In terms of your bottom half, there used to be pretty much two clothing options when riding a bike. One was Lycra, the other was being uncomfortable. And commuting by bike would inevitably mean taking a change of trousers.
For those without decent changing facilities at work, this can be difficult. It can also be off-putting for people thinking about commuting.
Mercifully, things have changed since then. There’s now such a range of cycling-specific trousers (or trousers suitable for cycling), that we’re literally spoilt for choice.
Why is this? Put simply, because there’s a demand for them. It’s a great feeling to arrive at work in a pair of trousers that are comfy and look good. It’s an even better feeling to know you can wear them for the whole day. Not having to change is just one less thing to worry about.
And there are cycling trousers now to accommodate any dress code, whether formal or casual.
Can You Cycle in Trousers?
Yes you can. There are plenty of trousers that are suitable to cycle in, but the best will be those designed specifically for cyclists. Whatever your choice of style, the cycling-specific version will have extra features for functionality.
Technically, you could probably cycle in most trousers (although PVC or yoga bottoms might be a bit tricky), but the cycling-specific ones are going to ensure a much more comfortable ride.
The trousers you commute in may be different to the trousers you wear on your weekend rides, depending on the type of cycling you do. Ideally, they should be trousers you can wear in your workplace and wherever you choose to go afterwards.
But as your commute is part of your day, it’s vital that whatever you’re wearing keeps you as comfortable as possible on your bike.
What Trousers Are Good for Cycling?
Regardless of style and brand, trousers that are good to cycle in will have certain common features. Decent cycling trousers will be slim-fitting (but not necessarily skin-tight), tough, but lightweight and breathable. Chinos are one of the best options because they have all of these qualities.
Close-fitting trousers that are not cycling-specific may not have the right amount of stretch to keep you comfortable. They’ll also wear out more quickly as they rub against the seat while you pedal.
Baggier trousers may be comfortable generally, but they’re not ideal for cycling. Flappy trousers getting caught in the chain will not only rip them and/or cover them in oil, but can be dangerous too.
To avoid this, you can of course roll up the right leg, or wear a clip – but if you’re anything like me, you’ll already be feeling pretty squeamish by now at such a prospect.
Tucking trousers into socks is also an option, and I mention this reluctantly as this really is shaky territory in terms of style. Think ‘Compo’ from Last of the Summer Wine. Enough said.
So, assuming you want to avoid a fashion abyss – chinos, with their close, straight fit, are not only suitable for cycling but they look great too. Oozing urban style and flexible enough for a range of occasions, they can be smart or casual. Cycling chinos will give you even greater comfort and protection.
And although ordinary jeans are pretty awful to cycle in for any length of time, there is now a range of functional and stylish cycling jeans that are tailor-made to keep you comfortable on your commute and throughout the day.
Women’s Cycling Trousers for Commuting [KEY FEATURES]
Although some regular trousers are fine to cycle in, choosing a pair that have been designed and made for cyclists will make your ride more comfortable, and they’ll wear better too.
Whatever your taste, let’s take a look now at the key features to think about when choosing a good pair of cycling trousers. Not every pair of trousers will have all of these features, but even those with some of them will help you get the most out of your commute:
- Close fitting – to avoid getting covered in oil or caught in the bike chain
- Stretchy fit – material that gives and stretches is naturally more comfortable for activity
- Gusseted crotch – is a reinforced crotch area that will prevent the trousers wearing as they rub against the seat
- Breathability – this is vital to prevent overheating and over-sweating, often achieved through a blend of cotton and synthetic materials
- Moisture wicking – essential, to stop you becoming (and staying) damp and smelly, and also to prevent chaffing
- Water resistant – to protect you in light rain
- Durable – some cycling trousers will have tougher fabric and extra reinforced areas to prevent wear
- Reflective details – for greater visibility and safety
- Deep pockets – to keep your important items safe
- Style – last, but not least. It’s important to look good, right?
And now, our recommendations. We’ve narrowed down seven varied and fantastic options for you.
Best Urban Cycling Trousers for Women [Top 7]
- DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans [REVIEW]
- Ministry of Supply Momentum Chino [REVIEW]
- Sigr Riksväg 99 Women’s Cycling Chino [REVIEW]
- Osloh Women’s Porteur Bicycle Jean [REVIEW]
- DUER No Sweat Pants [REVIEW]
- Bluffworks Palma Chino [REVIEW]
- Levi’s 311 Jeans [REVIEW]
Best Waterproof Cycling Trousers for Women
1. DUER All-Weather Denim
Waterproof cycling jeans with plenty of stretch
- Stylish stretchy jeans for bike riding
- Classic 5-pocket design
- Gussetted crotch and reinforced seams
We love these jeans so much that they’re our #1 recommended cycling jeans for women. A little while ago our co-founder, Pete, reviewed the men’s version and was blown away. The women’s version are equally brilliant. Not only are they fully waterproof and windproof, but they look gorgeous too.
