A lot of that goes to a classic fit that’s not thigh-skimmingly tight or overtly baggy. It’s a happy medium that’s not always easy to find. The five-inch inseam makes for some great thigh-bearing fit checks, while a seven-inch inseam is a little more modest. They’re super lightweight, particularly in the unlined version, and stretchy enough for the splits (if that’s a thing you can do).
The Best Training Shorts: Rhone Mako
The Rhone Mako shorts are a little bit more gym-presenting than we’d choose for public appearances, but that’s because they’re dialed-in for performance. The stretchy fabric feels smooth against the skin, and yields that satisfying swishy rustling noise with each stride.
They’re versatile and flexible enough to handle a variety of high-intensity cardio programs, from HIIT workouts to squat day. Plus, we think their full-zip, standalone phone pocket at the hip is the best-executed and most secure version out of all the shorts we tested.
The Best Workout Shorts for Runners: Tracksmith Van Cortlandt
Who wears short shorts? Runners wear short shorts. And nobody designs more serious running kits (with shorts of various lengths) than Tracksmith, the Boston label that transplants Chariots of Fire–era aesthetics onto modern marathon-ready gear.
Take these thigh-high split shorts—a perennial Fitness Awards winner—inspired by Japan’s Hakone Ekiden, a legendary 218-kilometer relay race. They’re fashioned from plush, antimicrobial mesh. You’re not going to be able to fit your phone into the 2.5-inch inseam, but the shorts manage to make space for two internal pockets that hold your keys or those race-day sports goo packets.
The Best Workout Shorts for Swimmers: Patagonia Baggies
Man, we love our Baggies, and the fact that they’re great simple workout shorts (among many other things) is why we’ll always have a pair stashed inside our dresser. The recycled nylon is durable, the lining is appreciated, and they come in more colors than a pack of Skittles. Sure, hardcore swimmers will benefit from a more streamlined Speedo while getting in their lap times, but for the average athlete, Baggies should suit you just fine for a quick dip at the beach or pool.
The Best Workout Shorts for Yogis: Lululemon Balancer
For those who’d rather hit downward dog instead of the dumbbell rack, finding bottoms that are moisture-wicking and flexible without impeding your flow is the goal. Lululemon’s Balancer shorts are made from the brand’s fastest-drying fabric, a breathable and ultra-stretchy blend thanks to the added Lycra. The straight-leg silhouette will keep the shorts from getting in the way of your zen, as will the elastic-free waistband that’s designed to prevent bunching or pulling. That’s actually why we’d recommend them for sinking into our other favorite pose, Lounging on Couch.
The Best Workout Shorts With Multiple Pockets: Olivers All Over
Oliver’s “All Over” shorts deliver on the promise of any superlative gym shorts (soft, stretchy, and chafe-resistant fabric, available in a dozen rad colors). But the trio of zipped pockets—two on the hips, one hidden inside—are the stars of the show here. The water-repellent finish also ensures that you can take your workout routine outdoors and not have to worry about getting absolutely soaked (by inclement weather, at least), which is one of the many reasons why these shorts have been such a fixture in our Fitness Awards past.
The Best Workout Shorts with a Compression Liner: Janji Multi Short
If you’re a runner who loves energy gels, Janji says you can fit up to 50 of them in these shorts. We haven’t verified that claim first-hand, but there really are a crap-ton of pockets—hidden and discreet—all over these shorts. The stretchy nylon on these GQ Fitness Award winners can handle your deepest squat, and if you happen to have the stride of a giraffe, these shorts will move with you and not hold you back.
The Best Compression Shorts: Under Armour Heatgear
We’re big on compression shorts here, because they help boost blood flow to muscles and prevent that swamp situation we hate during a workout. Under Armour’s Heatgear is our favorite pair, clocking in at a budget-friendly $30. The super-thick waistband feels secure, and while they’re snug (these are compression shorts, after all), they also feature ventilated mesh to air things out down there. These even have a built-in thigh pocket to lock down your phone during high knees and hard sprints.
The Best Workout Shorts for Tennis Players: Palmes Middle
While everyone’s on the pickleball bandwagon, you keep it real with some OG tennis. Tennis style has been trendier than ever since the pandemic, and while we’ll always love the classic ’80s-style tennis shorts trend, next-gen brand Palmes is doling out some of the best apparel for your next match on the court. The Middles have a modest six-inch inseam, mesh lined, and can store a whole can’s worth of tennis balls. Hell, we love these shorts so much we awarded them a GQ Fitness Award last year.
The Best Workout Shorts For All Kinds of Activities: Goodfight Grocery Getter Short
Goodfight’s Grocery Getters are what happens when you give Adam Sandler’s favorite mesh basketball shorts the GQ treatment. That’s also why they’re a favorite of our style editor Yang-Yi Goh. In our 2023 Fitness Awards, he gushed over how comfy these shorts are, enough that you may just find yourself living in them. The pocket placement on these shorts—external, like a camp short—is pretty ingenious, too, as is the hidden interior pocket that secures your phone so it doesn’t pants you on the StairMaster.
Plus, 5 More Workout Shorts We Love
We’ve sounded off before on why the Pace Breakers are a gym bag staple, from the Goldilocks 7″ length for showing off your calves to the breezy mesh lining and ample pocket space for keeping your necessaries within reach when you’re hitting your stride on the treadmill. They also recently got refreshed in a recycled polyester fabric and a new range of colorways and prints, from woozy metallics to chambray patterns. Best of all, Lululemon stocks these in multiple variations, depending on whether you want a leggier fit or you prefer your workout shorts unlined.
Surf-born brand Outerknown isn’t just for beach days. With smart details—like a quick-drying four-way stretch fabric, secure zip pockets, and a comfy elastic waistband with a loop in back for tucking in a drenched tee or hand towel—the Outbound Stretch Volley Short will happily help you break a sweat anywhere.
Runners love their short shorts as much as they love their pockets. Sadly, not enough running brands give athletes the latter. But these GQ Fitness Award-winning running shorts feature a trio of pockets, as well as one that keeps your phone dry from your sweaty butt.
At first glance, these don’t look like anything more than a normal pair of shorts. But thanks to four-way stretch fabric, these can handle your lifts, yoga classes, and runs. They’re quick drying so you don’t end up a sweaty mess at your post-workout hang, and they’re available in almost two dozen colorways.
If you aren’t opting for compression shorts or pants, you may just want some better-fitting underwear to slip underneath. These GQ-approved boxer-briefs from Falke will do the trick, thanks to a soft and breathable cotton blend that’s laced with enough viscose and elastane to wick moisture and stretch as you move. That means you get to avoid the dreaded swamp crotch that tends to creep up with regular boxers or tighty-whities.
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