LET'S TAKE a moment to reminisce all those wardrobe malfunctions you’ve encountered, you know, down there. For a regular gym goer or outdoors person such as yourself, those episodes are no stranger: when your tight gym shorts decided to wage a chafing war on your thighs out of nowhere while you were stair-stepping or squatting, or when your skin suddenly felt the clammy ick of those fresh-off-the-training sweat shorts, or when you simply couldn’t avoid swamp crotch every time you sweated buckets… Mortifying, right?
Fortunately, you’re not doomed, and neither is your shorts rotation. After testing out a slew of athletic shorts from a dozen of athleisure brands, we conclude that Vuori’s Kore Short will be the one to swoop in and save your day. We first sought these shorts out after seeing Harry Styles wearing them as part of his fall fits, and then Glen Powell filming his rom-com in them recently. Upon closer examination, we found these $68 athletic shorts are hands down the most versatile pair out there, with a smooth-like-butter high-performance fabric, a fit that actually flatters your beefy quads, and a boxer-brief liner that's by far the most comfortable we've ever tested.
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Pros
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
- Anti-odor and stays fresh even after sweaty workouts
- Stretchy fabric feels lightweight, smooth, and cool to the touch
- Breathable, soft boxer-brief liner that actually feels comfortable and doesn't show
- Versatile for workouts and everyday wear
- Available in several design options and styles
Cons
- Not formal-looking besides the all black option
- Too many options to choose from!
| Inseam | 7.5" |
|---|---|
| Shell Material | 48% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
| Liner | boxer-brief liner |
| Liner Material | 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane |
| Pockets | 2 front, 1 back |
Also available in: Kore Short 5", Kore Short 9", Elevate Kore Short, Kore Unlined Short
It's a Sweaty Person's Dream Come True
I'm not ashamed to admit that I am a bit of a sweaty mess, and thus can be quite meticulous about picking a pair of shorts that will withstand perspiration during workouts, outdoor activities, or just moving about in everyday life. So right off the bat, I put Vuori's Kore Short through the ultimate test—a heart-pumping weightlifting and StairMaster session, during which I was able to feel the high-performing polyester fabric work its magic: my thighs remained dry and cool as the shorts proactively absorbed the sweat, and the four-way stretch plus a roomy fit at the seat and thigh areas ensured every move was done without constraint. The fabric also has an odor-fighting ability that would put a skunk to shame; even after a grueling workout, I emerged smelling as fresh as a daisy.
It's Also the MVP of Versatility
I'll let you in on a little secret: I practically live in these shorts. Firstly, the fabric's softness makes my thighs feel like they're wrapped around a cloud, so I lounge in them by default. The 7.5" inseam that falls just above the knee offers enough coverage so you won't be ashamed to wear it out, which is why I've sported these shorts to more places than I can count. Specifically, Vuori's Kore Short is good for those days when you just can't decide what to wear because it can seamlessly transition from the gym to the streets, from lazy Sundays to impromptu hikes, all without skipping a beat. With the right, formal-looking color, I was even able to pair them with a snazzy button-down for a night out after rocking them at a backyard BBQ.
Donning a simple but effective design for everyday pursuits, the Kore Short has an uncanny ability to adapt to any occasion which is made even better by Vuori's various Kore styles, including the standard style (7.5" inseam with a liner), 5" inseam style, 9" inseam style, unlined style with a 7.5" inseam, and an extra-pocket style. After testing out each, the unlined option has become my favorite to hit the gym with for push and pull days, while the 5" inseam style is my companion for leg days and cardio exercises, and the standard style is now my go-to for strolling outside and running errands.
Finally, a Liner That's Actually Comfortable
The unsung hero of Vuori's Kore Short is its boxer-brief liner that is perfect for going commando. Here, we want you to forget about all those tight-fitting compression shorts you’ve suffered in. First, the liner of Vuori’s Kore Short doesn't show, so you won't be stereotyped as a gym bro by onlookers. Second, it feels just like a pair of silky underwear gently cradling your nether regions. And more importantly, it’s got a built-in anti-wedgie mechanism that’ll ward off any chafing or fabric invasion. I can't tell you how many times I've done the awkward pants dance at the gym or in public, desperately trying to discreetly untangle myself. But Vuori’s liner keeps everything in place to eliminate any friction, allowing me to finally strut or break a sweat without distraction.
Like the short's shell fabric, the liner's fabric is also all about performance and feels just as smooth. With a four-way stretch, the liner will move with you, bend with you, squat and lunge with you as if there isn't a liner inside the shorts at all. It also wicks away moisture tirelessly, which is a godsend for workouts or dealing with a particularly sweaty day, and then dries in a heartbeat to stay fresh. But what impressed me most is the breathability: I've never experienced swamp crotch or clammy, sticky feelings wearing Vuori's Kore Short because, as seen in the picture on the above right, its liner's fabric uses perforations to maximize ventilation like providing a personal AC system down there.
However, for intense exercises of the lower-half body, I wouldn't recommend relying on the Kore Short's liner alone for support. While it does fit well, it feels more like a pair of boxers than briefs—meaning it fits roomier for comfort but might not be useful for when you really need support down there. Additionally, Vuori's Kore Short doesn't have the most formal-looking design out there; it is only with the right color—such as an all-black or all-white one—that I have been able to pair it with polo shirts or dress shirts for a smart casual look.
However, what the Kore Short lacks in elevated style is more than made up for with the short's versatility, comfort, and performance. Nonetheless, you get to receive all of its perks at just $68, a decent price that invites you to cop more than just one style—maybe a 9"-inseam option for more conservative wearers or the Elevate style for those who value safe storage. In any case, Vuori's Kore Short is hard to beat when it comes to versatility and everyday practicality, and our guys here are actually eyeing to see which celebrity will sport it next.
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Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
