Fashion

Best Gym Shorts for Men 2026: Fit, Fabric & Performance

Q: What inseam length works best for your training style?

For most men, 5-inch gym shorts feel best for leg day, HIIT, and running because they free up the thigh and reduce bunching. A 7-inch inseam is the middle ground if you want more coverage without losing mobility. Go longer only if you prefer extra coverage or mainly use your shorts for low-intensity training.

By AM Editor, Ensuring every article is sharp, motivating, and backed by expertise.

17 Sep 2026 — 12 min read

The best gym shorts for men balance mobility, comfort, sweat control, and pocket design without restricting your movement. We tested dozens of options across top retailers and narrowed the field to the shorts that deliver for lifting, conditioning, and everyday wear.

Finding quality gym shorts for men means paying attention to details that make a real difference. A 5-inch inseam feels completely different from a 7-inch short during heavy squats. Zip pockets can secure your phone during cardio when standard pockets fail. Liner construction changes how a short performs during intense sessions. We also examined practical features like compression-style liners, which research shows may help reduce short-term fatigue in trained athletes during sport-specific circuits.

Our Top Picks for Gym Shorts for Men

Ten Thousand Interval Short

Best overall

$68–$78 · check price on Amazon

The Ten Thousand Interval Short is the single pair most men can buy and wear for nearly everything. It delivers the clean, athletic fit modern training demands, solid range of motion for squats and split stances, and a waistband that stays put without feeling stiff. If you lift, do circuits, and mix in conditioning, this is the safest all-around choice.

Best forMen who want one pair of gym shorts that handles lifting, HIIT, and weekend errands.

Watch-outs: Higher price than basic training shorts, and the tailored fit may feel too trim if you prefer a roomier leg opening.

Why we like it: Balanced inseam options and a performance fit that works across most training styles.
Skip if: you only want cheap backup shorts for occasional workouts.

Nike Dri-FIT 5" Knit Training Shorts

Best for versatility

$35–$50 · check price on Amazon

Nike still sets the standard for mainstream men's workout shorts, and this Dri-FIT pair earns its spot because it feels right in every way. The fabric dries fast, the cut is intuitive, and the 5-inch inseam gives freedom for lunges, leg days, and faster-paced sessions. For guys who want proven athletic shorts without overthinking it, this is an easy call.

Best forMen who want gym shorts that feel light, simple, and come in multiple colors.

Watch-outs: Storage is usually more basic than premium training shorts, so pocket security can be limited during high-intensity work.

Why we like it: Reliable sweat-managing fabric and a shorter cut that moves well under load.
Skip if: you need deep zip pockets for phone, keys, and cards during cardio.

Rhone Pursuit Short

Best splurge

$68–$88 · check price on Amazon

The Rhone Pursuit Short is for the guy who wants his gym shorts to look sharp outside the gym too. The fabric has a more refined hand feel than budget options, and the overall finish leans polished rather than purely technical. If your training clothes also need to survive coffee runs, travel days, and a casual lunch after lifting, this pair stands out.

Best forGuys who care as much about clean style as they do about training function.

Watch-outs: The price can feel steep if you mainly train at home or put your gear through heavy weekly use.

Why we like it: Premium fabric and a refined fit that doesn't scream gym-only.
Skip if: you want the most rugged short per dollar.

Vuori Kore Short

Best for all-day comfort

$68–$74 · check price on Amazon

The Vuori Kore Short sits right on the line between activewear and lifestyle gear, which is why so many men keep reaching for it. The soft fabric and built-in liner make it comfortable for long days, light training, and travel. If your priority is comfort first and performance second, this pair deserves a close look.

Best forMen who want one short for light workouts, walking, travel, and downtime.

Watch-outs: Serious lifters may want a more structured short for heavy lower-body sessions.

Why we like it: Excellent comfort and a liner that makes the short easy to wear all day.
Skip if: you dislike built-in liners or prefer a more stripped-down training short.

ASRV Tetra-Lite Training Short

Best for serious training

$78–$98 · check price on Amazon

ASRV built its reputation on men's gym shorts that prioritize movement, storage, and durability. The Tetra-Lite Training Short stands out for deeper technical details, including secure pockets and a cut designed for explosive work, deep hip flexion, and repeated hard sessions. For athletes who train with intent, this one feels purpose-built rather than generic.

Best forMen who train hard and want gym shorts with more technical features than basic mall-brand options.

Watch-outs: The styling is more performance-driven, so it may feel too technical for guys who want subtle everyday shorts.

Why we like it: Strong pocket design and mobility for high-output training sessions.
Skip if: you want a simple short for casual wear first and workouts second.

How to Pick the Right Gym Shorts for Men

What inseam length works best for your training style?

For most men, 5-inch gym shorts feel best for leg day, HIIT, and running because they free up the thigh and reduce bunching. A 7-inch inseam is the middle ground if you want more coverage without losing mobility. Go longer only if you prefer extra coverage or mainly use your shorts for low-intensity training.

Does the short move with you through a full workout?

The best men's athletic shorts should disappear once your warm-up starts. Look for fabric with real stretch, a gusseted crotch if possible, and a leg opening that doesn't tug when you squat below parallel. If the short grabs at the quads or rides up during lunges, it's the wrong cut no matter how good it looks online.

Should you choose a lined or unlined short?

Lined gym shorts for men can feel cleaner and more supportive, especially for cardio or longer sessions. Some athletes also like the locked-in feel because compression gear may help with short-term fatigue management, as shown in a Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study on compression garments in professional players. But liners are personal. If you run hot or hate extra fabric, unlined shorts may be the better move.

How important are pockets for your workouts?

A lot of workout shorts fail on storage. Standard slash pockets work fine for walking into the gym, but they're less useful when you sprint, row, or move quickly between stations. If you carry a phone, choose at least one zip pocket. It's one of the simplest upgrades you can make when buying new gym shorts.

Does your training environment affect fabric choice?

If you train in a hot garage gym, outdoors, or in crowded commercial spaces, lightweight moisture-wicking fabric matters more than you think. Fast-drying material helps comfort, especially during higher-sweat sessions. While shorts won't transform calorie burn or body composition on their own, consistent exercise habits do drive measurable results over time, as shown in a 12-week exercise training trial in men followed out to 12 months.

Will these shorts hold up to repeated wear and washing?

The right pair of gym shorts for men should still feel good after dozens of washes, repeated leg sessions, and long walks on recovery days. Waistband quality, odor resistance, and stitching durability usually separate the pairs you live in from the ones that get pushed to the back of the drawer. If you train four or five days a week, paying more for one dependable pair often beats cycling through cheap replacements.

If you're rebuilding your training kit, start with one pair that matches your main style of workout, then add a second option for either comfort or performance. The best gym shorts are the ones you stop noticing mid-session—because they fit right, move well, and let you focus on the work. Pair them with the right training shirts, socks, and recovery basics to round out your setup.

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