How to Wear Bike Shorts and Gym Shorts As Fashion

We have lots of things to ~~blame~~ thank the Kardashian-Jenners for. From exposed corsets to latex dresses to clear boots to contouring and even the reemergence of chain mail. But perhaps the most pervasive trend on the street style front is bike shorts. While bike shorts popped back up on the Spring 2018 runways at shows like Nina Ricci and Off-White, Kim Kardashian really brought the trend to the fashion masses after repeatedly stepping out in the clingy bottoms. Teaming them with everything from hoodies and long coats to sports bras for full athleisure vibes, Kim even inspired the rest of her klan to get on board. So we weren’t surprised to see street style pros sporting cycle shorts as they darted to and fro from the Spring 2019 shows this month. Expanding on Kim’s styling choices, they’ve proven that the shorts are surprisingly versatile and that you can ride the trend into fall. Even Gigi Hadid has recently embraced bike shorts by wearing them several times in one week. And you’ll get plenty of mileage out of them since bike shorts made numerous appearances on the Spring 2019 runways, so they’ll still be in play after winter’s over. If you’re looking for less constrictive sporty shorts, gym shorts have also risen in popularity. We saw longer, laid-back varieties and tiny running shorts being paired with crop tops, blazers and hoodies from the street style set during men’s fashion week through the current batch of shows. An added bonus to all these short comings? You can use both types as workout wear until the temps go back up. Check out the slideshow to pick up some styling tips on how to wear bike shorts, as well as some options to carry out the looks.

[ Next: Bike Shorts Are the Next Big Thing in Athleisure (At Least According to Karl Lagerfeld and Kim Kardashian) ]

Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts

Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #1

Gigi Hadid checked out this year's US Open in style in a striped Vivienne Westwood button-down worn off one shoulder, white bike shorts and slides.

Image: Team GT/GC Images/Getty Images
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #2

When sporting skin-tight black bike shorts, make sure your colorful sweater is oversized, even if it's just the sleeves.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #3

Bike shorts are also the not-so-secret weapon for those who love sheer dresses and skirts.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #4

Make bike shorts more season-appropriate by teaming them with a turtleneck layered under a statement blazer, preferably in plaid. Go ahead and belt the blazer if you want a more streamlined silhouette.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #5

Slip on your new puff-sleeve blouse and pair it with black bike shorts to make the top stand out even more.

Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #6

Use a bright blue belt to cinch your plaid button-down over your bike shorts for a sleek finish.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #7

Who says brown and black don't go together? Recreate this colorful look by tying a different colored button-down around your waist.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #8

Keep the athletic vibes going by topping off your bike shorts with a sports bra. Drape your blazer over one shoulder in case the weather cools down. Seashell choker optional.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #9

Nothing could be easier than adding a hoodie over your basic black bike shorts. Just make sure you pick one in a bright color or pattern to keep things from looking a bit blah.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #10

Got a flashy shirt you're dying to flaunt? Nothing tempers a bold top like black bike shorts, even if there are flames involved.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #11

Burberry's bike shorts aren't cheap ($320 to be exact) so make sure that logo is visible by wearing your button-down with most of the buttons undone.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #12

Play a little peekaboo by letting your bike shorts peek out from under your oversized white button-down. Add in a denim jacket that's shorter than your top for a unique layered look.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #13

Take a sporty matching set up a notch with a see-through hot pink blouse.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #14

Try some colorblocking by rocking colored bike shorts with a breezy top in a scene-stealing shade a la the Maryam Nassir Zadeh Spring 2019 show.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #15

Think bike shorts can't be elegant? Think again. At the Area Spring 2019 presentation, a flowy matching shirt gave this patterned pair a sophisticated spin.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #16

And you can thank LaQuan Smith for introducing sheer bike shorts.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #17

The next evolution of sporty shorts? Gym shorts, which are becoming a street style staple. Here, a pale yellow button-down is the perfect complement to a short black pair.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #18

Team longer gym shorts with a cropped top to keep proportions in check.

Image: Imaxtree
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #19

Glam up your gym shorts by working in a black blazer. But keep your top low-key like a wear-with-anything white tee to avoid overdoing it.

Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #20

Embrace two trends at once by opting for neon green gym shorts. Up the trend quotient by adding in a plaid blazer over your graphic tee and wear a branded fanny pack crossbody style.

Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Bike Shorts/Gym Shorts #21

We love a bold patterned short-sleeve top, especially combined with black gym shorts.

Image: Imaxtree
Ivy Park

Cycling Shorts, $30 at Topshop
Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Stride Sport Shorts, $218 at Need Supply Co.
Motel

Corduroy Bike Short, $39 at Urban Outfitters
Topshop

Velvet Cycling Shorts, $26 at Topshop
Torrid

Black Bike Short, $42.90 at Torrid
Urban Renewal

Remnants Knit Bike Short, $29 at Urban Outfitters
Out From Under

All Day Bike Short, $16 at Urban Outfitters
Opening Ceremony

Stencil Banded Bike Short, $125 at Opening Ceremony
Intimately

Seamless Rib Bike Short, $20 at Free People
Adidas Originals by Alexander Wang

AW Shorts, $96 at Opening Ceremony
Reebok

Training Oil Slick Printed 2 In 1 Shorts, $56 at ASOS
South Beach Plus

Stripe Gym Shorts, $20 at ASOS
Umbro

Chevron Shorts, $48 at Topshop
Adidas

Adibreak Short, $40 at Urban Outfitters