Ask someone ten years ago if they'd have thought cycling shorts would become stylish, and they would've laughed in your face. Well, who is laughing now? Never trust a millennial with fashion advice - we should've cut them off after they insisted on putting fringe on everything. I digress - cycle shorts look GOOD. Not like you're about to enter the Tour de France. Let us explain more - here are the best cycling shorts you can shop right now.
You can wear them and look stylish on your bike rides, lounging in your living room or even on a much-missed night out. I mean, Princess Di wore them almost every day once she ditched the royal palace and became a celebrity icon. So, obviously so can we.
They're great under cute dresses you're worried about blowing up in the wind. They look stunning with your substantial collection of crop tops and of course with your best loungewear like trusty oversized t-shirts and hoodies.
If you're convinced about the power of the humble cycling short, it's time to browse the gallery below. Here are our high-street favourites for the best cycling shorts to shop online.
SHOP: Where to get your hands on the best cycling shorts
h&mwww2.hm.com
If you're a cycling shorts fiend, you'll want to stock up on some basic pairs to wear everywhere and H&M has you covered with this two-pack.
amazonWho doesn't love a funky pattern? Go on hun, liven up your loungewear with these cool shorts.
boohoowww.debenhams.com
Honeycomb leggings are all the rage at the mo, so why not get a cute cycling short version? For our tall girlies out there.
stradivariuswww.stradivarius.com
Acid wash hath returned from the noughties, and we couldn't be happier. These are currently 44% off.
new lookwww.newlook.com
Or shop the acid-wash vibe at New Look with these cycling shorts, available in blue, grey and lilac.
peacockswww.peacocks.co.uk
A bit of cheeky leopard print never hurt anyone. These also come in black or lilac if you want something more subtle.
boohoowww.boohoo.com
These stunning ribbed shorts from boohoo can match any oversized tee with ease.
bamboo clothingbambooclothing.co.uk
Want to shop more sustainably? These bamboo fabric shorts come in a range of iconic patterns and shades.
my proteinwww.myprotein.com
Cycle shorts are (obvs) great for the gym, and the MyProtein shorts are no exception, with their sweat-wicking technology.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Perfect for wearing under your summer dress, these lace-detailed, anti-chafing cycle shorts come up to size 28.
How to style your cycling shorts
The go-to way to "style" cycling shorts is with a cool oversized tee. If you want to channel your inner Kim K, pair them with a matching crop top and trainers (or heels if you really want to dress up), and you're good to go.
Want to wear any of the shorts above but need to dress them up a bit? Wear them with a long-fitting blouse. Simply tuck the front in, leave the back out, and add some heels to finish.
For a summer casual look, you could style your trendy new shorts with a matching crop top, chunky trainers and a denim jacket.
And finally, the true benefit of cycling shorts, if you want to wear that cute dress but you're cycling along a windy road, cycling shorts are honestly your best friend. Or, if you want to fend off that pesky chafing.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for heat, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.