The Best Mountain Bike Shorts of 2025

Known more for its premium road and gravel cycling apparel, Velocio recently launched a new line of Off-Road Equipment for both men and women. They currently offer several jerseys, a lightweight trail jacket, riding pants, and two models of shorts, including the Ultralight Trail Shorts ($159) that we got our hands on for testing. It didn’t take long to realize that these are some of the highest-quality shorts on the market. We had the chance to test our shorts with Velocio’s Delta Trail Jersey ($79), which was equally impressive.

Velocio’s expertise in crafting quality road bike apparel is immediately evident in both the fit and finish of the Ultralight Trail Shorts. The paneling of the shorts, articulation, and form-fitting cut are absolutely perfect. They come in nine sizes from XXS to 4XL, covering waist sizes between 27.5 to 40 inches. Our size Medium test pair has a claimed 32-inch waist, and it fits true to size.

Should you need to add a little tension to the waist, the shorts come with a Velocio-branded stretch belt made in collaboration with Arcade belts (also sold separately for $38) that fits through the belt loops. The lack of built-in waist adjusters may put some people off, but it does reduce weight, bulk, and bunching at the waistline, and ours fit so well that we didn’t have to use the belt anyway. Silicone dots across the back of the waistband help keep them in place while riding, and a locking snap at the top of the zipper fly ensures they won’t pop open unexpectedly.

Inseam length varies by size with the Medium we tested coming in at 13.5 inches. They hang right down around the middle of the kneecap while standing, rise slightly above the knee while pedaling, and there is adequate space in the leg opening to work well with low-profile knee pads.

The hem at the knee is bonded and taped, and along with the streamlined fit and ample stretch in the material, they are exceptionally pedal-friendly. The relatively minimal design has two zippered pockets, one on each thigh, that are back-loading and hold contents like a phone out of the way and with impressive stability.

While expensive, they are in line with other high-end mountain bike shorts, plus they include a $35 belt with the purchase. Certainly, some riders will scoff at the lack of waist adjustability, but we found it unnecessary, and the belt has you covered should you need to snug them up. We did notice that the articulation in the waist could cause them to hang a little funny when off the bike, though it is one of the reasons they are so comfortable and high-performing while riding.

If lightweight, excellent fit, and quality construction are important to you, check out the Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts. For something a little burlier, check out the Trail Access Shorts ($179) that are made from a slightly heavier stretch Cordura fabric.

These shorts are some of our favorites because of their awesome style combined with comfort and functionality. Every single time we’ve worn them — provided there are other people on the trails — we’ve gotten compliments on the look, pattern, and style. The Wild Rye Freel Shorts ($139) are similar to the Wild Rye Kaweah but differ in one way — fabric (and thus price).

The Freel is made with a slightly more durable, four-way stretch DWR-treated, water-resistant nylon, as opposed to the Kaweah’s polyester fabric. Both are comfortable. And if you don’t mind dropping a few extra bucks, the durability and feel of the Freel are even better.

The fabric of the Wild Rye Freel Shorts is comfortable and strong, the shorts come in sizes 0 to 18, the fit is complimentary in the saddle, and we love the longer 12-inch inseam on this style. Patterns include desert dream and alpine bloom, or they come in solid black and mahogany. No matter what color or pattern you choose, these shorts look good and transition easily from your ride to hanging with friends afterward.

Two open jeans-style hand pockets are great off the bike, while a zippered pocket on the right thigh perfectly fits a phone and holds it out of the way while riding. The size range should ensure a good fit for most ladies, and although the waist does not have any adjustments, the loops make it easy to snug them up with your favorite belt if needed.

After testing the Wild Rye Freel shorts, it’s easy to see why everyone loves them. These shorts perform well on the bike, look great all the time, and are built to last.

Curious Creatures has been steadily growing its product selection, with the Sun Dog shorts ($125) adding another option for men to the lineup. With a luxuriously soft, lightweight material and a stretchy waistband, these shorts take comfort to new heights while still performing well on the bike.

Compared to the tougher midweight material used in the brand’s Ramble Scramble shorts, the fabric used for the Sun Dog shorts is much softer, lighter, stretchier, and more breathable. Curious Creatures chose a Bluesign-approved 100% polyester with 4-way stretch and a weight of 155 gsm. It feels buttery and soft to the touch and moves freely, allowing for completely unrestricted pedaling and movement on the bike.

The soft, stretchy, yoga-style waistband enhances the comfort of the Sun Dog Shorts. We found the tension in the waistband to be adequate to keep the shorts up, but the drawcord could be useful for those who may need to snug them up around the waist.

