Ever feel like your gym shorts are holding you back? Maybe they’re too tight, too loose, or just plain uncomfortable when you’re trying to push your limits. Finding the perfect pair of gym shorts for men can be surprisingly tricky. You want something that breathes, moves with you, and doesn’t distract you from your workout.
The wrong shorts can make a good workout feel like a chore. They can chafe, restrict your movement, or just make you feel self-conscious. But the right pair? They become like a second skin, letting you focus on crushing your goals. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of men’s gym shorts.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great gym short, from the best fabrics to the styles that work for different activities. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find shorts that will make your next gym session your best one yet. Let’s get started on finding your ultimate workout companion!
Our Top 5 Gym Shorts For Men Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gym Shorts For Men Detailed Reviews
1. BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear
Rating: 8.8/10
The BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men are designed to help you perform your best during any activity. They offer a great mix of comfort and practicality, making them a solid choice for active guys.
What We Like:
- The fabric feels soft and breathable. It stretches well, keeping you comfy during workouts.
- The 10-inch inseam is a good length for many sports like running, basketball, and gym training.
- Pockets on both sides are super handy for your phone or keys.
- They dry quickly and pull sweat away from your skin, so you stay dry and comfortable.
- The elastic waistband with a drawstring gives you a secure and adjustable fit. They won’t slip down.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options would be nice.
- The drawstring could be a bit stronger for heavier items in the pockets.
These shorts are a reliable option for anyone needing comfortable and functional activewear. They offer good value for their features.
2. Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack Quick Dry Athletic Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets Black/Green
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to crush your workouts with the Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack. These shorts offer a comfortable and functional design for all your athletic endeavors. They are made with quick-dry, breathable fabric to keep you cool and dry, no matter how intense your training gets. The relaxed fit and stylish cut make them perfect for the gym, the track, or any activity you enjoy.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and breathable fabric keeps you cool and dry.
- Double lock stitching ensures durability and long-lasting wear.
- Perforated details enhance ventilation for comfort during tough workouts.
- Dual-concealed zippered pockets safely store your essentials.
- Secure and comfortable fit thanks to the premium elastic waistband and invisible drawcord.
- Unique cuts and a streamlined design look great for any fitness sport.
- Breathable elastic panels between sides and inner seams boost ventilation and flexibility.
- High-stretch elastic panels and low-profile seams support flexibility and focus.
- Versatile for running, workouts, jogging, basketball, boxing, soccer, cycling, hiking, and more.
- Customer satisfaction is a priority, with solutions offered for any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sizing chart can be a bit confusing if you’re between sizes; consider ordering a size up for a looser fit if preferred.
These Gaglg running shorts are built to keep up with your active lifestyle. They combine comfort, performance, and style, making them a fantastic addition to your workout gear.
3. BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Mens Shorts – Workout Black Quick Dry Basketball Shorts with Pockets for Running Casual Activewear
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for shorts that can keep up with your active lifestyle? The BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Mens Shorts are designed for comfort and performance, whether you’re hitting the gym, the court, or just relaxing at home. These black, quick-dry shorts are a versatile addition to any man’s wardrobe.
What We Like:
- The fabric feels super soft and breathable, making workouts more comfortable.
- They are lightweight and have an elastic waistband with a drawstring, so they fit perfectly and stay put.
- The shorts have large side pockets to hold your phone or keys, and strong seams mean they won’t rip.
- They dry really fast and wick away sweat, keeping you cool and dry.
- You can wear them for many activities like running, basketball, or just lounging around.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the inseam is 9 inches, some users might prefer a shorter or longer length for different activities.
- The pack comes in black, so if you’re looking for other color options, you might need to buy separately.
These BOOJO shorts offer great value and comfort for a variety of activities. They are a solid choice for anyone needing reliable activewear.
4. Kinglaman 4 Pack Mens 2 in 1 Running Workout Shorts with Liner
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kinglaman 4 Pack Mens 2 in 1 Running Workout Shorts offer a smart solution for active guys. This set includes two black, one blue, and one gray pair in size large. They are designed for comfort and performance during workouts.
What We Like:
- The 2-in-1 design is great. The outer mesh shorts are quick-drying. The inner compression shorts hug your thighs. This helps your muscles work better and feels comfortable.
- You get plenty of pockets. There’s a special pocket for your phone on the liner. Two side pockets hold small items. A back zipper pocket is perfect for your money or cards.
- These shorts are truly quick-dry. They use advanced technology to keep you dry all day. You’ll feel fresh, whether at the gym or just hanging out.
- They are very light and breathable. The fabric lets air flow freely. This keeps you cool. The quick-dry feature also stops sweat from sticking to you.
- These shorts are super versatile. They work well for any sport or activity. You can wear them for running, gym sessions, or just relaxing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The phone pocket on the liner might be a bit snug for larger phones.
- More color options could be nice for variety.
These Kinglaman shorts provide excellent value and functionality. They are a solid choice for anyone needing comfortable and practical workout gear.
5. OCYMA 3 Pack Men’s 2 In1 Gym Shorts Men with Pockets 7 inch Workout Shorts Men Running Shorts with Liner&Towel Loop
Rating: 9.5/10
The OCYMA 3 Pack Men’s 2 In1 Gym Shorts are designed for active guys who want comfort and performance. These shorts offer a cool, supportive feel for all sorts of workouts.
