Life Liberty Levin 06-08-2025
Life Liberty Levin 06-08-2025
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CNN
28 minutes ago
- CNN
22 of the best cycling shorts for a more comfortable ride, according to seasoned cyclists
Cycling shorts quick picks For mountain biking: Fox Racing Men's Ranger Shorts For spin classes: Zoot Women's 6-Inch Ltd Triathalon Shorts For long-distance rides: Assos Women's Dyora Women's R Bib Shorts S11 Bib shorts: Rapha Men's Core Cargo Bib Shorts For recreational rides: Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar 5-Inch Cycling Shorts Whether you've just purchased a new set of wheels for your bikepacking trip or recently invested in an exercise bike, having comfortable cycling shorts specifically designed for this type of workout is a must. 'Cycling shorts aren't 'one-style-fits-all,'' said Emma Belluomo, an instructor at CycleBar. According to the certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, road shorts are 'sleek and snug with dense padding for long, fast rides,' while mountain biking shorts have a looser fit and are designed to withstand challenging trails. On the other hand, she said 'indoor cycling shorts focus on breathability and comfort with lighter padding or none at all to keep you cool during sweaty spin sessions.' To help you find the most comfortable cycling shorts for everything from mountain biking to spin class, we consulted several experienced cyclists for their insights on what to look for in cycling shorts, along with their recommendations. Club Ride 11-Inch Savvy Surf Trail Shorts Made from a breathable, stretch-knit material, these trail shorts are a great option for mountain biking, according to Sally Marchand Collins, the owner of Sundance MTB Skills Clinic and Adventure. In addition to having a gusseted crotch, reflective accents and a zippered side pocket, the shorts also have an interior drawcord, so you can adjust the fit. Shredly 5-Inch All Time Zipper-Snap Mid-Rise Shorts These 5-inch shorts are another one of Collins' recommendations for mountain biking. They come in over 10 fun patterns to suit different personalities (and so you can stand out on the trail), and they're made from a quick-drying polyester and spandex blend. They also come in two longer lengths — 11 and 14 inches — for those who want more leg coverage. Zoot Women's 6-Inch Ltd Triathlon Shorts Meredith Novack, a former professional triathlete and LaunchBreak member, thinks Zoot's Ltd Triathalon Shorts are perfect for spin classes, short bike rides or multi-sports. They're designed with a stretchy, wide waistband, a modesty liner and grippers to keep them from riding up. We love that they have a UPF rating of 50+ to protect your skin from the sun, as well as slim-fitting padding designed with triathletes in mind. Pactimo Women's Summit Classic Shorts Collins is a fan of Pactimo's Summit Classic Shorts, which were designed with mountain bikers in mind. Available in sizes XS to 2XL, the shorts feature the brand's Endurance Anatomic Super Air Chamois — specially designed padding that provides cushioning while you're cycling — to keep you comfortable during long rides. Pearl Izumi 5-Inch Sugar Cycling Shorts For recreational rides, Mary Beth Hogan, a triathlete and founding LaunchBreak member, singles out these compressive cycling shorts, which have silicone grippers, large cargo pockets that can hold your phone, reflective detailing for visibility in low-light conditions and a wide waistband. Wild Rye Women's 7-Inch Freda Bike Shorts If you're looking for bike shorts that will also work for your other outdoor adventures this summer, these Wild Rye ones have Collins' stamp of approval. They have a UPF rating of 50+, a gusseted crotch and a zippered side pocket to keep your valuables safe. They also come in four colors and patterns, including an unexpectedly fun animal print and a bold floral. Old Navy 8-Inch High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts 'Don't sleep on Old Navy when it comes to activewear,' Belluomo said. 'I love their quality, and the price is so amazing for the quality.' Case in point, these high-waisted biker shorts she loves. One of the more budget-friendly options on the list, they come in several colors and sizes XS to 4X. Terry Bella Free Bike Shorts These Collins-recommended shorts feature a contoured waistband and the brand's breathable Flex Air Chamois (seamless and ultra-breathable foam padding) that make your rides more comfortable. They're also designed without leg grippers, making them a great option for those who don't like silicone. Gymshark Women's Running Cycling Shorts Belluomo loves these drawcord waistband shorts because of their handy, zippered back pocket. Though they're only available in two colors — black and teal — they come with a budget-friendly price tag. Assos Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 If you're looking for a comfortable and compressive pair of bib shorts (cycling shorts that are held up by straps), Megan Kelly, a USA Cycling Masters National Champ in Criterium and founding LaunchBreak member, recommends these ones from Assos for long-distance rides. Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy Shorts If you're looking for a more fashion-forward pair of biking shorts, Novack recommends Wild Rye's Eleanor Chammy, which comes in three bold prints. Athleta 9-Inch Elation Ultra-High-Rise Shorts For those wanting a longer pair of bike shorts, Belluomo recommends these ones. 'The fabric is super soft and sweat-wicking, so [they're] perfect for spin [classes],' she said. We love that they also have a UPF 50+ rating and a discreet back pocket for stashing cash. Velocio Women's Luxe Bib Shorts For long-distance riders, Kelly also recommends the Velocio Luxe Bib Shorts because they're comfortable to wear and make bathroom breaks on the trail a breeze, thanks to the added elasticity to the bib straps. The shorts also feature a three-panel design that eliminates any needless seams, which in turn reduces the potential for chafing. Assos Mille GTS Bib Shorts S11 Jason Carolan, a cycling expert with over 30 years of competitive riding, recommends these shorts from Assos. Designed for long-distance rides, they come in two lengths — standard and long — and feature an ultra-matte finish. Their bib-style design makes them ideal for those who find the waistbands in regular cycling shorts uncomfortable. Vuori PR Shorts Compression Tights 'Compression shorts are a great choice for men to wear as a layer under regular shorts while cycling,' Belluomo said. 'This will help prevent chafing and give you more comfort.' She recommends Vuori's moisture-wicking PR Shorts, which are meant to be worn in cold weather as a base layer. Club Ride 13-Inch Hifi All-Mountain Shorts Collins recommends Club Ride's Hifi All-Mountain Shorts, which are made from a water- and dirt-resistant polyester and spandex blend. Designed with eight pockets and a gusseted crotch, these shorts strike a balance between style and function. We love that they also have reflective accents for those early morning or late-night rides. Zoic 9-Inch Ether Bike Shorts and Liner This shorts set, which Collins recommends for mountain biking, includes Zoic's bestselling 9-inch Ether Shorts and its 7-inch Essential Liner. With an elasticated back waistband, mesh panels and angled pockets to keep your keys from falling out, these shorts are a great option for fuss-free trail riding. Rapha Men's Core Cargo Bib Shorts 'Rapha might be the brand that started the cargo-short craze, which has expanded across the biking industry,' Carolan said. 'They are very solid and innovative and have expanded their collections to be available in bike shops and retailers, not just online or mail order.' He recommends the Core Cargo Bib Shorts, which are designed for everyday riders. Fox Racing Men's Ranger Shorts If you're looking for a durable pair of mountain bike shorts, Collins also recommends these lightweight ones that hit at the knee. They're made from a moisture-wicking ripstop fabric, and they have a water-repellent finish. Adidas Men's Essentials 3-Stripes Padded Cycling Shorts Belluomo is a fan of these Adidas cycling shorts because they're 'super functional and will help you go the distance since they're padded for more comfort on long rides.' Primal Men's Alitios Limited-Edition Black Etheros Bib Shorts A fan of Primal Alitios bib shorts, Carolan singles out this pair of bib shorts. 'They use the best [original equipment manufacturer (OEM)] on the market for their chamois, and the straps, compression and fabric are top-notch for multi-hour rides.' He likens the quality of these ones to shorts double their price. Castelli Men's Premio Evo Bib Shorts If you don't mind spending a little more on your cycling shorts, Carolan said that Castelli makes high-quality gear for both professionals and amateurs, though some people find the chamois too thick. The Premio Evo Bib Shorts, which have a perforated back panel and are designed for long-distance rides, get his stamp of approval. 'When choosing cycling bibs or shorts, the most crucial element is the chamois (padding),' said Jennifer Cvar, an executive director at Momentum Indy. 'I generally look for bibs with multiple sections in the padding to allow for maximum comfort and support where it's most needed.' Carolan echoes this point, adding that the padding should work for your body and bike and be an appropriate thickness for the length of your ride. For rides over two hours, Cvar recommends opting for shorts with thicker padding to help protect the sit bones. Fit is another key factor to consider. According to Carolan, cycling shorts should be tight but not restrictive enough to cut off your blood flow or circulation. 