Best Overall Gym Shorts
Rhone Mako Short
Best Overall Gym Shorts
Rhone Mako Short
Cons
Liner can feel tight on big thighs
For years, Rhone has been making high-tech workout gear that looks and feels amazing. Its signature versatile Mako short is a favorite of fit-fluencer and online coach Jason Pak. “It’s stylish and also has a durable four-way stretch fabric that is comfortable enough to lounge around in, and tough enough to withstand the most challenging of workouts.”
Personally, in the last two years of wearing Rhone’s Mako shorts, I always like to sport the unlined option on days I don’t need the extra support. The versatility of these shorts comes from their durable four-way stretch and lightweight fabric. I felt that the lined option offered great underwear-like support for more active leg days.
Outside of the gym, however, I’ve worn the unlined Mako to weekend hangs quite a few times, too. These shorts look incredibly subtle ad elevated—in short, it’s the jack of all trades.
Material90% Polyester, 10% ElastaneLinerLined or unlinedInseam Length7″ or 9″
Best Affordable Gym Shorts
Nike Dri-FIT 7″ Unlined Versatile Shorts
Best everyday gym shorts
Gymshark Arrival 7″ Shorts
Now 30% Off
ConsNo natural stretch on its own
Gym shorts that don’t cost over $50 and meet all the performance standards you will need in moderate workouts? Sign us up. And if you prioritize comfort and coolness, then these Gym Shark shorts offer them handsomely, according to Michael Hamlin, NSCA, C.S.C.S. “They have many different lengths of these shorts, and they are lightweight and have sweat-wicking properties in them,” he says. We also love that the leg openings offer enough room for ventilation, which means that even though the poly fabric isn’t breathable, air can still flow in to keep your thighs dry.
The simple, effective look is also a standout to Hamlin: “If you want to get a pair of men’s shorts that looks good, you should look for companies that prioritize the look first. Gym Shark definitely is in this category.”
Material100% PolyesterLinerNoInseam Length7″
Great Versatile Workout Shorts
Under Armour UA Speedpocket 7” Shorts
Great Versatile Workout Shorts
Under Armour UA Speedpocket 7” Shorts
Now 26% Off
ConsThe pocket, when stuffed, can get in the way of your workouts
Here’s another pair of gym shorts that can do it all, according to full-time personal trainer Dimitrios Kokkinellis. “These shorts provide comfort, versatility, and durability, making them perfect for a wide range of workouts,” he says, in addition to the four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and added ventilation for breathing.
What we love most is the hidden gem of these shorts: A center-front waistband pocket that lets you store even your phone. “The expandable, water-resistant Speedpocket ensures your essentials stay secure and dry during your training sessions,” says Kokkinellis. Lastly, the built-in brief which works as a liner doesn’t show, meaning you can easily wear these as your everyday shorts.
Material88% Polyester, 12% ElastaneLinerYesInseam Length7″
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Best Gym Shorts for Cardio
Wolaco Spring Short
Best Gym Shorts for Cardio
Wolaco Spring Short
ConsTechnically a pair of running shorts
Senior Editor, Brett Williams, NASM, has used these running shorts for over a year, and couldn’t stop singing praises about their performance off the treadmill. “These running shorts are my go-to when I’m jogging or even going to the gym for lightweight performance.” They’re breathable, moisture-wicking nylon blend stretches like no other, courtesy of the 29% spandex (!) that lets you really move your thighs 360 degrees—if that’s possible at all.
Hence, whether you’re running, doing HIIT, hitting hardcore cardio exercises, or just going for a light jog on the treadmill after your weight training, these shorts are up for the task. “There’s a handy pocket for keys, cards, and my phone, and the drawstring waistband sits just right,” adds Williams.
Material71% Nylon 29% SpandexLinerNoInseam Length5″ or 7″
Best Lined Gym Shorts
On Hybrid Shorts
Best Lined Gym Shorts
On Hybrid Shorts
ConsExpensive
With an inner tight that works like compression shorts and a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that’s the DNA of gym shorts, On’s Hybrid option is built equally for running and hitting the weights, especially on leg days. We’re saying that because we’ve tested out the liner that’s made with 29% elastane, and boy oh boy it’s stretchy. Having dealt with a light stretch that simply cannot handle the demand of lunges and squads, I’ve come around to accept these running shorts for my quad and glute exercises in the last few months because of how comfortable the liner actually feels: It’s snug, but not too tight, and wicks away sweat like a breeze.
Material100% PolyesterLinerYes (71% Polyamide 29% Elastane)Inseam Length8″
Most Versatile Gym Shorts
Tracksmith Run Cannonball Run Shorts
Most Versatile Gym Shorts
Tracksmith Run Cannonball Run Shorts
ConsA bit pricey
Swim trunks make the best pair of gym shorts. Why? Because they’re designed with water in mind, meaning they’re quick-drying, water-repellent, and provide a level of stretch that allows your legs to move. This option, however, also features a liner that supports your boys, dries in a heartbeat, and doesn’t irritate the skin.
