25 Best Workout Shorts for All the Ways You Train
From headbands to carbon fiber-equipped running shoes, there’s no shortage of fitness gear claiming to boost your athletic performance. While many products’ supposed benefits are just marketing bluster, some fitness attire really does make a difference. Workout shorts are definitely one of those items.
When you’re in the middle of a tough gym session, the last thing you want is to be distracted by cheap shorts that are too baggy or restrict your movement. The ideal pair of workout shorts will stay out of the way and keep you comfortable so you can focus on the task at hand.
How to Determine the Best Length of Workout Shorts
If you’re doing high-speed activities like running, you’ll want your shorts to be on the shorter side, around a 4-inch inseam. That way, you reduce the risk of chaffing and avoid the risk of the fabric getting in the way of your stride. If you’re doing something that requires squatting, like CrossFit or powerlifting, you’ll want a slightly longer inseam to make sure you keep everything covered that needs to be covered. A 7-inch inseam is one of the most versatile lengths, and you can go even longer if you’re playing basketball or lounging around the house.
The Best and Worst Fabric for Workout Shorts
As for fabrics, steer clear of cotton and polyester. Cotton easily absorbs sweat, and polyester traps bacteria more quickly than other materials. Instead, look for stretchy materials like nylon, spandex, polyester, and bamboo. Beyond that, there are several other features to consider, including pockets, liners, and technology that combats odors.
It’s also ideal to go with shorts in a versatile color. While style isn’t exactly top of mind when working out, it’s handy to have workout shorts that match up nicely with a variety of workout tops and training sneakers. The more options you have, the easier it is to get ready for the gym.
To help you find the ideal pair for your needs, we’ve highlighted high-performing shorts from brands like Nike, Rhone, and Lululemon in this guide. Grab a few pairs and feel the difference in your next workout.
The Best Workout Shorts for Men of 2023
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One of the best all-around training pieces, the Set Short comes with an ultra water-repellent shell, a quick-drying liner, and a secure pocket system, making it great on land or in the water. It’s also lightweight and moves in any direction you do.
[$78; tenthousand.cc]
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If you’re ready to rock the look of your liner extending past your shorts, these are the perfect pair for you. Made from recycled polyester and spandex, the Swift is breathable, stretchy in four ways, and also reflective.
[$78; rhone.com]
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With a 3-inch inseam, these are a perfect pair of running shorts. They’re quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and ultra-lightweight and come from a company known for its running apparel.
[$62, tracksmith.com]
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If you want to be able to go from the gym to the pool to a backyard barbecue, shop the Rec Short. It’s light, stylish, durable, and available in 5- or 7-inch inseam.
[$99, bonobos.com]
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A great lifting short, Strength 3.0 stays cool and dry and uses mesh to keep air flowing even as your body starts to warm up. It’s also made with at least 30% recycled or repurposed materials.
[$50, reebok.com]
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Another great runner, these shorts are built to allow your legs a full range of motion. They’re ultra-light, come with a notched hem, and stretch where needed. They also have reflective features to keep you visible at night.
[$65, underarmour.com]
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These shorts are made from a nylon-spandex blend and are peak comfort for training or lounging. At a 7.5-inch inseam, they’re also a versatile length and built for all kinds of weather.
[$68, oliversapparel.com]
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If you’re going for an 80s chic, just-off-the-racketball-court vibe, look no further than this short with all the tech features you want and more style than you’re ready for.
[$110, reigningchamp.com]
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Another running short, the Stride is made from sustainable materials, allows for unrestricted movement, and has a pocket at the back for your phone. It also comes in over ten colors and sizes up to 4XL Tall.
[$55, nike.com]
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Another short from Ten Thousand, this one also comes with pockets and a comfortable liner, and fabric that doesn’t trap odors or slow down your high-intensity interval training.
[$68, tenthousand.cc]
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This short has slanted side vents for optimal range, a sweet-proof pocket, and a flat laying waistband to ensure that you move unencumbered. It’s available in nine colors and a 5- or 7-inch inseam.
[$68, wolaco.com]
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This unlined short comes with a 5- or 9-inch inseam and can stretch to handle anything you throw at it, from yoga to CrossFit. It’s also made from recycled materials, anti-odor, and quick-drying.