A lot of cycling trousers are water resistant, but the Duer All-Weather have a waterproof membrane to keep you fully protected without compromising on style and comfort.
And these jeans are so comfortable that you’ll forget you’re actually wearing jeans. They have more than enough stretch for cycling (or any activity), and also feature the Duer signature hidden gusset for greater flexibility and range of motion.
The look of these jeans is flattering and chic. Available in two styles, the Straight fit are slim-fitting (without being absolutely skin tight), and the High-rise offer a more relaxed fit.
They also have reflective details under the cuff and at the waistband, and four pockets that are deep enough to keep your keys, money (and anything else) totally safe while you’re on the move.
All in all, these are outstanding jeans that combine beauty along with a host of tech features to keep you warm, dry and super-stylish in the winter.
A pair of great-looking jeans that do a remarkably good job of keeping you dry thanks to their waterproof and windproof membrane.
Also a great fit for cycling and offer plenty of stretch with 2% LYCRA featured in the material.
Most Stylish Urban Cycling Trousers
2. Ministry of Supply Women’s Momentum Chino
Stylish chinos for cycling ladies
- Extremely lightweight and breathable
- Five pockets (inc. hidden in-seam earbuds pocket)
- DWR finish that repels rain
These chinos are cool in every way: they look great and they’re light and breathable. They’re so great, in fact, that they are our #1 recommend women’s cycling chinos.
The Momentum Chino for women is a trouser that does a remarkable charge of feeling really good, stretchy and breathable while you’re cycling to work but it still manages to look extremely sharp and can fit into an office-environment without anyone suspective that these chinos are built for active performance.
These Ministry of Supply ladies’ chinos are soft, durable and strechy thanks to their blend of “hollow-core” Polyester, Nylon and Elastane.
They’re also quite customisable in terms of style as they have an adjustable inseam so they can’t be worn at full length or ankle length. There are also drawstrings on the inside of the pants and these can be left hanging out or tucked in,
Colours:
Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Two deep rear pockets
- One small in-seam earbuds pocket
Materials:
- 58% Polyester
- 31% Nylon
- 11% Elastane
Features:
✅ Stretch
✅ Breathable
✅ Cycling fit
✅ Water repellent
Shipping Notes:
- Based in the US
- International shipping available
Price*:
- UK: £105*
- EU: €122*
- US: $ 145
*correct at time of writing
Super stylish chinos that are even smart enough for the office.
But these chinos are also perfect for cycling as they are stretchy, lightweight and breathable.
Women’s Reflective Cycling Chinos
3. Sigr Riksväg 99 Women’s Cycling Chino
Stylish chinos packed with cycling functionality
- Cycling cut built for on-bike comfort
- Four pockets
- Reflective detailing on rear pockets and trouser leg (when rolled up)
Available in navy blue, khaki or black, the Sigr cycling chinos for women are a stunning pair of trousers that look great at your destination and are packed with discreet functionality for cycling.
As well as being stretchy and breathable, the Riksväg 99 Ladies’ Chino also featured reflective detailing on the rear pockets as well as on the right leg when the trouser is turned up.
They’re made from a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex which ensures ensures they’re lightweight and offer plenty of stretch for cycling, while there’s plenty of good pockets that won’t let your valuables fall out when you pedal.
Colours:
Pockets:
- Two front hand pockets
- Two buttoned rear pockets
Materials:
- 48% Cotton
- 48% Polyester
- 4% Spandex
Features:
✅ Stretch
✅ Breathable
✅ Cycling fit
✅ Reflective detailing
Shipping Notes:
- Based in Sweden
- International delivery,
- Free shipping in Europe (inc. UK)
- Free Rest of World Shopping on orders over $ 120
- No import tax across Europe, and no import tax (up to $ 800) in America (more info here)
Price*:
- UK: £86
- EU: €100.95
- US: $ 119
*correct at time of writing
Created in Sweden, these stylish cycling chinos are the perfect blend of style and functionality.
Great-looking chinos that are stretchy, breathable and complete with reflective detailing.
Reinforced Women’s Cycling Jeans
4. Osloh Women’s Porteur Jean
Durable bike commuter jeans with lots of pockets
- Durable stretch jeans
- 7 pockets (inc. a side pocket)
- Gussetted crotch, reinforced seams and double lined pockets
Strong and sturdy bicycle jeans that have been built specifically for female commuters.
We loved these Osloh women’s cycling jeans when we reviewed them and there’s not much more you could ask for in a ladies’ bike jean.
But what makes them so great?
