9 best gym shorts for men for every type of workout

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a professional athlete, the right athletic shorts can make a significant difference in your performance and comfort. 

Here, we've compiled a list of the best gym shorts for men, each with its unique features and benefits. From shorts for working out that are designed for running to those perfect for weightlifting, we've got you covered. 

Let's explore top-rated men's workout shorts that will enhance your workouts.

Read more: Pair your shorts with these sneakers for men

Best workout shorts with liner

Men's Endless Trail™ 2-in-1 shorts

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$45 at Columbia

Best versatile shorts

Men's UA Peak Woven shorts

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$65 at Under Armour

Best loose fit

Men's UA Tech™ Graphic shorts

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$30 at Under Armour

Best running shorts

License to Train Linerless Short 7"

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$88 at Lululemon

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Best workout shorts with liner

Men's Endless Trail™ 2-in-1 shorts

You save $15 (25%)

$45$60

$45 at Columbia

Specifications:

Material: Polyester & elastane

Colors: 3

Size range: XS to XXL

Pros & Cons

• Odor-neutralizing capabilities

• Made with recycled materials

• Supportive inner layer

• No side pockets

These Men's Endless Trail™ 2-in-1 running shorts are built for the modern adventurer. They offer a unique 2-in-1 functionality, combining a half-tight liner with a lightweight, free-flowing outer layer for optimal comfort and flexibility during your run. If you’re looking for a pair of men’s workout shorts with liner, these are a great option.

A zippered back pocket provides easy storage for your essentials while you're on the move so there’s no worrying about where to stash your keys or cards during your run.

These shorts also have an interior drawcord for a customizable fit, a mesh side pocket for extra storage, and reflective detail for better visibility in low-light situations. For added durability, they have a gusset detail.

Best versatile shorts

Men's UA Peak Woven shorts

$65

$65 at Under Armour

Specifications:

Material: Polyester & elastane

Colors: 12

Size range: S to XXXL

Pros & Cons

• Available in 12 colors

• Water-repellent treatment is eco-friendly

• Durable

• Stretches with movement

• Feels thin

• Sizing may run smaller than usual

The Men's UA Peak Woven shorts are a one-of-a-kind fitness companion designed for ultimate mobility. Made from a lightweight stretch-woven fabric that ensures both superior mobility and durability, these shorts will move with you no matter how dynamic your workout.

If you prioritize comfort, you’ll be happy to know that these shorts feature an exposed elastic waistband with mesh ventilation and an internal draw cord. This ensures not just a perfect fit but also maximizes breathability for a comfortable workout.

Laser perforations further enhance breathability, keeping you cool during intense training sessions and an extended gusset provides enhanced mobility, making these shorts perfect for diverse exercises, from weightlifting to HIIT workouts.

Storage won't be an issue with these shorts; they come with open hand pockets and a secure, zip Strength Pocket to keep your essentials safe.

Best loose fit

Men's UA Tech™ Graphic shorts

$30

$30 at Under Armour

Specifications:

Material: Polyester

Colors: 12 Size range: XS to 5XL

Pros & Cons

• Affordable price 

• Available in regular and tall

• Wide range of colors

• Quick drying

• May not be durable if washed often

These Men's UA Tech™ Graphic shorts are the epitome of comfort and functionality, ideal for any active man. Crafted with Under Armour's original UA Tech fabric, they boast quick-drying properties and an ultra-soft texture for a natural feel against the skin.

Whether you're hitting the gym, going for an outdoor run, or enjoying a casual day out, these shorts are designed to keep you cool and dry. The material is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, ensuring ]you stay comfortable during your workouts. 

The loose fit adds to your comfort, giving you the freedom to move without restriction. It makes these the best athletic shorts for men that are a loose fit

With features like an encased elastic waistband with an internal drawcord, you can customize the fit to your comfort. The mesh hand pockets add a practical touch, providing a convenient place to store your essentials.

Best running shorts

License to Train Linerless Short 7"

$88

$88 at Lululemon

Specifications:

Material: Nylon, elastane, polyester

Colors: 7 Size range: XS to XXXL

Pros & Cons

• Tapered fit

• Classic cut

• Made with environmentally conscious fabric

• Higher price point than others

Looking for a pair of workout shorts built for running and the gym? This License to Train Linerless Short 7" are designed for running and training, and are an essential addition to t any fitness enthusiast. 

It’s made of abrasion-resistant and sweat-wicking fabric, ensuring you stay comfortable during the toughest workouts. Even better, it's quick-drying, so you'll never have to wait too long before wearing it again after washing.

These gym shorts for men have a classic tapered fit, which provides a streamlined look while also giving your glutes and thighs the breathing room they need. They also feature a quick-drying mesh waistband for added comfort, a waistband drawcord that can be worn inside or out and zippered hand pockets with hidden phone and coin sleeves.

