Reviews of Top Gym Short Brands

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The right pair of workout shorts won’t just improve your performance at the gym — they could actually motivate you to break a sweat (even if the gym is now your backyard). Plus, it never hurts to look good while you workout, and of course, comfort is always key when you’re on the run or move.

Workout shorts are one of the fastest-evolving pieces of clothing in terms of technology, so the list of the best shorts for working out is constantly changing. However, keeping up with gym gear evolution is essential for staying at the top of your game — whether that’s heavy lifting, HIIT training, CrossFit, or cardio. The best pairs of workout shorts will wick sweat, prevent chafing, and allow you to push yourself to the max. Some workout shorts also boast convenient features such as pockets for your smartphone, keys, and other essentials.

If you’re looking to jumpstart a new workout regimen, revitalize a routine you’ve been avoiding, or just replace those old, worn-out gym shorts, read on. Below are a dozen of the best shorts for working out.

The Best Gym Shorts for Working Out

After testing dozens of pairs, talking to trainers and pro athletes, and combing through user reviews, we landed on these as the 15 best workout shorts to buy right now.

1. Ten Thousand Foundation 7” Shorts

Ten Thousand started with the sole purpose of creating perfect workout shorts. The brand got about as close as possible with its Foundation short. The shorts don’t look like anything special, but a few key upgrades make them our favorite pair of workout shorts.

The polyester-spandex fabric is capable of taking a heavy beating — whether from a barbell, the outdoors, or ball sports — but the shorts are still very flexible for unrestricted motion. Inside you’ll find a high-quality liner that keeps your bits and piece secure and (unlike many liners) comfortable while you work out. And, lastly, the Foundation shorts have a great pocket setup with a zippered pocket that keeps items such as your phone locked down, plus two quick-access hip pockets.

2. Outdoor Voices High Stride 5″ Shorts

Whether you’re a runner or a lifter, these workout shorts from Austin-based Outdoor Voices are a great overall pair, regardless of workout. The High Strides feature a five-inch inseam and they hit a little right at mid-thigh, perfect for running stairs or wearing while doing lunges.

OV made the shorts completely out of recycled polyester, and you can buy them in six stylish colors, from river/azure, above, to acai and fern/dijon. But one of our favorite things about the OV shorts is that they have several pockets: two in the front, one zip pocket in the back, and a pocket in the built-in liner.

3. Nike Challenger Running Shorts

Nike has a large collection of workout shorts (all of which are good to great) but we think these seven-inch Challengers are among the brand’s best — especially if you like a bit more leg coverage. They’re made of a polyester that feels super light, and they do a great job of managing sweat. Plus, you get front pockets and a rear pocket for your phone. While these moisture-wicking shorts are at home in the gym or on the track, their minimal style can be paired with everyday sneakers and a regular tee for an extra comfortable errand-running outfit.

4. Alo Repetition Short

Alo has replaced Lululemon as the de facto source for premium yoga/workout shorts. These Repetition shorts are the brand’s best-sellers, and they’ve convinced us that Alo lives up to its hype. Fitted yet exceptionally easy to move in, the shorts are so comfortable that we often throw them on in the morning, even if there’s no gym sesh that day. However, some customers do suggest sizing up, unless you’re skinny.

5. Tracksmith Session Shorts

Tracksmith is an activewear brand with an eye for style. The brand’s best-selling pieces, like these Session shorts, blend old-school good looks with new-school functionality. This means you get a high-quality nylon-blend fabric, a cut that makes the shorts feel almost non-existent, and a handsome vintage-inspired style.

6. Saxx Gainmaker

If your primary workout is lifting, check out these Gainmaker shorts from Saxx. They work for other activities (running, yoga, whatever), but are especially good in the weight room thanks to more coverage (nine inches), a light-compression mesh liner, and plenty of pocket space. As with all of Saxx’s pieces, the build quality is top-notch, enduring through workout after workout.

7. Patagonia Baggies Short

The Patagonia Baggies are some of our favorite shorts, period. They’re roomy enough for lounging, stretching, or lifting, but their nylon build makes them much more durable than other workout shorts. To make the package even better, they’re water-resistant (we take them surfing regularly) and more than trendy enough to wear outside the gym.

8. Under Armour Raid Workout Shorts

Cutting-edge workout shorts are great, but some guys still prefer a classic, no-frills option. These Under Armour Raid shorts are exactly that with a 10-inch length for maximum coverage and a comfortable yet lightweight polyester-elastane HeatGear fabric. Although the shorts are on the long side, four-way stretch ensures that they won’t stop you from performing any moves. Sweat-wicking, odor-eliminating technology also keeps you dry and smelling decent when you get a sweat on.

