Finding the best gym shorts appears to be a simple task. Most guys just want a pair of sneakers that they can sweat in and then forget about. However, as gym clothing becomes more innovative and activity-specific, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a new pair, such as liners, inseam lengths, and moisture-wicking technology. Of course, there is no universal pair for everyone, but after testing dozens over the years, it became clear that a few key features set the standard for the best gym shorts.
Best Gym Shorts 2023
It’s imperative to start your fitness and style resolutions in the New Year, and that applies to the gym attire you choose. You should strive to look your best from the ground up because the beginning of the year always has a tendency to be busy in the gym.
In terms of the best gym shorts for men, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites in terms of appearance and performance — two critical pillars that are all the more important when powering through multiple training sessions per week. Believe it or not, there are brands out there that take the same care in crafting gym shorts as your other favorite brands take in crafting chinos and suiting.
Given that, we believe now is the best time to pick up a pair or two of these gym shorts. Shop, stock up, and get to the gym. Read on to learn more about the best gym shorts to buy :
Under Armour UA Training Stretch Shorts
Under Armour is an athletic staple brand that has been producing high-quality apparel for the past quarter-century. The Baltimore-based company makes a variety of shorts, but one of its best is also one of its most affordable: the Training Stretch Shorts. These shorts are made of an ultra-soft HeatGear fabric that is lightweight, smooth and has a 4-way stretch for increased mobility.
Its design is intended to wick sweat and keep you dry, which is essential for staying comfortable while training. Add mesh paneling to keep your legs cool to this already well-made short, and you have one of the better-valued training shorts on the market.
Outdoor Voices Sunday Short
Outdoor Voices is a well-known athleisure brand that specializes in technical garments that are as functional and comfortable as they are environmentally friendly. The craftsmanship and style featured in the Sunday Short epitomize the brand’s stellar clothing. The Sunday Short, made of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, is lightweight and breathable without sacrificing mobility or durability.
The short’s lack of lining makes it more comfortable to wear, and its bluesign Approved Fabric ensures that it was made in an environmentally friendly manner. These are shorts that you can wear while working out in the gym or going out for a casual lunch.
Champion Reverse Weave Cut-Off Shorts
Champion used to produce comfortable clothing that was ideal for working out in or just sitting around in before it became a streetwear mainstay. Its Reverse Weave Cut-Off Shorts are a great alternative for persons who like more static exercises like weightlifting or yoga, but they may not be suitable for those who prefer dynamic exercises and high-intensity interval training.
The heavyweight Reverse Weave fleece material of the shorts is combined with an elastic waistband and stretch gusset that are exclusive to Champion. These also have a soft-brushed lining for additional comfort and insulation, making them ideal for keeping warm in between sets.
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
We couldn’t make this list without mentioning our favorite Ventura-based gear company. Patagonia is adamantly opposed to producing products that are less than stellar, and its Nine Trails Shorts are a prime example of the brand’s dedication to quality.
These shorts are made of a recycled polyester-spandex shell with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, wicking sweat and moisture away from your skin as you train. They include a Capilene boxer-brief liner with a polygiene antimicrobial treatment to fight odors, as well as two large zippered front pockets and a back zippered pocket for your phone to keep things stink-free.
Ten Thousand Interval Short
If there’s one thing you should know about Ten Thousand, it’s that NASA looks lazy in comparison to the amount of research and development that goes into evaluating its goods. You best believe these shorts are top-notch because this firm specializes in creating high-octane apparel for high-octane athletes.
The Interval Short from Ten Thousand is a work of sartorial sorcery. It is made of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, and it has a near-perfect design with a no-pinch waistband, a sweat-wicking shell, a four-way stretch for increased mobility, a perfect pocket system, and an optional medium compression that is treated with silver ions for a complete anti-odor finish. Because Ten Thousand is so sure of the caliber of its goods, the shorts come as usual with a lifetime guarantee.
Vuori Kore Shorts
Another Californian company, Vuori, creates high-end athletic apparel that, because of its stunning designs, can be worn outside the gym. Vuori’s Kore shorts dubbed the “one short for all sport,” are truly a master of all gym shorts. The shorts have a construction that is strong, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant, thanks to a blend of 46% recycled polyester, 44% polyester, and 10% elastane.
Additionally, these shorts have a boxer-brief liner, so you can easily go commando if that’s your thing. These technical, expertly crafted shorts will, above all else, allow you the comfort and mobility to sprint, jump, or lift during any activity.
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatshort
For those who are unfamiliar, Mack Weldon is a men’s lifestyle company that crafts classic essentials with contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge materials. The company’s enormously well-liked sweatshirts are an example of Mack Weldon’s design sense and technological mastery.
They have an unmatched level of comfort thanks to their mind-blowingly soft micro-brushed French terry material, and their customized fit is just the right amount of slack, so you don’t lose movement. Four pockets total—two on each side, a hidden zip thigh pocket, and a secure zip rear pocket—are also included in the Ace Sweatshort. The only drawback to these shorts is that you won’t want to take them off once your workout is over.