[$68, vuoriclothing.com]
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Designed using a nylon-elastane blend, the Bowline uses lightweight fabric and an internal drawcord that gives you the snug fit that you need. It’s also water-repellent, abrasion-resistant, and has built-in room where you need it.
[$78, lululemon.com]
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If your workouts sometimes take you to the great outdoors, Patagonia has the perfect athletic short. It comes with a mesh liner and is quick-drying thanks to its 100% recycled fabrics.
[$65, patagonia.com]
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With strategically-placed ventilation patches and spit splits, these shorts are specifically designed to keep you cool and allow a wide range of motion. They’re made from a mix of polyester and elastane and run up to a size 3XL.
[$46, gymshark.com]
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Especially for guys that sweat, Mack Weldon has you covered with a brief liner that’s equipped with anti-odor technology. With a 7-inch inseam, these shorts are also a great length for a range of activities.
[$78, mackweldon.com]
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They’re not cheap, but Icebreaker’s ZoneKnit merino shorts offer a premium feel and excellent performance for high-intensity workouts. They’re made from a blend of Tencel (a fabric derived from wood pulp) and merino wool, and they feature a built-in liner and mesh panels along the sides and at the bottom. The unique fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin, and it’s exceptionally breathable—an ideal choice for running in hot weather, for example. Better yet, because of merino wool’s natural anti-odor properties, these shorts won’t stink, even after a hard, sweaty workout.
[$130; icebreaker.com]
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Saxx first made a name for itself with its highly supportive underwear, but the company has branched out into other fitness apparel, too. The Gainmaker is an all-purpose training short that features a lightweight outer shell and a semi-compression liner for a friction- and chafe-free fit. It’s also equipped with the company’s signature BallPark pouch for extra support.
[$78; saxxunderwear.com]
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The popular athleisure brand doesn’t disappoint with the T.H.E. (an acronym for “train hard every day”) Linerless Short. You’ll be able to crush your workout thanks to its lightweight, four-way stretch fabric that moves with your body, and the sweat-wicking, breathable design will keep you cool. Additionally, the nine-inch inseam provides plenty of coverage without restricting your movement.
[$68; shop.lululemon.com]
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The Essential Short 2.0 from Nathan is one of our go-to workout shorts. The soft and stretchy polyester-elastane fabric blend is quick-drying and lightweight, while the liner is made with smooth flat lock seams to ensure chafe-free workouts. These shorts offer plenty of storage—three internal and three external pockets—and the V-notch hem adds flexibility, so the shorts won’t restrict your movement despite their longer inseam.
[$65; nathansports.com]
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While not a traditional workout short, the Amphibian Shorts from Quiksilver have become one of our favorites for beach workouts. The hydrophobic coating on these shorts helps them dry quickly—ideal for hybrid workouts that require transitioning between land and water—and the fabric blend of recycled polyester and elastane makes them more sustainable and stretchy, too.
[$56; amazon.com]
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This premium athletic brand is well known in the yoga space, but Alo’s 7” Repetition Short is an ideal companion for any type of workout. A wide elastic waistband and an internal drawcord keep these workout shorts firmly in place, while the side slit hem allows for a greater range of motion. Additionally, two side pockets and a zippered back pocket allow you to easily carry essentials in the gym or around town.
[$68; aloyoga.com]
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Like its name suggests, NOBULL is a no-nonsense fitness brand that specializes in minimalist fitness gear that gets the job done. The Tour Short is geared towards golfers, and it features a tailored fit and a clubhouse-friendly aesthetic. It’s big on performance, too: The Tour Short is made with a premium nylon-spandex fabric that stretches, won’t chafe, and resists water. Two on-seam side pockets provide storage while also staying out of the way of your swing.
[$88; nobullproject.com]
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Lightweight and stretchy, these Yoga Dri-FIT shorts from Nike will help you find your flow on the mat. Made from a blend of polyester, lyocell, and elastane, the light mesh fabric used in these shorts provides ample stretch for deep poses, while Nike’s Dri-FIT technology whisks away sweat to keep you dry. After your session, pockets in the front and rear provide convenient storage for carrying essentials out of the studio.
[$69; amazon.com]
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These Adidas training shorts are a great bargain buy. In addition to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties, you can feel good about the fabric: They’re made from 100 percent recycled polyester piqué. Side zip pockets keep valuables secure, and they come in a variety of color options, too.
[$27; amazon.com]