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The 3 Best Sustainable Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts: MTB Edition!

By: Author Josh McDarris

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A man stands next to his bike in the woods while he enjoys the view.

We love mountain bike gear and apparel of all kinds and for all seasons, but padded bike shorts may be the most universally important item of clothing to get right if you want to enjoy long, comfortable rides that don’t leave your sit bones so sore you can’t sit on a park bench without wincing for three days. So we tested a handful of more sustainable options of men’s padded cycling shorts to help you decide where to invest your gear dollars.

Here we’ll break down how comfy each option is, whether it stays put like it should, what types of rides each is best for, and how much squish you can expect from the padding. And yes, we tested them all, so you can be confident in our review. Find our fave women’s padded cycling shorts here.

Looking for more MTB content? Check out our favorite sustainable MTB gear of the summer here and a review of our fave MTB helmets here.

The Best Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts

Pearl Izumi Transfer Liner Shorts

Pearl Izumi has a number of more sustainable bike chamois shorts in their lineup, but we like the Transfer Liner Shorts for mountain biking. Especially since they are one of the more affordable options on this list, meaning if you’re on a budget, they’re a decent option. The padding isn’t as thick or dense, so they’re best for those who prefer a more minimalist option.

They run a tad on the small side and the way the padding is stitched into the shorts and comes up the front may feel a little restrictive for some riders. They have a shorter inseam than the other options, plus comfortable mesh panels (which are softer than the mesh in the Patagonia shorts) down the sides that keep them super breathable.

How it’s sustainable: These shorts are made of 80% recycled nylon in the solid materials and 86% in the mesh. The brand also has a Pedal to Zero™ initiative where they share how many miles you need to ride instead of drive to offset the carbon footprint of each product (it’s 15 miles for these shorts). This obviously puts the responsibility on the consumer to take action, but we like that it adds a layer of mindfulness when considering buying new products and how it encourages you to get on your bike more often.

Sizing: S to XXL

Pros

  • Shorter inseam.
  • Breathable mesh panels.
  • Soft and minimalist padding.

Cons

  • Front padding may bunch and smush some riders.
  • Run a smidge small.
Find the Transfer Liner Shorts HERE

Patagonia Dirt Craft Liner Shorts

Now, these padded bike shorts for men are technically only available with the Dirt Craft Bike Shorts as an over-under package. Two-for-one, if you will. Which I don’t mind because I dig the baggies, too. But these are great because they’re ultra breathable (there are mesh panels down the sides) and the padding is thick, making them great for medium to long rides.

They do feel like they run a bit small, though. And the padding tended to bunch a bit in the crotch area, making them feel weird when sitting in the saddle. But they’re nice and snug, the material feels durable, and they don’t move up your leg during long rides.

How it’s sustainable: These padded bike shorts for men are crafted from 79% recycled nylon and made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

Sizing: 28-40

Pros

  • Breathable.
  • Durable.
  • Dense padding.

Cons

  • Runs small.
  • Feels like excessive padding in the front of the shorts.
Find the Dirt Craft Liner Shorts HERE

BN3TH North Shore Liner

Perhaps my favorite padded bike shorts for men are from a brand that designs mens clothing exclusively. In fact, they established themselves first as one the most comfortable men’s underwear brands on the planet. After all, they are designed specifically for male anatomy what with their patented MyPackage Pouch Technology that translates beautifully to these MTB chamois (padded ball pouch, anyone?).

Plus the padding is just-right. They feel like they fit the most naturally, which makes sense. The padding feels like it’s perfectly distributed and all in the right places. That includes in the ball pouch, where padding is more minimal than in the other options, which made them more comfortable. The fabric is smooth, stretchy and comfy and the legs always stayed put. There are also cycling bibs available. These are by far my favorite bike shorts ever.

How it’s sustainable: These shorts are OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s free from tons of harmful chemicals.

Sizing: XXS to XXL

Pros

  • Separate ball pouch with less padding.
  • Perfect padding distribution.

Cons

  • Not terribly size inclusive.
Find the North Shore Liner HERE

Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts: Bottom Line

Not all bike chamois are created equal, especially where sustainability is concerned. But hopefully we’ve helped you find a pair that’s right for you for many rides to come. Every type of rider should find one on this list that suits their type of riding (though we’re woefully disappointed in the lack of size-inclusivity of these options), so dive in, discover the padded bike shorts that are right for you, then hit the trail and wander on!