We’re moving away from tight shorts and leaning into a baggier, longer version. However, there is still space in your wardrobe for a tight pair of shorts for purposes other than style. I never expected biker shorts to make the list of most useful summer wardrobe pieces. For me this style is a new wardrobe essential. Here are the neutral colours I’m loving that go with just about anything you already have in your wardrobe.
In this post I want to provide you with inspiration to include tight shorts also known as biker shorts into your summer outfits. I won’t show you them styled with blazers and chunky shoes meant to be worn to dinner or out for drinks that’s just not my personal style so I can’t recommend it.
However, tight shorts are practical when it comes to certain daily activities, and they’ve always been worn this way. So I’m going to show you how I style mine for simple day to day outfits so you’ll want to add them into your summer capsule wardrobe!
How to Style Tight Shorts: Biker Shorts
Starting with tops, I like to stick with a similar material as the bike shorts and go looser in fit since bike shorts are so tight, when sweating in the summer this helps with staying cool. I’ve chosen the same colour scheme and material with an oversized fit to give the look consistency and flow.
For footwear I stick with simple sandals or runners for walking, I just can’t do the chunky sneakers with bike shorts- it’s just not my thing.
I’ve added the Fanny Pack from Samara because I need a place to store keys, cards, my phone and a lip chap when going for walks. This one is actually perfect and can be worn many different ways.
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In terms of styling I either tuck the oversized tee in the front to add a bit of shape or tie it for the same effect, this is a personal preference so you can leave as is if you prefer. The look is meant to be casual and effortless, and a bit of a quick, simple tuck does the trick.
How Should Tight Shorts like Biker Shorts Fit?
If you’re wondering how bike shorts should fit, and how and how tight they should be I would recommend a hand width from the top of your knee cap. This is personal preference but I find any shorter and I tend to chafe and any longer and the material folds while bending. If you like your shorts to fit a certain way so they integrate seamlessly into your summer capsule wardrobe I recommend this length so you can wear them with tops of different lengths.
RELATED: A Simple Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Women
Outfit Ideas and Inspiration with Shorts
Below I’ve styled biker shorts in green, cream, and black with three loose fitting tank tops in cream, white and grey. Basically 3 shorts, 3 tops 9 ways! I’ve paired them with TKEES flip flops for a really chilled look.
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- First row left to right: Green biker shorts with cream top, grey, and white.
- Middle row left to right: Cream biker shorts with cream top, grey, and white.
- Bottom row left to right: Black biker shorts with cream top, white, and grey.
I love all of these combos but my favourite is the all cream look with the Samara bag and TKEES sandals. It’s just the most minimalist simple outfit, and the monochrome colour feels so much more luxe than it is. Which is your favourite combo?
Where to Buy Biker Shorts
Some of the best retailers to buy biker shorts from are:
- H&M
- Organic Basics
- Tentree
- Fabletics
- Everlane
- Madewell
- Anthropologie
- Girlfriend Collective
Why This Style Is Now A Summer Wardrobe Essential
I never thought biker shorts would make my list of summer wardrobe essentials but my fashion and style is forever changing, a lesson I’m cultivating and accepting more and more. Here are some reasons this style made the list for summer wardrobe essentials.
- Versatility
- Comfort
- Practicality
- Affordability
- Simplicity
For sitting around the house every day to going on walks, I throw a pair of biker shorts on and I’m good to go. Some shorts can cause chafing as well if they’re too loose in between the legs and the tight fit of biker shorts prevents any discomfort from occurring.
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- A Simple Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Women
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