We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A reviewer-beloved pair of high-waisted biker shorts because they'll instantly become your new summer uniform. They're lightly compressive, super breathable for exercising *and* relaxing, and even have sneaky side pockets for your phone or snacks. #Priorities.
Promising review: "Gone are the days of slathering Vaseline on my thighs before my long runs! These shorts don't slip down, they don't ride up, and they have pockets that actually fit my entire hand. I'm training for a summer race and these shorts seriously saved my life. Best running shorts by I've tried by far." —J. Madrian
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL, three lengths, and in 38 colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
2. A pair of printed bike shorts that come in 72 (!!!) fun, quirky, and totally unexpected patterns so you can have something new to wear every day this summer.
Promising review: "I used these on a camping trip, and they held up great, they are very soft, and breathable, the best part was they were not see through when bending over. The length was great, helps avoid any thigh chafing." —Nataly Trevizo
Get it from Amazon for $9.53+ (available in sizes S–3X and 72 prints).
3. A suuuper soft three-pack of bike shorts because you don't want to worry about *not* being able to wear your biker shorts one day because they're in the wash. You can even get the packs in different colors for more variety!
Promising review: "These are good quality for what you pay for. I wanted tight shorts for going on walks or for wearing with loose fitted shirts at the end of summer days. These fit the bill. They keep my thighs from chafing. They’re comfortable and stretchy." —Sarah
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 12 color combos).
4. A pair of ridiculously soft and bold Free People seamless bike shorts so comfy you'll wonder what took you so long to buy these beauties. They'll quickly turn into your designated errand shorts sans chafing or just the perfect pair to lounge around the house.
Promising review: "From the comfortable stretching fabric to the integrated design, these are my go-to for exercise shorts or when I want a little more under a short dress. Even the label info is printed, so no bumps, seams or uncomfortable tags to worry about. So comfortable you could forget you have them on." —Larimar
Get it from Free People for $20 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors).
5. A pair of comfy cotton bike shorts reviewers are obsessed with because of how unbelievably lightweight and soft they are *and* for all the fun colors you can get them in!
6. A pair of neon colorblock bike shorts so unique, you'll have everyone desperately wondering where you got them so they can look fabulous ~and~ be chafe-free all summer too.
Curtis Brands is an LA-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2014 that specializes in fashion forward, comfortable apparel.
Promising review: "The shorts are so amazing and they make me feel like workout Barbie. The stitching is fantastic and the seller totally helped me out. She answered all my questions and even sent a pic of her in her pair of the shorts. They are so cute and comfy. They wick sweat really well and I stayed cool in them in the heat of Phoenix!" —Hannah Sampson
Get it from Curtis Brands on Etsy for $25 (available in sizes S–2XL).
7. A pair of faux leather bike shorts because your other pairs are just a bit ~too~ casual and these give your look a little bit of an edge. Pair them with a cute sweatshirt and chunky sneakers and you'll *basically* be Princess Diana's long-lost cooler sister.
8. A pair of Girlfriend Collective's classic high-rise biker shorts with over 5,000 customer-loved reviews — they are designed to be comfortably compressive with ride-up resistant fabric (bye-bye chafing!), and they're even eco-friendly! The shorts are made out of recyclable materials, using RPET (a recyclable polyester) and old water bottles. Isn't that neat?!
Promising review: "I have four pairs of the black bike shorts now, they’re pretty much my WFH uniform. Comfy enough to sit and work, but also have enough compression and high rise for me to feel comfortable when taking my dog out on a power walk. If you’re plus size and wondering if they’ll be tight around your legs/thighs, I didn’t find that, they’re pretty great." —Courtney C.
Get it from Girlfriend Collective for $48 (available in sizes XXS–6XL and six colors).
9. A pair of moisture-wicking bike shorts designed for all day comfort so you can *literally* wear them all day and not feel like you're being suffocated like you would in a dreaded pair of jeans. Do people still wear those?
Promising review: "This is a great pair of workout shorts. I love the feel of the material - soft, yet still wicking. For me, it's the perfect combination of high waist and longer inseam, and everything stays put - the waistband doesn't slip or sag, and the leg openings don't roll up. The inseam is long enough that my thighs don't chafe, but not so long that the length looks weird. I may ultimately get other colors as well." —Laura H.
Get it from Amazon for $26 (available in XS–3XL and 13 styles).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
10. A pair of metallic biker shorts to wear for your medium- and high-impact workouts and feel like you can take on the world without worrying about your thighs creating unnecessary friction. It even has a subtle shine for some extra ~flair~.
11. A pair of Superfit Hero's wickaway pocket bike shorts designed with their signature Superhold fabric, which is soft, stretchy, *and* supportive so you don't have to worry about these bad boys slipping down *or* up, causing the unnecessary chafe we despise so much.
Superfit Hero is a US-based, female-founded small business established in 2015 that specializes in sustainable, premium activewear for sizes L–7XL.
