The best gym shorts are hard to find – you require a Iot out of these small pieces of kit. Your gym shorts need to stay put when you exercise (no riding up, thank you), be sweat wicking and cooling and, most importantly, make you feel great.
Along with running shorts that don’t ride up, finding the right pair of gym shorts is no small feat. Luckily, it’s a good time to shop for gym shorts. Not only is the weather *finally* getting warmer (hello outdoor workouts) but activewear sales have eclipsed pre-pandemic levels by 42%, according to retail analytics brand Edited. So the industry is booming with choice right now – just in time for the sweatiest time of year.
The same as the best gym leggings, the best sports bras and the best gym trainers, shorts need to be flattering, functional and sweat-wick well – which is why we’ve been testing for you. That’s where I come in – I’m Chloe Gray, a health and fitness writer and a qualified fitness instructor, so it’s safe to say I’ve been through my fair share of gym shorts.
For me, gym shorts need to be different from running shorts, which might be looser for added breeze when out and about. My favourite gym shorts are a bit closer to cycling shorts in style – compressive and supportive without annoying you when you squat and jump.
After scouring around, I’ve found some brilliant products that will help you stay cool during hot workouts, whether you’re strength training, boxing, spinning or Pilates-ing, and included top picks from MC UK Senior Health Editor Ally Head, Junior Shopping Editor Valeza Bakolli and personal trainer Lillie Bleasdale of PASSA training, too. Keep scrolling to shop.
What to consider before buying gym shorts:
- The length: Some people like really short shorts in the gym, while others prefer a longer, cycle-style cut. The length of your leg will also impact where the shorts cut, so check the inseam length that’s listed on most brands websites.
- The fabric: No one wants an uncomfortably sweaty crotch in the gym, so make sure your shorts are made from a sweat-wicking and cooling fabric.
- The features: Do you keep your phone on you on the gym floor and therefore want a pocket to stash it away in? Maybe you love a drawstring waist or a particular pattern – these are all things to keep in mind when shopping for your best pair of gym shorts.
- The price: It goes without saying that we have to choose the best product in our budget. Luckily, there are loads of reasonably priced shorts so you can get working out in the summer without breaking the bank.
11 best gym shorts, tried and tested by experts
1. Most versatile shorts
(Image credit: lululemon)
What the expert says: “I wore these to a 45-minute yoga class, a weight training session and on a 5km run,” says Marie Claire UK‘s Senior Health and Sustainability Editor Ally Head. “They offer a properly barely-there feel – you can hardly notice you’re wearing them most of the time, and they’re by far the softest short I’ve worn in a while. I liked the small back pocket, which was big enough for a card or key, and that they didn’t roll down or ride up for any of my classes.”
2. Best training shorts
(Image credit: Gymshark)
What the expert says: These shorts tend to sit quite high up on the leg so they can look very short. That said, they’re one of the most comfortable pairs I own, so if you’re OK with a booty-style pair then these will serve you well. They pass the squat test, are super soft and very stretchy, so an all round good investment.
3. Most affordable shorts
(Image credit: H&M)
“I’ve owned these shorts for years – H&M keep restocking them and for this I’ll be forever grateful.” Says Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor “For under £13, they’re impressively soft and high-quality (they haven’t bobbled once through multiple washes. They’re thick but not too warm, don’t dig into my thighs and have a comfortable high waisted design.”
“I’m a huge fan of the deep side pockets and how easy they are to style for both gym classes and running errands. These are my go-to cycling shorts whenever I’m trying to replicate THAT iconic Princess Diana look.”
4. Best sustainable shorts
(Image credit: BAM)
“Bam are one of my go-to’s for soft, sustainable activewear buys. These fun shorts from their new range lived up to my expectations, too – not only do they look great, but they sweat wick and support, too. I’ve worn them for home strength sessions, yoga and Pilates and really rate them – only thing to note is that they’re shorter than other longer designs, so may not be for you if you prefer more leg coverage and support. Similarly. they don’t have any pockets, but I haven’t found this an issue for low impact or strength sessions” says Head.
5. Best shorts for low-impact workouts
(Image credit: Adanola)
What the expert says: “Surely nothing as aesthetic as Adanola can actually be supportive? Turns out, they can: these shorts ticks all of the boxes. While I don’t love wearing them running, they’re perfect for people who gym regularly as they’re soft as anything, flattering, supportive, and comfortable, too, with minimal crotch sweat patches (key),” says Head.
6. Best sculpting shorts
(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)
What the expert says: “Any piece of activewear with over 1,000 reviews and a 4.8* average piques my interest – and these shorts delivered. Not only do they come in three leg length variations – four, six and nine inches – They’re perfect for running, gym sessions, Pilates, and more. They’re a real all-rounder with what they call “bum-sculpting technology”, too,” says Head.
7. Best size-inclusive shorts
(Image credit: Girlfriend Collective)
What the expert says: Girlfriend Collective has made big steps in the last few years to make sure their kit is crafted from eco-friendly materials – and these shorts are no exception, made from recycled water bottles so you know your shopping isn’t going to waste. Their sizing also goes up to XXXL and they come in two different lengths, too, giving you different coverage options. With a high waist, breathable material and compression fabric, too, what’s not to love?
8. Best luxury shorts
(Image credit: Vuori)
What the expert says: “I didn’t know if this cult-favourite brand would live up to the hype but I liked how soft they feel, how flattering they are and how functional they were for both short runs and gym sessions – those side pockets are dreamy,” says Head.
9. Best running shorts
(Image credit: Nike)
What the expert says: The Nike Aeroswift Tight Shorts are Lillie’s go-to racing short for a reason. “They also lend themselves to everyday use as well. Made from light and breathable fabric, they’re perfect for keeping you cool in the warmer months plus they don’t ride up. They also have a tie waist meaning you can adjust to fit your waist” shares Bleasdale.
10. Best patterned shorts
(Image credit: SEFI)
What the expert says: I love these shorts so much I have them in two leg lengths that I choose from depending on what I’m doing and how confident I’m feeling with my skin on show. These have such a gorgeous pattern while also being squat proof, antibacterial and they stay in place even on leg day. The only downsides are that they sell out quickly and, as SEFI is a relatively new brand, they have limited sizing options, with the shorts only going up to an XL.
11. Best barely-there shorts
(Image credit: TALA)
What the expert says: Sustainability is at the heart of Tala’s brand, but their products are functional, too (win, win). These second-skin feel shorts are made from recycled fibres and that invisible feel makes a big difference when you’re lifting and jumping. These shorts also have a good-sized zip pocket at the back for stashing your phone while racking up barbells in the gym.
How to feel confident wearing shorts in the gym
As sad as I am that this is a question – I get it. Ideally, we’d all swan in to the gym in any outfit we like, but in reality it can feel exposing. The best way to boost your confidence is to do it – exposure therapy is the best way forward and you’ll soon learn that absolutely no one is looking at your or judging you (because they’re too busy judging themselves). We all deserve to be cool and wear outfits that are appropriate for this weather and the more of us there are that do it, the more normal it gets. Following some people with a similar body to yours – who post real, unedited pics – is also a great reminder that all bodies can exist in the gym.
If you feel great in shorts when you’re alone in your room but are worried about how other people will respond to your extra skin on show, it’s a bit more complicated. Most gyms are incredibly welcoming, inclusive and friendly, but remember that you can report anyone who harasses you when you have more skin on show.
