Cycling to work has many benefits, not least of which is more time on the bike, but there is admittedly a lot of additional faff. If your commute isn't too intense, you can easily ditch the change of clothes and ride into work wearing some of the best cycling trousers instead.
Cycling trousers, as the name suggests, are designed for riding, but off the bike, they more or less resemble a normal pair of trousers (or pants, for our North American friends). They use materials with more stretch for better freedom of movement, are cut higher at the back so you don't show off your rear end while riding, and are often water resistant too. Many riders also wear a pair of the best cycling shorts underneath for added comfort on longer rides.
Quick List: Best cycling trousers
These are brilliant for riding or doing anything else active, and they come in a lovely range of earthy colours.
A thinner material makes these lighter, and a vented gusset keeps them cool in the heat. You can usually pick them up cheaper than most cycling trousers and they are a bargain.
Cycling jeans are hard to do, but the cut is well done, and there is enough stretch to allow movement without them ever feeling like late 2000's jeggings.
The Rapha Explore Pants are superlight, resist spray, and will dry off the fastest of any on this list. After work gravel ride, anyone?
These are perfect for riding to the gym and, if I'm being honest, kicking about around the house, but they are cut for cycling and are far more breathable than any normal pair of sweatpants.
The best cycling trousers available today
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Best overall
✅ You want comfort over office-ready style: Soft, stretchy material prioritises ease of movement over a formal, work-ready look.
✅ You want extra visibility: There are reflective details on the inside of the leg, which become visible when you roll your trouser leg up.
❌ You want to wear them off the bike too: These aren't as smart as other alternatives, but are great to ride in.
❌ You want stain resistance: The lack of DWR, plus the lighter colours generally mean they pick up stains a little more easily.
The OrNot Mission pants tick almost all the boxes I look for in a pair of riding trousers. The fit is slim but not skinny, eliminating flappy material without restricting movement when riding. The pocket arrangement is also great. There is a zipped leg pocket, and one of the back pockets here has a zip too, so there are plenty of options for secure storage. They're well priced too, and have a reinforced gusset for extra durability.
These are our pick for the best overall because of their comfort - the material has a soft lining and has a nice amount of stretch. They aren't the smartest looking, but if you are after a pair just to ride in and or your office dress code is more casual, then these should absolutely be on your radar.
The lack of DWR, plus the lighter colours generally mean they pick up stains a little more easily, but a decent set of mudguards should help this. They are a little thicker than other options I have tested, too. Great for riding in colder weather, but it does make them a little hotter when the mercury rises.
For the visibility-conscious, there are reflective details on the inside of the leg, which become visible when you roll your trouser leg up.
In short, if comfort trumps smartness, then pick these.
Best value
✅ You want good value cycling trousers: These feature a DWR coating and a reinforced gusset, without paying top-end prices.
✅ You want breathable trousers: Vents and thinner material make them ideal for warmer weather
❌ You need ultra-durable material: The fabric is less sturdy than some other options, though not flimsy.
While the RRP for the Branna is similar to the OrNot Mission, they pack a bit more in and are more frequently seen discounted, and so represent better value in my eyes.
Like the other two options above, these are a classic softshell pair of pants, though in this case, the knees are pre-articulated. This means these trousers are the best for actually riding in, though when wearing them off-bike, they hang a little differently, strangely being loose at the shin.
The reinforced gusset also has a pair of vents to help direct airflow into what can become a quite sweaty area in hot weather. This, combined with a slightly thinner material, makes them a great warmer-weather option.
While the material also features a DWR coating to help a light shower bead off, it does feel less sturdy than the OrNot, but if you're not absolutely murderous on your trousers, then it shouldn't be much of a concern; they are hardly flimsy by any measure.
If you value extra features or are buying a pair predominantly to ride in, then these are the ones to pick... as long as you like black.
Best cycling jeans
✅ You want a great pair of cycling jeans: Very good, even compared to normal jeans, and packed with cycling-specific features.
✅ You want trousers that can be worn on and off the bike: These transition seamlessly from riding to everyday wear.
❌ You want zipped pockets: The pockets are deep but open, so valuables need extra care.
Cycling jeans are a hard one to do well, which is why so few people make them. These Opus jeans from Vulpine are very good, even against normal jeans, but with cycling features packed in, they're a winner.
The fit is prime cycling trousers, with the highest rear waist of the lot - if you're riding in an aggressive position, rest assured you're not going to be showing anyone your bottom. The knees, like the Brannan pants, are also articulated, and the stretch denim is stretchy enough that it allows movement, without losing that sturdy 'denim' feeling that is key.
The reflective details are subtle too, hidden away in pocket piping. There are no zipped pockets, so be sure your valuables are safe, but the pockets themselves are deep and well-positioned so as not to interfere.
