable. There are many kinds of women’s cycling shorts that offer different qualities – for example, fit and feel, type of padding (chamois), and style.
“It’s really important to wear as tight-fitting shorts as you’re comfortable with. The closer the chamois –and the less it moves around – the better for avoiding chafing. Whether you go with bib shorts or regular shorts is down to personal preference, but I prefer the bibs, as they move with me as I ride. They also stay nicely in position and are super comfortable. If you’re worried about ‘nature breaks’, then look for a snap closure feature at the front of the bibs for limited hassle. Another key feature I look for is grip on the inside of the legs to avoid the shorts riding up. This is probably the main reason for those classic cyclist tan lines!”
Without further ado, let’s look at the best options out there.
Lizzie Deignan’s pick
Santini Legend Bib Shorts – £130
“For me, these shorts are ideal. They’re a high-performance fit, made in a comfortable fabric with the C3W chamois designed specifically for women (two gel inserts positioned to support the sit bones). They also have unique honeycomb silicone grippers around the quads and hamstrings to ensure they don’t ride up.”
Rapha Women's Core Shorts – £70
Rapha’s range of legwear is popular among cyclists for its comfort and durability. Although the brand’s Core Bib Shorts are excellent, we wanted to include a stylish and practical non-bib (or ‘waist’) option. Both are features that these shorts deliver on.
To look at, the Rapha Women’s Core Shorts are strikingly simple –yet the features are anything but. The chamois is a tried-and-tested piece of Rapha tech, while the main panels are densely knit and super stretchy.
Leg grips stop any unflattering or uncomfortable bunching, and they also come with a mesh side pocket to store your phone and any other essential items. These shorts are a great choice for amateur cyclists and shorter rides.
PEARL iZUMi Women's Attack Bib Short – £100
PEARL iZUMi is a Japanese brand that provides professional quality cycling gear at pretty accessible prices. And that’s exactly what you get with these Attack Bib Shorts.
The fabric is not only extremely breathable and moisture-wicking (which is ideal for those hot rides) but also boasts impressive sustainability credentials, as it’s made from recycled polyester yarns. Importantly, the Attack Bib Shorts fit snugly, with a very comfortable chamois, and the seamless design makes for a chafe-free experience. They’re just what you want.
Attacus NAVY 21 FOUNDATION BIB SHORTS – £100
Attacus is a lesser-known British brand based just outside Durham that specialises in technical cycling clothing. Its bib shorts are testament to the company’s laser-sharp focus on product development.
They feature a chamois specifically designed for women’s bodies, with extra support around female pressure points such as the pelvis. The fabric is light but compressive, again helping to provide extra support, and silicone grips ensure that they stay in place on your leg all day.
Altura Women’s Firestorm Waist Shorts – £80
Our final pick is the most affordable of the shorts included within this article – but that doesn’t detract from their technical ability or quality. Altura, another British brand based in the North East of England, has been making cycling gear for 25 years.
These shorts are where tailoring meets comfort. They offer a ‘stealth’ chamois that’s designed especially for the female form and a flexible, stretchy waistband that delivers on all-day comfort. As you’d expect, they come with silicone grippers to avoid them riding up and a reflective strip for safety while cycling on the road.
Cycling accessories insurance from Cycleplan
Whichever shorts you decide on, it’s important to protect them and any other cycling accessories you own against theft, loss, and accidental damage. We can cover your cycling accessories up to £1,000, meaning the only thing you need to sweat is the intensity of your next ride. Check out our policy options and build yourself a quote right here.
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