Straight from the ’80s and ’90s, bike shorts have once again become part of our sartorial landscape. And they rock. Bike shorts are essentially just short leggings—which means they offer the same stretch, comfort, and styling ease we’ve come to love. In addition to all our favorite legging qualities, though, bike shorts also keep us feeling cool (even in the hottest temperatures). When wearing long pants is simply not an option, this trend has our back. And thankfully, plus-size bike shorts outfits are as simple to create as they are comfortable to wear.
Aside from, perhaps, the dead of winter, these looks are truly can’t-miss in any weather. Though bike shorts are often relegated to warm, sunny days, there’s no reason we can’t also sport them in cooler temperatures, too. The key here is to layer up accordingly. Take any summery bike shorts outfit and add a jacket or your favorite oversized sweatshirt—then you’re set. Bike shorts deserve to be seen whenever possible.
Of course, plus-size bike short outfits are especially necessary in warm weather. For those who live in leggings during colder months, this is the natural next step, K? Set those legs free and let someone else do the sweating this season, bb.
Just like leggings, bike shorts are ridiculously easy to style. Throw on an oversized button-down with a pair of black bike shorts for a cool and casual weekend look. Just top it off with chunky sneakers and some oversized sunnies. With that combo, you can’t miss. Or, pair your most colorful bike shorts with a coordinating crop top and slide sandals. It’s a look that can take you from lounging in the backyard to coffee dates with the BFFs. Versatility at its finest.
So go ahead and wear plus-size bike shorts outfits every day this season. Your legs—and everyone who sees how incredibly cool you look—will thank you for your service.
Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)
1. The Classic Black Bike Short
You can’t beat the OG. A pair of black bike shorts is as versatile as your go-to black leggings—only ideal for warm weather, too. Top yours off with an oversized button-down (We love stripes and colorblock vibes!), huge sunglasses, and chunky sneakers. So. Freaking. Good.
shop the look
bike shorts — $19.50 from Torrid
top — $30 from Nasty Gal
shoes — $36 from ASOS
sunglasses — $189 from Apercu Eyewear
2. The Animal Print Bike Short
Feeling wild? Try on a pair of animal print bike shorts this season. Wear a denim shacket over the shorts (as a shirt or layered on top of a cute bralette), then add your go-to crossbody bag and slide sandals.
shop the look
bike shorts — $17.99 from Old Navy
top — $49.99 from H&M
shoes — $45 from Freedom Moses
bag — $128 from HOBO
3. The Red Hot Bike Short
There’s just something about a coordinated look, folks. Go for bold this season with red hot bike shorts and a matching red crop top. Add a pair of colorful sunglasses and chunky sandals, and you’re set.
shop the look
bike shorts — $48 from Girlfriend Collective
top — $85 from WRAY
shoes — $15.60 from ASOS
sunglasses — $79 from Crap Eyewear
4. The Camo (!) Bike Short
Yes, camouflage is back—and yes, it looks great in bike short form. Top a colorful pair off with a cropped white tee, white sneakers, and a neutral crossbody. With this ensemble, you might just fall in love with camo after all.
shop the look
bike shorts — $49.50 from Torrid
top — $17.99 from H&M
shoes — $49.99 from DSW
bag — $148 from HOBO
5. The Navy Bike Short
Navy bike shorts are just about as versatile as black bike shorts—and a great option for mixing things up a bit. Try pairing yours with a blue and white stripe button-down (a classic summery vibe), neutral slide sandals, and oversized tortoise sunglasses. *Chef’s kiss.*
shop the look
bike shorts — $65 from Universal Standard
top — $37.99 from Old Navy
shoes — $45 from Freedom Moses
sunglasses — $8 from Nasty Gal
6. The Floral Bike Short
Stop and smell the roses this season. Or, at least wear some flowers on your bike shorts. This maximalist pair looks great with a loose graphic tee, chunky sneakers, and your most-loved sunglasses. Let the shorts be the star of this ensemble!
shop the look
bike shorts — $49.50 from Torrid
top — $24.99 from H&M
shoes — $36 from ASOS
sunglasses — $99 from Crap Eyewear
7. The Tie-Dye Bike Short
There’s nothing quite like tie-dye. Cute with vibe that’s reminiscent of the ’90s, this print always looks great on bike shorts. Keep the rest of the outfit simple with a neutral crop top and athletic sneakers—topped off with your favorite statement-making phone case (because we just can’t resist a bit of maximalism).