'Bike shorts all take some time to break in,' he said. 'I recommend cyclists wash their shorts first and then ride a few times before some major race or event to break them in, confirm the fit works and ensure no issues come up. It's a very personal product, so it's important to try to test and see what works best. But you should be able to forget that you have them on when you're cycling.' You should also consider the material. Cvar recommends looking for moisture-wicking fabrics and features such as leg grips, which help keep the shorts in place. There are also aesthetics, length and the type of short — bib versus regular cycling shorts — which all boils down to personal preference. 'For me, personally, I never ride in cycling shorts because I don't prefer the feel of a waistband; [I'm] always opting for bibs, though I know this certainly complicates potty breaks for women,' Cvar said. Pro tip: Cvar recommends using chamois cream, like Undurbudr's, to prevent chafing since they're designed to be worn without underwear. The following FAQs have been answered by cycling experts Jennifer Cvar, Mary Beth Hogan and Jason Carolan, and include reporting by associate editor Rachel Dennis. How should your cycling shorts fit? How should your cycling shorts fit? According to Cvar, cycling shorts should have a snug fit to keep the chamois in place and prevent chafing. 'They should be tight enough that the fabric doesn't wrinkle or bag, especially around the crotch and inner thighs, but still allows for a full range of motion,' Cvar said. 'The leg grippers should hold the shorts firmly without digging in uncomfortably. A proper fit is key to maximizing the benefits of the chamois and the technical fabric.' How often should you wash your cycling shorts? How often should you wash your cycling shorts? Hogan recommends washing them after each use. 'One tip to increase the lifespan of cycling shorts is to allow them to air-dry rather than putting them in the dryer,' she said. Do all types of cycling shorts have padding? Do all types of cycling shorts have padding? No. While many pairs of cycling shorts do have padding, there are also cycling shorts that don't, such as the Club Ride Men's Hifi All-Mountain Shorts that Collins recommends. How long do cycling shorts last? How long do cycling shorts last? As Carolan said, a good pair of cycling shorts can last years if they're taken care of. To help extend the longevity of your shorts, he recommends following the care instructions on the label and avoiding the use of a dryer. 'You'll know when you start to have saddle discomfort when the chamois has broken down, and at that point, you should not use them anymore,' he said. 'For most riders, a pair of cycling shorts should last three to five years.' How many pairs of cycling shorts should you buy? How many pairs of cycling shorts should you buy? For those new to cycling, Carolan recommends purchasing just a few pairs. 'For someone starting out, two to four pairs would be fine,' he said. 'Cycling shorts need to be washed, so it depends on how often you ride and do laundry. For the 'everyday rider,' you'd want five to seven pairs.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Emma Belluomo, fitness trainer and nutrition coach, and instructor at CycleBar Jason Carolan, cycling expert with over 30 years of competitive riding and the chief innovation officer at Flexential Sally Marchand Collins, owner of Sundance MTB Skills Clinic and Adventure Jennifer Cvar, executive director at Momentum Indy, a nonprofit organization that organizes and manages bicycling events and festivals Mary Beth Hogan, triathlete; former D1 cross-country and track athlete; founding member of LaunchBreak, a networking platform for female athletes; and chair of The Armory Foundation, a nonprofit that offers athletic, educational and community programs Megan Kelly, USA Cycling Masters National Champ in Criterium; founder of STEAM Train Endurance Coaching; USA Cycling triathlon and swimming coach; and founding member of LaunchBreak Meredith Novack, former professional triathlete, swim expert, world record-holding extreme swimmer and LaunchBreak member CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed several cycling experts to get their insights on what to look for when shopping for cycling shorts and their recommendations.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Yes, Black Girls Tan Too — And The Beauty Industry Is Finally Taking Notice
