The 8 Best Gym Shorts for Men, Worn and Tested by Certified Trainers

The Ten Thousand Interval Short w/ Liner is the MVP of gym shorts—versatile, durable, and ready for anything. Loved by athletes and editors alike, we use the Interval Short for everything from grueling lifting sessions to intense conditioning work to cool down and recovery.

Men’s Health senior editor Brett Williams, NASM, is also a fan: “These are my go-to for just about every activity, from strength workouts to walking the dog. The fit, stretchy-yet-solid materials, and bountiful pockets stand out above the other shorts in my drawer.”

Available in lined or unlined versions and three inseam lengths, the Interval Short checks every box. Its four-way stretch fabric offers a full range of motion, quick-drying capabilities, and an athletic fit that feels snug but breathable. Whether you’re crushing a WOD, running sprints, or chilling in the sauna, these shorts can handle it.

“If you train hard and live an active lifestyle, this is the one short you absolutely need to have in your rotation,” says Hinman. And after putting them to the test, we’re inclined to agree.

Read more: Best Workout Shirts

For years, Rhone has been cranking out workout gear so good it’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less. The Pursuit Short takes things to the next level, building on the success of Rhone’s Mako Short. Thanks to durable polyester-spandex blend, these shorts give you enough stretch to handle everything from Netflix marathons on the couch to actual marathons on the pavement.

With three inseam lengths (5″, 7″, and 9″) and the choice of lined or unlined, there’s a pair for every activity and every guy. Need support for leg day? Go lined. Prefer a lighter feel for a casual jog or coffee run? Unlined has you covered. The stretch fabric moves with you without giving up on durability. And the zippered pockets? Game-changer. No more chasing your phone mid-burpee.

Whether you’re crushing your workout or just crushing avocado toast, the Pursuit Short does it all—and looks great doing it.

The Vuori Kore Short is the ultimate multitasker—soft, stretchy, and ready to handle whatever your day throws at you. Made with a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, they’re eco-friendly and feel like a dream. Plus, the built-in boxer-brief liner keeps you supported and sweat-free, so you can focus on your workout instead of readjusting your twig and berries every five seconds.

With 5″, 7″, and 9″ inseam options, there’s a fit for everyone, whether you’re squatting, stretching, or just sitting on the couch pretending you worked out. Two hand pockets and a back pocket are great for storage, but let’s be real—if you’re carrying your keys while running, you’re playing with fire.

Now, the price—$68. Yeah, it’s an investment. But you’re getting shorts that look good at the gym and the smoothie bar afterward. These shorts are so versatile, you can smash your workout, then crash on the couch—because let’s be honest, they double as comfy pajamas.

The Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short might just be the unicorn of gym shorts—lightweight, comfortable, and fresh even after the sweatiest leg day. After two years of putting them through the wringer, I’m still amazed by how cooling they feel mid-workout and how they bounce back like nothing happened. Credit Lululemon’s brilliant design: No liner, four-way stretch that moves with you, and a back mesh panel that’s basically AC for your glutes. Redesigned low-bounce hand pockets and a zippered compartment keep essentials secure, so you’re not scrambling for your locker key mid-burpee.

“I’ve run dozens of miles wearing this short,” says senior editor Brett Williams. They’re made of super light material, but the waistband’s fit is solid. The pockets aren’t too deep, and a zipper compartment is perfect for storing keys on the go.

Even the pros agree. “I like that they are lightweight and have no liner for easy movement,” says Andy Stern, trainer and co-creator at NYC’s Rumble Boxing.

Bottom line: These shorts make you feel like you’re gliding through your workout—and they’ve got enough stretch to handle those extra post-workout tacos, too.

The Under Armour Vanish Woven Shorts are your ultimate workout wingman—lightweight, 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 so fast you’d think it’s got a built-in hairdryer. The 8″ inseam is perfect for when you want to show off the quads but keep just enough mystery—like, “Yeah, I squat, but you’ll have to guess how much.”

