Admittedly it’s difficult to get too excited about a pair of shorts. But while the best men’s training shorts will go unnoticed – allowing you to train without restriction – pick a pair that’s ill-fitting or ill-suited to the exercise in question and you’ll soon know about it.
As with any item of clothing, there’s a good deal of personal preference involved, but for most workouts – running, lifting or otherwise – you’re going to want fabric that is both sweat-wicking and breathable.
Beyond that, comfort is king, but always pay attention to the length, because while really short shorts may be acceptable in the running world, horizontal bench pressing might end up revealing more than you had bargained for.
Put your new shorts to the test with this full-body dumbbell workout
Men’s Fitness Best Buy
SAYSKY Ranger Shorts 8”
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £67 / saysky.co.uk
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
Materials: Polyester & spandex | Features: Soft, lightweight and technical wicking abilities to keep you dry and comfortable; two side pockets with zippers; four-way stretch material for enhanced freedom of movement | Inseam: 8″ | Sizes: XS-XL | Colours: Black, Olive, Blue, Grunge
Copenhagen-based SAYSKY has made its name in the world of running, but these shorts are perfect for the gym – sitting just above the knee, with (and here’s the clincher) two uniquely deep side pockets for keys, phones and any other hand-sized essentials.
Four-way stretch material moves in all the right places, and they stay pleasantly light and dry no matter how hard you’re working.
Men’s Fitness Recommended
Gym King Flex Short
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £25 / thegymking.com
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Polyester | Features: Lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking fabric; mesh lined pockets; mesh side panel for ventilation; elasticated waist with internal drawcord; internal brief; reflective elements | Sizes: XS-XXXL | Colours: Grey, Blue or White
Another impressively high-quality but affordable bit of kit from Gym King, the Flex Short is the perfect length for weight training: short enough to move freely, but long enough to protect your modesty when sat on a bench.
Light and breathable, there’s also an internal brief lining to keep everything secure.
Represent 247 Active Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £85 / uk.representclo.com
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Nylon and elastane | Features: 2 in 1 with built in under short; front zipper pockets; elasticated waistband with inner drawcords for adjustability; jersey under short and woven outer short with 4 way stretch for maximum mobility; concealed back pocket for secure storage; water resistant | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colours: Black or Dusk
Luxury brand Represent’s 247 range styles itself on being ‘worn anytime, for every purpose’, though these dual-layered shorts are going to be better suited for your weekly 10k than an afternoon at the pub.
That baselayer inner provides a good amount of cramp-delaying compression, and two sizeable zipped pockets bring the practicality.
UA Vanish Woven Snap Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
RRP £45 / underarmour.co.uk
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Polyester | Features: Ultra-lightweight, durable woven fabric; perforated panels for strategic ventilation; 4-way stretch material for ease of movement; sweat-wicking and fast-drying; side snap panels for added mobility; half-back exposed elastic waistband with pull draw in front for quick adjustability; open hand pockets | Sizes: SM-XXL | Colours: Grey or Black
Under Armour kit is always reliable, and these shorts were made to make your workouts as comfortable as possible, featuring temperature-regulating Heat Gear tech and a breathable mesh detail.
The ‘snap’ relates to a slight split in the sides to improve flexibility.
Castore Active 7” Stretch Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
£60 / castore.com
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Nylon & spandex | Features: High-stretch fabric for ease of movement; lightweight and breathable; zipped pockets; reflective elements | Inseam: 7″ | Sizes: XS-2XL | Colours: Navy Blue
High-stretch fabric moves as you do, providing complete freedom of movement whether squatting or sprinting.
They’re nice and light, too, with handy zipped pockets and reflective logos for visibility if you’re running in low light.
adidas Train to Peak HIIT Training Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
£35 / adidas.co.uk
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Materials: Nylon, elastane and polyester (including recycled materials) | Features: Lightweight and stretchy woven fabric; gusseted crotch for full range of movement; moisture-absorbing AEROREADY to keep your dry and comfortable; elastic waist with drawcord; secure zip pocket; reflective details | Sizes: XS-2XL | Colours: Black or Navy
Made from at least 60% recycled materials, these versatile shorts are designed to withstand the demands of functional strength training – from box jumps to burpees and everything in-between.
‘AEROREADY’ tech keeps sweat from soaking in, and the woven design moves free and easy.
MP Men’s Tempo Ultra Shorts
BUY IT NOW:
£35 / mp.com
Comfort: 3.5/5
Movement: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5
Materials: Polyester and elastane | Features: Stretch woven fabric and gusset for ease of movement; perforated panels for ventilation; zip pockets for secure storage; mesh waistband with internal drawcord | Sizes: XXS-XXXL | Colours: Black or Merlot
Designed with stretch woven fabric for unrestricted movement in the weights room, while being durable enough to be worn for running.
They are short, though, so only buy if you’re happy putting your pins on full display.