When you think of self-tanning, chances are you're not picturing a Black woman reaching for bronzing mousse. But that narrative is shifting—and fast. St. Tropez and Peta Jane self-tanning products pictured with Black women embracing glowing skin Across TikTok and Instagram, a new wave of Black and brown creators are openly embracing self-tanning. Not to change their complexion, but to even it out, enhance natural radiance, and reclaim a beauty ritual that's long excluded them. What once felt like an off-limits aisle in the beauty store is now a space for experimentation, education and glow-ups—with melanin at the center. Videos tagged #BlackGirlsTan have racked up millions of views, with creators like Jackie Aina and Kamie Crawford showcasing their glowing skin post spray tan. It's not to change their complexion, but to even it out, contour and improve superficial imperfections. So I decided to dig deeper and experience it for myself—sitting down with two of the industry's most trusted experts: Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist and skin finishing expert for St. Tropez, and Peta Murgatroyd, Dancing with the Stars alum and founder of Peta Jane Beauty. Both women are redefining the self-tanning space—not only by making products that work across all skin tones, but by helping to reframe what 'tanning' actually means. 'Self-tan is for everybody,' Evans told me. 'And on darker skin, it looks amazing—you get rid of tan lines, contour the body and it gives you that glow. We all go darker in the sun—why not enhance that?' Sophie's been tanning melanin-rich skin since the '90s, working with stars like Sade and Mel B of the Spice Girls long before it was trendy. Today, her work continues with a new generation of creators, who are turning the lens on a new kind of luxury: even skin, body confidence and radiant, natural glow. Meanwhile, Peta Murgatroyd is carving her own lane with Peta Jane Beauty, a self-funded brand built around everyday confidence, buildable color and formulas that actually work for all skin tones. Both experts agree: the results are only as good as your prep. So if you're a first-timer, don't skip these essentials. 'Exfoliate 24 hours before,' Murgatroyd emphasized. 'But don't use oily scrubs. Oil creates a barrier and prevents the tan from absorbing. Instead, use a dry exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin and get an even base.' She also advises shaving a full day prior to tanning to avoid the formula settling into open pores or looking spotty. Evans' agrees, adding that moisturizing only dry areas (like elbows, knees, ankles) is key to avoiding over-saturation and patchiness. Once you're prepped, here's how to apply for flawless results: Exfoliate – 24 hours before tanning. On the day of, moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet – Use a mitt to apply St. Tropez's Classic Bronzing Mousse or Peta Jane's Gradual Tan in long, even strokes. Work in sections (forearms, upper arms, chest).Glow – Wait 4–8 hours before rinsing (or 1 hour with express formulas). Then moisturize daily to maintain a smooth, radiant finish. Peta Jane and St. Tropez both prioritize neutral undertones, which are essential for melanin-rich skin. 'I've tried formulas that made me look red, green—even gray,' said Murgatroyd. 'So we created a line with a neutral brown base that works on every skin tone—from fair to deep. There's no orange, no weird undertones—just glow.' Peta Jane ultra dark tanning mousse pictured with Black model Her top picks? 'The mist is my date-night hero,' Murgatroyd laughed. 'I have three kids, a dog, and no time. I spray my chest, my legs—wherever showing—and I'm out the door glowing.' Evans recommends St. Tropez's Violet Supreme Mousse, which contains olive-based and melanin-compatible pigments, and Sunlit Serum Drops for precise, brush-based application. 'Even on deep skin, a little contour with the right product goes a long way,' Evans told me. 'It's not about coverage—it's about enhancing what's already there.' Black model showcasing tan before and after using St. Tropez tan berry sorbet mousse When I asked Evans about tips for newcomers, especially Black women curious but cautious, she offered this: As more Black women reclaim their glow on their own terms, the industry is finally being challenged to keep up. This is about more than bronzing. It's about visibility, access and choice. 'Black girls tan too,' Evans said with a smile. 'And when they do, they glow differently.' 'Everyone deserves to feel radiant,' Murgatroyd echoed. 'No matter your skin tone, your lifestyle, your routine—you deserve products that make you feel good in your skin.' Tanning is no longer a one-shade-fits-all experience. Whether you're looking to contour your curves, blur out stretch marks or just look like you stepped off a yacht in St. Barts—there's finally space (and product) for Black women in the glow game. So yes, Black girls tan too.
