The Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Every Type of Activity
Whether you're playing basketball, running, lifting weights or golfing, these sweat-wicking styles from Nike, Fabletics, Lululemon, Municipal, Patagonia and others will keep you cool and comfortable.
By Thomas Hindle, Danielle Directo-Meston
April 1, 2024 3:27pm
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As all active people know, there’s nothing more uncomfortable than workout shorts that don’t quite feel right. They could be too tight, too short or entirely unpractical. Finding the best men’s workout shorts, of course, depends on your exercise routine. HIIT enthusiasts might want something that offers them a full range of motion on leg and arm days, while runners may prefer a lighter and shorter silhouette that makes them feel like they’re breezing through every stride. If you’re a hiker, a durable, moisture-wicking style with plenty of pockets (for all of those trail snacks and essentials) might be the best option.
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With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best men’s workout shorts — with a focus on sustainability and celebrity-backed brands — to try this spring and beyond.
Courtesy of Fabletics
Best OVerall
Fabletics The One Short
Buy at Fabletics $19
From top Hollywood entrepreneur Kevin Hart’s activewear brand Fabletics, The One short boasts smart features like a towel loop, zippered pockets and hidden compartments. Choose from five- or seven-inch inseams and lined or unlined options, plus find more than a dozen colors and prints to suit your workout style. If you’re not yet a Fabletics VIP member, the label is offering a two-for-$24 deal on shorts. Membership is $60 per month and the price goes toward purchases, and you’ll save 20 to 50 percent off full-priced items.
Best for basketball
Nike Jordan Sport Men’s Dri-Fit Diamond Shorts
Stay cool during that layup in Nike’s Jordan Dri-Fit Sport Diamond shorts, made of 100 percent recycled polyester that’s breathable, lightweight and sweat-wicking.
Best for HIIT
Adidas Designed for Training HIIT Workout Heat.Rdy Print Shorts
No matter how fast or hard you’re moving, these Adidas workout shorts were designed to handle all types of HIIT workouts. Made from 70 percent recycled materials, these shorts feature side hem notches to give you full range of motion during squats and sprints, while the HEAT.RDY technology keeps you comfortable and cool.
Best Compression Shorts
Alo 9-In. Warrior Compression Short
For those who prefer a second skin feel, Alo’s Warrior compression shorts are a great option. Featuring a nine-inch inseam, these shorts are made of four-way stretch nylon spandex with odor- and moisture-resistant technology. A lined gusset panel between the legs offers optimal stretch, comfort and fit. The brand notes that they’re great for layering, too.
Municipal
Bset Performance Shorts
Municipal Sport Utility Shorts
$68 at Municipal
The Mark Walhberg-backed brand has a variety of desirable sportswear options, and the Sport Utility Shorts are ideal for basketball and other high-performance activities. The double-layered silhouette hits right above the knee and offers the right amount of stretch, and the side and back pockets are a convenient finishing touch.
Best for Runners
Lululemon Fast & Free Lined Short 6″
$88 at Lululemon
Available in a range of colors, Lululemon’s Fast & Free lined shorts are a favorite among runners for its lightweight, quick-drying and sweat-wicking Nulux fabric with four-way stretch. It has a relaxed fit and a six-inch length for plenty of room in the glutes and thighs, while the brand’s proprietary Out of Mind liner is designed with a 3D-shaped pouch for support. Rounding out the features are zippered pockets and compartments for your phone, energy gels and more.
Best Value
Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic Shorts
$17.98 $25.00 28% off
Designed with a loose, light fit, Under Armour’s tech graphic shorts have a convenient pull-on style and a 10-inch inseam. The fabric dries quickly and wicks away sweat, ensuring comfort no matter what you’re doing.
Best Under $30
Uniqlo Stretch Dry-Ex Shorts
Uniqlo It keeps things basic with these Ultra Stretch Dry-Ex shorts made of recycled polyester, making them great for everyday wear and your favorite workouts. The lightweight, stretchy fabric keeps you dry and free to move, and the shorts feature zippered pockets.
Reigning Champ
BEST FOR TRAINING
Reigning Champ 7-Inch Training Short
$80 at Reigning Champ
Reigning Champ’s seven-inch training shorts are both light and convenient. Slim pockets allow users to store necessary devices without too much movement, while waterproof and four-way stretch material makes for a comfortable fit while sweating. They’re finished with a soft mesh waistband and reinforced side seams.
Best for Hiking
Patagonia Quandary Shorts, 8-In.
$85 at Patagonia
With Patagonia, quality is pretty much guaranteed — and that’s not just because of the sustainable practices. (Don’t forget the customer-loved free repair policy.) The best-selling Quandary shorts feature a versatile and comfy fit with plenty of pockets for stowing away trail essentials. They’re spun from recycled fishing nets, while the water-repellent finish is made without harmful perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS). Choose from eight- or 10-inch inseams and four versatile colors.
Rowing Blazers
Best for Tennis
Arthur Ashe Sport Logo Shorts
Whether you’re playing pickleball or classic tennis, these unisex mesh shorts from Arthur Ashe (inspired by the iconic tennis champion of the same name) will keep you comfortable during the match. They have an above-the-knee style, side pockets and a comfortable elastic drawstring waistband, so they’re a good option if you want something retro and functional.
Best for Swimming
Ten Thousand Set Short
For workouts in the pool or ocean, or for high-sweat activities, the water-repellent Ten Thousand Set Short is worth checking out. It’s amphibious and features a quick-drying liner and secure pockets, equally useful for a run as for a quick swim. The 6.5-inch inseam allows for mobility, and the lightweight material is designed to be cling-free.
Best for Golf
TravisMathew Beck Short, 9.5-In.
The durable, four-way stretch and moisture-wicking design make Travis Mathew’s Beck shorts perfect for golfers. With an inseam of 9.5 inches, they’re made of lightweight polyester and spandex and feature a nine-inch inseam, while the stretch waistband offers mobility when you’re swinging.
Best for Everyday wear
Mack Weldon Radius Flex Shorts
Mack Weldon’s Radius Flex shorts are versatile enough for cardio-boosting walks, yet are comfortable for daily wear. They feature a nine-inch inseam, flexible waist and belt loops and four-way stretch, and the fabric is water-, wind- and stain-resistant. These shorts are also great for traveling, as they’ve got six pockets and a hidden zippered pocket.
Buck Mason
Best Utilitarian-Inspired Design
Buck Mason Trail Roam Shorts
$78 at Buck Mason
Based on a 1960s military silhouette, Buck Mason’s quick-drying Trail Roam shorts certainly match the classic style. They’re on the shorter side, but if you’re an avid runner, you’ll find them an ideal length. The lining and four-way stretch nylon are comfy, and a sneaky zipper pocket is ideal for key storage.
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