Well, these jeans have been reinforced in all the right places (such as the fly, the seat area, the crotch, the chain leg side) to ensure they’re gonna last the test of time even when pedalling in them every day.
They’re also packed with nice deep stretchy pockets, while the material itself also offers plenty of stretch thanks to its blend of cotton and spandex.
The Porteur Jeans are also adjustable at the waist, so you don’t even need to wear a belt. The toughest bike jeans around.
Pockets:
- Four front pockets
- Two front hand pockets
- Coin pockets above each hand pocket
- Three rear pockets
- One side pocket high on right thigh
Materials:
- 98% Cotton
- 2% Spandex
- Button Fly
Features:
✅ Stretch
✅ Reinforced seams
✅ Gusseted crotch
✅ Lots of pockets
Shipping Notes:
- Based in USA
- Free international delivery on all orders
Price*:
- UK: £93*
- EU: €109*
- US: $ 129
Osloh Discount Code:
- Use code DISCERNING5 at the checkout for $ 5 off.
*correct at time of writing
Extremely strong and sturdy jeans that have been built specifically for women who cycle.
Osloh’s jeans provide plenty of stretch and are reinforced in all the right places so that they’ll stand the test of time.
Stretchy Women’s Bike Commuter Pants
5. DUER Women’s No Sweat Pant
Casual stretch chinos for active people
- Stretchy and breathable
- Four pockets
- Gusseted crotch and reinforced seams
Duer’s No Sweat Pants come in both a skinny fit and a straight fit and are great for people who move a lot everyday.
They’re not necessarily built specifically for cyclists, but they work great on and off the bike anway.
Made from a blend of cotton, lyocell, polyester and spandex allows these chinos to provide a happy balance of stretchiness and breathability, while also managing to retain a smart style.
Like the men’s No Sweat Pants, the women’s version also comes in lots of colours, as you can see below.
Colours (Skinny Fit):
Colours (Straight Fit):
Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 66% Cotton
- 34% TENCEL Lyocell
- 3% COOLMAX Polyester
- 1% Lycra Spandex
Features:
✅ Stretch
✅ Breathable
✅ Reinforced seams
Shipping Notes:
- Based in Canada
- International delivery available
Price*:
- UK: £94
- EU: €109
- US: $ 129
*correct at time of writing
Chinos that look and feel geat.
As well as being packed full of stretch, the DUER No Sweat Pant also features deep pockets and even a gusseted crotch.
Office-Friendly Cycling Chinos for Women
6. Bluffworks Palma Chino
Stretchy chinos with lots of pockets for women
- Crease-resistant, soft and stretch
- 6 pockets (inc. 2 zipped pockets)
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant
The Bluffworks Palma Chino for women is the ideal pant for active people who travel alot.
The Palma is wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying and stretchy – i.e. perfect for cycling. The material (made from polyester) is also incredibly lightweight and ideal for warmer days.
Like most Bluffworks pants, the Palma chinos offer an abundance of secure pockets so that you can carry all of your essentials safely.
The Bluffworks Palma chino comes in both a standard fit and petite fit for women.
Colours:
Pockets:
- Three front pockets
- Two hand pockets
- Phone patch pocket insde right hand pocket
- Three rear pockets
- Regular rear pockets
- Built-in phone pocket below waistband on right
Materials:
- 100% Polyester
Features:
✅ Stretch
✅ Breathable
✅ Moisture-Wicking
✅ Crease-Resistant
Shipping Notes:
- Based in the US
- International shipping available
Price*:
- UK: £91
- EU: €106
- US: $ 125
*correct at time of writing
The perfect travel pants that are packed with lots of pockets.
Lightweight, breathable and stretchy.
Stylish Cycling Denim Jeans for Ladies
7. Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans
Stretchy skinny jeans for women
- Lots of colour options available
- 5 pockets
- Offer plenty of stretch
If you’re looking for women’s skinny jeans for cycling, these are well worth considering.
They’re not exactly packed with cycling functionality, but have been made from a blend of cotton, lyocell, viscose and elastane, they’re certainly stretchy.
Colours:
Pockets:
- Two deep front hand pockets
- Coin pocket on right side
- Two deep rear pockets
Materials:
- 60% Cotton
- 17% Lyocell
- 16% Viscose
- 7% Elastane
Features:
✅ Stretch
Shipping Notes:
- Based in USA, with distribution centres around the world (including UK)
- International delivery available
Price*:
- UK: £80
- EU: €90
- US: $ 50
*correct at time of writing
Classic Levi’s style, but packed with stretch so that they work well on the bike too.
Available in a variety of colours, cuts and fits.
READ MORE:
The post Best Women’s Cycling Trousers [Top 7 Bike Commuter Pants] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.