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The 11 Best Men’s Workout Shorts
What’s in your gym bag? A water bottle, a fresh pair of kicks for hooping after a hard gym session, maybe some socks… Don’t forget your gym shorts!
Workout shorts have somehow become one of the most important parts of the modern man’s wardrobe. We wear them at home. We wear them to the gym. We’ve even been caught wearing them on dates – they go where we go, and that’s why we need to invest wisely.
In fact, it’s funny to think how gym shorts were once reserved for military barracks and high school physical education courses. Today, they’re a statement of style and athleticism. To help you find the shorts that fit you and your lifestyle best, check out our guide to the top 10 best men’s workout shorts.
Best Buy
1. Outdoor Voices Rectrek Short
One look at these shorts, and you’ll be fantasizing about #hiking. They’re described as durable and versatile, so you know they’re going to be great for the trail.
They’re so cozy you could wear them to bed the night before the big hike to save you some time in the morning. Just grab your granola and go. They don’t have a lining, which might be a plus for some who don’t like the feeling of the extra fabric rubbing them the wrong way as they take on all nature has to offer.
Go with the black to see something that blends with the pack. Bone, on the other hand, stands out in a way that speaks to the sophistication of a gentleman (we approve). One more note: a reviewer says the bone worked out great and doesn’t stain easily.
Music and podcast lovers can take advantage of the headphone port and the back pocket (with a zipper so you don’t lose your keys again). If you’re going to go for the gold, this is the pair for you. These shorts rightfully sit on the throne when it comes to 2021’s top workout shorts.
2. Rhone Swift Short
The second spot on the podium is held by Rhone Swift Short – it’s our premium pick. Whether you’re team Dad Bod or team Beach Bod, you know that for the fellas, gym shorts help us highlight our flattering figures a little. If you’re nodding because that’s the kind of swagger/confidence you carry around every day, then these are your shorts.
They look simple and understated but also quite sharp. It’s a 7” seem, so it’s a little long for a short short and a little short for mid-length. It’s actually the best length for bodybuilding. All those squats will certainly show in these shorts – that’s all we’re saying.
For the guys who carry a towel with them everywhere they go, there’s a strap for that. Not to mention two zipper pockets, a performance liner, and a form-fitting look. The premium crowd always wants to know what the material composition is: polyester and spandex. Bonus points are earned for the venting on the sides and gusset, keeping everything easy and breezy.
3. birddogs Gym Shorts- Art Fartknockers
Birddogs is known for its supremely comfortable pants and shorts, but they also make dedicated workout shorts! If you catch the reviews, most customers came back for multiple pairs.
Birddogs offers these in 6″, 7″, and 9″ options to suit your needs. These are all lined so you don’t have to worry about buying any other compressions shorts underneath. These might be the perfect workout shorts.
4. Under Armour UA Stretch Train Shorts
There’s something about Under Armour’s one-size-fits-all appeal as a brand that always earns it high marks with us. It’s the look that stands out without standing out, great for those who avoid an overly flashy style.
It’s also one of those lines that offer a little more bang for your buck, which is good when you’re buying sports apparel on the regular. The Under Armour UA Stretch Train Shorts boasts a fabric that offers a UPF of 30, providing a lush comfort that doubles as sun protection.
Those who always go hard will appreciate the way the material dries super quickly. No need to worry about working up too much of a sweat as the material has anti-odor tech that cuts back on that raunchy post-game scent.
A few color choices help you mix it up if you love the fit but want to match them to a few different t-shirts or socks. A lot of men take this pair home because the fit is a little longer at 10”. If length’s on the must-have list, then this pair of shorts might already be in your gym bag.
5. Ten Thousand Foundation Short
The pandemic hasn’t been the best of times, yet one lesson has brought some of us comfort: gym wear that doubles as business casual is here to stay. The Foundation Short by Ten Thousand appeals to guys who might be spotted at East Coast lobster fests or on the West Coast with a surfboard in hand.
In other words, they’re the shorts you could pull off if you’re stopping by the office, just for a minute, to talk to the boss before heading golfing. That’s a versatility that’s hard to find when it comes to workout shorts. With many colors on the roster (jungle, brick red, and iron come highly recommended), there are sure to be guys out there who will snag a pair for every day of the week.
6. Lululemon Pace Breaker Short
There are guys who wear gym shorts, and there are athletes. What’s the difference? Athletes already know the value of anything Lululemon when it comes to sports gear.
Most Lululemon fans aren’t kicking back with a beer in their gym shorts. They’re out there running, lifting, and kicking some serious butt. As such, the shorts are designed to meet their high demands.