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Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a 5-foot Traveler, and I Found 8 Summer Dresses Under $50 That'll Keep You Cool and Comfy—No Hemming Needed
I'm only 5-foot-2, which makes shopping for travel clothes a challenge. And with summer finally here, I'm in need of petite-friendly outfits for upcoming trips in order to stay comfy and stylish when it's painfully hot outside. I recently discovered that Amazon's fashion store has a hidden stockpile of petite summer dresses that are flowy, lightweight, and fashionable. So, whether you're going on a tropical cruise or exploring new cities on foot, there's a petite dress at the retailer that's perfect for your travel agenda. The best part? They're all under $50. Check out our top picks for mini, midi, and maxi-length dresses for as little as $15. With more than 2,000 of these mini dresses purchased in the past month, it's no surprise that it's become an Amazon No. 1 best-seller. The floral print and V-neckline give it a romantic feel that's perfect for lunch by the water. One shopper, who is 4-foot-9, said it 'fit like a glove,' while a non-petite traveler said it didn't wrinkle and kept them cool when the temperature reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave it to Gap to craft the perfect summer dress for travel. It comes in several petite sizes and is made with a soft material that's lightweight and breathable, so you can stay cool in tropical locales. The adjustable tie-waist lets you take the tiered dress from a loose, breezy look to a more fitted, flirty style. Land's End crafted a mini dress that's ready to set sail with you on your next cruise. Featuring navy and white colors, the dress gives off a polished sailor vibe, and since it's made with 100 percent cotton, it has a lightweight and airy feel—the perfect summer vacation combo. It comes in a range of sizes, including XS petite through XL petite. This maxi dress has been called the 'perfect' and 'correct' length by petite shoppers. The tie straps are one of the most unique features because you can adjust the length or turn them into a halter dress, so you have multiple looks to wear on vacation, instead of just one. T-shirt dresses like this tie-front style are a packing must-have because they give you an instant outfit that looks put-together with little effort. More than 15,000 shoppers have rated this mini dress five stars, including one 5-foot-tall shopper who said they normally have trouble finding dresses , but considers this one 'a keeper' for its perfect fit. Whether you're exploring art museums in Paris or walking along beaches in Santorini this summer, you can rely on this dress for comfort and functionality. The fabric is made with rayon and spandex, so it's soft and has stretch. Plus, there are two side pockets to store your phone and wallet, so you can keep your hands free. This sleeveless dress has a flowy skirt with a high-low cut that makes it versatile enough to go from the beach straight to dinner. It's lightweight and breathable to help keep you cool, and has a high neckline you can dress up with necklaces. One 5-foot-tall shopper who said the dress hits the top of their feet with flip-flops and sandals on also claimed that it's wrinkle-resistant, so you can wear it on the plane without worrying about it getting rumpled. This floral dress is ideal for beach days, with its smocked, stretchy bodice and flowy mini skirt, it'll easily slip off once you're ready to take a dip in the ocean. One petite reviewer took the dress on a cruise and said it was perfect to wear over a bathing suit. They went on to say the material was so 'light and silky' and that the dress is a bargain. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
