The Best Running Shorts For Women

Whether you love or loathe summer running, there’s a glorious moment every year when it’s finally warm enough to ditch the leggings and switch to running shorts. However, finding shorts that are comfy, flattering, breathable and chafe-free, preferably with a secure pocket, can be tougher than hill sprints in a heatwave. 

There are three types of running shorts: the traditional, looser-fitting type, often with a side split which allows for ease of movement (and breeziness); the cycling shorts-style ones—skin-tight numbers that will minimise chafing and offer support; and finally two-in-one shorts, which combine the two types above. 

I’ve sorted the selection below into those three categories, beginning with the shorts I’ve tested in order of preference, then included the best of the rest—from least to most expensive—to broaden your options.

To round out the rest of your running wardrobe, browse our selections of the best running bras, best running shoes, best women’s running tops, best running leggings and best running jackets for women. 

How I Test Running Shorts

As a keen runner who races out the door as soon as the sun comes out, I am continually testing out the latest running shorts in all categories, paying careful attention to breathability, comfort, style and storage. I also test how well the shorts fare when put through the wash. 

Other Coach writers—and keen runners—have also tested and reviewed shorts for this guide—you'll see their byline or initials after the text. And in order to offer as wide an array as possible, we've included some options that we haven’t tested—check the specifications for each pair to see whether it’s been tested by us.

Quick List

Here are my top picks for women’s running shorts in various categories. You’ll find more detailed analysis of each pair further down the page—click on the links to jump to the full review.

The Best Two-In-One Running Shorts For Women

Best 2-in-1 Shorts

These are true two-in-one shorts. You detach the two layers, and each of them works as a standalone pair of shorts. I find the combination of long skin-tight shorts and loose shorts over the top looks a bit odd, but it works well if you want more coverage than skin-tight shorts offer.

The supremely comfy inner pair of legging-style shorts have a 9in inseam, a flattering high waist and two thigh pockets, plus a hidden pocket at the back of the waist with a key loop. The quick-drying fabric is sleek and cool to the touch, and it works hard to wick sweat. Thanks to the longer length, I found these shorts didn’t ride up at all, when worn alone or with the outer layer on top.

The top shorts are very lightweight and minimalist, with a flattering cut, although the fabric does rustle a bit. They’re fastened onto the inner shorts with a button on each hip. Although the top shorts can be worn on their own, the waistband is minimal and there’s no drawstring, or pockets here. If you’re looking for standalone loose shorts, I’d recommend On’s Race Shorts, which I find more comfortable.

Comfortable and breathable, these 2-in-1 shorts have a skin-tight layer that’s pleasant against the skin and has a good amount of stretch, with a top layer that’s lightweight and doesn’t cling or ride up too much. I found these shorts kept me cooler than most 2-in-1 shorts, which can be warm. The mid-rise waistband is a comfortable, soft and stretchy band with extra elastic at the top and a drawstring tie, though I found the strings short. I’d have preferred the waistband to be a touch higher.

A thigh pocket on the left leg held my iPhone mini securely and out of sight. A zip pocket on the back of the waist has room for gels and the like. The shorts are treated with Polygiene, meaning you can wear them all day or get several wears out of them before needing to wash them.

These lightweight shorts have a 5in (13cm) skin-tight liner with anti-chafe seams, and Brooks’ Chaser shorts on top. The waistband is quite high, but according to Brooks it can also be worn folded down if you prefer a low-rise fit. As well as a secure zip pocket at the back, there are two drop-in interior pockets at the front, one of which has a key loop, and two phone-sized pockets on the outer leg of the liner shorts, tucked under the top layer. Now you just need to remember which pocket you put your keys in.

The clean, simple look of these ultra-light shorts won my approval. The skin-tight inner layer helps avoid chafing, while the racing shorts-style lightweight top layer is flattering. The wide waistband is supportive and comfortable, with a drawstring to keep it firmly in place. You’ll find a fold-over pocket at the back of the waist with a key loop.

Puma teamed up with period underwear pioneer Modibodi to create period-proof activewear, including these 2-in-1 shorts that offer a roomy, comfortable fit and extra assurance against leaks, absorbing the equivalent of two to three tampons.