Promising review: "I’ve had these for a while but have generally felt nervous about wearing skintight anything in public so I haven’t given them a real test. Today I said 'what the hell, you only live once' and wore them on a hike. They were SO GOOD! Super supportive, wicking, zero chafing, stayed put both on the waist and the leg, made my butt look great 😉, laid flat under the waist belt of my pack... these shorts are the real deal — just more confirmation that Superfit Hero is the place to go for serious athletic gear for larger bodies. I will definitely be hiking in them in the future!" —Mollie S.
Get it from Superfit Hero for $75 (available in sizes L–7XL and six styles).
12. A tag-free jersey bike short for when you want a perfectly thin, breathable fabric without sacrificing the opaqueness.
Promising review: "I was looking for something that would help with chafing but also be cute enough to wear in public. I was very worried they’d be too loose but they fit me PERFECTLY! I have thicker thighs so if you have thinner thighs maybe size down so they’re not loose, but I was very impressed. Comfortable, stayed put all day, very cute, I love these and will be ordering more" —Kristin
Get it from Amazon for $7.90+ (available in sizes 1X–5X and two colors).
13. A pair of workout and yoga-friendly bike shorts you can get in various fun patterns, like dots, camo, and cheetah, if you're looking to step up your athleisure-wear.
Promising review: "I LOVE THEM. They are extremely comfortable and soft. They are very stretchy; you don’t feel totally compressed and uncomfortable. No chafing because of the length. I sweat a lot when I work out so it leaves me with the embarrassing “crotch” sweat. These shorts DO NOT SHOW ANY SWEAT. It’s like it completely wicks away any moisture. Saves me from being embarrassed while working out and also saves a trip to go home and change while already out on the road. I LOVE THESE. I will be buying more and have recommended it to my friends." —Amazon_user8
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes XS–2XL and 17 prints).
14. A pair of reverse tie-dye bike shorts for anyone who wasn't a big fan of the typical tie-dye look, but still want to look ~trendy~. The inseam is the perfect length to prevent chafing too so you'll look cool aaand be comfortable!
Dye It Culture is a North Carolina-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in one-of-a-kind, reverse-dyed pieces.
Promising review: "Awesome shorts , so soft and comfortable! Love the design and the compliments .😎 I wasn’t sure of size the seller immediately answered ,so helpful. Just ordered a hoodie!" —Kathleen Phee
Get it from Dye It Culture on Etsy for $25 (available in sizes S–XL).
15. A bike short two-piece set that comes complete with a matching bra so you don't ever have to worry about not matching *or* chafing. My two worst enemies.
Promising review: "I was actually quite surprised how well this set fits and the quality of the material. This is an absolute steal!! I love the ribbed look, snug but has a lot of elasticity to it. I’ve already gotten so many compliments at the gym and would highly recommend this brand to anyone! Looking at buying at least two more colors! Literally the best!!" —Syndey
Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in sizes S–L and 11 colors).
16. A customizable bike short for when you can't ever seem to find the perfect length when shopping for shorts that prevent chafing. All you have to do is tell the seller how long you want the inseam!
Elven Forest is a custom, sustainably made clothing shop made up of a team of women based primarily in Colorado and established in 2011.
To order these, you can decide first on a color (black or brown), a size (XS–XL), a preferred waistband (regular or foldover), and then let the seller know your preferred inseam (how long you want the shorts to be). You can measure this in inches from your crotch to the point on your thigh where you want the shorts to fall.
Promising review: "I adore these shorts. They fit perfectly and don't roll up my legs at all. The fabric feels very durable and remains opaque when worn. I'm looking forward to wearing these for a long time." —priesterin
Get it from Elven Forest on Etsy for $32 (available in sizes XS–XL, eight colors, and in custom lengths and waistbands).
17. A longer 12-inch design because sometimes even biker shorts can be *too* short. These baddies go right to the knee, so chafing is practically nonexistent. Reviewers say these feel like LuluLemon dupes!
18. A pair with mesh panels on the side for extra breathability on those especially hot summer days when even biker shorts feel too long.
Promising review: "I've been doing outdoor bootcamps and it's too hot for leggings so I've been turning to bike shorts. These don't ride up, they're long enough to combat inner thigh chafing, the high waistband doesn't roll down, and the mesh detail makes them super cute. I also like the 2 side pockets and key pocket in the waistband." —Shelley C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes XS–2XL and 12 colors).
19. And finally, a super soft cotton-spandex design if you love wearing sweatpants, but it's just waaay too hot this summer for those. These are perfectly soft and comfortable for all the chafe-free lounging you plan on doing this season.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these shorts. They were quickly shipped and were EXACTLY as described. They fit perfectly and are the right length. I am short and normally have to roll or hem my shorts. These are perfect." —MaryAnn
Get it from Little Purapple on Etsy for $19.95+ (available in sizes S–5XL and 32 colors).
You to your new shorts.
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