Best gym and lifestyle short

Pivotal Men's Performance Short

You save $23.40 (30%)

$54.60$78

$54.60 at Beyond Yoga

Specifications:

Material: Polyester & spandex

Colors: 5

Size range: XS to XL

Pros & Cons

• Wear-tested by Beyond Yoga

• Versatile

• Higher price point

Crafted with an athletically minded fit, the Pivotal Men's Performance Shorts are designed for the everyday casual athlete who values both functionality and style.

Featuring a 7" inseam, they provide plenty of coverage without hindering movement. An elasticated waistband ensures a comfortable and secure fit, whether you're stepping into your cardio routine or heading to your off-duty plans. Plus, a zippered back pocket is a practical addition, providing a safe place to keep essentials.

These shorts are uniquely created to flatter every shape, having been wear-tested by Beyond Yoga's in-house team to ensure the best fit in every size.

Ideal for weightlifting

Nike Sportswear Club Shorts

$35

$35 at Nike

Specifications:

Material: Cotton & polyester 

Colors: Size range: XS to XXXL

Pros & Cons

• Functional design

• Soft fabric for everyday wear

• Has side pockets

• Not many colors available

These Nike Sportswear Club Shorts strike a perfect balance between classic comfort and bold style. Its soft, brushed-back fabric makes them extremely comfortable shorts for men and great for all-day wear. 

If you lift weights on a regular basis, these shorts have an adjusted rise and shorter inseam to keep you feeling supported when you’re pushing your max rep.

Best for yoga and training

Nike Unlimited - Men's Dri-FIT 7" 2-in-1 Versatile Shorts

$70

$70 at Nike

Specifications:

Material: Polyester & spandex

Colors: 13

Size range: XS to 4XL 

Pros & Cons

• Supportive and stretchy fabric

• Wide range of colors

• Has hidden pocket

• Tights color are different from the shorts

These shorts are designed for running, training and yoga and make the perfect addition to your workout wardrobe. Thanks to Nike Dri-FIT technology, they are specifically tailored to move sweat away from your skin, enabling quicker evaporation and keeping you dry and comfortable. 

The shorts offer a supportive base layer for comfort and durability while the stretch-woven fabric, combined with side hem vents, supports optimal movement so holding any yoga pose is no issue

Best affordable option

Arrival Shorts

You save $3 (10%)

$27$30

$27 at Gymshark

Specifications:

Material: Polyester

Colors: 16

Size range: XS to 3XL

Pros & Cons

• Very affordable price

• Wide range of colors to choose from

• Wide range of sizes available

• Slim fit may not suit everyone

The Arrival Shorts by Gymshark boast a slim fit, woven style, and a 7-inch in-seam, adding a touch of modern style to your regular workout gear. 

The lightweight material, coupled with its sweat-wicking feature, ensures that you stay cool and dry, no matter how intense your workout routine is. 

The shorts also feature open side pockets, offering practical storage for essentials such as keys, cards, or your cell phone. With a vast array of colors to select from, you can get a pair to suit every workout mood.

Best shorter length

Gymshark Sport Shorts

You save $4 (10%)

$36$40

$36 at Gymshark

Specifications:

Material:Polyester

Colors: 21

Size range: XS to 3XL

Pros & Cons

• Durable and lightweight

• Wide array of colors to choose from

• Regular fit

• Great for HIIT and running workouts

• May be too short for some

If you’re looking for sports shorts that are shorter in length but aren’t short shorts, the Gymshark Sport Shorts may be the style that’s meant for you. 

These shorts come in a breathable design, providing aeration during the most grueling workouts or runs – so you remain cool, no matter how hard you're working. You’ll stay safe during those early morning or late-night training sessions, thanks to its reflective logos for increased visibility.

Plus, these shorts feature zipped pockets to store your items securely while you're on the move and for those intensive sessions, they -wick sweat to keep you dry.

How to choose the best gym shorts for men

Are expensive men's athletic shorts worth it?

While the price of gym shorts for men can vary significantly, it's essential to remember that you're investing in comfort, durability, and functionality. High-quality best men's workout shorts often come with features like sweat-wicking fabric, stretchability, and secure zippered pockets that can enhance your workout experience. So, while they might be more expensive, they often offer better value for money in the long run.

What should I look for in the best athletic shorts?

When shopping for the best men's gym shorts, consider factors like material, fit, length, and additional features. Look for shorts for working out made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you comfortable during intense workouts. The fit should allow for a full range of motion and the length should be according to your preference and the types of workouts you do. Additional features like secure pockets and adjustable, elastic waistbands can also be beneficial.

Which workout shorts for men get our stamp of approval?

You can’t go wrong with any of the gym shorts on our list but if you need more help in selecting the best gym shorts for men, we’ve narrowed it down to these two.

• Men's UA Peak Woven Shorts:These offer superior mobility and durability, thanks to their lightweight stretch-woven fabric. They are incredibly light and comfortable to wear and will take you through a variety of workouts.

• Nike Unlimited Men's Dri-FIT 7" 2-in-1 versatile shorts: These shorts stand out for their sweat-wicking technology and supportive base layer. While they may be on the pricier side, they’re worth the investment.

Gear up and take your fitness journey to the next level with these top-rated best men's workout shorts.

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Prices updated on 11/29/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.