Article: Organic Cotton Biker Shorts: How to Choose Inseam, Pockets and Fit
Organic Cotton Biker Shorts: How to Choose Inseam, Pockets and Fit
Real customer review
“These are the softest cotton bike shorts and the fit is perfect!”
Megan K. Verified
High Waist Pocket Shorts★★★★★
PuraKai was started in 2012 by a father and daughter who decided the clothing they wore should protect the ocean they spent their lives in. We have worked only with organic cotton from the very beginning. Every year since 2012, a portion of our revenue has gone to ocean conservation nonprofits, and PuraKai is still family-owned. Read our story.
Biker shorts are close-fitting stretch shorts that end on the thigh. Ours come in two styles, with side pockets or without, and two inseams, 3" and 5". Here is how to choose the inseam, the pockets and the size, and what our organic cotton biker shorts are made of.
- 2 inseams: 3" and 5"
- 2 styles: with or without pockets
- 92% GOTS-certified organic cotton
- 100% made in the USA, in Los Angeles
Our organic cotton biker shorts
High Waist Pocket ShortsShown in BrackenSide pockets. 3" or 5". Black, Tidal Teal and Bracken.$62Shop
High Waist ShortsShown in NavyNo pockets. 3" or 5". Black, Tidal Teal, Bracken and Navy.$59Shop
See both styles together in our organic cotton biker shorts collection.
Which biker shorts inseam should you choose, 3" or 5"?
Inseam is measured on the finished shorts, from the crotch seam to the hem. It is the same in every size, so you choose your size and your length separately.
3" inseam
The shorter length. The hem sits high on the thigh. Choose it for hot days, running and studio classes, or to wear under a dress.
5" inseam
The classic biker short length. The hem sits closer to mid-thigh, with more coverage on the leg. Choose it for cycling, hiking, lifting and everyday wear.
“I love the length of the 5” - they’re a great length for not rolling up and being a little bit modest.” Sasha K., High Waist Shorts
“The 5 inch biker shorts are just what I’ve been looking for!” Katrina W., High Waist Pocket Shorts
Still deciding? Some customers own both.
“I have in both 5in and 3 in. Love them both!” Christie S., High Waist Pocket Shorts
Shop High Waist Shorts · $59Should you get biker shorts with pockets?
Choose the High Waist Pocket Shorts if you carry a phone or keys. The side pockets sit on the outer thigh, just below the waistband, where a phone stays close to the leg.
Choose the High Waist Shorts for a clean line from waist to hem. They come in four colors, including Navy, and in sizes XS to XXL. The Pocket Shorts come in XS to XL.
“Nice firm fit and held phone securely on an hour+ hike.” Mia H., High Waist Pocket Shorts
“The pockets are wonderful and the fabric feels great.” Katrina W., High Waist Pocket Shorts
Shop High Waist Pocket Shorts · $62What customers say
Verified reviews, shown in full as published.
Laura S.Verified
★★★★★
It's been a long time since I've worn a pair of bike shorts that feel as soft and as comfortable as these! Thank you <3
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist Shorts
Brenda D.Verified
★★★★★
These are the softest most comfortable workout shorts I’ve ever worn. Highly recommend.
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist Pocket Shorts
Deborah Z.Verified
★★★★★
Finally a workout short that is soft, cotton and moves with your body! Love it!
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist Shorts
Veronica G.Verified
★★★★★
I have worn these to yoga and crossfit. They are very comfortable and dry fast. They do stay in place while I'm doing squats and other lifts.
PureFlex Organic Cotton High Waist Shorts
How should organic cotton biker shorts fit?
Both styles have a wide, high-rise waistband that stays in place as you move. The fit is close and smooth, with stretch.
Our shorts are garment-dyed and pre-shrunk, so choose the size you normally wear. Check the chart at your hips rather than the size you usually buy in shorts. If you're between sizes, size up for the best coverage. If you want more or less coverage, change the inseam, not the size.
Body measurements, in inches:
- XS (0-2): waist 24-26, hips 34-36
- S (2-4): waist 26-28, hips 36-38
- M (6-8): waist 28-30, hips 38-40
- L (10-12): waist 30-32, hips 40-42
- XL (14-16): waist 32-34, hips 42-44
- XXL (18-20): waist 35-37, hips 45-47 (High Waist Shorts)
The full table and how to measure are on our sizing chart.
“I’m 5’2 110 lbs and the XS fits great! Love the 5” length.” Teresa W., High Waist Pocket Shorts
What are PuraKai biker shorts made of?
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
- PFAS-free · lab tested
- Designed for coverage
- Made in the USA, cut and sewn in our own Los Angeles factory
Both styles are made of PureFlex, our 92% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 8% spandex fabric. It has a soft, matte cotton feel and is designed for coverage.
PureFlex is PFAS-free, and we use no DWR (durable water repellent) finishes. In October 2024, Applied Technical Services tested our PureFlex organic cotton leggings fabric and found total fluorine not detected, below 2 ppm. You can read ATS report 435623 in full. Mamavation's September 2026 update lists our leggings as non-detect for total fluorine; see what Mamavation found.
The shorts are 100% made in the USA, in Los Angeles. The fabric is knit in LA, the shorts are cut and sewn in our own licensed Los Angeles facility, and they are garment-dyed in LA. More on our fabrics and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
How do you care for cotton biker shorts?
Wash cold, inside out, with like colors and without fabric softener. Hang dry or tumble on low. Follow the care label.
What do you wear with biker shorts?
Pair them with a fitted PureFlex top in the same color for a matching set. The High Neck Racerback Bra matches both styles in Black and Bracken, and the High Waist Shorts in Navy. The Reversible Pivot Top matches in Black, Navy and Bracken. Browse every pairing in our organic cotton workout sets.
Shop organic cotton workout setsShop organic cotton biker shorts
High Waist Pocket ShortsShown in BrackenSide pockets. 3" or 5". XS to XL.$62ShopHigh Waist ShortsShown in NavyNo pockets. 3" or 5". XS to XXL.$59Shop
High Neck Racerback BraShown in Bracken$64Shop
Reversible Pivot TopShown in Navy$55Shop
All organic cotton biker shorts: every style, inseam and color in one collection. Browse shorts.
Browse all biker shortsFrequently Asked Questions
What inseam are PuraKai biker shorts?
Both styles come in a 3" and a 5" inseam. The inseam is the same in every size.
Do PuraKai biker shorts have pockets?
The High Waist Pocket Shorts have side pockets that hold a phone. The High Waist Shorts have no pockets.
Are organic cotton biker shorts see-through?
PureFlex shorts are designed for coverage, with reduced sheerness in every colorway.
Are the shorts PFAS-free, and where are they made?
Yes, PureFlex is PFAS-free, with no DWR finishes. The shorts are 100% made in the USA, in Los Angeles.
Free 30-day returns & exchanges. Free shipping over $99.
Shop High Waist Pocket Shorts · $62
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.