The waistband is high and secure but not too tight, with a drawstring to keep it in place. The skin-tight pair of undershorts has a built-in absorbent gusset and there’s a looser layer attached on top, edged with contrast neon piping. The result is bulkier than most shorts but there’s still freedom to move. The seams on the inner thighs are not well placed and I could see them becoming uncomfortable on a long run, although I found the shorts comfy enough on short runs and gym workouts. However, I’d have liked a pocket somewhere.

The Best Loose-Fitting Running Shorts For Women

Best Lightweight Shorts

These lightweight shorts have some excellent features and come at a reasonable price—I found them ideal for hot weather running paired with a loose tank. A zip pocket at the back on the right allows you to stash your valuables—my phone did fit snugly inside, although it felt a little strange being off-centre. A mesh pocket on the other hip is perfect for gels, and a storage tunnel allows you to thread extra layers through. 

The non-clingy fabric is pleasant against the skin, wicking sweat away and drying quickly, and the lightweight inner brief is comfy enough to forgo running underwear.  The mid-rise waistband is wide and comfy without being restrictive, and there’s an inner drawstring to secure it. 

Best For Hot Weather

Ideal for training in hot conditions or pushing your limits during a race, these shorts are both comfortable and lightweight. There’s a soft and stretchy hidden inner brief, and the outer layer is made from a perforated quick-drying fabric that drapes nicely—it’s a flattering cut. The wide, soft waistband stays where you want it and there’s a fold-over pocket at the back that has an elastic loop inside, which means that even without a zip you don’t risk losing your keys.

Best Shorts Without A Liner

Arc’Teryx’s super-lightweight, silky pair of not-too-short shorts are ideal for running in hot weather. They’re well cut and flattering, slightly longer at the back, and the stretchy mid-rise waistband is secured with a drawstring tie on the inside. There’s a zip pocket at the back on the right side: My iPhone mini fitted inside it vertically, but there was a lot of bouncing, so it’s probably best used for gels.

Nearly every pair of shorts these days has some kind of liner, which can make it harder to get a comfortable fit and if you like to wear your favorite running underwear then it’s a superfluous extra layer. These are a good choice for those who like to choose their own running underwear.

Best Lululemon Shorts

Lululemon’s Fast And Free shorts are among the most comfortable I’ve tried. The flattering high waistband is supportive and comfortable and it’s made with breathable, quick-drying material. A continuous drawcord helps you adjust the waistband to your preferred tightness. Inside the seam there are three small key-sized pockets (two at the front and one at the back) but sadly that’s as far as storage goes on these shorts.

Deep splits at the sides give a comfortable and breathable fit, the fabric flowing as you run. The inner thigh material is comfortable and it’s long enough that I had no problems with it riding up or chafing. These shorts have a 3in inseam but those side splits make them feel shorter, and when running the splits can become more revealing. While there is a thick built-in liner underneath, it’s worth noting this if you prefer more coverage. — LM

Few pairs of running shorts have impressed me quite like these. It was love at first run. The high, elastic waistband is incredibly comfortable as well as supportive, while the material feels soft against the skin and it’s stretchy for ease of movement—plus they’re flattering too. And despite the 4in inseam, I didn’t encounter any sort of chafing. 

The material itself is very light and breathable, and it’s 100% made from recycled materials, which is a boon if you’re hoping to be more environmentally friendly. It is also incredibly quick-drying, something I can attest to after wearing these during a rainstorm (and even when wet, they don’t chafe). Storage-wise, there is a large zipped phone pocket on the back and a storage loop just below it if you want to carry an extra layer.—LM 

These loose-fitting lightweight shorts offer plenty of room for movement, with a wide, comfortable waistband that you can secure with a hidden drawstring. They have built-in underwear made from a soft jersey fabric, and the slightly flared outer layer has hidden side slits to allow for a greater range of movement. The fabric is designed not to cling to you even when you’re mega-sweaty. Just one drawback for me: there’s no zip pocket. There is a fold-over pocket at the back of the waistband, but I didn’t want to risk putting my phone in it.

The Full Speed are the shortest shorts I’ve ever tried, and despite any misgivings about the length, they have swiftly become a favorite. As the name suggests, they are great for speed sessions: the fabric is light and comfortable, there’s a built-in brief and the shorts are not restrictive in any way. Most importantly, I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort with these shorts. 

