Men's Casual Cycling Shorts

Casual cycling shorts bridge the gap between proper kit and ordinary shorts — the ones you can ride to work in and keep on afterwards without looking like you've come off a bike. The range covers stretch cotton and polyester styles with enough give to pedal in, longer inseams that don't ride up, and secure pockets that keep a phone where you put it.

Four things make shorts work on a bike. Stretch in the fabric, usually a few percent elastane, so nothing pulls at the knee. A longer inseam around 9 inches, which stops the hem creeping up as you pedal. Flat or minimal inner-leg seams, since anything raised will rub against a saddle over a few miles. And zip or deep pockets — open pockets empty themselves on a bike.

Worth being clear about what these aren't. Casual shorts don't carry a padded chamois liner, so for commutes beyond a few miles, wear a padded liner short underneath — that's how most people ride in casual clothing anyway, and it keeps the outer layer looking normal at the other end. Darker colours hide road grime better. Pair with a breathable T-shirt.