Looking for some great shorts to wear as you work out?
Since you’re flooded with choices these days, each company claiming that they have the best workout shorts on the market, we cut out all of the BS and narrowed down the choices to the top six.
Whether you need a pair of snug, flexible yoga shorts or a pair of long, loose shorts for basketball, we have some great choices for both men and women on our list below.
Types of Shorts
While you may be used to using one pair of shorts for all of your fitness activities, keep in mind that it may make your workout more comfortable if you buy niche-specific shorts.
Here are the basic types:
- Running. Running shorts are usually loose around the leg and come in a variety of materials. Some prefer to use compression shorts for running, which we’ll discuss next.
- Compression. These can help prevent muscle strains, increase blood flow and provide you with warmth in cooler months. They’re made of spandex, nylon, neoprene or a mixture of any of these fabrics.
- Basketball. To move easily on the court, get knee-length shorts with a loose fit on the leg and a low waist.
- All-Purpose. When you don’t have any specific needs from your workout shorts, a pair of all-purpose ones will do just fine. Honestly, you can make any pair your “all-purpose” shorts, but as a word of caution, just remember that loose, floppy shorts are more likely to get caught in certain machines or equipment (at the gym, for example).
Top 6 Workout Shorts Overview Table
| Picture | Name | Men/Women | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Under Armour 1237189 002 | Women | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. CLINCH GEAR Compression Workout Shorts | Men | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Nike 519501 | Men | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. Danskin Women's Essentials Seven Inch Bike Short | Women | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Champion Men's Long Mesh Short with Pockets | Men | $ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Champion Women's Mesh Hot Short | Women | $ | 4.3 |
Best Fabrics
The weight of the fabric will depend on the season, but there are a few types of fabrics that you’ll want to stick with as you are shopping for active wear.
- Spandex. Shorts can be 100% spandex (like the compression shorts above) or spandex mixed with other materials. This material is stretchy, great for cycling and some other sports or for those who want a bit of extra control around the mid-section.
- Cotton. Cotton is durable, easy to wash and is great for anyone with sensitive skin. While it does tend to retain quite a bit of moisture (people can see your sweaty areas), cotton is great for less intense workouts like yoga, walking or strength-training exercises where you need a flexible, breathable material.
- Nylon/Polyester. These are lightweight and dry more quickly than cotton. While they aren’t as stretchy as the previous two fabrics, these are great in warm weather or during intense workouts where you sweat a lot.
Top 3 Best Workout Shorts Reviews
1. Under Armour 1237189 002
Finally, a pair of loose-fitting shorts that won’t ride up or bunch up as you move.
Under Armour’s Play Up shorts are made of a lightweight polyester that is both breathable durable, along with their signature moisture wicking system that keeps you cool and dry as you wear them.
They also feature a special anti-odor technology that prevents odor-causing microbes from growing, which will keep your shorts fresher during particularly sweaty workouts.
Whether you’re running on the trail, the treadmill or on the soccer field, these shorts are the best workout shorts for any active woman!
2. CLINCH GEAR Compression Workout Shorts
Guys who are looking for a good pair of compression shorts will want to have a look at this pair from Clinch Gear. Whether you go running, cycling, you practice mixed martial arts or simply want to hit the gym, these will help increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery that will help increase your power, speed and stamina.
While they are snug, the fit is comfortable and the fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your skin as you sweat. The feature double flat lock stitching on the seams for a smoother feel and no chaffing.
Wear them under a pair of loose shorts or wear them alone if you don’t mind people checking you out! These are well made and fairly priced.
3. Nike 519501
Basketball shorts. Workout shorts. Sitting around the house after a workout…shorts.
Whatever your activity, these are comfortable polyester shorts for men that feature Nike’s signature Dri-FIT moisture wicking technology.
They feature an internal drawstring, a low-rise design that makes it easier for you to move and knit mesh pockets for any personal items that you may need to carry with you.
Some have noticed that the drawstring tends to pop out on occasion and the sizing for others has been a bit off, but other than that, these are some great workout shorts!