Tracksmith Session Shorts
Tracksmith is an independent running brand that specializes in producing high-quality running apparel. While its shorts are primarily designed for distance running, they are undeniably great shorts for gym workouts, particularly the 7′′ Session Shorts. The Session Shorts are made of innovative Veloce fabric, which is lightweight, stretchy, and durable, and are designed to withstand rigorous training regimens.
Furthermore, Veloce excels at wicking sweat, which prevents your shorts from clinging to your legs while you exercise. Tracksmith added a polygiene liner to these fantastic shorts, which is anti-odor and antimicrobial and will keep everything in place no matter how intense the workout.
Lululemon T.H.E Linerless Short
Lululemon, a Vancouver-based pioneer of athleisure, revolutionized the industry with its chic, innovative line of sports apparel. Given its reputation for quality, it was challenging to choose just one product from the Canadian company as a highlight, but when it comes to gym shorts, the T.H.E. Linerless Short is virtually unbeatable.
T.H.E. linerless shorts have a recycled polyester and elastane composition, making them ideal for static weightlifting or intense cardio. The shorts’ fabrics are elastic, breathable, quick-drying, and wonderfully comfortable. Additionally, they have two side pockets and a hidden back zip pocket for additional storage.
Olivers All Over Short
Olivers Apparel creates athleisure that looks so fantastic; you wouldn’t believe how technical it is. It’s a modern brand that truly appreciates the harmony between design and function that current clothing is required to strike. The company’s All Over Short, which combines an 88% nylon/12% spandex composition with a sleek casual wear style to provide an excellent workout short that also boosts your wardrobe, is a good illustration of this balance.
It’s over now, stretch Weave fiber is the ideal all-season, water-resistant, four-way stretch material to provide comfort and mobility while you take on your intense workouts and then immediately head to the bar.
NIKE Sportswear Tech Fleece Shorts
We’d be remiss if we left out Nike, the undisputed leader in athletic apparel. It’s no surprise at all that the Portland juggernaut’s Tech Fleece shorts made our list given that they have dominated the market for decades thanks to their excellent designs and high-performing clothing.
Nike used a double-sided spacer fleece in the construction of these shorts to insulate you and keep you warm without adding weight. These shorts are one of the more cozy and lightweight options on the list, thanks to the 66% cotton and 34% polyester blend used in their manufacturing. Two interior stash compartments are also a plus, keeping your things safe and secure.
Reigning Champ Mesh Shorts
Although Reigning Champ began in the streetwear industry, the Vancouver standout has evolved into a chic athleisure brand with elegant yet understated designs. The brand’s mesh shorts demonstrate Reigning Champ’s focus on the essentials when it comes to design. They are made of a breathable, light polyester and elastane material and have a Polartec Power Dry liner to wick away sweat.
The mesh shorts have an antibacterial coating for an additional layer of odor defense, prolonging the freshness of these shorts. Reigning Champ included two roomy pockets for added storage to complete these understated shorts.
Rhone Mako Short
Rhone is a high-end athleisure brand that employs technology to create its high-performance clothing, earning it a devoted following and widespread recognition. The company calls its Mako Short “the only active short you’ll ever need,” and the truly amazing short supports its audacious claim.
The fabric used to create them is Rhone’s High-Intensity Training Fabric, which dries quickly, holds its shape, and has a DWR finish to keep wearers extra dry. Additionally, the shorts have two zip pockets for increased security, a jersey fabric lining for comfort, and a boxer brief liner with GOLDFUSIONTM anti-odor technology to fight odor.
Alo Yoga Unity 2-in-1 Short
Alo Yoga produces apparel that is so stylish you could wear it on the catwalk. The yoga-focused business initially targeted women more than men, but today its selection of apparel for men rivals that of any high-end label.
Alo’s 2-in-1 shorts are a testament to the company’s design prowess with a lightweight woven shell and a compression underlayer made of poly-spandex jersey. The lined strip between the legs encourages flexibility and movement, and the front and back zip pockets give security and versatility.
Final Words
It’s easy to get caught up in the technical details of materials and design, which can be important at times. Shorts, on the other hand, require a pair that you can reach for without thinking about it. We are confident that we have found the best gym shorts for men after hours of research and hundreds of trail miles. Our experts tested these models to assess their benefits and drawbacks. We hope this review has provided you with all the basic information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Shorts are Best for the Gym?
Gym shorts are designed to be worn while moving and sweating, so we look for fabrics that can stretch and wick moisture well, keeping you comfortable and dry. The most common combination is a polyester, nylon, and spandex blend, which is used to make the majority of these shorts.
Are 2 in 1 Shorts Good for the Gym?
2 in 1 gym shorts are a great option if you want a stylish fit that is also functional. They not only provide multiple performance benefits but are also fashionable and comfortable. There are many different types of 2 in 1 gym shorts, so finding the right pair for you is critical.
Should Workout Shorts be Tight or Loose?
Loose-fitting clothing can be more comfortable to workout in because the fabric (and thus sweat) does not cling to the skin. However, it is critical to ensure that workout clothes are not too loose in order to avoid any accidents while exercising, such as tripping.
Why Do Gym Shorts Roll Up?
Running shorts can become loose over time, especially if you use them frequently. It will lose its previous fitness, and cutting the free ends of the shorts may help. The loosened shorts are sometimes the primary reason why it always rides up.