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The top 6 best women’s bike shorts for spin class

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

Pearl Izumi Women's Expedition Short
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.

Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar 5 inch Short

Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar 5 inch Short
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.

Pearl Izumi Women's Symphony Capri

Pearl Izumi Women's Symphony Capri
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.

Castelli Free Aero Race 4 W Short

Castelli Free Aero Race 4 W Short
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.

Castelli Prima Short

Castelli Prima Short
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.

Castelli Velocissima 3 Short

Castelli Velocissima 3 Short
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.

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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