My main gripe was really with the fit - These size up a little large, so if you're between sizes, go a size down. Also, if you've got bigger legs or want a wider leg just for the look of it then Vulpine has the Opus jean, which has all the same features in a looser fit.
Best lightweight
✅ You want lightweight trousers: They’re extremely lightweight, staying cool in warm weather and drying quickly if they get wet.
✅ You want a packable layer: These pack up small, making them great for carrying on longer rides when you might need a bit of extra warmth or protection.
❌ You want long-term toughness: The high-wear areas aren't reinforced, so long-term durability may not be great.
Rapha's Explore Pant is designed as a gravelly/MTB pair of cycling trousers, but I've taken to using them around the city far more than I have on the trails. If you want to add a splash of gorpcore aesthetic to your city riding, then these are a great shout, as you get the style but with the added benefits of a pair of trousers designed for riding.
The main reason I love these is the fact that they are feathery-light. This means they stay cool even if it is warm, and dry out super quick if they get wet too - I've worn them over a set of tights in winter, and on their own in warm weather.
There are no rear pockets, but I never use them when riding anyway as they lack the security and you end up sitting on your keys if you're not careful. To make up for it, there are a pair of side pockets that extend around the back of your thighs so you don't have anything on the front.
Lastly, you needn't worry about a belt - they have a built-in lightweight one that's far less obtrusive when you're riding than a standard buckle, and the end of each leg also features a cinch tab so you don't get them caught in your drivetrain.
Best sweatpants
✅ You want casual cycling trousers: These are sweatpants, just cut for cycling, so you can wear them off the bike too.
✅ You want warmth without bulk: These offer cosy insulation while still feeling flexible for everyday riding.
❌ You want full wet-weather protection: They have a DWR coating, but they won’t hold up to sustained or heavy rain.
❌ You want to wear them for extended riding: While being more breathable than normal sweatpants, these are still warm to ride in.
Altura markets these as a 'softshell' pair of cycling trousers, but don't be fooled; these are sweatpants, just cut for cycling. They bear no real resemblance to the first three options on this list, which are actual softshell pants.
While they aren't what they claim to be, they have found a place in my life nonetheless, and are a particular favourite for when I ride to the gym. Also, I just wear them around the house too, as I would with any other sweatpants.
I wouldn't want to wear these to the office, or for extended riding, as despite the grid fleece being more breathable than normal sweatpants they are still warm. There's also a DWR treatment, but I wouldn't want to spend any time in a downpour.
The tapered leg and high rear waist, plus some reflective details, make them far better on the bike than any other sweatpants I've ridden in, but I'd say these are perfect for riding to the gym and not a great deal else. Still worthy of shouting about for that, as on some days I happily work out in them too, but unless you work in an extremely casual workplace, you may look like you're wearing pyjamas at your desk.
How to choose the best cycling trousers
- What weather conditions do you ride in most? Look for insulated and thicker fabrics for cold weather, lighter, breathable materials for warm weather, and DWR coatings for rain protection.
- Do you want to wear them off the bike? Choose trousers with a smart look so they transition seamlessly from riding to casual or work settings.
- Do you want extra features? Reflective detailing, zipped pockets, belt holes, and adjustable waist or ankle tabs are all features worth considering.
- How long will you be riding in them? For longer rides, choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with articulated knees for maximum comfort.
Everything you need to know about the best cycling trousers
Most cycling trousers, whether you're using them for commuting or just zooming around the city for fun, have a few things in common; a higher waist at the back, more secure pockets, and stretchy materials. Beyond that, things diverge, so it's only natural to have a few questions - I've tried my best to answer the common ones below.
How should cycling pants fit?
Basically, they should fit like normal trousers, but the waist will be higher at the back to preserve one's modesty. The cut of cycling trousers will invariably be slim, as baggy trousers flap and are more prone to getting caught in chainrings.
The leg length also tends to be longer, in the expectation that you'll roll them up, though this isn't universal.
Are cycling trousers waterproof?
Waterproof cycling trousers are a different product entirely, akin to a waterproof jacket. With 'normal' cycling trousers none are waterproof, but many offer a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that causes light rain to bead off. If it's heavy rain though, you'll want proper overtrousers.
Do I have to roll one leg up when I cycle?
No, but it helps - Rolling one leg up, the driveside one, a few times keeps it out of the way of your chainring, which can cause anything from dirty marks through to actually ripping your trouser leg if you aren't careful.
Many cycling pants also feature reflective patches inside the lining that are only visible when you roll one leg up.
Do I wear padded shorts under cycling trousers?
Only if you need to for extra comfort - I tend not to, because I have a saddle I get on very well with, but there is no reason not to. The best thing in my mind is to wear specific padded undershorts that do away with the bib straps, though even these aren't hugely comfortable if you wear them at your desk all day.