With nylon as its main material, its breathability is also unquestionable. The holy trinity of stretch, anti-sweat performance, and ventilation makes Tracksmith’s shorts a burly runner as well, meaning you can work out a sweat at the gym, then run to the pool, and swim a few laps all in these shorts—no changing required.
Material71% Micro Nylon, 29% ElastaneLinerYesInseam Length6″
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Best Value Gym Shorts
Reebok Strength 3.0 Shorts
Best Value Gym Shorts
Reebok Strength 3.0 Shorts
ConsOnly 1 color available
Lightweight and under $50, these shorts can somehow handle intense workouts and heavy weightlifting just as well as some shorts double the price. In fact, they’re designed for endurance activities, whether it’s rowing, jumping ropes, or burpees. The fabric is built to last as long as you do while drying you, and keeps you cool with back mesh panels that breathe in the air as you heat up.
What we love most is its relaxed fit, which, coupled with a high-stretch blend, lets you move your legs however you want to. So, if you’re a gym goer who likes to squeeze in all your muscle groups in one day, these gym shorts will push you through the last rep.
MaterialSpeedwick 87% recycled polyester, 13% elastaneLinerNoInseam Length7″
More Great Shorts We Love
YPB MotionTEK 7 Inch Lined Training Short
YPB MotionTEK 7 Inch Lined Training Short
Guys who prefer a roomier fit will love YPB’s lined shorts, which has convertible drawcords and a flat elastic waistband that offers extra comfort without any added bulk.
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Alo Yoga Ripstop 7” On-Set Short
Alo Yoga Ripstop 7” On-Set Short
An incredibly durable-yet-lightweight short that can hold up during even the most intense studio classes or runs.
Vitality Prime Train Short
Vitality Prime Train Short
Now 42% Off
Whether you’re running errands or 5ks, Vitality’s Prime Train Short can help get you there, thanks to an elastic waist and 4-way stretch fabric that’s super comfortable. Sweat-wicking and quick drying tech can keep swamp crotch at bay, too.
Athletegy Quad Short 2.0
You get a great swim trunk and mean gym short for the price of one with the Quad Short, thanks to its saltwater- and chlorine-proof fabric and mesh brief liner.
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How to Choose the Best Gym Shorts
“With multiple options of men’s athletic shorts on the market, the lining, length, and material needs differ depending on the activity, personal style, and fit preference,” says Joe Kudla, founder of Vuori.
Material: Folks, leave cotton out of this one and go for synthetic fabric that actually can handle the sweat and the stretch. Because gym shorts are designed for you to move in and perspire in, a blend of polyester (which is moisture-wicking and quick-drying) and spandex or elastane (both offer a four-way stretch) is often a sure bet. On the other hand, a nylon stretch blend is also popular because nylon is breathable, unlike polyester, for combatting the summer heat.
Liner: “Unlined shorts offer more versatility for layering, while lined shorts provide additional support and comfort for high-impact activities,” says Michael Hamlin, NSCA, CSCS. I.e., the higher intensity your exercise demands, the more likely you’ll need a pair of gym shorts with liner since, besides support, the liner also directly wicks away sweat. Otherwise, you can opt for unlined shots since they let you move easily, and are thus great for moderate workouts.
Inseam: Inseam measures the length on the inside of the leg, from the bottom up to the groin or crutch area, and personal trainer Dimitrios Kokkinellis recommends considering the right length and coverage for your workouts. “Shorter inseams (5-7 inches) allow for greater mobility, while longer inseams (9-11inches) provide extra coverage and support,” he says.
Pockets: “I also say pockets are a must for me and extra bonus if they zip. Not a pocket in the back of my waist that I can barely reach but pockets on the front sides,” says Andy Stern from Rumble Boxing.
All in all, a pair of ideal, versatile gym shorts is described by Bear Handlon, former CrossFit Games athlete and founder of activewear brand Born Primitive, as one with “built-in compression liners, an elastic waistband with drawstring, overall elasticity to allow mobility, lightweight material that’s quick-drying, and convenient pockets throughout for your cell phone and keys.”
How We Selected the Best Gym Short for Men
To find the best gym shorts for men, our style and fitness editors have personally tried on a variety of workout shorts and put them to the test in the gym. For instance, we’ve worn Mack Weldon’s Stratus shorts to do heavy squats, finished chest and back days in Lululemon’s Pace Breaker, run in Wolaco’s versatile shorts, and traveled in Mack Weldon’s Rhone shorts before hitting the weights in them too. From there, we evaluated these gym shorts based on their comfort, performance (moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathability, etc.), type (lined or unlined), and durability to make the final top picks. We also considered workout shorts that were tested for our Fitness Awards.
Specifically, we’re looking for men’s gym shorts that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best workout for men all fit and work great even on buff athletic guys who perform intense training on a regular basis, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in designs that will look great years from now.
Christian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He’s logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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