Read more gym wear reviews — because to perform your best, it’s important to feel your best
If you’re a runner or cyclist, we suggest something streamlined like these compressive Brooks half tights or these Nike 2-in-1 designs. If you need something to accommodate – or at least aid – those leg gains, go for unrestrictive woven pairs cut for deep squats and deadlifts – Gymshark’s offering ticks these boxes. Jumped on the HYROX craze? Opt for a durable short that allows for mobility, like this specially crafted Puma pair. For all-rounders, lululemon’s versatile Pace Breaker Shorts will serve you for football practice, jogs, HIIT sessions and weight lifting, while classic jersey shorts are a good option for stretching and rest days too.
How to Choose Gym Shorts
Whatever your workout of choice, there are some key things to consider when shopping for the best gym shorts.
Material
The exact type of material you want in your gym shorts will come down to what you’re doing — for example durable, hard-wearing fabrics for powerlifting, lightweight and quick-drying woven fibres for running or cardio. Synthetic fabrics like polyester blends are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, while nylon blends are more breathable for hot weather. More generally you want to make sure there’s some stretch to the material to allow you to move freely (look for elastane or spandex), and moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable. Looking for LISS or rest-day shorts? Seek out terry fleece, jersey or cotton blends.
Style and lining
Again, the style of your chosen gym shorts should depend largely on your workout — do you need short-shorts made for clocking up the miles, 2-in-1 or lined pairs that let you drop deep into lunges while holding everything in place (and protecting your modesty), or side splits for unrestricted movement? Lined shorts offer built-in support, making them ideal for high-impact activities, while unlined shorts offer more versatility for layering.
Pockets
Let’s face it, it’s rare to hit the gym without your trusty smartphone in tow — music can boost performance, after all. So make sure your chosen shorts have all the storage space you could need, from zipped pockets for valuables and sports gel compartments to built-in key loops, shirt-stash tunnels and snug drop-in pockets (no more phones swinging around and painfully hitting you in the leg, or worse).
Fit and length
Do you like a bit of coverage, or prefer the freedom of movement offered by short-shorts? Take note of the inseam (this is the length of the shorts from your nether region to the inside hem), opting for shorter inseams (think 5–7 inches/12–18cm) if you’re doing moves like squats and lunges, as they allow for better mobility. Longer inseams of 9–11 inches/22–28cm are great for taller athletes or anyone looking for extra coverage — just make sure they’re stretchy, otherwise you’re likely to impede your movement — which we’d argue slightly defeats the point.
It’s also worth taking your quad size into consideration — if you’re a muscly guy, you may need a more generous cut in the thigh, but remember that slimmer fit shorts will snag less on equipment.
Looking to kit out your gym wardrobe? Read our tried and tested gym wear reviews, from gym tank tops and workout tees to the best gym trainers, sports sunglasses and wearable fitness tech.
How we Test Men’s Gym Shorts
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Along with the MH editors, we’ve enlisted the help of some willing gym bros to test all the workout shorts below — plus some others that didn’t make the cut.
Throughout testing, we kept function, comfort and looks front of mind, asking questions like: are the pockets usable? Does the liner stay put rather than ride up? How well does the fabric wick moisture away? How’s the stretch — can we move fully unimpeded? We also checked how well each pair of shorts fared after several washes, as well as how fast they dried.
Several hundreds of squats, lifting sessions, laps and lunges later and we’ve whittled down our edit of the very best men’s gym shorts.
The 23 Best Gym Shorts For Men to Shop in 2025
This list includes offerings for any and all types of workout — from cardio, CrossFit and callisthenics to heavy lifting and HIIT. And, even better, they won’t cost you a fortune. Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best gym shorts for men, starting from as little as £11.99.
1
BEST GYM SHORTS OVERALL
lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short 7″
Pros
- Feel airy and keeps you cool during workouts
- Plenty of room for big quads
- Comfortable liner
Cons
- You won’t want to wear anything else
These lululemon gym shorts were our tester’s favourite, hands down. This was in large part down to how insanely soft and comfortable they are (you have to feel the grid mesh liner to believe it), but they also have a lot going for them on the technical front, with strategically placed vents, great stretch (no lunging issues here) and plenty of room to move freely.
