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The Best Athletic Shorts for Men to Buy in 2023, Tested by Gear Experts
Comfortable, versatile pairs for all types of wear.
IT WASN'T long ago that people only wore athletic shorts in a gym setting, but over the past couple of decades the garment has slowly transitioned into acceptable everyday wear. Today's athletic shorts are made to be worn as much casually as they are for working out, all-the-while still upholding high levels of performance.
The best athletic shorts below have been curated to reflect all the different types of scenarios one could find themselves in. Need a pair of new pair for long distance running? How about shorts for playing pick-up basketball? Whatever hunt you're on, you'll be comfortable knowing your next favorite pair of athletic shorts are only a few steps away from arriving on your doorstep.
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What to Look for
Length: Pay close attention to the inseam length when picking out a pair of athletic shorts. If you're planning to wear them for running, you'll want something on the shorter side (think 5-inch inseam or less), so there isn't excess material getting in the way of your strides. For lifting, opt for something longer so you have coverage between your leg and the bench or barbell. A 7-inch inseam is a happy medium if you do a little bit of everything.
Material: There are so many different types of material blends that are being created for athletic shorts. Now, the standard for a good pair of shorts seems to start with premium features like 4-way stretch, water-resistance, odor resistance and moisture-wicking capabilties. Quality athletic shorts are lightweight and breathable too—with many brands going to extra mile to create their own synthetic fabrics or add in their own unique liners. But we also cannot forget to recognize a good ol' fashioned pair of cotton shorts, a material that's forever a reliable go-to.
Pockets: Pockets can make or break any pair of shorts or pants, but especially athletic shorts. Most of us work out with our smartphone nowadays, but regular side pockets won't keep it secure when you're doing high-impact workouts with lots of movement. Look for zippered pockets that are big enough to hold the essentials like your phone and keys. Or, the holy grail pocket, a liner pouch that will keep your phone securely in place.
Below, secure the styles that speak to you the most and wear them all year long!
Tracksmith Falmouth Shorts
Pros
- Timeless style
- Moisture-wicking
- Antimicrobial liner
Cons
When you need to straddle the line a bit more between training and post-run relaxation, the Falmouth could be your new go-to. The slightly longer inseam and distinctive waistband are a stylistic nod to the shorts Roger Bannister wore when he broke the 4-minute mile in 1954. And if you're curious about performance, the moisture-wicking water-repellent nylon blend will help you stay dry when those surprise storms interrupt your run.
Read more: Best Running Shoes
COOFANDY 2 Pack Gym Workout Shorts
Pros
- Wallet friendly
- Wide array of colors available
- Soft drawstring waistband
Cons
When it comes to consumer praise, it's hard to argue with over 7,400 reviews and an average 4.5 star rating. What you get here are two pairs of nylon gym shorts with side pockets and a comfortable drawstring waistband. And because they're so affordable ($32) you can wear these for your toughest workouts and refresh on new pairs as needed.
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lululemon Pace Breaker Lined
Pros
- Long lifespan
- Wide array of colors available
- Versatile in all types of training
Cons
We're set on the opinion every guy should own a pair of Pace Breakers. The short is basically guaranteed to last you for several years (if not more) no matter how many workouts you put them through. Grab a pair of the 5" inseam and wear these for all your workouts, from short distance runs to weight training sessions.
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Vuori Kore Short
Pros
- Wide array of colors available
- Versitile in styling
- Moisture-wicking and anti-odor fabric
Cons
We love the Kore Short thanks to its versatility in styling. You can wear them everywhere, whether it be the gym, your local coffee shop, heck, even the beach. Vuori took the recycled polyester and elastane blend the Kore is made from and added specs like moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch, and odor resistance. This is all to say you're getting a top dog right here.
Rhone Mako Short
Pros
- Versatile in styling
- Water repellant
- Boxer brief liner
Cons
Rhone is another top player when it comes to performance shorts. The Mako is a durable water repellant short that can be paired with athleisure or casual outfits. We like the 9" inseam in Asphalt, as the style provides more opportunity to wear with your everyday wardrobe, should you choose.
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Chubbies Perforated Ultimate Training Shorts
Chubbies Perforated Ultimate Training Shorts
Pros
- High breathability
- Vibrant built-in liner design
- Soft mesh fabric
Cons
Chubbies aren't just for the college quad anymore. These snappy 5.5" shorts can hold up to your toughest workouts in the gym, too. Perforation on the outer shell gives your thighs some extra airflow, while the built-in liner holds a pocket for your phone (there's a rear zipper pocket for storage, too).
Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Sweatshort
Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Sweatshort
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Flatlock seams
- Classic style
Cons
When it comes to traditional sweatshorts, few make a pair better than Reigning Champ. The brand uses an ultra soft midweight terry cotton as its main material. But what truly elevates the sweatshort from traditional pairs are the small details like a ribbed waistband, a gusset, and flatlock seams.
Ten Thousand Interval Short
Pros
- No-pinch waistband
- Able to withstand high-intensity workouts
- Optional compression liner
Cons
It's hard to mention Ten Thousand and not think about their shorts. The Interval Short is by far one of the performance wear brand's best selling models thanks to it's moisture wicking fabric and no-pinch waistband. This pair is the chosen short for all types of athletes, from trail runners to CrossFit competitors.
Read more: Best Training Shoes
Satisfy Running Space‑O Distance Shorts
Satisfy Running Space‑O Distance Shorts
Pros
- Excellent design
- Sweat proof phone pocket
- Technical silk liner
Cons
- Expensive
If you're wanting a short that prioritizes style as much as it does function, look no further than the Space-O. Satisfy Running used Italian polyamide and elastane and wove together a breathable mesh-like exterior with a technical silk liner. Hidden design notes like two nutrition pockets for gels, two separate inner key pouches, and a sweat proof phone pocket all represent the Space-O's commitment to handling long distance runs. Yeah, these shorts are awesome.
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On Running Explorer Shorts
Pros
- Seam taped zippers
- Fully water repellant
- Ample pocket space
Cons
It's true On Running is known more for its footwear options, however the company has been slowly growing its presence in performance apparel. The Explorer Short offers a unique design on what a hiking short should be, with premium features like ample pocket space and a stretchy, fully water repellent material.
Jordan Dri-FIT Diamond Shorts
Jordan Dri-FIT Diamond Shorts
Pros
- Streamlined pockets
- Made from breathable mesh
- Under $50
Cons
Woven from breathable mesh made and equipped with sweat-wicking Dri-FIT tech, Diamond Shorts are the perfect go-to pair for impromptu pickup games. Features like streamlined pockets and a soft elastic waistband make it so you can play your best without any distractions.
Athletic Works Active Mesh Shorts
Athletic Works Active Mesh Shorts
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Two side pockets
Cons
An oldie but a goodie, these mesh athletic shorts are probably similar to the ones you grew up wearing. Whether you're just wearing them around the house, to sleep, or to sweat in, they're just as comfortable and versatile as you remember. And best of all, they'll only set you back 10 bucks.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Heath Owens is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines, where he covers home, fashion, tech and gifts for Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Esquire, Delish, Men’s Health, and more.
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