The right pair of workout shorts can inspire you to train longer, harder and more often. On the flip side, the wrong pair — too baggy, too tight, too falling apart — can leave you feeling uninspired, lethargic and possibly wanting to stay home and eat ice cream rather than get to work. In other words, the gear you choose for your daily training session plays a deeper role than just looking good under that gym lighting.
But with silhouettes aplenty across the landscape how are you to tell which bottoms stand up amongst the masses? Well, catering your shorts selection to your intended training discipline is always a good start, but there are some other, more universal notes to look for, too.
Products in the Guide
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Best Overall: Ten Thousand Interval Short
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Best Upgrade: Legends Luka Short
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Best Budget Choice: Under Armour Tech Mesh Short
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Best for Running: Patagonia Strider Pro Running Short
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Best for Weight Training: Gymreapers Performance Shorts
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Best for Crossfit: Nobull Micro Ripstop Short
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Best for Aerobics: Tracksmith Session Short
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Best Unlined Choice: Roark Run Amok Serrano 2.0 Short
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Most Versatile: Rhone Mako Tech Unlined Short
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Most Comfortable: Gymshark Apex Hybrid Short
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Most Stylish: Chubbies Ultimate Training Short
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Best for Going Shirtless: Born Tough Air Pro 2-in-1 Liner Short
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Best for WFH: Reigning Champ Solotex Mesh Short
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Best for Showing Off Thighs: Janji AFO Split Shorts 3.0
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Best for Yoga: Vuori Kore Short
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Best for Basketball: Jordan Dri-FIT Air Diamond Short
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How to Pick the Best Gym Shorts for You
There are many styles of gym shorts — from the light-as-air to the more robust. Depending on which fitness activity you favor, you’ll want to choose a short that matches your needs. Below are a few factors to consider when choosing the right bottoms for reaching the top of your fitness goals.
Inseam
The standard inseam lengths for almost any style of gym shorts are between 5–7 inches. A 5-inch inseam short will land somewhere in the region of your mid-thigh, while 7 inches is the typical short length. For those looking for more coverage or protection, an 8- or 9-inch inseam can be a little more appealing, but there’s room for personalization. “I prefer a 6-inch length,” notes Eric McCormack of MTN OPS. “I like the shorter shorts, so I don’t have to worry about them getting in the way or tugging.” In the end, make sure to choose an inseam length that promotes a comfortable fit while still providing enough coverage and flexibility for your training needs.
Materials
Next, let’s chat fabric. Polyester is the go-to textile for most workout apparel — essentially plastic woven into fiber and then made into cloth. It’s lightweight, durable, resists wrinkles and wicks moisture. Lately, many brands are moving to partially- or completely-recycled polyester, or other innovative materials like plant-based yarns and fabrics in an effort to combat the polluting effects of fashion. If you want to experiment with a non-polyester fabric, just know that innovation typically comes with a higher price tag. If you can afford it, go for it, but if not, polyester is still a solid option. Additionally, below are a few helpful definitions to make reading those tags a little easier prior to purchase:
DWR: Stands for “durable water repellent,” a coating added to fabrics to make them water-resistant.