They’re super light, dry quickly, have pockets for everything plus an elasticated drawcord waist, and have been described by some MH editors as ‘the unicorn of gym shorts — lightweight, comfortable, and fresh even after the sweatiest leg day.’
They also double as great everyday shorts for sunny days thanks to their moisture-wicking prowess. We’ve had ours for over two years and are still impressed by how cooling they feel mid-workout and how they bounce back like nothing happened. Credit to lululemon’s brilliant design: a comfortable liner, super light material, four-way stretch that moves with you, and a back mesh panel that’s basically AC for your glutes.
Also available without a liner and in a 5-inch inseam.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Large hand pockets, zipped side pocket plus two drop-in no-bounce phone pockets on the undershorts |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Extras | Built-in grid mesh liner |
2
BEST EVERYDAY GYM SHORTS
Gymshark Arrival 5″ Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent value
Cons
- No liner
These no-fuss shorts are a Gymshark bestseller for a reason. They’re affordable, functional and available in enough colours to match any and all of your other gym garms. The woven polyester material is light and sweat-wicking, they wash well and dry fast too.
While these are a slim fit, they still worked well for our large-quadded testers so are a solid pick for guys chasing leg gains — or simply anyone who wants an incredibly comfortable pair of gym shorts that don’t fall short when it comes to performance.
Also available in a 7-inch inseam.
Key Specs
| Material | Woven polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Open side pockets |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Extras | Adjustable drawcord waistband |
3
BEST ALL-ROUNDER
Nike Form Men’s Dri-FIT 18cm Unlined Versatile Shorts
Pros
- Keep you cool and dry
- Lightweight and unlined, so you can move freely
Cons
- Not for those who prefer built-in support
The Nike Form Men’s Dri-FIT Unlined Versatile Shorts are basically the Swiss Army knife of gym shorts — flexible, comfy, and sustainable to boot. Fitness coach Faris Khan, C.S.C.S., swears by them: ‘They offer an unbeatable combination of comfort and flexibility, making them perfect for everything from jogging to lifting weights.’
Thanks to Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, they wick sweat faster than you can say “leg day.” The unlined design is so lightweight and free-moving, you might forget you’re wearing them (don’t worry, they’re still on). ‘Unlined, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and allow for complete freedom of movement — that’s my bar for great gym shorts, and these deliver,’ says Khan.
The 7-inch (approx. 18cm) inseam is perfect for squats, lunges, or making a fashion statement without looking like you borrowed your dad’s basketball shorts. The pockets are a little shallow and don’t have zips, so bear that in mind if you like having your phone on you. But at just £37.99, these shorts deliver on a lot of fronts without breaking the bank — or your stride.
Pick them up in black here, in a black and grey graphic print here, or they’re available in a longer 23cm inseam.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Side pockets |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Extras | Drawcord, exaggerated gusset |
4
BEST UNLINED GYM SHORTS
lululemon Zeroed In Linerless Short 5″
Pros
- Roomy fit
- Lots of storage
Cons
- You’ll need to invest in undershorts
These understated, stylish shorts suit pretty much every workout plus double up as breezy summer casual wear. They’re cut with plenty of room in thighs and glutes for ultimate comfort and are confirmed chafe-free by our testers (even by those with hefty quads).
Super light and with a good amount of stretch, these feel premium and come in true to size — but the waist is elasticated and has a drawcord if you do want to size up for a baggier fit.
There are deep, open pockets on each side plus a zipped pocket on the back right hand size, which is the ideal size for a phone. They wick sweat effectively and dry fast, leaving you free to focus on your workout.
And while these 5-inch numbers have a touch of the Paul Mescal about them, that’s nothing that can’t be solved by donning a sports boxer or opting for the 7-inch length — but we personally prefer the shorter length for more freedom of movement.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester, elastomultiester, nylon, lycra elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Two side pockets with hidden coin and phone sleeves, one zipped back pocket |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
5
MOST VERSATILE WORKOUT SHORTS
Under Armour Men’s UA Vanish Woven Shorts
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Breathable panels
Cons
- No liner
Under Armour is known for making reliable, robust kit complete with features you’d expect for a higher price point. These are easily its best gym shorts, made from a durable, four-way stretch woven fabric that can withstand barbell scrapes as well as deep squats.
