If you lived through the ‘90s, you may be stunned by the resurgence of bike shorts. But the clingy bottom is back with a millennial update that’s making it fresh enough for all types to get down in. All it takes is a little courage and some pro tips on how to wear a pair confidently.
Seen on designer runways from Saint Laurent to Nina Ricci to Off-White care of Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s new menswear artistic director, the modern bike short comes with a sartorial spin. “This trend showed up for the Spring 2018 season, and I think we’ll continue to see it throughout 2019 in all fabrications from denim to leather to metallic lycra,” says Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop, who calls it “the perfect short option for the summer.”
Current styling is all about elevating the laid-back bottoms with polished pieces.
She suggests swapping them in for your go-to leggings to add cool-factor to not just your outfit, but your actual, well, legs. “You don’t want to feel so covered up in summer,” she says. “I love bike shorts with a tunic or silk dress over the top,” adding that mini or to-the-knee silhouettes work best.
Current styling is all about elevating the laid-back bottoms with polished pieces like a tailored blazer, utility jacket, or heels—a look championed by the Kardashian-Jenner clan and Bella Hadid as of late. “An open toe heel will elongate your leg so you look taller,” says Maguire. Start your search with the 13 bike shorts worth sporting below.
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Tna Equator Short 7", $15
Here’s your basic black bike short, totally wearable in super-comfy jersey.
Two more retro trends making major comebacks right now: chunky dad sneakers and scrunchies—seriously.
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