There’s a zip pocket that’s big enough to fit my keys, a couple of small running gels or at a push, my phone. All the color options have a small, reflective strip on them, and the Ocean Eyes color features a reflective pattern across the material which becomes visible when light shines on it. Despite all the positives, with just a 2in inseam, these won’t be for everyone. As you run the floaty material does move, so if you prefer something more modest, look elsewhere.

Fabletics works on a “VIP” subscription model that charges members $59.95/£54.99 a month, which can be used against any outfit worth up to £80. There is the option to skip the payment each month, and your option to buy for this price will also be skipped. Members benefit from lower prices on items, too.—Lois MacKenzie

The Breathe Mid-Rise running shorts are another great warm-weather option from Fabletics. The split sides give excellent ease of movement without restriction. I found the combination of the fabric, design and the built-in brief extremely comfortable, with zero chafing. There’s an inner key pocket, but that’s not the only storage. A reflective back pocket is big enough to store some minor running essentials (energy gels or your phone, for example). 

With a 3.5in inseam, these aren’t as short as Fabletics’ Speed Up shorts, but the split sides mean they can be fairly revealing when on the move. While this makes for a breathable pair of running shorts, some will prefer more coverage. 

Fabletics works on a “VIP” subscription membership model for a monthly charge of $59.95/£54.99, which can be offset against any outfit worth up to £80. Members benefit from lower prices on items, too. Each month there is the option to skip the payment, and your option to buy for this price will be forfeited.—LMK

These lightweight shorts are designed for everyday training. They’re mid-length, so they don’t feel too short but have a minimalist feel thanks to the lightweight fabric, which is silky and quick-drying, with perforations for extra breathability. There’s a stretchy inner brief liner that’s comfortable enough to replace your running underwear. The zip pocket at the back of the waist just fits my iPhone mini, with not too much bouncing when I ran. The waistband is narrow, with a drawstring on the inside, and it stayed put on my test runs.

If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, snap up a pair of these basic but extremely functional running shorts from Decathlon. The fabric, which is made with recycled polyester, is stretchy, lightweight and quick-drying, and the wide, soft waistband with a drawstring sits comfortably where you want it. There’s a zip pocket at the back of the waistband for your keys, although it’s not quite big enough for a smartphone. There’s no built-in underwear in these.

A firm favourite among many runners, these classic black shorts are basic, but will be comfortable whatever warm-weather running you do. There’s a small drop-in pocket at the front, but no zip pocket—at this price we can forgive that.

Boston-based running apparel brand Janji sells limited runs of its gear, giving it an hard-to-come-by, in-the-know appeal. But while the color or print may change, the brand sticks with what works, and the 3in AFO Middle Short is extremely popular. Made with quick-drying, lightweight fabric, these mid-rise shorts will keep you cool even in very hot, humid conditions. There’s a comfortable waistband with a drawstring and a zip pocket at the back, and built-in briefs made of sweat-wicking fabric.

If you’re in the market for race shorts that will keep you cool, these will certainly do the job. The fabric has received the sweat-wicking treatment, and the back panel is made of pleated material which stops them clinging and promotes airflow. Even the waistband is breathable. They are cut for a slim fit, with a 3in inseam and cross-over side split for maximum freedom of movement. In line with the stripped-back style there are no pockets at all. The barely-there feeling won’t be for everyone, however.

Best Period Running Shorts

There are plenty of period shorts and high-absorbency sports underwear options on the market these days, but this pair from Wuka offers something a little different from most. Rather than skin-tight legging shorts, which some may find restrictive and hot, these are loose and airy. They’re “medium flow” which means they can absorb around 15ml—the same as two to three tampons. 

The absorbent inner brief is soft and doesn’t feel bulky, and the outer layer is airy and generously cut, although the fabric does rustle with movement. The waistband is a wide flat piece of elastic and while I found it comfy enough, I could have done with a drawstring to keep it in place. There are two hand pockets that give the shorts a slouchy look but aren’t useful for actually putting anything in.