The waistline is only lightly articulated, but the stretch in the material and waistband kept them super comfortable in the riding position. This design negates a zipper fly, however, but it was easy enough to take pee breaks, regardless.

We found the 12.5-inch inseam to work well on our long-legged tester, falling just above the knee and providing ample coverage from the sun. We wore these with and without knee pads while testing, and they worked well in both configurations. Otherwise, the fit is relatively slim and streamlined with a low-key and timeless style.

Unlike the pocket-heavy design of the Ramble Scramble shorts, the Sun Dog shorts have a more bike-specific layout. Two zippered pockets, one on each thigh, have vertical zips and a backloading design that makes them easy to access. They fit phones easily and hold their contents off to the side for unencumbered pedaling. A snap pocket on the back adds some off-the-bike utility and a little pop of color.

The Sun Dog shorts are lightweight, but if you’re looking for the lightest shorts around, the 115 gsm material of the Velocio Ultralight shorts can’t be topped. On the flip side, if you’re after something a little more substantial, the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride shorts are made from a slightly heavier and tougher-feeling material, which may be better suited to more aggressive riding and conditions.

Still, the Curious Creatures Sun Dog is tough to beat if you’re looking for soft and supremely comfortable mountain bike shorts. They look good and feel even better, and that’s a win-win in our book.

Outdoor Research has long produced a wide range of quality outdoor apparel. Until somewhat recently, however, the brand did not offer any mountain bike-specific products. That changed when they launched the Freewheel collection, a comprehensive range of mountain bike clothing and accessories. We covered the launch of the Freewheel collection a while back and recently spent more time testing the Freewheel Ride shorts ($115).

Designed to be layered over a liner short, the Freewheel Ride shorts have a relaxed but nicely contoured fit that avoids being excessively baggy. We found the articulated waist and contoured waistband to be very comfortable in the riding position. The locking snap ensures they won’t come undone unexpectedly, and the zipper fly makes for easy nature breaks. The dual waist adjustment straps are very low-profile and worked well to securely snug the waistband.

The 12-inch inseam rose a bit above the knee on our long-legged tester when pedaling, but it is a good length that should work for most riders. The hem is angled up in the back and inside to reduce contact and the potential for chafing the knee, and the size of the opening worked well with or without knee pads. A layer of DuraPrint dimples covers the outside of the knee for added durability in that high-wear area.

The storage consists of two zippered pockets on the thighs. The right side is top-loading, while the left is back-loading. Both are large enough to fit modern smartphones or similar-sized items and hold them on the outside of the thigh in a pedal-friendly location. Ventilation is limited to some laser-cut perforations on the back just below the waistband.

The 4-way stretch material is Bluesign approved and has a tough, durable feel while remaining relatively soft to the touch. They have an impressive amount of stretch vertically, but the horizontal stretch is comparatively a bit limited. Still, we didn’t find them to feel restrictive in any way. Given the midweight of the material, however, they weren’t the most breathable. That said, the DWR coating helped repel water and aided in drying, and they were great for riding anytime it wasn’t scorching hot.

Overall, the Freewheel Ride shorts are a thoughtfully designed and well-made pair of mountain bike shorts. With durable materials, quality construction, and a bike-specific fit, these shorts are ready to ride as hard as you are. At $115, they are priced competitively and are a solid value, too.

Not everyone wants to wear baggy mountain bike shorts when they ride. We tested out the new Shredly Biker Cham ($98), and this design is one of the most functional we’ve ever worn — it’s simply elegant and fashionable. These versatile bike shorts can be worn on their own or under your favorite baggies, depending on the look you’re going for.

You might not think much of the scalloped hem with laser-cut perforations until you pull these shorts on and shred. There’s no need to sacrifice style when it’s packed into such a comfortable chamois that fits smoothly under your baggy shorts or works great and looks cute on its own. The Biker Cham also comes in a range of colors and patterns to match your style.

We also really like the two long stretchy pockets on each side of the shorts. While we tended to wear these as a liner beneath other riding shorts (and wouldn’t use the pockets), we always used those pockets before and after rides while wearing only the Cham. They fit a phone perfectly.

The longer 7-inch length of these chamois is super comfortable and helps protect our skin. The chamois pad itself is densely padded and very appreciated, with a variable thickness of 2-14 mm from the front to the backside. We’re also happy to see the materials are PFAS and PFC-Free, lowering our exposure to potential cancer-causing agents.