They’re incredibly light, flexible and tough enough to keep up with even your most over-the-top trainer. The stretch-woven fabric lets you squat, lunge, or sprint without feeling like you’re wearing a straitjacket. Plus, the sweat-wicking material dries incredibly fast.
There’s a handy adjustable drawcord waistband with internal drawcord that keeps the fit secure without digging into your skin—because let’s face it, nothing ruins a good workout like an uncomfortable waistband. Plus there are perforated panels for maximum breathability. Your ultimate workout wingman.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Open hand pockets |
| Sizes | SM – XXL |
6
BEST PREMIUM GYM SHORTS
Vuori Kore Short
Pros
- Available in three lengths: 5″, 7″, 9″
- Hidden liner
Cons
- No zipped pockets
SoCal brand Vuori is known for its all-day silhouettes and beach-to-bench versatility, and the Kore short — arguably the most popular item the brand makes — is a great example.
With a soft, stretchy and sweat-wicking hidden liner (that keeps you supported and sweat-free and just so happens to be the most comfortable we’ve tested), these are an easy, grab-and-go style short that pair well with tees, tanks and hoodies. The elasticated waistband is comfortable and has an adjustable drawcord, while anti-odour tech keeps you feeling fresh. Function, meet form.
We find Vuori tends to err on the larger side, so if you’re between sizes, choose a size down.
Choose from a huge array of colours and three inseams: 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester, polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Side slash pockets and back pocket with velcro fastening |
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
| Extras | Built-in liner |
7
BEST 2-IN-1 GYM SHORTS
Stride Men’s Dri-FIT 13cm Hybrid Running Shorts
Pros
- Full-length liner
- Phone pocket on the back
Cons
- Might be a little tight on musclier guys
One of Nike’s best-selling pieces, these 13cm lightweight shorts are a must-have for runners. The unrestrictive shell allows for long strides and maximum flexibility, while the full-length, skin-tight liner provides coverage and holds everything in.
Because they’re so light and flexible and offer unrestricted mobility, these also make excellent gym shorts. Another nice touch is the zip pocket on the back, which is convenient for storing your phone while training.
Prefer a brief liner? You’re in luck — choose from a 13cm inseam or 18cm inseam.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Side pockets and zip back pocket |
| Sizes | S – 4XL |
| Extras | Full-length internal liner |
8
Best Baselayer Shorts
Gymshark Element Baselayer Shorts
Pros
- Supportive and compressive
- Versatile
Cons
- Might start to lose their shape over time
Gymshark’s seamless shorts fit like a second skin on the thighs, making them perfect for spin classes, running or wearing as a base layer. You could even stick them under a pair of trackies to keep you warm on winter walks. Whatever you’re doing, they don’t budge.
Unlike many undershorts, these have a super useful drop in pocket on the thigh for your phone (or gel), ensuring none of the bounce you can experience with looser shorts.
Supportive, sweat-wicking and the ideal length (average 7 inch inseam), they’re everything you need from a hard-working pair of undershorts.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Drop-in phone pocket |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
9
BEST FOR EVERYDAY WEAR
adidas Men’s AEROREADY Essentials Shorts
Pros
- Great value
- Slip phone pocket
Cons
- No liner
There are few designs as iconic as the adidas three stripe. These shorts pair well with everything, be it a plain white tee or your gym garms, and thanks to three pockets (one made purely to stop your phone falling out) they’re super handy too.
A drawstring elasticated waist means you can get the perfect fit (and they won’t fall down mid-squat — bonus), plus they’re super lightweight and dry fast.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Two hand pockets and one slip pocket for your phone |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Extras | Drawstring waist |
10
BEST GYM SHORTS FOR RANGE OF MOTION
lululemon Licence to Train Short 7″ Lined
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive liner
- Multiple pockets
Cons
- On the pricier side
Our tester liked how these lululemon shorts are super roomy but still hold everything in, with the liner acting like a (very effective) compression short. Wide hems with grips keep the undershort from slipping and the trunk section is similar to the brand’s best-selling (and insanely comfortable) Always In Motion boxer shorts.
The outer shorts are split for a better range of motion, cut with extra room in the glutes and thighs, and throughout Lycra adds incredible stretch (so absolutely no excuse not to drop fully into that lunge). You really can move every single which way in these — so they’d be great for yoga too. The drop-in phone pocket on the liner easily fits large smartphones and there’s a zipped back pocket too.