The Best Skin-Tight Running Shorts For Women

Best Skin-tight Shorts

Strokably soft, with a matt finish, these flattering high-waisted shorts are made with fabric that’s supportive yet thin enough to keep you from overheating. There are two large, secure leg pockets that will easily fit a phone. Best of all, the shorts come in five colors including four that are not black. Note that the numerical sizing (00 to 16) corresponds to US sizing.

These mid-rise compression shorts are tight enough to stay in place and offer support, yet are breathable and don’t feel restrictive. They’re not cheap, but they have lots of clever features. One that impressed me was the drawstring toggle system. Most shorts with a drawstring require it to be knotted (and once knotted you know that’s never coming undone again) or an uncomfortable toggle. These have a flattened soft rubber toggle that’s easy to adjust or release and is unnoticeable when worn. You’ll find loads of pockets: two large drop-in pockets on the thigh that will fit a phone and a zip pocket for keys or a card. There are also three drop-in pockets within the back of the waistband that are perfect for gels.

The laser-cut leg openings were comfortable and didn’t ride up for me. The 8in/20cm length was just right, though I feel the material may be hot in warm conditions. I prefer a slightly higher waist, so I’m glad to see these shorts are now available in a high-rise version. However, if you’re a mid-rise waistband person these are a solid choice. There’s also a plus-size version that goes up to 3X in the UK or 4X in the US.

If you like your shorts high-waisted and supportive, you’ll like these. The fabric is smooth and soft and offers support without feeling like a corset. The high, wide waistband has a hidden drawstring and I found it was shaped in such a way that it never threatened to roll down. The 8in (20cm) inseam reaches mid-thigh which is insurance against any inner thigh chafing. Brooks has been exceptionally generous with the pockets: There’s a phone-sized pocket on each leg, one of which has a key loop, as well as a large fold-over pocket at the back of the waist.

These skin-tight shorts have a 6in inseam and lots of storage options. Mesh pockets high on the hip can be used for gels and the like—they do fit a phone but it’s not the most comfortable place to keep it while running. There’s a zip pocket at the back of the waist that’s too narrow for a phone but perfect for keys, as well as a clothing loop so you can slide an extra layer in there.

The sweat-wicking fabric is sleek, supportive and comfortable, and the waistband is flattering with curved panels; I’d have liked it to come up a touch higher—it’s more mid-rise than high rise—but that’s just a personal preference. A hidden drawstring allows you to secure the waist. I found hems on the legs rode up a little, but I’ve come to expect that on any skin-tight shorts with an inseam of less than 8in.

These sleek, smooth shorts have a wide, high waistband with a hidden drawstring for extra security—the waist was comfortable and didn’t budge during my testing. The fabric wicked away sweat and dried quickly. A zip pocket at the back offers a secure place to put your keys, while the rectangular pocket on the right thigh fits a smartphone. I found it comfortable to run with my phone there. The 5in inseam is on the short side, for my taste, and the legs rode up for me, but you can now choose between regular, long and extra-long lengths, though the exact inseam measurements for the longer versions aren’t given.

A truly minimalist pair of shorts for speedy running in hot and humid race conditions, these shorts feature laser-cut edges to reduce weight, and you certainly won’t find any pockets here. The ultra-lightweight, stretchy woven fabric is more breathable than any other skin-tight pair of shorts I’ve tried. Although there’s no actual waistband to speak of, inside the waist and around the bottom edges of the legs there are tiny rubbery dots that grip your skin, so the shorts stay where you want them. This is a fairly effective way of stopping the legs riding up.

Soar describes these as half tights but with a 5in inseam I’d say they’re more like ⅛ tights. Although they were comfortable, breathable and didn’t stray much in any direction, I prefer a little more support from skin-tight shorts—these felt a little too like “spray on” shorts for my liking, but if you’re on the hunt for top-quality aerodynamic shorts that keep weight to a bare minimum, then these are surely the ones.

These skin-tight medium compression running shorts don’t ride up or roll down. They’re made with Econyl recycled yarn, which creates a fabric that’s lightweight and breathable as well as sweat-wicking. The mid-rise waist secured with a drawstring is comfortable and flattering, and there’s a zip pocket at the back of the waistband that fits a standard smartphone. These would be a great choice for long-distance training or racing if you find that looser shorts tend to chafe over longer distances.