Custom Biker Shorts: How to Get the Length, Waistband and Fabric Right
Biker shorts are one of the simplest styles in an activewear range, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Legs that ride up, waistbands that roll down and fabric that turns sheer in a squat are the usual complaints. This guide covers the design decisions that matter before you brief a biker shorts manufacturer.
- Choose the inseam first, because it decides the look and the use.
- Use a high, wide waistband to stop rolling in squats.
- Get the thigh fit right to stop the legs riding up.
- Pick an opaque fabric with good stretch recovery.
- Wear test the sample in squats, lunges and running.
Choose the inseam length
The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam to the hem. It sets the look of the shorts and how they are used, so decide it before anything else.
| Inseam | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 in (7.5–10 cm) | Short and light | Studio, hot weather, layering under skirts |
| 5–6 in (12.5–15 cm) | Mid-thigh, the most versatile | Gym, running and everyday training |
| 8 in (20 cm) | Classic biker length | More coverage, cycling and lifestyle wear |
| 9–10 in (23–25 cm) | Just above the knee | Maximum coverage and modest collections |
Many brands offer two lengths of the same style, such as 6 in and 8 in, so customers can choose their coverage. Give the inseam for each size in your tech pack, because a fixed inseam can look very different on the smallest and largest sizes.
Design the waistband
- Rise: high-rise waistbands sit at or above the navel and give more coverage and hold. Mid-rise suits shorter styles and lifestyle looks.
- Width: a wider waistband spreads pressure and is less likely to roll down in a squat.
- Shape: straight, V-shaped or crossover waistbands change the look without changing the fit much.
- Pocket: a small waistband pocket can hold a key or a card.
Test the waistband in movement, not standing still. A waistband that rolls during a deep squat will roll for your customers too.
Stop the legs riding up
Ride-up is the most common complaint about biker shorts. It is usually caused by a mix of fit, fabric and hem finish.
- Thigh fit: shorts that are too loose at the thigh move up as the legs move. Shorts that are too tight can dig in and roll. Check the thigh and leg opening measurements on a fit model.
- Fabric recovery: fabric that does not spring back after stretching slowly creeps up the leg. Choose a fabric with enough spandex and good recovery.
- Hem finish: the hem has to grip lightly without leaving a mark. Discuss the hem width and finish with your manufacturer and test it on the sample.
- Gusset: a crotch gusset helps the shorts move with the body and reduces pulling at the front and back.
Add pockets
Side phone pockets on the thigh are now expected in gym and running biker shorts. Check the pocket depth with a current large phone, and make sure the pocket stays flat and does not swing when you run. A waistband pocket for a key or card is a useful extra.
Choose the fabric
Biker shorts are stretched hard at the seat and thighs, so opacity and recovery matter more than in loose shorts. These are fabrics we use for leggings and biker shorts:
| Fabric | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 75% nylon / 25% spandex · 220 gsm | Soft, second-skin | Yoga, studio and lifestyle |
| 78% nylon / 22% spandex · 220 gsm | Brushed or smooth, opaque | Gym and everyday training |
| 70% nylon / 30% spandex · 220 gsm | High stretch, firm hold | Compression-style shorts |
| 80% polyester / 20% spandex · 220 gsm | Smooth, quick-dry | Running and printed styles |
Our squat-proof fabric guide explains what keeps shorts opaque, and our nylon vs polyester guide compares the two fibers. For printed biker shorts, polyester-spandex fabric takes custom prints well.
Cut & sew or seamless?
| Cut & Sew | Seamless | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Cut from fabric and sewn | Knitted to shape on circular machines |
| Design freedom | Pockets, panels, prints and most waistbands | Rib, contour and scrunch textures knitted in |
| MOQ | 200 pieces per style per color | 500 pieces per style per color |
| Sizes | XXS–XL, plus sizes up to 3XL | XS–XL |
Cut & Sew is the easier choice for pockets and prints. Seamless suits textured and contour styles. See our seamless vs cut & sew guide for more detail.
Build it into a set
Biker shorts sell well as part of a set, with a matching sports bra, tank or short-sleeve top. Use the same fabric and color for the whole set, and check that the colors match across pieces on the sample. Our matching sets guide covers how to plan them.
Measurements for your tech pack
- Waist, relaxed
- Hip
- Front rise and back rise
- Thigh, just below the crotch
- Inseam
- Leg opening and hem width
- Waistband height
- Pocket size and position
Our tech pack checklist shows what else to include.
Test the sample
Wear the sample for a few real workouts. Squat to check opacity and the waistband, run to check ride-up and the pockets, and sit for a while to check the waistband and hem do not dig in. Then wash it and measure it again. Our leggings sample testing guide walks through each step, and the same tests work for biker shorts.
Common biker shorts mistakes
- Using one inseam for every size without checking how it looks.
- Choosing a thin fabric that turns sheer in a squat.
- Making the thigh too loose, so the legs ride up.
- Using a narrow waistband that rolls down.
- Making the phone pocket too small for current phones.
- Approving the sample without a workout wear test.
Planning a range? See our custom leggings and biker shorts page for styles and fabrics, or our private label activewear page for branding and packing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MOQ for custom biker shorts?
Our MOQ is 200 pieces per style per color for Cut & Sew biker shorts and 500 pieces per style per color for seamless biker shorts. Sizes can be mixed within each color.
What inseam length should biker shorts have?
Many brands start with a 5 to 6 inch inseam for gym and running, and add a longer 8 inch style for more coverage. Shorter 3 to 4 inch styles suit studio and hot-weather collections. Put the exact inseam in your tech pack for each size.
How do I stop biker shorts riding up?
Get the thigh measurement right, use a fabric with good stretch recovery and finish the leg with a hem that holds its place. Then wear test the sample in squats, lunges and running, because ride-up only shows in movement.
Can you make biker shorts with pockets?
Yes. We make biker shorts with side phone pockets and waistband pockets. Confirm the pocket size with the phone or items you want it to hold, and check it in the sample.
Can you print custom patterns on biker shorts?
Yes. We make printed biker shorts with custom prints on polyester-spandex fabric. Send your artwork and we confirm the print and colors on the sample before bulk.
Do you make private label biker shorts?
Yes. We make biker shorts for private label brands, with your own logo, labels, hangtags and packing, from 200 pieces per style per color for Cut & Sew.
Planning a biker shorts line?
Send your tech pack or reference style, plus the length, fabric and colors you have in mind. We review them and reply with a quote within 24 hours. Only your work email is required.
- A tech packShare technical drawings, measurements and material requirements.
- A reference productShare a photo, product link or sample, with the details you want to develop.
- An early ideaDescribe the category, intended activity and wearing experience.