A drawcord waist keeps things comfortable, there are tons of pockets plus a vented panel at the back — and they’re available in a bunch of easy to match colours. Also available without a liner in a 7-inch inseam or 5-inch inseam.
Key Specs
| Material | Nylon, polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Three zipped pockets: one on the back plus a very large pocket on each thigh, with hidden phone and coin sleeves |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Extras | Built-in undershort, reflective details, elastic key loop in rear pocket |
11
Best gym shorts for HYROX
PUMA x HYROX 2-in-1 Training Shorts Men
Pros
- Built-in short liner
- Zipped pockets
Cons
- Only available in 5″ in-seam
HYROX is the fitness phenomenon sweeping Instagram and dominating locker room chat — if you don’t know, get to know. But because it consists of both running and functional fitness, finding the right gear is paramount if you want to ace your next event.
While really any versatile gym short geared for mobility will do the job, we do like the reassurance of something purpose-made — which is where Puma comes in. Yep, Puma has partnered with HYROX to release a range of race-ready gear, and these shorts tick all the right boxes.
Made from a durable weave fabric, they have a comfortable elasticated waistband, excellent sweat-wicking capabilities and zipped pockets on each side to keep essentials safe. Plus they have side splits and plenty of room in the legs both for freedom of movement and for those with chunkier quads.
Prefer to wear your own undershorts? These versions don’t have a built-in liner.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester, lyocell, elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Zipped seam pockets on each side |
| Extras | Built-in liner |
12
Best Budget Gym Shorts
H&M Sports Shorts
Pros
- Excellent value
- Side pockets
Cons
- On the larger side — if you’re between, size down
From H&M’s Sport collection, these shorts are cut from a moisture-wicking material and feature split seams plus an adjustable drawstring waist that makes them super comfy.
The material is flexible and breathable, and all together these are of such a high quality that it makes it hard to believe the dinky price tag.
They’re available in staple colours black, navy and dark grey and they’re an absolute bargain at £11.99, so it’s a win-win. We’ll take three.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Open hand pockets on each side |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
13
BEST FOR LOW IMPACT
BAM Brook Active Sweat Shorts
Pros
- Very comfortable with excellent stretch
- Zipped side pockets
Cons
- Slightly thicker material may not suit sweaty workouts
These shorts, crafted from sustainable and naturally sweat-wicking bamboo, are super soft, stretchy and crazy comfortable. As such they’re ideal low-key strength training, yoga and Pilates (but you’d probably want to wear an undershort), as well as chilling/rest days.
The wide, elasticated waistband is soft but supportive without cutting in, there are zipped pockets on each side and — having worn these on warm days — we can attest to their brilliant breathability too.
We’d say they’re true to size but they’re not the roomiest in the quads so if you want a baggier fit, size up — because of the drawstring waist they’re easy to adjust.
Key Specs
| Material | Bamboo viscose, organic cotton and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Two concealed zip pockets on each side |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
14
Best for weight training
Gymshark Power Washed 5″ Shorts
Pros
- Oversized for muscly quads
- Super durable
Cons
- Heavyweight material not suitable for high-sweat workouts
Sometimes you just need tough, no-nonsense gear that can go the distance and get the job done. Enter these Power shorts from Gymshark. Designed for heavy lifting, they have reinforced triple stitching and are made from a hardy polyester/cotton blend to withstand even the most testing of sessions.
Ribbed panels ensure you can still move freely and there’s plenty of space in the thigh for leg gain kings. Plus we love the old-school distressed look too. Available in a bunch of different colours.
Key Specs
| Material | Heavyweight cotton and polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Side pockets |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
15
BEST VALUE GYM SHORTS
adidas Train Essentials Woven Training Shorts
Pros
- Good all-rounder
- Zipped pockets
Cons
- No liner
These adidas gym shorts are incredible value. Made from a light woven fabric they’re comfortable, with plenty of give, and feature adidas’ AEROREADY technology — no, sadly not a pocket dedicated to stashing chocolate bars, but clever sweat-wicking and cooling properties to help you stay focused on smashing that PR.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Front zip pockets |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Extras | Available in 7 inch and 9 inch length |
16
Best with odour control
Nord Nord Men’s Performance Short
Pros
- Antimicrobial technology
- 2-in-1 design
Cons
- Compressive liner might not suit all
These 2-in-shorts from Seissense (pronounced ‘sea sense’), launched back in June as part of the brand’s 50+ piece collection — the result of two years’ development. As you’d expect for something with so much thought behind it, these have useful features aplenty, including the brand’s ‘Fuze Tech;’ a chemical-free antimicrobial that kills odour-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh and your shorts lasting longer.
