Best Workout Shorts For Men: Ranked By A Gym Rat In 2025

I tested several popular shorts for working out and these are my top picks. They combine high performance fabric with a sleek and flattering fit.

Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing.

1. NORTHYARD - Quick Dry Gym Shorts

Review by: Levi Riggins

I’ve been playing basketball for years, and finding shorts that are both comfortable and functional can be tricky. After hearing some positive feedback about these basketball shorts, I decided to give them a try. Here’s what I found after wearing them for several days.

COMFORT AND FIT:

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight they feel. There’s no bulk, which matters a lot when you’re sprinting up and down the court. The material is breathable and does a great job of wicking away sweat. Even after a tough game, I never felt weighed down by damp fabric. The fit is true to size. I’m 6 feet tall and chose a large, which fit perfectly. They’re not too tight around the waist or thighs, nor are they baggy. The waistband is elastic and holds the shorts in place without feeling restrictive. I’ve worn them through multiple pick-up games without needing to adjust them once, which is always a plus.

PERFORMANCE ON THE COURT:

When playing basketball, unrestricted movement is a must. These shorts deliver on that front. Whether I’m driving to the basket, playing defense, or shooting around, they stay put and don’t ride up. The length hits just above the knee, giving plenty of mobility without feeling like too much skin is showing. The side slits near the bottom add flexibility, which helps when making quick cuts or pivots. They also do well at keeping me cool. Since I sweat a lot during games, I appreciated how breathable the fabric is. I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort around my thighs, even after hours of wear.

DURABILITY:

After using these shorts regularly for a few weeks, I’m happy with how well they’ve held up. Several washes later, they’ve maintained their shape with no signs of wear or fraying. The stitching remains solid and the fabric hasn’t peeled or lost its stretch. I tend to be rough on my basketball gear, so it’s impressive that these still feel and look almost new.

AESTHETICS:

The design is simple and clean. I went with the black pair, which features a subtle logo on the side. I like the minimalist look, not flashy, but still sharp. They come in a range of colors, so you can pick something that matches your personal style or team colors. Overall, the look fits well with the modern basketball aesthetic.

However, the fabric’s breathability means they don’t provide much warmth in cooler weather. If you play outside when it’s cold, you’ll want to layer underneath or wear something else on top. For indoor games or hot weather, though, these shorts work perfectly.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, I’m very pleased with these shorts. They are comfortable, breathable, and perform well during play. The fit is spot on, and they hold up well over time. If you’re after shorts for basketball games or practice, these are definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that if you need pockets or plan to play in cold conditions, you might want to look elsewhere.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $24.99 with FREE returns

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2. Under Armour - Graphic Workout Shorts

Review by: Cody Strickland

Let me tell you about the Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic Shorts, the unsung champions of leg freedom and the workout gear equivalent of Thor’s hammer. These shorts make you feel like a superhero, even if your only superpower is a lightning-fast dash to the fridge.

First, the fit is like a second skin, a fabric that moves with your legs as gracefully as a gazelle and offers the comfort of countless marshmallow hugs. I’ve worn them through intense workouts and relaxed couch marathons, and they have never let me down. It’s like these shorts were made just for your legs. The Tech Graphic design goes beyond just looking good, it’s a visual boost that motivates you to push harder. Whether you’re lifting weights, running a marathon or binge-watching a series, or simply trying to tie your shoes without sitting down, these shorts are there for you.

The moisture-wicking feature is a real game-changer. It feels like having your own personal climate control system where it counts. No matter how much I sweat, these shorts stay drier than a desert during a heatwave. It almost feels like magic that defies the usual rules of sweat.

And then there are the pockets. These shorts have pockets so deep and roomy, they might just hold your biggest dreams. Need a spot for your phone? Done. Car keys? Check. Snacks for after your workout? Absolutely. These shorts bring the pocket party wherever you go.

The elastic waistband is like a gentle hug from a fitness god. It stays comfortable without digging in or slipping during those celebratory extra slices of pizza. It’s like having a loyal sidekick that keeps your shorts perfectly in place on your hips and ready for action.

In short, Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic Shorts are not just shorts, they are a way of life. With a motivating design, a fit softer than a cloud, and pockets that could rival Mary Poppins’ bag, these shorts will be your trusty companion through every step of life. So gear up, fellow leg warriors, and embrace the armor of Under Armour, where every stride brings you closer to greatness, and every squat honors comfort and style.

