7 Sustainable Bike Shorts That Are Just as Cozy as Leggings

Written by

Giulia Lallas

Published

Sustainable bike shorts are basically leggings... for summer. They're comfortable, lounge-worthy, and workout-approved. The only difference between the two is that they have slightly less fabric to keep you cool.

Despite the name, sustainable bike shorts aren't just for workouts. (Although, they are the perfect attire for your at-home spin workouts.) Aside from being a comfortable option for any sweat session or hike, they're also great for lounging or running errands. Style them with an oversized t-shirt or crewneck sweatshirt, and you're all set to hit up Trader Joe's.

Ready to transition your quarantine fashion to summer? Here are the best sustainable bike shorts to start with.

7 Affordable and Sustainable Bike Shorts

1. Tentree inMotion Bike Short, $45

Tentree is a certified B-Corp famous for planting ten trees for every purchase. The brand uses a variety of eco-friendly materials, like the recycled polyester in these bike shorts. The shorts were also ethically made in the Philippines.

2. LA Relaxed Smooth Bike Short, $48

LA Relaxed produces all its clothing in Los Angeles so the company can ensure workers are treated well and paid fairly. It also uses 100 percent vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free materials. These shorts are made of rayon, nylon, and elastane, and come in two colors and a variety of sizes.

3. Girlfriend Collective High Rise Biker Shorts, $48

Girlfriend Collective produces its clothing in a Social Accountability International certified factory, and the brand uses eco-friendly and recycled materials whenever possible. These shorts were dyed using OEKO-TEX certified dyes. Also cool: The brand avoids waste by turning leftover dyes into paving stones, and recycled bottles into shorts like these.

4. Patagonia Nether Bike Liner Shorts, $59

If you want sustainable bike shorts meant for biking, this option from Patagonia is a great choice. There's a cushion in the back designed to lessen the impact of the bike seat. They're also made out of Bluesign-approved recycled nylon and have silicone leg grips to reduce chafing and slipping.

5. PrAna Electric Short, $59

PrAna—a Fair Trade certified company—makes its clothes with respect and responsibility using materials like RDS certified down and recycled fabrics. These shorts come in four cute colors and have a hidden pocket (as well as side pockets!). They're made of recycled nylon and elastane and come with UPF 50+ for sun protection.

6. Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket, $59

Athleta focuses on empowering women, embracing size inclusivity, and making working out comfortable. These shorts are made from an Athleta-original fabric called Powervita (a blend of nylon and lycra spandex). They come in a wide range of sizes, have UPF 50+, and are moisture wicking.

7. Boody Active High-Waisted Short, $62

Boody has a wealth of eco-certifications, including FSC, EcoCert, OEKO-TEX, PETA-approved vegan, and WRAP. It creates its products out of organic bamboo, which in turn makes them so soft. Extra bonus: These shorts also come equipped with a hidden pocket. What more could you want?