If you tend to wear thicker mountain bike shorts over your chamois, get hot easily, or live in a humid, sunny environment, be aware that the fabric of the Shredly Biker Cham is not the most breathable. In contrast, some of the other liner chamois are made of mesh for extreme breathability. This textile is built so that you can wear it alone without an outer layer, and it’s not see-through. The thicker material reduces the breathability that mesh provides.

At the top of the short, there’s technically zero waistband, meaning the fabric tapers off and is super smooth and high-reaching. We found it to be comfortable and rarely saggy. It was so elastic and stretchy that, typically, when we pulled those puppies on, they’d stay. Ultimately, we also love how smooth and buttery the fabric is on these shorts.

Fox Racing has been putting out some of the best mountain bike apparel for a long time, and the latest Defend Shorts ($130) are our favorite for gravity riding. Gone are the days you look like you’re gearing up for a motocross ride when you go to the bike park, these stylish shorts have a much more subdued look and come in three neutral color options. Still, they’re made from a burly fabric to stand up to aggressive riding and have a long inseam that works well with kneepads. 

If you spend your days riding lifts at the bike park, shuttling, or riding super rough terrain, the Defend shorts are up to the task. Made from a rugged recycled material, these shorts brush off encounters with trailside branches or wipeouts without a second thought. They are much more substantial than thinner, lighter options. 

That also makes them a bit heavier, and at 332 g (size 32), they are the heaviest shorts we tested by a significant margin. But, if you value protection and durability for gravity riding, that weight is relatively inconsequential. Laser-cut perforations on the inside of the thighs allow for a bit of airflow, but the thickness of the material also means that these shorts run a bit hotter. Again, if you’re not climbing all day in the heat, it’s not a big deal. 

The Defend shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 40, and our size 32 test pair fit true to size. The offset Race-ratchet closure provides a couple of inches of tension adjustment, is easy to use, and doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable at the waist. The 13.25-inch inseam length is pretty ideal for gravity riding, and these shorts work great with kneepads of all sizes. 

Two zippered hand pockets and a zippered phone/pass pocket on the thigh provide ample storage space. While the thigh pocket perfectly fits a phone, we found that it tended to bounce around a bit while riding, so we opted to carry it in the hand pockets, which worked just fine.

The Fox Defend Shorts also happen to look great. They aren’t excessively baggy, and the solid color options are tasteful and pair well with any jersey in your closet. One small fox head logo on the left thigh is the only branding, a stark contrast to the logo-heavy, moto-styling of gravity shorts of the past.

Specialized is arguably the biggest player in the cycling industry, and the brand is capable of outfitting you from head to toe, as well as bikes, no matter what type of riding you do. The brand has been producing mountain bike apparel for many years, and the Trail Air short ($130) is intended to be a lightweight and well-ventilated short for pedal-heavy trail riding. These shorts deliver a high level of comfort, breathability, and mobility, and are a great option for anyone seeking a minimalist short for riding in warm to hot conditions.

At their retail price, the Trail Air shorts aren’t a particularly great value. But Specialized has deeply discounted them for a while, so you can pick them up for $40 to $50, depending on the color. This pricing undercuts virtually every other short on the market, and is a screaming deal.

The Trail Air shorts have a relatively slim fit through the hips and loose but not excessively baggy legs that cater well to their trail riding intentions. The 13.5-inch inseam hangs down around mid-knee and plays well with light- to mid-duty knee pads. The angled hem is shorter in the back to prevent unwanted calf contact, and the welded hem and taped seams ensure an irritation-free pedaling experience.

Specialized’s Vaporize woven fabric is a blend of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, and it is lightweight, adequately stretchy, highly breathable, and feels great against the skin. Some perforations on the inner thighs and on the back of the waistband aim to add a little more airflow, and these shorts live up to their airy promises.

The Trail Air shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 44, so most people will be able to find a relatively precise fit. A simple ladder strap buckle at the waist is used as both the closure system and the waist adjustment, offering about 2 inches of adjustability.

We did find, however, that our size 32 test pair ran a little big, and we had the ladder strap maxed out and wouldn’t have minded being able to get them a little tighter. There is a bit of stretch in the waistband itself, which is the primary culprit, and we think it might be a good idea to size down if buying these shorts.

A single zippered pocket on the left thigh makes up the storage capabilities. This backloading pocket fits a phone perfectly and holds its contents securely and out of the way of the pedal stroke.

The Specialized Trail Air shorts are a well-designed and constructed pair of lightweight, breathable, and pedal-friendly trail riding shorts that are a great option for riding in the heat of summer. They’ve got a clean aesthetic and minimal branding, and come in several colors to match your taste.

