In this article I’m going to give you my top picks for the best women’s bike shorts for spin class.
When it comes to standard shorts versus bike shorts, I would definitely opt for shorts meant for cycling. That means a short that contains a seat pad or chamois. In terms of comfort the requirements on bike shorts don’t differ between a normal bike and a bike used during spin class.
And the last thing you’d want is your workout session bringing you discomfort that could have easily been prevented.
The majority of spin classes will be held indoors on a bike that remains static. So it means there will not be any cooling effect from the air, other than sitting underneath the air conditioning. That’s why I feature shorts not cycling bibs (shorts with straps), because the straps and back panel add another layer that can build up heat.
So let’s take a look at the overview of the best women’s bike shorts for spin class.
Pearl Izumi Women's Expedition Short
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Expedition Shorts are affordable cycling shorts with plenty of storage and an understated design.
The short features a women specific dual-density Women’s ELITE Escape 1:1® chamois. Its top layer can move independently from its foam layer, which reduces friction and chafing. It means that these shorts are perfect for your average dry ride and will prove to be comfortable for a number of hours in the saddle.
The short is made from compression fabric and has 2 large thigh pockets alongside a smaller back pocket. This means you can store larger objects, like your phone, as well as smaller ones like multiple energy bars or small tools. The compression fabric ensures a snug, yet comfortable and flattering fit.
Furthermore, the short has a wide and comfortable waistband and silicone printed hems to keep them in place.
For anything but ultra-distance riding, these shorts are a fantastic option, that doesn’t hurt your wallet too much, offers good storage options, looks the part, and are durable as well.
- Affordable, durable mid-tier cargo shorts
- None
Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar 5 inch Short
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Sugar 5 inch Short is exactly what it says, a perfect hot conditions cycling short. Either for use on the bike or indoors.
The short offers the Women’s SELECT Escape 1:1® chamois, which is a single-layer seat pad designed for shorter rides. So it’s perfect for a nice summer ride or a quick spin class.
It has two small mesh pockets for you to stow away objects like your keys, cards, or a quick snack. The short is made from soft, lightweight, and high-stretch SELECT Transfer fabric, with a comfortable, wide, non-pinching waistband.
- Short short for the recreational female cyclist
- Not meant for long-distance road cycling
Pearl Izumi Women's Symphony Capri
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Symphony Capri is one of the very few 3/4 cycling tights you will find online. It sits comfortably across the knees and features the same silicone leg grippers used in more traditional cycling shorts.
The standout feature of this high quality capri is the chamois, which is the dual-density Women’s ELITE Escape 1:1® seat pad. It’s one of the most comfortable pads in the market and just one step removed from what pro riders use.
A comfortable waistband is designed to sit snugly but not constrictive during a cycling position. And the Elite transfer fabric keeps you cool, is UV resistant, fits snugly and looks great.
- One of the few capri shorts on the market with high-quality, and comfortable chamois
- None
Castelli Free Aero Race 4 W Short
The Castelli Free Aero Race 4 W Short is probably one of the best cycling shorts out there.
Featuring their high-end Progetto X2 Air Donna chamois, you’re ensured of a comfortable ride. The chamois featured additional inserts for female-specific pressure areas, underneath a soft skin layer, and a multi-density foam layer.
The short has a very lightweight construction with dimpled thigh panels for female cyclists ambitious enough to care about minimal aerodynamic gains. Flatlock stitching ensures a seamless feel and large GIRO4 leg grippers with vertical silicone strips keep the short in the correct place without pinching.
One of the best strapless cycling shorts your money can buy.
- One of the very few performance shorts on the market
- None
Castelli Prima Short
The Castelli Prima Short is an ultra-breathable cycling short made for hot weather conditions.
The short is made from Pro Dry Soft Lycra® which makes it a perfect choice for hot summer riding and indoor cycling.
Furthermore with the KISS Air2 Donna you get more than enough comfort for your average cycling trip. And the short has a snug fit without feeling overly tight.
- Hot weather shorts for weekend warriors
- None
Castelli Velocissima 3 Short
The Castelli Velocissima 3 short offers a slim feel while still offering enough protection to keep you in the saddle comfortably for many hours.
The KISS Air2 Donna chamois is a multi-layered pad with differently gender-specific densities offering moisture-wicking and ventilation aspects in its durable microfiber.
The popularity of Castelli lies in the fact that they offer excellent quality in affordable packages. The Castelli Velocissima 3 short is a great example of this, with a premium-looking short offering the right amount of comfort.
The elegantly striped legs end in firm leg grippers that keep them in place without making your legs look like something you can buy at your local butcher shop.
The cooling Endurance Evolution compression fabric is available in a number of gorgeous colors other than your standard black.
- Great-looking compression shorts
- None
Specifications women's bike shorts for spin class
Name | Price | Chamois | Straps | Material | Hems | Pockets | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearl Izumi Women’s Expedition Short | 100 USD | dual-density Women’s ELITE Escape 1:1® | none | ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric | laser-cut w. silicone gripper | 2 thigh pockets, 1 back pocket | |
Pearl Izumi Women’s Sugar 5 inch Short | 65 USD | Women’s SELECT Escape 1:1™ | none | SELECT Transfer fabric | silicone gripper | 2 mesh stretch pockets on lower legs | |
Pearl Izumi Women’s Symphony Capri | 130 USD | dual-density Women’s ELITE Escape 1:1® | none | ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric | silicone gripper | none | |
Castelli Free Aero Race 4 W Short | 126 USD | Progetto X2 Air Donna | none | Forza fabric | GIRO4 leg gripper | none | |
Castelli Prima Short | 100 USD | KISS Air2 Donna | none | Pro Dry Soft Lycra® | GIRO3 leg gripper | none | |
Castelli Velocissima 3 Short | 120 USD | KISS Air2 Donna | none | Endurance Evolution compression fabric | raw-cut w. silicone | none |
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