When the bike shorts revival first struck the zeitgeist in 2018, I ignored it. Mostly because I’m not a shorts person. I’ve long preferred flowy summer pants to tight summer shorts (a preference that emerged shortly after my best friend’s grandmother shamed me for slipping my long legs into short shorts way back in high school—yikes). But as bike shorts strengthened their hold over the 2018 sartorial sphere, I became increasingly convinced of their value. Because they’re not shorts so much as they are short leggings—and while I’m not much of a shorts person, I’m definitely a leggings person.
My realization that bike shorts were really just another excuse to sport athleisure on the reg came too little, too late. Bike shorts exited the zeitgeist once temperatures started dropping in September, and I was left without a pair of short leggings to show for it. Imagine my delight, however, when I noticed bike shorts creeping back into retailers this February, when brands traded winter wares for warmer-weather options. Could it be? Would bike shorts reign over spring/summer 2019 just as they’d reigned over spring/summer 2018?
All signs point to yes. Embark on a digital shopping spree, and you’ll notice that bike shorts abound. Even better: They’re available in more colors, cuts and prints than they were last year—leaving you with all kinds of opportunities to sport bike shorts (AKA summer-friendly leggings) in the coming season. So if you, too, are a bike shorts skeptic-turned-bike shorts fiend, rest assured knowing you didn’t miss your chance to get in on the comfy AF movement. It’s back, and it’s ready to be shopped.
A short that combines an oh-so trendy print with an oh-so trendy silhouette—and comes in a matching set. Need I say more?
In case you prefer your athleisure with a side of dainty details.
Animal prints tend to be fall/winter favorite, but these bike shorts make it easy to bring them well into spring/summer.
Can’t decide which color you prefer? Snag both.
A retro approach to a retro trend.
Athletic enough to actually wear cycling.
Because bike shorts don’t have to be over-the-top to make a statement.
The scalloped hem leaves these black bike shorts feeling anything but basic.
Not your average take on spring florals.
This straight-out-of-the-’80s trend looks great in saturated shades.
They’re called bike shorts for a reason.
Perfect for parties, festival season and statement-making everyday wear.
The sleekest bike shorts I’ve laid eyes on this season.
An absolute classic.
What’s spring/summer without a little gingham, right?
The next time someone tells you bike shorts can’t be sexy, show them this.
So cute you might be tempted to live in them. So cozy you actually probably could.
The perfect day-at-the-park ensemble.
Stay cute. Stay cozy.
In case you prefer off-black to black.
Sure to complement—rather than overwhelm—the daintier pieces in your spring/summer wardrobe.
A striking color—and the perfect way to wear it.
Is it possible to own too many pairs of black bike shorts? (Clearly not asking for a friend.)
For the lover of neutrals who prefers a warmer palette.
A less over-the-top approach to the tie-dye bike short.
Throw on a T-shirt, some sneaks and call it a day.
Scalloped black bike shorts are clearly having a moment.
Sure to play well with any neutral in your closet.
A subtler take on the whole animal print bike shorts thing.
Bike shorts fit for the club.
The most party-worthy short around.
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