There are pockets that can be closed securely. That’s a must for rock climbing and running. They’re lightweight, which makes rapid-fire sprinting all the better. The polyester material is recycled, so that’s a plus.
What non-athletes might not like is the short inseam. It’s only five inches. It’s good for serious sports, but some people don’t feel so chill walking around showing so much leg while buying their protein powders. To each their own.
7. Nike Flex Stride Running Short
There’s something about the color blue that appeals to fitness folks, and if it’s reflective, that’s next level. The Nike Flex Stride Running Short, like the prior recommendation, is for the real jocks out there. Nobody will know if you buy them just for style, though.
At the gym, we’re wearing clothes that show off our progress, not hide it, and nobody wants to look like they’re wearing a belt on the floor. These shorts close with a drawstring for quick changes, but it isn’t bulky at all. It fits squarely against the stomach, so there’s no awkward bulging or bunching while hitting the weights.
There’s also a little ventilation which every guy enjoys when things start to heat up. When it comes to the gym wear game, you can’t go without a classic like Nike. Fresh, cool, and built for athletes, this pair definitely advances to the next round.
8. Gymshark Legacy Shorts
Basketball players, musical artists, and college students made gray sweatpants a worldwide trend. Gray sweatpants became a cultural icon over the past decade because they’re comfortable, monochromatic, and add an instant touch of sex appeal to any laidback ensemble.
Since that time, shorts have taken on a similar role, offering up comfort and style that look good at the gym, on the street, and while hitting the hay.
Gymshark Legacy Shorts are a prime specimen. These shorts offer a cut that isn’t too baggy, providing an athletic shape to the waist and upper thighs. Beyond that, the rainbow palette of color options will certainly turn heads.
Our money’s on black, red, and smokey grey as the hottest picks of the draft. The only drawback is the pockets don’t close, but you can keep your goods in a gym locker where they belong anyway.
9. Adidas Axis 20 Woven Training Shorts
These are dad shorts, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. That’s actually why we like them. The inseam is perfect for a classic style. At nine inches, the length is just about to hit the upper knees for most heights. The shorts won’t ride high or be too baggy.
Father figures are logical types. So they can thoroughly appreciate this particular short, they should know that the fit is regular and the waistband elastic (with cord to pull things nice and tight).
The material stands out, too. It’s a woven fabric, so the look appears a little more professional – shorts you can wear to run errands and drop by the track for a quick power walk before dinner.
10. Reebok Training Essentials Melange Shorts
If you thought, now what I’d like is number eight combined with number seven, these are the simple gray shorts you’ve been lusting after. Melange is a French word that means “mix,” and these Reebok shorts reflect the concept well.
Slim cut and created with relaxation in mind, these shorts feel a bit like pajamas (which isn’t bad). What really seals the deal is the cotton-blend French terry fabric that makes the shorts comfy and cozy for a lazy day in bed.
If you decide to get moving, you won’t have to change. A drawcord keeps up the cotton (65%) and polyester (35%) shorts. Even better, you can lug around your phone and wallet with ease thanks to the pockets.
11. New Balance 2-in-1 Shorts
For some gym rats, New Balance is just the go-to fitness brand that always makes sense. And of course, New Balance never aims to disappoint. They’ve got their 2-in-1 shorts on the market, constructed of a base layer and a woven shell. In other words, the ventilation is going to cut back on the stink and sweat.
As always, the fabric was selected for the man on the move. The shorts only come in black, which is perfect for keeping things plain and simple.
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Workout Shorts FAQS
In theory, all gym shorts can be regular shorts but not all regular shorts can be gym shorts. For example, most gym shorts are appropriately worn in many settings like while running errands or grabbing a quick cup of coffee.
However, there are plenty of regular shorts that just wouldn’t work in the gym because the material isn’t flexible or because the heat would be unbearable. Working out in cargo khaki shorts might have been cool in 2010, but now most people avoid it.
The material for workout shorts can vary, especially based on your size, tastes, and the activities in which you will participate. Soccer shorts are often made of acrylic and are very short and light. Bodybuilders sometimes wear 100% cotton shorts to work out.
In short, it depends on your style. Cotton, polyester, and microfibers are popular today. Many athletes just want something that breathes well.
Look for the pair that fits you and your lifestyle best. To get started, look for shorts that are appropriate for a given activity. There are special shorts for soccer, basketball, running, boxing, golf, surfing, swimming, and more.
Talk to a coach or a trainer to learn more. Here’s a quick checklist of what to consider:
- Size and fit
- Material
- Color and style
- Ventilation
- Pockets (do they close?)
- Waistband (elastic and/or drawcord)
- Flexibility
- Cost
For some people, the cost may be most important. For others, style might take first place. If you take our advice, comfort is king if you want to feel like an MVP.