Whether you’re running a half-marathon or doing back squats, a comfy pair of workout shorts can make or break your experience. Buy a good pair and you can move freely, comfortably and efficiently. Opt for a not-so-solid set and a loose drawstring can become a major distraction or exposed seams can cause chafing after just a few miles.
To help you choose the gear that will work for your workout, we rounded up the best shorts for every type of exercise. These top pairs deliver everything from breathability and compression to sweat-wicking properties and antimicrobial materials. Some even have smart features like built-in boxers and tons of pockets. Time to suit up!
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10 Workout Shorts to Help You Crush Any Challenge
1. Alpha Runner
Best For: Treadmill to trails
Running demands grit, guts — and good gear. Enter Rhone’s Swift 7” Lined Short, which includes an ultra-soft performance liner and bonded, perforated mesh seams that control moisture and prevent chafing. Rhone’s fabric technology also includes antimicrobial properties to ward off odor-causing bacteria. ($88, rhone.com)
2. Go Getter
Best For: HIIT and spin
If you love burpees and tap backs, ASICS’ Everysport Short is for you. The quick-dry four-way stretch fabric allows you to jump, squat and pedal with ease, while wicking away any wetness. Ever better: It has a built-in brief for added comfort and a back pocket with an auto-lock zipper, so you can keep your belongings secure. ($40, asics.com)
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3. Weight Room Warrior
Best For: Weightlifting and WODs
You need ample room for movement when strength training, which is why you want to wear New Balance’s Max Intensity Short for back squat success. These power shorts come with a 9” inseam for extra coverage and keep you cool as you jump higher, lunge deeper and squat lower. Designed with two zipped hand pockets, you can store your smartphone, keys and headphones — no gym bag required. ($50, newbalance.com)
4. Wonder Woman
Best For: Strength and circuit training
When you’re doing weighted squats, the last thing you want to worry about it is getting your knee caught on excess fabric. That’s where UnderArmour’s Mirror Hi-Rise Printed Shorty comes in, with its sleek, skin-hugging construction. These also feel luxuriously soft and have anti-microbial threads. Plus, who says high-rise is only for skinny jeans? If you crave a little more coverage, these have your back. ($50, underarmour.com)
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5. The Cycologist
Best For: Biking and triathlons
Amongst a peloton of riders, you’ll stand out with 2XU Women’s Perform Pro Cycle Short. Designed with flatlock sticking, these bottoms help you trek up hills, over uneven terrain and around dirt paths comfortably with zero chafe. Featuring 2XU’s special SBR fabric technology, these bike shorts have micro-filament polyester yarn with hydrophobic properties to help you stay cool and dry. ($170, 2xu.com)
6. Studio Stunner
Best For: Run club to the barre
Gain comfort and serious style in Sweaty Betty’s Time Trial Run Shorts, which you can rock for nearly any fitness class. Whether you’re sprinting with a pack or pliéing at the barre, the stretchy material wraps your skin for solid support, yet freedom of movement. The drawcord waistband means you can adjust it to flatter any figure. ($85, sweatybetty.com)
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7. Pretty Stylish
Best for: Cardio workouts
The geometric design will draw you to the Calia Two-In-One Mesh Printed Shorts from Carrie Underwood, but the comfy fit will make you want to wear them all day. The power-mesh outer layer offers supreme airflow and a modest look, while the compression shorts stay put as you twist and glide. Two-in-one indeed. ($46, caliastudio.com)
8. Tabata Lover
Best for: HIIT classes
With 30 minutes on the clock, you need to HIIT it to make the most out of each minute. While C9 Champion’s Men’s 9” Running Shorts are originally made for pounding pavement, this slim-fit short features an elastic drawstring waist and a longer inseam (perfect for guys with more height), so it keeps you covered and snug without restricting your range of motion. It also features an inner brief that wicks and dries sweat when your workout hits full blast. ($23, target.com)
9. Under Rated
Best for: Training days to races
If you’re one of those guys who feels more comfortable running in your, uh, underwear, Kinetic’s Run Shorts provides the right coverage and comfort. The micromesh material and ideal construction comes from SAXX’s beloved boxer brief — and patented “BallPark Pouch” — which holds everything in place. For an even cozier fit, the shorts offer flatlock seams to keep you chafe-free.
10. Eco-Athlete
Best For: All-distance running
Feel extra light on your next run with Athleta’s High-Rise Acceleration Short. Made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles, it shrinks your carbon footprint, while the featherweight stretch fabric provides ventilation and repels moisture. The reflective trim also keeps you safe on late-night or early-morning runs. And the rear zip pocket stores keys and cards so you can jog hands-free. ($59, athleta.gap.com)