High-performance workout shorts give you the freedom to move without chafing or restriction during your workouts – here’s our pick of the best gym shorts for men available in 2023…
Gym shorts are a bit like sports boxers: not the most exciting bit of workout kit for men, but find the best pair and you won’t want to wear anything else.
Conversely, you don’t know what you’ve got till they’ve gone. Because if you’ve had the misfortune of wearing an ill-fitting or ill-suited pair you’ll know that the chafing and general discomfort is real.
Get kitted out for the colder months with the best gym sweatpants and joggers for men
Of course, style is subjective and there are various lengths, colours and materials to choose from. However, most men want a pair that sit an inch or two above the knee (those hard-earned quad muscles deserve some limelight). You also want the shorts material to be light enough to go unnoticed during high-intensity workouts. Though they shouldn’t be so flimsy that your gentleman’s agreement takes centre stage.
Zipped pockets can be good if you prefer to hit the gym sans backpack. But bear in mind that big zips can rattle around, which can be off-putting during vigorous exercises – burpees, for example.
To help make your decision slightly easier, here’s our list of the best gym shorts for men…
Looking for a specific length? Discover the best 7-inch inseam shorts or 3-inch shorts
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These are the best shorts for men in 2023
- UA Vanish Woven Shorts ($50 / £36)
- Adidas Designed 2 Move Climacool Shorts ($30 / £27)
- Tracksmith Session Shorts ($68 / £68)
- Saxx Underwear Gainmaker Shorts ($78 / £66)
- Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless 7-inch Shorts ($68 / £48)
- Allbirds Natural Run Shorts ($68 / £68)
- Asics Icon Shorts (£30 / not currently available in US)
Keep scrolling for our full reviews…
MEN’S FITNESS BEST BUY
UA Vanish Woven Shorts For Men
BUY NOW:
$50 / £36, underarmour.co.uk
Fit: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Materials: UA Vanish (ultra-light durable woven fabric) | Features: Perforated panels for ventilation; 4-way stretch material; elastic waistband with pull draw; open hand pockets; notched hem | Inseam: 8″ | Sizes: S/M – XXL | Colours: 8 colours available
Under Armour kit is always reliable, and these gym shorts were made to make your workouts as comfortable as possible, featuring temperature-regulating Heat Gear tech and a breathable mesh detail. The best gym shorts for men that we tried.
Find more articles about gym shorts
MEN’S FITNESS RECOMMENDED
Adidas Designed 2 Move Climacool Shorts
BUY NOW:
$30 / £27, amazon.co.uk
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Recycled polyester plain weave | Features: Front pockets; Drawcord on elastic waist; Mesh inserts on back and inner thigh; Climacool ventilation | Sizes: XS – 6XL | Colours: Black or Grey
Lightweight, highly breathable and supremely comfortable, these gym shorts feature temperature-regulating Climacool and a recycled fabric that’s made to move.
Put them to the test in this home dumbbell HIIT workout for a full-body burn
Tracksmith Session Shorts For Men
BUY NOW:
$68 / £68, tracksmith.com
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 5/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: 86% nylon, 14% elastane, lining 89% polyester, 11% elastane | Features: Zippered back pocket, hidden inside pocket; 4-way stretch material; elastic waistband with internal drawstring; split side seams | Inseam: 5” or 7″ | Sizes: XS – XXL | Colours: berry, emerald, sea pine, wine, navy, charcoal, black
Available in a 5-inch or 7-inch inseam, these Session shorts from Tracksmith look as sharp as they perform. It may look like an out-and-out running short but with antimicrobial liner, split seams and stretch fabric they’ll easily cope with cardio and cross training workouts too, making them some of the best shorts for men who like to mix up their workouts.
Saxx Underwear Gainmaker Shorts
BUY NOW:
$78 / £66, saxxunderwear.com
Fit: 4/5
Style: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane | Features: two front pockets, one with zip; 4-way stretch material; elastic waistband with internal drawstring; BallPark Pouch liner; notched hem | Inseam: 7″ | Sizes: S – XXL | Colours: graphite, black
Featuring a relaxed-fit shell with 4-way stretch fabric, there’s loads of room to manoeuvre in these multi-sport shorts. Invisible FlatOut seams and the amusingly named BallPark Pouch liner make these one of the comfiest shorts we’ve tested, whether you’re weight lifting, rock climbing or pavement pounding.
Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless 7-inch Shorts For Men
BUY NOW:
$68 / £48, lululemon.com
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane | Features: front pockets with hidden inner pockets; zippered rear pocket; streamlined fit; 4-way stretch material; elastic waistband with interior drawstring | Inseam: 7″ | Sizes: XS – XXL | Colours: 23 colours available
Also available in a lined model, the Pace Breaker is a lightweight, fast wicking short that works well during cardio and outdoor workouts. Its fit is relaxed enough to feel comfortable throughout a range of movements, and a side/rear ventilation strip keeps you cool during intense sessions, earning them a spot on our roundup of the best gym shorts for men.
Allbirds Natural Run Shorts
BUY NOW:
$68 / £68, allbirds.co.uk
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 3.5/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: 51% merino wool, 32% recycled nylon, 11% nylon, 6% elastane | Features: two front pockets, one with hidden inner pocket; rear pocket; elastic waistband with drawstring; split side seam | Inseam: 7″ | Sizes: XS – XXXL | Colours: black, navy, pine
Carbon neutral sportswear brand Allbirds’ shorts are natural by name, natural by nature. They’ve all the moisture wicking properties you’d expect from a wool blend but are surprisingly light and comfortable to the touch. Their relaxed fit and hint of stretch help accommodate every squat, stretch and stride too.
Asics Icon Shorts For Men
BUY NOW:
£30, amazon.co.uk (not currently available in US)
Fit: 4/5
Style: 3/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: Polyester | Features: Moisture wicking; drawstring fastening; lightweight construction | Inseam: 7″ | Sizes: S, M, L | Colours: Black/grey
Drawcord adjustability ensures a customisable fit, but it’s the length we like with these: not too long, not too short. Asics is a reliable name in the running world, and the Icon Short is a typically solid bit of kit, earning it a spot on our roundup of the best shorts for men.
