When looking for the best shorts for men, your shopping list should include 7-inch inseam shorts…
The best 7-inch inseam shorts provide freedom to move with just a little exposure on the thigh. Not too long, or too short, they will sit just above the knee on most of us.
Get the right workout footwear with the best gym shoes
The best men’s 7-inch inseam shorts provide freedom to move with just a little exposure on the thigh. Not too long, or too short, they will sit just above the knee on most of us.
Want something longer? These are the best sweatpants
They’re the utility player of the shorts world, and often more practical and versatile than 3in or 5in shorts, or longer fitting options that sit closer to the knee cap.
Want something shorter? These are the best 5-inch shorts
The 7-inch short (equivalent to around 18cm) refers to the length of the inseam and gives us the measurement that the shorts will fall down the inside leg. Usually, it falls 2-4 inches above the knee, giving that perfect in-between length for men of most heights.
7-inch inseam shorts shorts are suitable for everything from shorter running distances, to outdoor strength workouts, gym work, CrossFit and yoga.
RELATED: What are 7-inch inseam shorts?
Get the fit right for the activity in question and you’ll benefit from better movement, flexibility, support and comfort.
What makes a good pair of 7-inch inseam shorts?
- Fall 2-4 inches above the knee
- Allow for flexible movement
- Not too tight or too loose
- Comfortable material
- Quick dry, and moisture-wicking technology
- Versatility for cardio, strength and sports
Looking for running shorts? These are the best 3-inch shorts for fast running
5 Best 7-Inch Inseam Shorts 2023
(Keep scrolling for full reviews)
- On-Running Lightweight 7in Shorts ($79.99 / £70)
- Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Shorts ($88 / £78)
- Vuori Kore 7in Shorts ($68 / £70)
- Fabletics The One 7in Shorts ($69 / £64)
- New Balance Fast Flight 2-in-1 7in Shorts (£35)
- Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts ($45 / £42)
- Myprotein Repeat MP Graphic Training Shorts (£24, not available in the US)
BEST ON TEST
On Running Lightweight 7in Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
$79.99 / £70, on-running.com
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Materials: Front polyamide, elastane / rear polyester / inner polyester, elastane | Colours: Black / Cerulean / Glacier / Niagara / Twilight | Sizes: Small to XXL | Weight: 150g | Features: Athletic fit / waistband pull loop / rear pocket / key loop
On Running’s ultralight shorts offer an athletic fit which allows freedom of movement and a perforated back to allow airflow and breathability.
Although incredibly thin and light, their quality is immediately obvious. Material is soft and stretchy but feels comfortable and reassuringly robust.
The On Running Lightweight Shorts are barely noticeable, even on long runs or over mixed terrain. They’re the most comfortable shorts on test to wear in hot or humid conditions, too. Though seriously light, they’re by no means lacking in features.
Read our full On-Running Lightweight Shorts review
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
$88 / £78, lululemon.co.uk
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Materials: Lycra™, Luxtreme™ | Colours: 8 colours available | Sizes: XS to XXL | Features: Inside or out draw-cord waistband / quick-drying mesh waistband / secure pockets / 2.5in split outer seam / abrasion resistant
Lululemon’s License to Train Lined 7in Shorts are heavy duty but highly comfortable. They’d work equally well out on a hiking trail as they would in the gym.
The Lycra™/Luxtreme™ lining acts like a pair of compression tights while the outer layer feels soft to touch and well constructed.
The shorts are packed with features, too, including a reversible draw-cord waistband, secret elasticated pocket and split outer seam, allowing for a good range of movement.
Read our full Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Shorts review
Vuori Kore 7in Shorts
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$68 / £70, vuoriclothing.co.uk
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colours: 25 colours available | Sizes: XS to XXL | Features: Draw-cord / elasticated waistband / anti-odour / slash pockets / velcro-fastening pocket / boxer-brief liner
The Vuori Kore 7in Shorts have been designed with versatility in mind. They feature a classic athletic fit, falling just above the knee, as well as a built-in boxer-brief liner.
Although not the lightest, the Vuori Kore 7in Shorts are extremely comfortable and the materials feel nice and soft. The inner liner particularly feels stretchy and the streamlined outer is still relaxed enough to feel comfortable whatever exercise you do.
The elasticated waistband feels secure and the shorts stay dry and light, even during intense cardio workouts.
Read our full Vuori Kore 7in Shorts review
Fabletics The One 7in Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
$69.95 / £64, fabletics.co.uk
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Colours: 19 colours available | Sizes: XS to XXL | Features: Anti-odour / zip pockets / hidden pockets / split outer seam / quick drying
The One Shorts from Fabletics are designed for versatile training – they’re even suitable for swimming.
They feature an inner lining with a high-stretch fabric hidden by a soft, light outer. They’re sleek, streamlined and fit well, without being as tight as other shorts on test. The outer shorts are stretchy and relaxed without being baggy.
We really like the feel of these shorts – they’re comfortable, quick drying and well constructed and work well during gym workouts, as well as shorter outdoor runs, treadmill training and even swimming sessions.
Read our full Fabletics The One 7in Shorts review
New Balance Fast Flight 2-in-1 7in Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
£35 / newbalance.co.uk
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Poly-woven shell, spandex inner | Colour: Black | Sizes: XXS to 5XL | Features: NB Dry fast-drying technology / hand pockets / inner drop-in pocket
The New Balance Fast Flight 2-in-1 7in Shorts are designed for men who want to mix workouts in the gym with running and everything in-between.
The inner spandex short provides good compression, while the top layer is thin and light with a woven design that helps keep you cool.
The material feels soft and the length is just right: resting a couple of inches above the knee and allowing plenty of flexibility.
The fast-drying technology wicks away moisture and a split side hem avoids any quad restriction when running.
Read our full New Balance Fast Flight 7in 2-in-1 Shorts review
Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
$45 / £42, underarmour.co.uk
Comfort: 4/5
Movement: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: Inner nylon and elastane, outer polyester | Colours: Black / Teal | Sizes: Small to XL | Features: Iso-Chill mesh compression shorts / 5in outer short inseam / 4-way stretch construction / hidden pocket
The Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts from Under Armour are a great choice for running, CrossFit or gym workouts. The 7in inners offer compression support and skin cooling benefits, while the shorter 5in outer shorts are well fitted but with plenty of room to move, thanks to the large seam split.
There aren’t any pockets in the outer shorts, which adds to the fitted style, but there is a hidden one in the liner that is larger enough for a phone. The inner lining shorts sit around 4in above the knee but this works well for running, because there’s no restriction around the lower quads.
Overall the Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts are lightweight but strong, stretchy and robust.
Read our full Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts review
MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic 7in Training Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
£24 / not available in the US, myprotein.com
Comfort: 4/5
Movement: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Materials: Polyester | Colours: Black / Carbon / True Blue / Wine | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Features: Side seam pockets / draw-cord waistband
The MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic Training Shorts are designed for weightlifting sessions, but can double-up for CrossFit and cardio work.
There’s a noticeable lack of bulk despite two decent sized pockets. The outer material feels soft and of high quality, and there’s no inner lining which helps them feel lighter and slightly looser around the thigh.
There’s no split in the inseam, either, so the shorts can tighten a fraction around the thigh. However, it’s only just noticeable when training legs or running – and not uncomfortable.
Read our full MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic 7in Training Shorts review
