The 10 Best Women's Mountain Bike Shorts of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | June 24, 2023
Does the phrase “bike shorts” conjure up images of uncomfortable black spandex options that manage to be both too revealing and anything but flattering? If so, we get it, mountain bike shorts have gotten a bad rep for good reason over the years. But modern women’s mountain bike shorts turn that stereotype on its head. Brands have made a big push to make shorts fit better, look better, and perform more practically out on the trail. So if you like riding mountain bikes in the woods, you owe it to yourself to give mountain bike shorts another shot.
This year’s crop of the best women’s mountain bike shorts is stronger than ever before. Every pair of shorts or pants on this list is made with carefully chosen technical fabrics that will keep you dry and comfortable no matter how hot it gets. And the pocket layouts are especially designed to keep your possessions secure but out of the way while you ride. But the biggest improvement to this year’s crop of shorts is the fit. Every pair of shorts on this list was sized to fit real women, who ride bikes. That means no tight thighs, no kneepad gap, no bunched up waists. So what are you waiting for? Grab a new pair of shorts and hit the trail!
Wild Rye x Juliana Freel
The flagship shorts are back with a collab we can all get behind! The Wild Rye x Juliana Freel Shorts pair two of our favorite women-led brands in an award winning enduro-ready package. With a 4-way stretch construction, deep pockets, and a fun yellow fern print, these Freel Shorts are your new go-to mountain biking uniform.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Front Pockets, Zippered Thigh | 12” | $129.00 |
Shredly Limitless 7" Stretch Waistband High-Rise
Hourglass body? The opposite of hourglass? Pear shaped? Square shaped? Stick-like, or curvy AF? Come one, come all! The Shredly Limitless 7" Stretch Waistband High-Rise Shorts feature shorter 7-inch inseam and a game-changing yoga-style stretchy waistband that comfortably accommodates all body types and won them Outside Magazine's Best Women's MTB Short award. Beyond elevated comforts, these shorts also pack a technical punch. We're talkin' hand pockets, a zippered hip pocket (that fits your phone!), a gusseted inseam, and a durable 4-way stretch material made from recycled fibers. Focus on fun and leave any sense of discomfort in the dust with the Shredly Limitless 7" Stretch Waistband High-Rise Shorts.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Secure, Zippered Hip Pocket, Hand Pockets | 7” | $98.00 |
Flylow Eleanor
With their low-profile and adjustable waistband and lengthier 12.5" inseam, the Flylow Eleanor Shorts ensure a balance of comfort and protection on the trail. Made from Flylow's proprietary Intuitive™ IQ MTB fabric for abrasion resistance and sweat-wicking properties, the Eleanor Shorts are durable enough and versatile enough to get you through season after season of riding.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Two Zippered Pockets | 12.5” | $95.00 |
Patagonia Dirt Craft
Go forth, in search of dirt! Mountain excursions are made that much easier with the fine-tuned Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts. Consisting of outer shorts and a liner that snap together, these versatile bottoms are breathable, water resistant and feature waist adjustment and stretch for unprecedented comfort and customization on the trail.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Two Drop-In Hand Pockets, One Secure Zipper Pocket at Left Thigh | 12” | $169.00 |
Rapha Trail Fast & Light
The Rapha Trail Fast & Light Shorts were built for those quick-strike summer missions, and their 4-way stretch, air-permeable nylon construction work keeps you dry and cool as you ride beneath the searing sun.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Left Zip Pocket with Internal Phone Sleeve | 14" | $125.00 |
Troy Lee Designs Lilium Shell
The Troy Lee Designs Lilium Shell Shorts are designed for powerful pedal-propelled pursuits on cross-country slogs and downhill derbies. They breathe well, stretch even better, and stay comfortable all day long.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Three Zippered Pockets | 13" | $109.99 |
Fox Ranger
From the bike park to the pub next to the bike park, the Fox Ranger Shorts can do it all. How can they be so good across the whole spectrum of venues? Must be their comfort, durability, and adjustability. The DWR sheds ranch dressing as well as trail mud. True do-it-alls!
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Secured Zip Stash Pocket, Two Zippered Hand Pockets | N/A | $89.95 |
DHaRCO Gravity
The DHaRCO Gravity Shorts are everything you're looking for in a pair of mountain bike shorts. They're made of durable, moisture wicking fabric with just a little stretch for on-the-go comfort. They have a tailored cut that's just a bit long so it can fit over your knee pads, and a couple of zipper protected pockets so your snacks don't go flying when you take a spill (not that you ever do that).
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Two Zip Pockets | N/A | $107.00 |
Yeti Palisade
Get your flow on with the Yeti Cycles WS Palisade Short. Equipped with lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric and a durable water-repellent finish, these shorts are perfect for hitting the trails rain or shine. Plus, with the wide stretchy waistband and gusseted crotch for ultimate comfort, you'll have full range of motion while tackling technical terrain.
| Pockets | Inseam | Original Price |
| Two Open Hand Pockets, Side Zip Security/ Phone Pocket | 10” | $95.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:
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The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,000
The Best Trail Bikes
The Best Enduro Bikes
The Best Gravel Bikes
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Full Face MTB Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Women's Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bike Pants
The Best Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories
The Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Dropper Posts
The Best Mountain Bike Forks
The Best Mountain Bike Stems
The Best Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
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The Selection Process:
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.