The 7 Best Bike Shorts for Thick Thighs Reviews & Guide 2024

I hate to say it, but my mom was wrong. They do make bike shorts that don’t squeeze thighs. You don’t have to size up and deal with a gaping waistband to get them to fit your legs. Nope, the best bike shorts for thick thighs fit a curvy body and feel oh so comfortable.

Buyer’s guide to picking the best bike shorts for thick thighs

Did you know that there are three kinds of biker shorts? They include mountain biking, cycling, and casual bike shorts. In our search for the perfect bike shorts for large thighs, we reviewed all three types. Here’s how to get the best pair of biking shorts.

Purpose

Why are you buying bike shorts? Are they for a spin class or riding on trails? Would you like a pair for lounging or to wear underneath a skirt? Once you know the type of bike shorts you want, it’s easier to sort through search results.

For example, specialty bike shorts for cycling usually come with pads that may or may not be removable. But padded bike shorts aren’t ideal if you just want to relax by the pool, run errands, or do Zumba. The reviews below start with casual bike shorts and also include road biking and mountain biking shorts.

Fit

How do you want your bike shorts to fit? Do you like them short, mid-thigh, or down to the knee? Check the inseam length against your own measurements if you’re purchasing online. When in doubt, mid-length shorts look good on pretty much everyone.

Also, consider if you want a high-waisted pair (makes short legs look longer) or prefer shorts that ride low on the hips.

Lastly, most bike shorts are close-fitting and some are quite snug. Keep that in mind when choosing the size.

Size

Those of us with athletic thighs hate it when shorts roll up or pinch at the same time the waistband needs a belt to stay up. Your best bet is to take all your measurements before shopping – don’t just go off last year’s pair. Measure your natural waistline near the belly button, around the hips at the widest point, and the inseam from the crotch to the knee. It’s also a good idea to wrap the tape around your thighs just above the knee. Sometimes the size chart will show the leg opening and that can help you decide if you’ll be comfortable in that pair.

Fabric

Cotton shorts are great for keeping cool but they stay damp if you sweat. Synthetics wick moisture away from the skin but tend to hug the body.

Thin fabric is appealing for lounging around the house but if it fits too close, it will reveal cellulite. Thick fabric and dark colors disguise size and uneven texture.

But really, the most important thing is comfort. Go ahead and start browsing the best bike shorts for big thighs:

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Best Bike Shorts for Thick Thighs in 2024

Hanes Women’s Stretch Jersey Bike Short

We started our search for bike shorts for curvy figures with the standby favorite, Hanes. These are cheap and comfy with soft stretchy fabric. Just as important, they are machine-washable.

The material is mostly cotton with polyester and a bit of spandex. They are thin enough to wear under a dress to prevent thigh chafing and thick enough for a quick trip to the grocery store.

They have a 7-inch inseam which hits about mid-thigh on average people. Reviewers with athletic thighs say that the shorts are close-fitting similar to Spanx. Repeated washing and drying fade the colors and may shrink the shorts slightly. The only con is that they only come in black and charcoal colors.

Pros:

• Affordable bike shorts for casual wear
• Cotton/polyester/spandex blend is close-fitting and stretchy
• 7-inch inseam prevents chafing
• Machine-washable and dryable

Cons:

• Only available in black or charcoal

AJISAI Women’s Pro Compression Biker Shorts with Side Pockets

These biker shorts for women are made for exercising, everyday activities, and relaxing. They aren’t ideal for spin class as they have no padding.

The fabric is 75% nylon and 25% spandex which feels sleek. It wicks away sweat and prevents the thighs from rubbing while running. There’s no cotton crotch but there is a triangular gusset to keep seams from rubbing in the wrong places.

Moreover, the shorts are designed to provide compression for better blood circulation and quicker recovery from workouts.

There are two styles: one with side pockets (large enough for a phone) and the other without. Both have an 8 ½-inch inseam that passes mid-thigh. They don’t seem to curl up on thick legs and they have a high waist to keep them from rolling down.

Choose from a handful of colors in sizes small to XXL.

Pros:

• Suitable for casual wear and workouts
• Sleek nylon/spandex blend wicks away moisture
• Triangular gusset protects against seams rubbing
• High waist doesn’t roll down
• Compression for faster recovery and better circulation

Cons:

• Only a few colors available
• Be sure to designate whether you want with or without pockets

Just My Size Women’s Plus-Size Stretch Jersey Bike Shorts

One of the downsides to thick thighs is chub rub, but any comfy pair of bike shorts can help with that. Still, a lot of athletic shorts are too small for curvy women. Not so this pair – Just My Size goes up to 5X for plus-sized comfort. They have a 9-inch inseam, too.

