Design & Style

5 Biker Shorts Outfits: How to Style Biker Shorts

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Mar 8, 2022 • 2 min read

A pair of tight-fitting biker shorts can be for working out or lounging, or you can wear the sporty spandex shorts as part of a casual look.

Learn From the Best

What Are Biker Shorts?

Biker shorts, also known as cycling shorts, are skin-tight shorts usually made out of spandex. Bikers were biking shorts to improve comfort, reduce wind resistance, and protect the skin from friction caused by pedaling legs. These shorts come in many designs and colors, ranging from classic black biker shorts to tie-dye patterns. In addition to being athleticwear, bike shorts are a form of loungewear and can be part of a street style outfit.

5 Ways to Wear Biker Shorts

There are many combinations to play with when styling biker shorts to inspire varied outfit ideas. Consider the following biker short outfits for on and off the bike:

  1. 1. Try an oversized T-shirt. The contrast of an oversize tee and tight biker shorts works well for a trendy, casual look. Try shorts in a neutral color to go with a louder graphic tee. In colder weather, you can wear a hoodie to go with your shorts.
  2. 2. Make a fun workout outfit. If you are looking for a more elevated workout outfit, wear a sports bra and biker shorts that match.
  3. 3. Dress up your shorts. Create a cool street style by pairing your shorts with a cardigan over a tee or wearing them with a blazer over a button-down shirt for a bolder look.
  4. 4. Create a summery outfit. You can apply this shorts trend to summer outfits—wear beige or gray biker shorts, white sneakers, and a bright crop top for a pop of color.
  5. 5. Go for a trendy look with perennial favorites. You can sport a pair of high-waist biker shorts, a crisp white tee, and a denim jacket for a timeless look.

3 Tips for Styling Biker Shorts

You can style bike shorts to make this activewear work in various settings. Follow these tips:

  1. 1. Pair with a loose top. Biker shorts are light, tight, and thin—perfect for comining with a loose-fitting dress or top. You can wear a cotton dress or a baggy tee with a pair of biker shorts for extra coverage.
  2. 2. Wear a matching set. Pair biker shorts with a crop top or tee with a matching color or pattern for a cohesive or monochromatic look.
  3. 3. Pair with vintage clothing. A baggy, vintage sweatshirt can go great with some biker shorts and chunky crew socks à la Princess Diana, who popularized this style of streetwear in the 1980s.

Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashionista?

Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style maestro. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.