My cousin in Fresno, California also shared his experience. He says the shorts feel well-made and surprisingly soft. The fabric is lightweight and doesn’t hold extra moisture. The pockets are large, which he appreciates. He’s 5 foot 8 and a half inches tall with a 47-inch waist and is currently working on shrinking that number. The XXL fits him fairly well. The waistband feels a little loose for his liking, but he isn’t sure if going down to XL would work better. The shorts come with a drawstring, but he didn’t need to tie it during his gym sessions. The inseam is 10 inches, which hits about mid-kneecap when standing. He would prefer them to sit just above the kneecap and thinks a 7 to 8-inch inseam would be a better fit. Other than the inseam length, the shorts fit well and exceeded his expectations in quality.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $24.99 with FREE returns

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3. Nike - Unlimited Dri-FIT Shorts

Review by: Beau Dutton

After a few weeks of regular workouts, I’ve found myself reaching for these men’s performance training shorts more than anything else in my drawer. They check all the boxes for comfort, durability, and functionality, and they look good too. Here’s what stands out.

LIGHTWEIGHT AND SWEAT-WICKING:

The fabric truly handles moisture like a pro. Whether I’m pushing through strength training or clocking miles on the treadmill, these shorts keep me feeling dry and cool. The breathable material allows for airflow, which makes a huge difference during hot-weather workouts or intense sessions at the gym. No sticky, uncomfortable moments, just gear that works with your body.

MOVES WITH YOU:

The fit strikes the perfect balance between snug and relaxed. There’s no restriction whether I’m jumping into lunges or grinding through HIIT circuits. The stretch waistband and adjustable drawcord help keep everything in place without any slipping or bunching. It’s one of those pairs you forget you’re wearing because they’re that comfortable.

BUILT TO LAST:

You can feel the quality in the stitching and construction. After plenty of wears and washes, the fabric still holds its shape and softness. These shorts seem ready for long-term use, with a solid feel that doesn’t sacrifice flexibility. You get that “new gear” confidence even after repeated use.

POCKETS THAT WORK:

The side pockets are one of the smartest features. They’re deep enough to hold essentials like your phone or keys without them bouncing around. Whether I’m headed from a workout straight into errands, it’s handy to not have to carry a bag or stash things in my car. Best of all, the design stays sleek and streamlined even with items in the pockets.

CLEAN, VERSATILE STYLE:

Simple, modern, and easy to match with anything. These shorts come in a variety of colors and look sharp whether I’m working out or hanging around the house. The design is low-key but sharp, exactly what I want from my athletic wear.

FINAL WORD:

These men’s performance shorts are a standout addition to any workout wardrobe. They offer reliable moisture control, move seamlessly with your body, and are built to hold up over time. The added bonus of practical pockets and clean style makes them even more worth it. If you’re after reliable training gear that performs just as well as it looks, these are a solid pick.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $58.39 with FREE returns

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4. Champion - Lightweight Gym Shorts

Review by: Zane Carver

Five stars for these shorts, but I want to get some potential downsides out of the way for anyone considering them.

First, these are mesh gym shorts, so they do have a slight see-through effect. If you buy the white pair and wear them out, people might be able to tell what color underwear you’re wearing. Pro tip: just wear underwear.

Second, I’ve bought these shorts in several colors. They all fit true to size except for the athletic gray, which seems a bit snugger. It also lacks the small split on the side of the leg that the others have, so I’m not sure if I got a different version by mistake. Just keep that in mind if you’re eyeing that color. Otherwise, the fit is spot on.

Third, some colors may look a little different in person than they do on your screen. For me, that’s actually a good thing. The Swiss Blue is a cheerful, rich blue that doesn’t look faded, and the Team Gold comes off as a deep golden hue that’s neither washed out nor flashy like a disco ball. That said, these shorts are fantastic. They’re comfortable, perfect for working out, great for lounging on the couch with some potato chips, and even ideal for Zoom calls when you want to keep it casual below the waist but still look sharp above.

I’m the kind of guy who likes clothes that don’t make me think about them when I’m at home. These shorts fit that bill perfectly and have become staples in my stay-at-home wardrobe.

Just so you know, the inseam hits just past my knees. For care, don’t put them in the dryer too long or too hot. Dry on low heat and if they’re still damp, hang them up to finish drying.

My best buddy Jack Flot has his own take. When looking for athletic shorts, he has three must-haves: lightweight fabric, pockets, and a length that settles near his knees. These check all three boxes. Jack mainly uses them for running, so lightweight material is crucial. Since the gym closures, he’s been running outside in the summer heat and these shorts, with their two layers of breathable mesh, are exactly what he needed.

He also wears his workout shorts as pajamas or for lounging, so deep pockets are important. These shorts deliver with roomy, well-made pockets that hold his phone, headphones, wallet, and more with ease. At 6 foot 3 inches, Jack was worried these shorts might be too short, but the 10-inch inseam hits his knees just right. They feel comfortable whether he’s standing or sitting, and he couldn’t be happier with the fit. So, all in all, both of us are really pleased with these shorts and plan to buy more when the time comes. Enjoy!

Buy it on Amazon today for: $30.00 with FREE returns