We’ve all seen someone wearing stretchy material that was see-through. No worries here, this cotton/spandex blend is opaque. This pair has a tag-free waist and it pulls on like regular leggings with no drawstring. The interior seams are flat to prevent chafing.

Happy reviewers say that the shorts hug thick thighs and don’t roll up or down. There’s no restrictive waistband that would cause muffin top, either. No wonder these are so popular!

Pros:

• Available in sizes up to 5X
• Flat seams and tagless waistband that doesn’t roll down
• 9-inch inseam reaches below midthigh to prevent chafing
• Stretchy cotton/spandex blend is close-fitting and opaque

Cons:

• We hope they never go out of stock

Women’s Teamwear Plus Size Bike Shorts

These are soft and breathable cotton athletic shorts for thick thighs. They come in sizes up to 5X (28-30) in a variety of colors.

The four-way stretch fabric is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It feels lightweight but it’s not see-through. With a 7-inch inseam, they hit mid-thigh for tall people and just above the knees on shorter folks. But if you’re not happy with the fit, they come with a satisfaction guarantee.

The US brand manufactures other types of bike shorts including high-performance stretch shorts, bike shorts with pockets, and biker shorts with ruched sides.

Be aware that they may shrink slightly after washing, so size up when in doubt.

Pros:

• Available in sizes up to 5X in attractive colors
• 7-inch inseam and elastic waistband
• Cotton-spandex fabric is stretchy and lightweight but not see-through
• Brand offers a satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Fabric is primarily cotton and may shrink after washing

Danskin Women’s Essentials Bike Short

We argued about whether to include Danskin bike shorts because they used to be the default choice for a lot of women but the quality may have gone downhill. Recent reviews complain that the fabric is thinner and not as durable. We hope this is only a temporary glitch.

The shorts are made with a cotton/poly blend with a touch of spandex. They are basic but comfortable, with a 7-inch inseam and a triangular gusset in the crotch.

Fortunately, they are machine-washable but only come in black or charcoal colors.

Pros:

• Popular choice for gym workouts and lounging
• Cotton-poly blend with spandex for a close fit
• 7-inch inseam and triangular gusset
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• There may have been a recent change in the manufacturing process
• Only 2 colors available

beroy Women’s Cycling Shorts

If you’re ready to work up a sweat in spin class, here are the best plus-size padded bike shorts. They come in sizes from extra small to 3XL. You might also enjoy them when cycling on the road.

The machine-washable bike shorts are 100% microfiber with an impressive six-way stretch. They don’t feel binding even though they fit snugly. That’s essential when it comes to biking shorts that need to feel like a second skin.

The chamois padding is sewn into the crotch and molded for a woman’s comfort. It guards against chafing, soreness, and abrasion along with the seamless inner leg. The leg openings have soft silicone grippers that stretch to fit muscular legs. They keep the shorts from rolling up. What’s more, there are also reflective logos to keep you visible in low light.

By the way, the multi-density foam padding is designed to stay dry and it has a bacteriostatic treatment to prevent odors and saddle sores.

Pros:

• Designed for road biking and spin class
• Fit like a second skin and prevent chafing
• Bacteria-resistant padding reduces odors and prevents saddle sores
• Six-way stretch fabric is machine-washable
• Silicone grippers keep legs from rolling up but don’t pinch thick thighs

Cons:

• Chamois padding is non-removable but the shorts are machine-washable

PRIESSEI Women’s Bike Shorts with Padding

Mountain bikers appreciate these bike shorts with removable padding. The padding is a liner – basically underwear – that prevents soreness after long miles of pedaling. Their fit is a little looser than cycling shorts, making them pleasant for day hikes, too.

You can also enjoy the shorts for city cycling and gym workouts. They have three handy zippered pockets and a stretchy waistband with a Velcro and snap closure.

The bike shorts can be worn without the liner over a normal pair of underwear, too. The fabric is 92% polyester, 8% spandex, and it’s machine-washable.

Although the shorts only come in black or gray, they are available in sizes from small to XXL.

Pros:

• Suitable for mountain biking, city cycling, workouts, hiking, etc.
• Removable padded liner protects against saddle sores and abrasion
• Can be worn without the liner as a regular shorts
• 3 zippered pockets

Cons:

• Only 2 colors

Conclusion

The good news is that it’s not hard to find bike shorts for thick thighs. Whether you want a casual pair, something to wear under other clothing, or biker shorts for a big workout, there’s something for everyone.

We hope our reviews helped you find your new favorite pair of shorts today. If you’re happy with them, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave us a comment below.