With a baggier look and feel, the Flylow Gear Lola Short ($95) delivers a Tomboy take on women’s mountain shorts, but we can’t get enough of the buttery fabric. New for 2024, the Lola offers a soft hand feel and a forgiving stretch that easily slides over a chamois and is comfortable for big days in the saddle. 

Stretching nearly to the knee, the exterior hem has an angled feminine detail, reminding us of a herringbone pattern. We love that these shorts offer three roomy, stretchy zippered stash zones: two hand pockets and a lengthy one off the right hip. The hand pouch is large enough to stuff a big phone, which holds close to the body and doesn’t jostle while dancing down chunky rock gardens.

Even after one fairly muddy 32-mile ride, during which we absolutely caked the blue-steel color with wet dirt, these shorts came out of the wash without any stains. Score! While we found that the Lola shorts are pretty true to size and super comfortable, we were thankful for the grippy interior silicone patches and the exterior velcro adjusters to help tailor the fit at the waist. The band really does wick sweat, yet it doesn’t loosen over time. For riders that prefer a belt, generous loops line the midriff. The zipper and single-snap closure never popped open on rides, either. 

For sunny and sweat-ridden adventures, the Inuitive IQ MTB fabric is reinforced with 50+ UPF. The quick-drying textile served us well with zero chafing, and it felt adequately breathable in the high alpine. The interior polyester lining is soft against the skin, and while it does pill fast, it’s not visible, and the exterior holds up against a beating. As long as the velcro belt lasts, we’ll be pulling on the baggy, smooth Flylow Lola Shorts for many more miles ahead.

The Norrøna Fjora Flex1 ($159) is among the most durable and protective pairs of shorts out there. The 15-inch inseam is long, with articulation and reinforcement atop the knees, which stay covered even when we’re in the saddle. The added length provides extra protection from the sun, trailside bushes, and unexpected encounters with the ground, and it pairs well with knee pads.

While that construction might be a bit overbuilt for some everyday rides, it’s our go-to for long hours in the saddle in variable conditions — like our self-supported 142-mile Kokopelli Trail ride under brutal sun and dashes of rain. The waistband also reaches higher than our other shorts, adding lower back protection and comfort, especially if we’re wearing a loaded backpack for a long journey.

Despite the extra leg coverage, two front-facing, mesh-lined, zippered vents on the legs of the Norrøna Fjora Flex1 allow airflow if needed on the ride. The integrated Velcro belt is substantial and wide and definitely helps tighten up the shorts, especially on back-to-back days. Two zippered hand pockets and a spacious zippered thigh pocket provide ample space for your storage needs.

If you’re seeking more coverage and protection than most shorts provide, the Norrøna Fjora Flex1 is a great option to consider. While protective, they’ve still got a flattering cut and have you covered, literally, for your most epic mountain bike adventures.

POC has recently made a big push into weather-resistant mountain bike apparel with interesting new models like the wildly expensive $500 Consort MTB Dungaree overalls and shorts like the Bastion ($200). If you ride in wet or highly variable weather conditions regularly and don’t want to wear pants all the time, the three-layer waterproof Bastion shorts are a compelling option to keep you dry without overheating. At $200, they certainly aren’t inexpensive, but they are similarly priced to other fully waterproof shorts on the market.

Of course, not everyone needs or wants waterproof shorts, but those who live in perpetually wet areas or are seeking a little extra wind and water protection for those shoulder season rides are the target market of the Bastion shorts.

Constructed from a three-layer waterproof fabric with fully taped seams, they protect from tire spray in the rear and rain and splashes in the front, keeping you dry if the weather goes south or you choose to go out and ride in the rain. While they aren’t quite as breathable as lightweight nonwaterproof shorts, the fabric does allow heat and moisture to escape, and air easily circulates up from the leg opening to keep you cool.

POC doesn’t specify an inseam length for the Bastion shorts, but we measured it at 15 inches on our size Medium test pair. With an angled hem, they actually feel a bit longer than that, and they provide lots of leg coverage, hanging just below the kneecap while standing and barely rising above it while pedaling. The long cut, along with roomy legs and a fairly large leg opening, plays super well with any kind of knee pads.

At the waist, a single metal snap secures a flap over the zipper fly, and two large external Velcro tabs provide a couple of inches of waistband adjustment. We found the broad waistband to be quite comfy, with minimal bunching from the adjusters, even when snugged up to fit our 32-inch-waisted tester.