Supremely comfortable, these shorts move seamlessly with you, stretching and flexing with no limitations, while side splits further aid mobility. We’re also big fans of understated look — the branding is nice and subtle.
The liner short is one of the softest we’ve felt (due to collagen infusion, apparently), has a decent length (coming well beyond the hem of the shell) and is compressive in a reassuring way, but may feel a little tight on those with larger quads. The outer shorts are super light (and if you’d rather just have those, opt for the brand’s lightweight Granary Basic Short).
On the storage front, there are two large hand pickets with a separate key pocket on the left and large zipped pocket on the right, plus a drop-in pocket on the left thigh of the inner shorts, which is large enough for phone.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Hand pockets with extra zipped pocket and key compartment, plus drop-in pocket on the liner |
| Sizes | S – XXXL |
17
Best Lightweight Gym Shorts
Represent 247 X Puma Shorts
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Vented waistband with storage loops
Cons
- 6″ length might be a little short on some
We’re big fans of 247, the performance wear arm of Represent, and the brand’s latest collab with Puma boasts a 12-piece training apparel, footwear and accessories collection fronted by HYROX Master Trainer Jake Dearden.
These six-inch shorts epitomise the fashion/performance hybrid the collection embodies; they’re loaded with training-friendly features (we’re talking reflective heat transfer, bonded seams and reverse-zipped pocket) and cut in a stylish silhouette that doesn’t scream gym bro.
Wearing these is a dream; they’re super light, with a barely-there feel, have a slight stretch to the fabric and generous side splits allow total freedom of movement. The waistband is really flexible and vented, so there’s no swear buildup, and has storage loops on the back, so you can tuck in a vest or attach a clip. Plus the zipped pocket on the back fits most smartphones with no problems. Easy breezy in short form.
Key Specs
| Material | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Back zipped pocket |
| Sizes | S – XL |
| Extras | Storage loops, vented waistband |
18
BEST GYM SHORTS WITH A BRIEF LINER
Nike Challenger Men’s Dri-FIT Brief-Lined Running Shorts
Pros
- Brief liner
- Back pocket fits a phone
Cons
- The liner can feel a little tight — size up if you’re between sizes
Despite having ‘running’ in their name, thanks to ridiculous comfort and brilliant stretch, these Nike shorts also make excellent gym shorts — and you don’t just have to take our word for it, as the brand says so too, recommending them for running, training and yoga.
They’re super light, wick sweat effectively, are split for greater mobility and the secure back pocket fits a phone (or gels) — plus there are valuables pockets on each side.
Available in six easy-to-style colours and a new MH favourite — particularly at that price.
Key Specs
| Material | Polyester and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Side pockets plus a back pocket |
| Sizes | S – 4XL |
| Extras | Brief liner |
19
Best gym shorts with silicone grips
Represent Team 247 2-In-1 Shorts
Pros
- Tons of storage
- Silicone grips on the undershorts
Cons
- On the pricier side
Is five pockets enough? These classic black 2-in-1 numbers from Represent have both an open hand and zipped pocket on each side, plus a slip pocket on the liner the perfect size for a credit card (we also managed to get an iPhone 13 Mini in there).
Looks-wise the shorts drape nicely with a slightly ruched look — and if you wanted to accentuate this sizing up wouldn’t be a problem thanks to the elasticated drawstring waistband.
The lightweight outer shorts are roomy in the thigh, while the undershorts feel silky against the skin and feature a deep hem dotted with silicone grips to keep them in place. We did find these weren’t as effective on hairier-legged fellas, but thanks to that wide hem the shorts still stayed put fairly well.
Key Specs
| Material | Nylon, elastane and polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Hand and zipped pockets on both sides, plus a slip pocket on the undershort |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Extras | Built-in liner with silicone grips |
Hattie Parish is the Senior Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
The editors of Men’s Health are your personal conduit to the top experts in the world on all things important to men: health, fitness, style, sex, and more.
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