Do you like to look feminine on the bike? Or maybe you just want a little extra coverage? Either way, a bike skirt (or bike skort) is a great option for looking stylish while riding your bike.
A cycling skirt offers the padding of traditional bike shorts, is more feminine than baggy shorts, and offers more modesty than lycra shorts. It also looks cute at the coffee shop or the grocery store or wherever you may be stopping on your ride.
Unfortunately, the big bicycle clothing manufacturers haven’t seemed to catch on that we want bike skirts! And local bike shops haven’t gotten the memo either.
There are about 100 pairs of shorts for every cycling skirt out there. Not to fear though, we’ve rounded up the cutest, most functional bike skirts and skorts on the market.
We’ve also provided some tips (at the end of the article) on how to ride a bike with a skirt, and how to turn any skirt or dress into a bicycle skirt.
Pearl Izumi Sugar Skirt
Girl, you’re gonna love the Pearl Izumi Sugar bike skirt. It’s comfortable, flattering, and great for bike touring. We would totally wear this skirt for biking thru wine country.
All the colors (black, grey, navy) hide dirt and grime well, the fabric is breathable in hot weather, and the cut is flattering on all body types. The shorts under the skirt are detachable so you can always switch out of them and into a normal pair of undies before going for a post-ride dinner.
Price: $85
Terry Metro Bike Skort
Getting in and out of the Terry Metro bike skirt is a cinch thanks to two-way vertical zipper. The fabric is stretchy without being clingy and we haven’t met a lady who didn’t think she looked good in this skirt.
The skort is really two pieces, the outer skirt and inner liner. This is nice as it allows you to use a different liner if you have one you really love, or if you love the Terry liner and want to use it with other skirts or shorts you can do that as well.
The other great thing worth mentioning are the pockets. There are lots of them, including 2 front hand pockets, 1 zippered pocket, and another cargo pocket with magnetic closure.
Read Our Review: Terry Metro
Price: $99
Terry Fixie Bike Skort
Terry is one of our favorite brands of women’s cycling clothing because they make clothes that actually look good on women! The Terry Fixie bike skort is no exception.
The slightly flared skirt is flattering, and we love the pockets. One thing to be aware of is that the chamois is a bit thin, but if you’re using the skirt for shorter rides, you’ll love it.
Price: $79
Cruiser Bike Girl
When you’re on your bike you want to focus on the right, not on adjusting your skirt. That’s why we like the Cruiser Bike Girl skirt. Grippy leg bands hold the shorts in place, a drawstring waist hold the skirt in place, and side slits provide excellent range of motion.
We also like the unique pocket design–there’s on each thigh that’s just big enough for a gel, some money, or whatever else you need to stash.
Price: (Last updated: – More Info)
Shebeast Fender Skirt
The Sheebeast Fender skirt are shorts and skirt in one! Think the performance of lycra shorts but the coverage of a skirt.
The wide waistband is forgiving, and the skirt comes in multiple sizes. There is also a rear zippered pocket for storing some cash, a phone, or ID.
The skirt comes in a few different colors/prints so you should be able to find one that fits your style.
Price: $85
Forest and Fin Bicycle Wrap Skirt
No, the Forest and Fin isnt’ the skirt to wear on your next century ride, but it is the skirt to wear on your commute around town. Could this skirt be any cuter?!?! It’s also practical. It has hidden fasteners to keep the skirt from flying up (hello undies!) and external straps to keep the skirt from getting caught in your wheels.
Price: $132
Sweet Spot Skirt
I first discovered the Sweet Spot skirts a few years ago at a women’s ride when EVERYBODY there was buying one of these skirts. Of course, I had to buy one too.
This is a wrap skirt that goes over your existing bike shorts. It’s reversible with different designs on both sides, so you can get a little extra mileage out of it if you’re on a multi-day tour, for example.
Due to the lack of integrated padding, it’s not my favorite skirt for on the bike, but it’s great for slipping on at the coffee shop or for your post-ride beer.
Price:$69
Comparison Chart: Cycling Skirts
We’ve compared prices, lengths, and styles to help you pick the best skirt for you.
| Skirt | Length | Style | Padded? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Izumi Sugar Bike Skort | 15.25" | Skirt with detachable short | Yes |
| Terry Metro Bike Skort | 16" | Skirt with detachable short | Yes |
| Skirt Sports Cruiser Bike Girl | 15.25" | Skirt with detachable short | Yes |
| Sheebest Daisy Chain Fender Skirt | 10.5" | Skirt with itegrated short | Yes |
| Forest and Fin Bicycle Wrap Skirt | 19" or 21" | Skirt | No |
| Sweet Spot Skirt | 12" | Wrap (goes over shorts of leggings) | No |
How To Turn Any Skirt Or Dress Into A Cycling Skirt
If you didn’t find a skirt above that you love, no worries! Really you can turn any skirt into a bike skirt.
The ones included above do have some advantages–namely they are stretchy and designed to move well on the bike.
Still, you might just want to bike to work (or the farmer’s market) in a cute, professional skirt that doesn’t look like you’re about to go to the gym. In that case, look for a pair of cycling underwear or a liner instead.
These padded bottoms can be worn under your skirt to both give you some cushion and to provide modesty.
Tips For Riding A Bike In A Skirt
If you chose one of the skirts listed above, or if you are wearing a liner under an existing short-ish skirt, then you don’t really need to worry about modesty or the skirt getting caught in your wheel.
If you’re trying to bike with a longer skirt or dress, however, OR you don’t have a liner to put under your skirt then consider these options:
- Get a Bike That Has A Step-Thru Frame. Bikes with step-thru frames make wearing a skirt easier as you don’t have to pull your leg up over the frame to get on and off the bike.
- Pin or tie your skirt up. For longer skirts, you want to make it temporarily shorter so it doesn’t get caught in your wheel. I’ve done this with some safety pins and/or a couple of elastic bands.
- Wear leggings. If you don’t care about padding, you don’t need to buy a special liner–just wear leggings under your skirt! You can easily take them off when you get to work or wherever you’re headed.
- Add a skirt guard to your bike. A skirt guide goes over your rear wheel and keeps your skirt from getting sucked into the spokes.
Thank you for this list! Now I want to know about the shirt. Where can I find it? It looks light weight and I love the feminine bike design. Please let me know where I can find it.
Hi Amy, Such a cute top, right?! It’s Terry, but unfortunately, I don’t think they make it anymore….