The Best Cycling Pants for 2022

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For those days when shorts just won't cut it.

While it may be more comfortable to reach for a pair of shorts on your next bike ride, seasons change, and cooler weather forces us all to adapt — lest you run into the risk of hypothermia. Shorts offer us a breezy, breathable ride and freedom of movement, but a good pair of cycling pants can offer you just the same, so long as you know what to add to your wardrobe. If you’re looking to cover up and stay warm on a cool fall or winter day without sacrificing comfort or your range of moment, look to one of these pairs of top-rated cycling pants to keep you warm.

Comfort is of the utmost importance when considering a new pair of cycling pants—gravitate toward pairs that don't restrict movement and will accommodate any extra padding and chamois you’ll wear underneath. While baggy and loose-fit pants might be comfortable when lounging at home, on a bike, they’re irksome and can cause sagging and snagging on a ride. A great pair of cycling pants will be form-fitting and tapered, so as to not hinder movement, or worse, get caught in your drivetrain.

As for fabrics, look for synthetics like polyester and nylon that are hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant, as well as finished with Durable Water Repellent, which will guard against elemental annoyances like splashes and snow. Consider pants with leg zippers for moments where you’d like to change on the fly, and a larger opening that allows you to easily peel those pants off over a pair of cycling shoes. For additional warmth, pants lined with soft, cozy fleece are best, though keep in mind that if the fabric isn't breathable, you’ll feel like you’re in a sauna.

To create a well-rounded list of the best cycling pants, we scoured the internet, took note of the most popular and highly-rated products mentioned at various bike websites and sporting retailers, and considered a variety of different pant styles. We also, of course, consulted our own guide to the best trail pants for cyclists. This list includes cycling pants that are produced in both men's and women's sizes, in addition to a few gender-neutral picks, though we also included two gender-specific sizes that we believe offer a unique style that adapts well from the trail to the city.

Looking for more fall and winter gear to keep you warm on your ride? Check out our picks for the best knee warmers and arm warmers.

Stretchy, slim, and sturdy, the Havoc Pant is a well-rounded pair of cycling pants that you can wear no matter the season. Finished with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) that repels snow and rain, these flexible pants are far from restrictive, thanks to a makeup of nylon and stretchy spandex. They have perforated side panels that help excess moisture escape and offer plenty of room for any additional padding you may need underneath—chamois and knee pads included.

We’ve tested these pants ourselves and believe they’ll stand up to whatever situation you throw at them.

Buy in Women's Sizes

This budget-friendly option will do you just fine on the trail, especially in cold conditions. Accented with plenty of reflective piping, these thermal pants are windproof and water-resistant, so they’re able to handle some light rain and snow. They’re lined in polyester-brushed fleece, making for a soft and cozy wear experience, and even have an extended back to prevent any wind from sneaking up on you from behind.

Although they’re labeled as men's sized, plenty of users on Amazon say they’re unisex-friendly and skew on the smaller side, so those looking for women's sizes should find these an easy fit.

These tailored joggers offer a windproof outer layer and an inner lining of soft fleece, which is exactly what you need to brave cold, wintry riding conditions. They’re an easy fit, thanks to an elastic waistband, and they’ll give you the sort of stretchy, lazy feel of a regular pair of joggers you’d wear while lounging at home. This pair has reflective strips around the calves, making for a safer ride at night, and a loose fit around the knees to accommodate extra room for padding.

This pair of polyester joggers run on the smaller side, which makes them a great fit as a unisex pair. Take note, however, that some reviewers say the pockets are somewhat shallow.

Gore-Tex is a trusted name in the world of tough, weather-proof fabrics, and its apparel company, Gore Wear, makes clothing that lives up to the brand's stellar reputation.

This pair of trail pants is completely water- and windproof, yet super breathable and light enough to pack down for travel. They have reflective accents on the hind, legs, and sides, and they’re warm enough to bring on even the harshest of winter days. The knees are pre-shaped for easier performance, and the usual crinkle you hear with synthetic fabric is quiet, thanks to Gore-Tex Active technology.

They may be pricey, but these pants are weather-resistant and reinforced where it matters. They’ve also got excess room for any padding you’d like to wear for your ride and are both lightweight and packable.

Buy in Women's Sizes

These all-around trousers from Rapha are so attractive, it's hard to believe they’re made for cycling. These slightly loose-fitting pants are made of breathable, hard-wearing nylon with a hint of spandex that makes cycling in them both easy and comfortable.

The waistline has a high-cut back, so you aren't showing off that crack while in motion, and they’re quick-drying to prevent moisture and water stains if you take them to work. Tying this all together are a reflective logo and accents for some additional safety. Grab a pair in one of six colors.

Looking for completely waterproof pants to take out on a mountain ride? How about a pair that's tough as nails and blocks out the elements with a three-layer shell?

This abrasion-resistant pair of pants from Patagonia is lightweight and breathable, yet still strong enough to keep out water, dirt, and wind while you’re on the move. It comes with a set of zippered pockets, a built-in adjustable waistband, and zippered knee-high leg openings so that you don't have to take off your shoes to peel them off.

And just in case you take a fall, these pants have reinforced areas on the knees, seat, and crotch to guard your body against harm. With a name like Dirt Roamer, you should expect nothing less.

Buy in Women's Sizes

This pair of trail pants is sleek enough to wear on a business-casual outing or workday, thanks to their tailored fit and below-the-knee taper. They’re equipped with Pearl Izumi's PI Dry technology, which permanently sheds water away from the garment and keeps the pants looking clean, even after encountering a splash on your commute or morning ride.

They’re built with a tough Cordura nylon, feature four-way stretch thanks to a touch of elastane, and have a hook-and-loop closure for a sag-free fit, so you can look polished without sacrificing comfort. You won't have to risk safety either—despite their close fit, there's still plenty of room for padding and chamois if you need them.

Buy in Men's Sizes

The bestselling Halle Pant from prAna is a cross-functional bottom for those looking for a stylish cycling option for commutes to work and weekends alike.

They’re equipped with prAna's proprietary Stretch Zion fabric, which provides plenty of give for the trail and wicks away moisture when you work up a sweat. They’re also woven with a Durable Water Repellent finish to ward away some droplets from a splash or light rain.

These straight-leg pants have easy-roll legs, in case you want some extra breathing room, and articulated knees for an even wider range of motion. With a button-fly closure, multiple inseam lengths to choose from, and a whopping 20 color options, the Halle Pant is a versatile and stylish option that's sure to become a staple in any rider's cycling wardrobe.

Kevin Cortez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and Runner's World. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he's an expert in men's style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He was most recently the style editor for a leading product-recommendation site and previously covered music and podcasting at Mass Appeal, Genius, and The A.V. Club. His work can also be seen in WSJ, Leafly, Input, and Vulture. He enjoys reading graphic novels, birding, and taking long, meandering walks in his spare time.

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