There are a total of three pockets, two zippered hand pockets and one on the rear of the waistband. While we don’t love the positioning of the front pockets that hold their contents on the top of the thigh, they provide plenty of space and the mesh lining means they can be used for ventilation if they aren’t carrying anything. The small zippered pocket on the back is the perfect size to fit a credit card or other small, thin items.

While the Bastion shorts are certainly great for riding in wet and sloppy conditions, they aren’t exactly the shorts you want to be wearing when it’s dry or warm. The material is somewhat noisy when pedaling and they are simply overkill when taken out of their conditions niche.

They are indeed a boutique product aimed squarely at specific riders and conditions, but if you’re looking for quality waterproof shorts, the POC Bastion might be a perfect fit.

We questioned how a seemingly simple and high-cut mountain bike short would serve us on the trail and were pretty blown away by just how comfortable the Curious Creatures Marilyn Short ($130) turned out to be. What a perfect ode to an icon! 

Yes, the look is on the “sexier” side, but still sports tech. With a fit on the slimmer side of the baggy spectrum, the waist reaches high, keeping away any chance of a backside flash. We found the extra-high reach to be surprisingly comfortable. A unique waistband allowed us to easily pull these on, zipping up the side and then closing the single snap (with two options for your preferred tightness). The closure never popped open on a ride. 

These shorts reach further down the leg than their sister, the Ramble Scramble. While they’re not baggy, they’re slightly less snug-fitting than the Ramble. Super minimal seams lead to a very smooth, airy feel and a simple, streamlined, uncluttered aesthetic. We don’t typically use pockets on our backside while we ride, so why not keep the look polished? The brand also partnered with a local Montana-based sewing studio, The Stitch House, to handle repairs if those surface down the line. 

Launched in the fall of 2023, Curious Creatures is relatively new on the scene, but we’re already seeing them everywhere on the trails. After trying them for ourselves, it’s easy to see why. We appreciate the fusion of flattering cuts and a fun yet technical vision for ladies on bikes. 

Don’t sleep on the Curious Creatures Marilyn if you’re after a high-performance, comfortable, slim-fitting, and minimalist pair of mountain bike shorts. Slender and form-celebrating yet functional, we like to think Marilyn would love these shorts, too.

Talk about hipster — making a new mark on the mountain bike scene, the Curious Creatures Ramble Scramble Short ($139) marries the look of jean cutoffs and trail shred. And we really dig ‘em. 

Founder and designer Natasha Woodworth launched the brand in the fall of 2023, and we’re stoked to finally put down miles with the apparel. Following more than a decade on Patagonia’s design team — where she rocketed off the women’s MTB and touring lines — plus years with Quicksilver, Lady Gaga, and Marc Jacobs, she established a new fun-yet-technical vision for ladies on bikes. 

With a slim fit, the Ramble Scramble hits mid-thigh and hikes a bit while pedaling, showing the hem of our chamois (We love the feminine, scalloped hem on the Shredly Biker Cham, and we don’t mind getting peeks while we roll!). With sizable biker quads, we recommend sizing up if you don’t want a hug. But we’ll say the fabric is deliciously malleable and smooth, so the fit doesn’t bug. Inside, a drawcord is available to help snug up the waistband, which is comfy and goes unnoticed. 

Lightweight and treated with PFC-free DWR, the surface repels moisture (woohoo!), and the feel? Super soft. Decorated with pockets, there are two rear and two hand pockets without zip closures. There’s also a tiny inset pocket on the right side, hanging above the hand pouch. On the right is also a broad envelope pocket and a smaller zippered pocket, which fits an ID or key fob (but not a large phone). While we wouldn’t use most of the pockets while we rip singletrack because they lack security, we appreciate their presence post-ride. Also, we love that the Curious Creatures eyeball logo is visible on our back right pocket as we pedal. 

The roundup of pockets reminds us of lifestyle shorts — and even one-ups with regard to storage — and that’s a special niche these mountain bike shorts fill. As soon as we’re done on dirt, we pull off our chamois and keep sporting these shorts as an everyday summer piece in our wardrobe. One niggle: the garment’s hand pocket tends to get ruffled when we pull items out, so they need a little manual ironing with our hands. Not a big deal but it’s a tad annoying. The issue would likely be less prevalent if we’d sized up instead of going slim with the fit. 

Ladies who want a fun, stretchy pair of mountain bike shorts they can seamlessly wear from happy hour shreds to grabbing dinner with the crew, look no further than the Curious Creatures Ramble Scramble Short. We recommend rocking these shorts on your rest days, too.