It’s a common misconception that any old shorts will do for your gym workouts. The best gym shorts have an unrestrictive fit so you can drop into deep squats and lunges, and use technical materials to keep your nether regions dry and comfortable. Use proper workout shorts once or twice and we promise you’ll never go back to casual shorts.
Below we have excellent gym shorts for every man, including a bargain pair for those still annoyed they can’t just use their regular shorts in the gym. When picking your shorts, consider whether you’ll be using them with some of the best sports underwear, because that will help determine if you need two-layer shorts or ones with an inner brief. And if nothing here is quite what you need, see if you can find something that appeals in our selection of the best men’s running shorts.
The Best Men’s Gym Shorts
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Don’t let the word “Run” put you off – we’ve tried these shorts for both running and strength workouts and they are much better for the latter, with a baggy design that’s a bit too loose and large on the run, but comfortable during strength sessions and for wearing to and from the gym. The shorts are made from a mix of three sustainable materials and Allbirds uses offsets to make them carbon neutral, which is always a positive.
The Flex Vent Max shorts are great for those who prefer a longer short with a slim cut but don’t want to feel restricted in the gym, with flexible fabric that stretches every which way to accommodate your movement. The shorts have two side pockets plus a rear zip pocket and are made with 75% recycled materials.
There’s very little, if anything, to dislike about these simple, durable shorts, which come at a reasonable price and nail all the essentials of gym shorts. The design includes side pockets and allows you to move freely and comfortably throughout your gym routine, staying close to the thigh without being figure-hugging.
If the price tag on those Allbirds shorts had you spluttering with disgust, this one might be more agreeable. Decathlon’s cheap-as-chips Domyos shorts will do a job in keeping your nethers covered during your workout and the loose fit is comfortable for Pilates too.
Stance pitches these as running shorts, but the slightly heavy and baggy design makes them far better suited to the gym in our book, and they’re comfortable to use for weight training in particular. As with all Stance gear, style is a priority alongside technical quality, and the range of designs will only grow over time. Those tackling HIIT sessions might prefer a more supportive set of shorts, though, since these don’t have an inner brief.
Reebok has long been associated with functional gym training and these shorts are the perfect showpiece of years of experience when it comes to squatting, lunging and box jumping. Evidence of this can be seen in the stretchy ripstop fabric that expands depending on your chosen exercise but always revert back to its original sleek look. Reebok has also added laser-cut perforations in the back to allow airflow when things start to heat up and included two large side pockets and one smaller zip pocket for valuables. The durable design makes them one of the best options out there if you want a pair of shorts that'll last you for years of gym sessions.
These shorts have one very appealing feature for those who take a large phone with them during their workouts: a massive slip-in pouch on the inner layer. This holds even the largest of phablets tight against your thigh so it won’t bounce around annoyingly while you train, and we’ve found that the phone’s connection to Bluetooth headphones is as strong as ever when in this pocket. The inner layer has a compression fit, while the outer is pleasingly loose and features a couple of pockets of its own – with zips no less. Pocket city.
Only you will know if you’re happy walking into a gym wearing shorts this tight, but if you are (or are content to pop another pair on top) then the RUSH shorts are among the best you can get. The compression fit is just the right level of tightness to be supportive but still comfortable for longer workouts, and Under Armour even claims the mineral-infused fabric absorbs the energy you emit and fires it back at you to boost endurance.
Slender shorts may look better when you're wandering around town to grab a latte, but when it comes to comfort in the gym you want something that gives you a bit of breathing room. These shorts from Adidas are designed specifically to support movement when you're training, offering a looser fit that means you can lunge and squat without the material restricting you. The AeroReady fabric will also absorb sweat while you're training, so you're not that guy that leaves wet marks on all of the machines. Not bad considering they're made from 100% recycled materials as well.
Gym Shorts Buyer’s Guide
What kind of shorts are best for the gym?
The main way workout shorts differ from casual shorts is in the materials used. Gym shorts are made with lightweight, sweat-wicking materials that keep you dry and reduce the risk of chafing during workouts. Some fabrics also have anti-odour properties so your shorts won’t smell bad after one workout.
How should gym shorts fit?
Gym shorts are designed to allow you to move freely during workouts, especially when dropping into squats or powering through fast-paced HIIT sessions. This can be achieved through either a looser fit or a close-cut design that hugs the legs and uses stretchy materials. Some gym shorts have a 2-in-1 design with a looser outer layer over a set of compression shorts, which provide a supportive fit.
Do you wear anything under gym shorts?
That’s up to you, but steer well clear of wearing normal underwear under your gym shorts. Your classic tighty-whities will use cotton or other materials that absorb sweat and hold it against the skin, undoing all the good work your sweat-wicking gym shorts are doing to keep you comfortable. If you want to wear underwear, a set of sports underwear will provide the most comfort, while gym shorts that have an inner brief or 2-in-1s with a tight inner layer will also support your privates during workouts.
How much do gym shorts cost?
You can get good gym shorts for under $10/£10, though often cheaper workout shorts don’t have a brief liner so you might also need to invest in sports underwear. The sweet spot for shorts is around $20/£20 to $50/£50, where you’ll find a range of excellent shorts of all styles. Some shorts made with particularly innovative, durable or sustainable materials can cost more than this, especially those built with style in mind as well as substance.
More Tried-And-Tested Gym Gear
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- Set yourself up for success with the best gym trainers for every type of workout
- Give your kit carrier an upgrade with the best gym bags for men
- Does compression gear work? We asked the experts if it can actually improve performance and recovery