9. Vuori Banks Shorts

Eco-conscious sustainability has become a major concern — if not a requirement — for most shoppers. These Banks workout shorts from Vuori deliver on the green front, utilizing recycled plastic bottles to make 44 percent of the fabric.

Vuori’s design philosophy is inspired by the varied fitness culture of coastal California. This translates to a pair of shorts that can transition seamlessly between training, surfing, running, and relaxing. The shorts are quick-drying, extra stretchy, and stylish enough to rock at the beach bar after a surf or lifting session.

10. Adidas Designed 2 Move 3-Stripes Shorts

If you want to nail a modern athletic style, consider these Adidas shorts. They boast the iconic three-stripe look that’s even bigger now than it was in Eighties streetwear. You can wear these shorts with weekend loungewear or even designer wear and grail-worthy kicks if you’re brave. But of course, they’ll still deliver impressive performance in the gym.

The shorts are made of 100 percent eco-conscious recycled polyester for mobility and mesh inserts for breathability. A nine-inch inseam means they might be a bit bulky for running, but great for training and weight lifting.

11. Satisfy Rippy 3″ Trail Shorts

Satisfy Running does things differently, taking style tips from street fashion trends instead of making familiar-looking workout gear. These Rippy shorts, for example, feature a bold reflective tie-dye colorway that you might see at New York Fashion Week. But don’t let the looks fool you: The Rippys are as high-performance, if not better than any great workout shorts. They’re made of a featherweight fabric that feels like nothing, they have a comfortable compression liner, and they have plenty of pockets for your phone and necessities.

12. Lululemon Pace Breaker

Lululemon’s fabrics are well-known for comfort and flexibility, but their shorts are also great for running and intense workouts. You get a quick-drying, four-way stretch build, a great selection of colors, and three different length options: five, seven, and nine-inch. We’re also big fans of Lulu’s pocket setup, which is designed to keep your phone or keys (instead of bouncing around).

13. Chubbies Danger Zone

Want to add some color to your workout wardrobe? Check out these Danger Zone shorts from Chubbies. The lined shorts are injected with the brand’s signature flair, offered in colorways with bold liners and shells. But they’re not all looks: The shorts are made of a stretchy high-performance fabric to rival some of the best workout shorts out there.

14. Amazon Essentials Performance Tech Loose-Fit Shorts

If you’re looking for some seriously affordable workout shorts, check out these ones from Amazon Essentials. A two-pack costs just $25, as of writing, and they’re actually solid shorts. Made of a breathable, loose-fitting mesh-like fabric, they’re ideal for weightlifting or basketball, and you get some great color options to choose from.

15. Target Men’s Lined Run Shorts

Another great pair of budget-friendly workout shorts are these lined shorts from All in Motion, Target’s in-house athletics brand. The no-frills trunks come very highly-rated, with users loving the stretchiness (great for yoga) and the stylish color options.

How We Chose the Best Workout Shorts

The best workout shorts to buy will depend on the activity you’re using them for, and your workout style. Here are some good workout shorts-buying tips that we kept in mind while reviewing and researching the best workout shorts.

Length: The correct length for your gym shorts depends on your workout. Runners can’t have excess material so they usually prefer something around five inches. Lifters often like coverage between their legs and the bench or barbell, so nine-inch shorts are a good choice. Seven-inch workout shorts are a good in-between if you do it all.

Material: The best workout shorts will all have moisture-wicking capabilities to reduce sweat, but there is still a wide range of material combinations. Some shorts also have four-way stretch material, meaning they stretch both crosswise and lengthwise and recover to their original shape.

Pockets: Now that most of us carry a smartphone while working out or running, pockets are a big deal when shopping for the best workout shorts. Regular side pockets are great for walking around before and after a workout, while zippered pockets keep things from slipping out. Sometimes you can find a pair of lined workout shorts with a handy pouch in the liner that keeps your smartphone secure while doing high-impact moves or running.

Fit: Most people like a trim-fit pair of workout shorts for security, but some like a more relaxed fit. This is really up to personal preference but is important to note when shopping.

Style: Looking good while working out, whether for yourself or that other person at your gym, is a powerful motivational tool. Consider your personal style and ideal workout gear look when shopping (tip: you can never go wrong with basic black).