What We Like:
- The 2-in-1 design with a compression liner wicks away sweat and supports your muscles. This helps you stay dry and prevents rubbing during intense workouts.
- They have plenty of pockets, including a zippered one for your keys or cards. The towel loop is super handy for wiping sweat on the go.
- The elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring give you a snug, custom fit that stays put, no matter how much you move.
- These shorts are versatile and work for many activities like running, basketball, yoga, and hiking. Their simple, solid color design looks good anywhere.
- They are easy to wash and keep their shape.
What Could Be Improved:
- If you like a looser fit, you might want to order a size up.
- The size chart is important to check to get the best fit.
These OCYMA shorts are a solid choice for any active man looking for comfortable and functional workout gear. They offer good features at a great value.
Finding the Best Gym Shorts for Men: Your Ultimate Guide
Getting the right gym shorts makes a big difference in your workouts. They should be comfy and let you move easily. This guide will help you pick the perfect pair.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for gym shorts, keep these important things in mind.
Comfort is King
- Fit: Shorts should not be too tight or too loose. They need to stay in place when you jump, run, or lift weights.
- Waistband: Look for a soft, stretchy waistband. An adjustable drawstring is a bonus. It helps you get the perfect fit.
- Inseam Length: The inseam is the length of the leg part of the shorts. Shorter inseams are great for leg days or when you want more freedom. Longer ones offer more coverage.
Movement and Breathability
- Stretch: Shorts with a little stretch let you move without feeling held back. This is super important for exercises like squats and lunges.
- Ventilation: Good airflow keeps you cool. Look for mesh panels or breathable fabrics.
- Pockets: Many shorts have pockets. Some have deep pockets for your phone or keys. Others have small, secure pockets for essentials.
2. Important Materials
The fabric your shorts are made of affects how they feel and perform.
Common Fabric Types
- Polyester: This is a very popular choice. Polyester is strong and dries fast. It’s also good at wicking away sweat, keeping you dry.
- Nylon: Nylon is similar to polyester. It’s durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also dries quickly.
- Spandex (or Elastane): This material adds stretch. Shorts with spandex move with your body. They feel much more comfortable during intense activity.
- Cotton: Cotton is soft and breathable. However, it can hold onto sweat. This can make cotton shorts feel heavy and damp. They are often better for light workouts or casual wear.
- Blends: Many shorts use a mix of these materials. A blend like polyester and spandex offers the best of both worlds: durability, stretch, and quick drying.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way shorts are made and the details matter a lot.
What Makes Shorts Great
- Stitching: Strong, neat stitching means your shorts will last longer. Look for double stitching in high-stress areas.
- Fabric Quality: Thicker, more durable fabrics usually mean better quality. They hold their shape and resist pilling.
- Design Features: Smart design elements like mesh panels for ventilation or a comfortable liner can make a big difference.
What to Watch Out For
- Thin, Flimsy Fabric: This can tear easily and won’t hold up well.
- Poor Stitching: Loose threads or weak seams will fall apart quickly.
- Uncomfortable Tags: Scratchy tags can be very annoying during a workout.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your gym shorts.
Different Activities, Different Shorts
- Weightlifting: You need shorts that allow a full range of motion. Shorts with four-way stretch are excellent. A slightly longer inseam can offer more coverage.
- Running: Lightweight, breathable shorts are best. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry. Pockets for a phone or keys are helpful.
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Shorts that are both stretchy and durable are ideal. They need to handle quick movements and repeated stress.
- Casual Wear: For lounging or very light activity, comfort is key. Cotton or soft blends work well.
Choosing the right gym shorts helps you focus on your workout, not your clothes. Happy training!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in gym shorts?
A: Key features include a comfortable fit, a good waistband, the right inseam length, stretch for movement, good breathability, and useful pockets.
Q: What are the best materials for gym shorts?
A: Polyester, nylon, and spandex are excellent choices because they are durable, dry fast, and offer stretch. Cotton is soft but can hold sweat.
Q: How do I know if gym shorts are good quality?
A: Good quality shorts have strong stitching, durable fabric that holds its shape, and smart design features like ventilation.
Q: What makes gym shorts lower quality?
A: Thin, flimsy fabric, weak stitching, and uncomfortable tags usually mean lower quality.
Q: Are short gym shorts good for lifting weights?
A: Yes, shorter shorts can be great for lifting because they give you more freedom to move your legs, especially during exercises like squats.
Q: Should gym shorts be tight or loose?
A: They should fit comfortably, not too tight and not too loose. They need to stay in place without restricting your movement.
Q: How important is the waistband on gym shorts?
A: The waistband is very important for comfort and fit. A soft, stretchy waistband with a drawstring helps keep your shorts up without digging in.
Q: Can I wear cotton shorts to the gym?
A: You can, especially for light workouts. But for intense exercise, cotton can get heavy and damp with sweat. Synthetic fabrics are usually better for heavy sweating.
Q: What is an inseam, and why does it matter for gym shorts?
A: The inseam is the length of the leg part of the shorts. It matters because different lengths offer different amounts of coverage and freedom of movement, which is good for different activities.
Q: How can I make sure my gym shorts will last a long time?
A: Choose shorts made from durable materials like polyester or nylon with strong stitching. Taking care of them by washing them correctly also helps them last longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.