Comfy Bike Shorts for Athleisure Days
- Words by
- Julio Arco
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- 4 min
For hot weather activewear, pick lightweight, synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics, a light color, and a fit that is either loose and airy on top or close and smooth on the bottom. Skip heavy cotton, which holds sweat against your skin.
Bike shorts fit this well. A nylon-spandex pair with flat seams stays put, doesn't ride up or bunch, and dries fast, so it works for a gym session, a walk or an errand run afterward.
What to wear when it's 90 degrees
At 90 degrees, think in three pieces: a breathable top, a short, stretchy bottom, and sun protection you can take off. A loose tank or tee, bike shorts around 5-7 inches long, light socks and ventilated sneakers cover most workouts and walks.
Light colors usually feel cooler to look at and to wear in direct sun. Dark colors hide sweat better, so choose by what bothers you more. If sweat marks bother you, mid-tone heathered fabrics are a decent compromise.
Which fabrics keep you coolest?
Moisture-wicking synthetics for workouts
Nylon and polyester blends with spandex are the usual choice for moisture-wicking workout clothes for heat. They pull sweat toward the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. Texas A&M's Howdy Health makes the same point about layers closest to your skin: they should be moisture-wicking materials that draw sweat away from your skin.
Cotton and linen for lighter days
Cotton feels soft, but it dries slowly. Georgia Tech's News Center notes that cotton's moisture vapor transmission rate is lower than linen's, meaning it doesn't dry as quickly. That makes cotton fine for lounging and easy walks, and a poor pick for a hard workout. For casual heat, linen is the better pick, and our linen shorts are an easy place to start.
Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd judge a fabric by how it feels once it is damp, not on the hanger. A soft knit that turns clingy and heavy with sweat will feel hotter than a thinner, slightly slick one.
Loose fit or close fit?
Both can work. Loose tops let air move across your torso, which helps on a walk or a run. Close-fitting pieces stay smooth under the arms and at the thighs, which is where chafing starts.
A sensible split is loose on top, fitted below. If you tend to overheat, choose breathable shirts for hot weather with a looser cut, a vented back or a mesh panel, and keep the bottoms light and stretchy.
How to choose bike shorts for heat
Length
Shorter inseams, around 4-5 inches, are the coolest. Around 7 inches is the classic length and covers more of the thigh. Longer 9-10 inch pairs suit anyone who wants extra coverage or has thigh friction, though they hold more heat.
Fabric and seams
Look for a nylon-spandex blend that stretches and bounces back. Flatlock or seamless construction reduces rubbing, and a wide waistband stays flat without digging in. A side pocket for a phone is handy.
If compression feels hot, size up slightly or choose a lighter-weight knit. A pair that pinches at the waist will feel warmer than a looser pair.
If you want more bike short ideas, see our post on stretchy bike shorts for sporty casual looks.
Best gym clothes for people who overheat
If you run hot, simplify. Wear one thin layer on top, skip anything cotton, and pick a light color. Hair off the neck, a headband, and a thin sleeveless top also help.
- A loose or lightly fitted tank in a moisture-wicking knit
- Bike shorts or a short running short, with no heavy lining
- Thin, synthetic socks rather than thick cotton ones
If you feel dizzy, nauseous or unusually unwell in the heat, stop and cool down, and check with a doctor if it keeps happening.
Do you need sun protection in your activewear?
If you train outdoors, yes, it is worth thinking about. The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that a UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ offers excellent protection. Check the label rather than assuming a thin shirt blocks the sun.
For your head, Anna L. Chien, MD, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine says, "A hat with a 3-inch brim protects the top of your scalp, ears and face." A light cap or wide-brim hat is a simple addition to a sporty outfit.
Easy outfits for hot days
- Black bike shorts, a cropped tank and white sneakers for a walk or a light gym session.
- Bike shorts with a loose tee and a cap for errands.
- Bike shorts, a fitted bodysuit and a lightweight blazer for a casual brunch, with the blazer easy to take off.
- A windbreaker over a performance tank and bike shorts for an early outdoor workout that warms up fast.
For more ways to build this kind of look, try our athleisure sets.
Care for bike shorts so they keep wicking
Wash them cold on a gentle cycle and skip fabric softener, which can coat the fibers and reduce how well they wick. Air dry them flat or on a hanger, since high heat can damage the stretch. Spot clean small marks rather than washing after every wear if you haven't worked out in them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best clothing to wear in extreme heat?
Lightweight, loose, light-colored pieces in breathable fabrics such as linen or moisture-wicking synthetics work best. Add a wide-brim hat and check labels for UPF protection if you're outside.
What is the coolest clothing to wear in hot weather?
Loose linen shirts, thin knits and short, stretchy bottoms feel coolest for everyday wear. For exercise, choose synthetic moisture-wicking tops instead of cotton.
What are the best gym clothes for people who overheat and sweat?
A thin, moisture-wicking tank, light-colored bike shorts or running shorts, and thin synthetic socks are a good base. Avoid heavy cotton and tight, thick fabrics.
Can bike shorts be worn outside the gym?
Yes. Pair them with a loose tee, an oversized shirt or a light blazer, and sneakers or slides, and they work for errands or coffee.
Filed under Wardrobe Basics
