Athleisure is such a trendy look right now and biker shorts are sure serving us the heat! When the weather begins to warm up we all want something comfy and light that we can walk round in without having to endure severe heat pangs – clothes that allow us to breathe easy while still providing the much-needed support.
Plus size biker shorts are the perfect option for those leggings that don’t seem very practical during summertime. And while we still may be holding on to our beloved tights for optimum hold up, I’m here to dish out 5 simple hacks that will help you land ideal shorts that will leave you feeling just as secure. You might end up stashing away those tights after all!
So the best way to go about your shorts hunt is by paying close attention to the fabric details in terms of quality and stretch. I cannot emphasize this enough. For plus girls especially, the market options might seem a bit scarce or barely attentive to your body needs but you cannot afford to settle for anything less than a good fit. Also, look at the material(s) that went into the making process. That should tell you what kind of texture it comes with.
We’ll also be looking at cool ways that you could dress up (or dress down) your cycling shorts for the season. Hope you’re ready, let’s get into it!
The first tip when searching for biker shorts;
1. Get Plenty of Coverage
If you’re intending to hop onto the bike, work out, rather than just lounge in this outfit, more coverage might be the better option. Girls on the heavier side have thick thighs and this, needless to say, brings a whole lot of problems especially when on the move.
Chafing and skin inflammation is at the top of that list. It doesn’t take much to develop painful sores on the inner thighs which make it difficult to go about your daily activities with ease- much less exercise. To avoid this, go for longer biker shorts that reach further down your thighs, preferably just above your knees. It gives you more fabric to work with around the areas highly targeted by immense friction. If you don’t have much of a problem with skin inflammation, then medium length should work just as well.
2. The Higher the Rise, the Better
I know this can get a bit tricky because of the habitual imbalance between the front and the back. This is why you need to take time to get a true fit, and that may mean trying on 2 or more sizes.
A high waist biker is ideal because it comes with the advantage of tummy control, that other regular rises otherwise wouldn’t. You get good support around your midsection (a big insecurity for heavier girls), so you can go on feeling as confident as can be.
Also, have a look at the band. Surprisingly, not all high waist cycling shorts have the ideal waistbands. Ultimately, thicker bands work so much better than slimmer versions. Therefore anything that appears a little squeezed or smaller will probably not sit right on your waistline. The only sure way to know is to try on the shorts before buying them. If you’re shopping online be keen on the size chart to get an idea of the dimensions.
3. Light, but Not Too Light
Leave the heavy-duty items for winter. You need less weight to carry around when it’s hot so do yourself the favor. Generally, biker shorts are designed with lighter fabric which almost feels like a second skin. It’s the kind your hand will easily glide over owing to the overall smoothness.
This is great, but on the flip side don’t let it thin out too much. When it gets overly slim, chances of being translucent are high (and nobody wants to walk around with a see-through piece). Have some moderation to how skinny your shorts get.
How can you do that? Hold out the pair towards some light and confirm whether you can see through the fabric. Better yet, stretch it out a bit to really test the thickness. If it appears to pass through some rays, chances are it will expose a lot more skin when dressed on a heavier body. The preferable plus bike shorts should be considerably light but with no exposure whatsoever.
4. Consider the Leg Finish
A frequent annoying trait with athleisure shorts is just how high they roll up, sometimes even after acquiring a seemingly perfect fit. Women with thick thighs need a resilient hold that will stay up well through the day despite how vigorous the nature of activities they choose to indulge in.
This is why you need to look out for shorts with elastic leg grippers at the bottom hem. There are two sides to this. You don’t want anything that will dig into your skin invoking pain or discomfort, but at the same time, the firmness is also crucial.
Same thing applies to the waistbands. When structured appropriately, it shouldn’t roll down until maybe after a good number of wears when the fabric begins to disintegrate. In that case, the kind of seaming that goes into the finishing will tell how long the shorts will be able to serve you. I’d suggest not foregoing the bottom grippers but finding one that has a much lax feel on the exterior.
5. Assess the Fabric Quality
Everything rides on this last important detail- it is what ties up everything together. Fabric quality ranges over a wide spectrum. Lycra and nylon spandex is the base fabric for a lot of cycling shorts because of the great stretch they provide. However, without an addition of polyester, users are exposed to a lot more sweating. Being that you would ordinarily prefer to work out in biker shorts, you need breathable fabric able to wick out moisture thus providing maximum dryness. For this reason, sweat-absorbent materials are your best bet. Be sure to verify this special feature before making a purchase.
That aside, the padding matters as well. Cycling-specific shirts come with some amount of inbuilt cushioning which works to provide extra support when on the saddle. The whole point is to avoid chafing as you ride. As such, lesser padding will not give as much protection and may leave you feeling bruised. You’d rather get a stronger texture, for a higher price but spare your thighs the agony.
Bonus Tips
- Always go for a snag fit, one that doesn’t allow bagging or wrinkling.
- Around the inner thighs, aim for a seamless seam. This implies a flat stitch that is intentionally used to prevent dangerous rubbing.
- For additional support, look for compression-fit bikers. They smooth out your silhouette much better.
- If your cycling apparel is exclusively intended for biking activities- when trying them on, position yourself in a cycling posture to get a feel of the fit.
- A seamless stitching all round prevents harsh dig-ins into the skin, so depending on your personal preference, a semblance of the same could work better.
- Don’t forget to make it stylish! Throw in some color, cute prints and patterns to spruce up your loungewear.
Special Tip
For ladies who feel left out by the provisions of a biker short, a bib short might just be the answer. Price-wise, this item scales on the steeper side but it has numerable advantages to it. First,
- The strap accessories sit right on the shoulders preventing any droop as you move about.
- You don’t need to worry about elastic bands that can get excruciating overtime.
- Your lower back is suitably covered at all times.
The only downside to it is the work that goes into putting on and taking off the cloth- a major drawback especially when you need to go for a quick nature call.
How to Style Your Plus Size Biker Shorts
Summer is all about color, good energy, and playful outfits. In light of the modern trends, there are so many cool ways by which you can dress your shorts to look more spruced. Whether you prefer to look more chill or drop-dead stylish, here are a few inspirations that you could take home;
i. Crop tops or crop sweaters – this duo emanates a fun vibe that blends well in casual hangouts. In case you don’t own a crop top, the tie-up technique will afford you a similar effect.
ii. Flowy, long shirts- you can also pair these together when you don’t feel like doing jeans or leggings. I.e. flannel shirts with a tank top underneath. It also doesn’t take much effort or time either to assemble.
iii. Bodysuits- for a much put-together look, this is the way to go! Add on a fancy cardigan or coat and you are all set.
iv. Accessories- don’t forget to crown it all with some chic jewelry- chains and watches. Also, throw in a ball cap/ summer hat together with some cute tennis shoes for a laid-back ensemble. If you like, rock some heels to switch up things.
Conclusion
Cycling shorts are a summertime staple due to its versatility. Finding the perfect pair may take time but is doable if you follow the above tips. Some good leads to get you started include brands such as Elloquii and Fashion Nova. Also, be sure to check out our tops picks. Above all, let comfort be your elementary guide.
