Best Overall Athletic Shorts
Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short 5″
Best Overall Athletic Shorts
Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short 5″
Cons
- We found items tend to bounce a bit in the pockets
We’re set on the opinion every guy should own a pair of Pace Breakers. We’ve worn these athletic shorts for the last couple years (if not more) and they’ve held up no matter how many workouts and washes we’ve put them through. You have a choice of 5, 7 or 9-inch inseam in a variety of colors. Designed for endless comfort, this pair comes with fabric that wicks away moisture, dries quickly and stretches for you to move freely. We love that these shorts give your thighs and glutes ample breathing room as you’re running in the gym or outside.
Read More: Best Running Shorts
| Length | 5″, 7″, 9″ |
|---|---|
| Material | 86% Recycled polyester, 14% Elastane |
| Pockets | Zippered and liner pockets |
Most Versatile Athletic Shorts
Vuori Kore Short 5″
Most Versatile Athletic Shorts
Vuori Kore Short 5″
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer shorts with no liner
We love that the Kore Short is not limited to the gym. We found that it looked great in most casual settings, so you can wear them to grab coffee, lunch or groceries. Thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric, Vuori’s bestseller short held up during our sweaty workout sessions and dried super fast. There was also no sign of any kind of odor. Another bonus: this pair comes with built-in boxer-brief liner, which provides extra security to keep your nether regions comfortable and in place.
| Length | 5″ |
|---|---|
| Material | 48% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
| Pockets | Two slash pockets, one back pocket |
Best Bounce-Free Athletic Shorts
Under Armour UA Launch Elite 7” Shorts
Best Bounce-Free Athletic Shorts
Under Armour UA Launch Elite 7” Shorts
Cons
- Tends to sell out quickly
We know how inconvenient it can be for your belongings to bounce around in your shorts as you’re doing your laps. Under Armour’s athletic shorts address that issue by offering an expandable water-resistant waistband, which stores your phone and keeps it dry. We wore this pair while sprinting on the treadmill and everything stayed in place. They also feel like a second skin and have a four-way stretch, so we didn’t feel restricted at any point of our workout. It’s also worth noting that these shorts have a moisture-wicking fabric and an internal mesh liner that will keep you cool and comfortable when the temperatures begin to heat up.
| Length | 7″ |
|---|---|
| Material | 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane |
| Pockets | Waistband pocket, two hand pockets |
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Best Affordable Athletic Shorts
Gymshark Arrival Shorts
Best Affordable Athletic Shorts
Gymshark Arrival Shorts
Cons
- Not made with any back pockets
If you’re trying to get the most mileage out of your athletic shorts, Gymshark offers a bunch of affordable options that you can wear everyday. Take the UK brand’s Arrival Shorts. Thanks to its soft elastic drawcord, we were able to adjust this pair to fit our waist comfortably as we ran with no distractions. In addition to the gym, we’ve also worn them for errands and trails, which is a testament to their breathability and mobility.
Despite there being no liner, we didn’t experience any chafing, and our nether regions remained safe and secure. If you prefer a shorter length for running, this option may not be ideal. However, they’re a happy medium if you do a bit of everything in the gym from lifting to cardio.
| Length | 7″ |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Pockets | Two side pockets |
Most Stylish Athletic Shorts
ASRV Tetra-Lite 7” Linerless Short
Most Stylish Athletic Shorts
ASRV Tetra-Lite 7” Linerless Short
Cons
- Goes out of stock often
If you’re looking for a pair of athletic shorts that prioritizes style as much as it does function, we suggest checking out ASRV’s offering. They’re made with a technical blend of