The internal drawcord keeps the fit secure without digging into your skin—because let’s face it, nothing ruins a good workout like an uncomfortable waistband. And the mesh ventilation? Finally, shorts that breathe better than my Uncle Tony after climbing a flight of stairs. Let’s not even start on the pockets. Open hand pockets? Great for stashing your phone, but just don’t try running with your keys in there unless you want to sound like a maraca the whole time.

These shorts are like that one reliable friend who shows up, gets the job done, and never complains. Practical, durable, and always ready for leg day.

The Nike Form Men’s Dri-FIT 7″ 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.” You’ll like how these shorts will keep up with your workout without turning you into a sweaty mess.

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 inseam is perfect for squats, lunges, or making a fashion statement without looking like you borrowed your dad’s basketball shorts. Bonus? They’re made from sustainable materials, so you can feel good about saving the planet while crushing PRs. At just $35, these shorts do it all without breaking the bank—or your stride.

The Alo Circuit Short blends comfort, style, and performance so effortlessly you might forget you’re wearing them—don’t worry, you are. With a minimal, relaxed fit and a stretchy drawstring waist, these shorts are as comfortable as they are functional. The 7-inch inseam hits the sweet spot—enough coverage for confidence, but still letting your legs breathe.

And let’s talk about those deep zippered side pockets—they’ve got room for your phone, keys, and wallet without anything flying out mid-jumping jack. The fabric? It’s that happy blend of 86% polyester and 14% elastane, softly swishy and sweat-wicking to keep you cool, even if the guy next to you in spin class is not.Sizing is true to fit, with inseams ranging from 5 inches for size small to 7 inches for 2XL. At $68, they’re not the cheapest, but they’re versatile enough to justify it. Throw on a hoodie, and you’re smoothie-bar ready. Functional, stylish, and just flashy enough to make you the coolest guy in the gym—just don’t get caught doing arm curls in the squat rack.

The Athletegy Quad Short 2.0 might be the new star of your gym bag. With a 5-inch inseam, lightweight 4-way stretch fabric, and an athletic fit, these shorts are built for everything from split squats to bike sprints—and yes, even a dip in the pool. “The length and fit of these no-frills 5-inch gym shorts just feel right—especially for squat-heavy sessions,” says senior editor Brett Williams. “The lined option is comfortable, but not quite as supportive as you might like for workouts that involve running.”

Saltwater and chlorine-proof, they’re perfect for cooling off with laps post-leg day. But let’s be clear: just because these shorts can handle the pool doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hit the shower first—no one wants to swim through your post-squat sweat cloud.Available with or without an old-school internal mesh brief liner, these shorts let you pick the support level that works for you.

The laser-cut rear ventilation panel keeps things breezy, while the anti-microbial, anti-odor fabric ensures you stay fresh, no matter how hard you push it. Add in secured zippered pockets, and with so many color options, you can finally retire those tattered yellow shorts your gym buddies have definitely noticed.

How Makes the Best Workout Shorts?

For us, Ten Thousand takes the crown. The brand’s shorts nail the trifecta: dialed-in fit, premium technical fabrics that stretch and wick sweat away like a champ, and durability that holds up to years of squats, sprints, and Saturday morning coffee runs. It also keeps the designs minimal and streamlined, so you can wear them in the gym and most casual errands.

Where Can I Find Workout Shorts?

Our Men’s Health team pulled together a whole section for the best workout clothes. Whether you’re hunting for running shorts, gym-ready athletic shorts, or something in between, there’s a pair in there for you. And because a great pair of shorts deserves an equally solid top, we also rounded up our picks for the best workout shirts to match.

What Are the Most Flattering Shorts?

Flattering shorts come down to fit, proportion, and the right inseam for your build. If you’ve got beefy legs, short shorts will always work in your favor. Show them off a 5-inch inseam (or less), which hits mid-thigh for most guys. For a touch more coverage, go with a 7-inch inseam, the most popular length for a casual, everyday look. Aim for a slight taper through the leg to hold its shape without clinging. Bonus points for a smooth waistband that won’t dig in.