Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Buying working out shorts for men is mostly a fight against two things: fabric that traps heat and pockets that dump your phone on the gym floor mid-set. The picks below solve those problems in different ways, from a seven-pack that keeps you in clean shorts all week to a 2-in-1 pair with a built-in compression liner. You will see the inseam length, pocket style, and fabric type spelled out for each one, so you can match a pair to how you actually train.
This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Length, fabric, and pocket security decide whether a pair survives a real session, so each entry below is broken down on those terms. Here is the honest shortlist of working out shorts for men.
Top Picks
How To Choose The Best Working Out Shorts for Men
The fastest way to end up with shorts you never wear is to buy on looks alone. Four things decide whether a pair works in the gym: the inseam length, the fabric, the pocket design, and how the waist adjusts.
Inseam length changes everything about how you move
The inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg. A 5-inch inseam leaves your thigh open and free, which suits running and heavy leg days. A 7-inch inseam sits closer to the knee and gives more coverage for lifting, basketball, and everyday wear. An 8-inch inseam goes noticeably longer still, and some brands offer a 9-inch version for relaxed coverage.
The wrong length is the most common reason a pair feels off. Short inseams ride up when you squat, and long inseams catch on your knee on a sprint. Think about your main activity first, then pick the length.
Fabric: cotton, polyester, or a stretch blend
Cotton feels soft on the skin and breathes well in heat, but it holds moisture. Polyester moves sweat off your skin and dries fast, which is why most training shorts use it. A polyester-spandex blend adds stretch so the fabric follows your legs instead of fighting them. Look for the word “moisture wicking” if sweat management is your priority, and check whether the listing names the fabric outright.
Pockets and waistband: the details that ruin a good pair
Deep open pockets are fine for the walk to the car. Zipper pockets keep keys and a phone locked down through sprints and burpees. A back zipper pocket adds a second secure spot. On the waist, an elastic band plus an internal drawstring lets you tighten the fit as you warm up, and a drawstring alone only works if the elastic is already snug.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Inseam | Fabric | Pocket Style | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALENNZ 7 Pack Basketball Shorts★ Best Overall | All-week rotation | — | Quick-dry, moisture wicking | Two side deep pockets | Amazon |
| AIMPACT Cotton Workout ShortsBest Cotton Feel | Hot days and lounging | 5 in | Cotton | Deep pockets | Amazon |
| Reebok Jumpstart 8” ShortBest Coverage | Coverage and versatility | 8 in | Lightweight polyester | Side pockets plus back zip | Amazon |
| Under Armour Tech 7 Inch Shorts | Everyday training | 7 in | — | — | Amazon |
| NORTHYARD Athletic Running Shorts | Secure-pocket workouts | 7 in / 9 in / 5 in | Polyester and spandex | Two side zip plus back zip | Amazon |
| Nike Dri-Fit Flex Woven Shorts 7inch | High-intensity training | 7 in | Nike Flex woven | — | Amazon |
| Surenow 3 Pack Running Shorts | Short-inseam runners | 3 in | Quick-dry | Pockets | Amazon |
| Nike Dri-FIT Flex 7″ Training Short | Running and lifting | 7 in | Dri-FIT | Side pockets | Amazon |
| HOPLYNN 5 Pack 2-in-1 Running Shorts | Chafe control | — | — | Liner pocket plus outer pockets | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. BALENNZ 7 Pack Mens Basketball Shorts
Our pick — 4.5+★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Seven pairs of quick-dry shorts means you never dig through the laundry basket before a session.
This is the pack that solves the actual gym problem: you train five or six days a week and you do not want to run a load of laundry every second day. Seven pairs in one box keeps a clean one on the shelf every morning. The fabric is a quick-dry build with moisture wicking, which means it pulls sweat off your skin so you are not sitting in a wet pair on the drive home.
What wins people over is the colour range holding up. Buyers report the colours stay sharp through repeated wash cycles instead of fading after a month. The fit runs true to size, and the elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring lets you snug it down before a heavy set. Two side deep pockets give you somewhere to put your phone during warm-ups.
Here is the honest catch: deep open pockets are not zipper pockets. If you are doing handstands, sprints, or anything inverted, a phone can work its way loose. This set is built for basketball, running, and gym work where your hands stay below your waist, and at this rating across a wide base of owners, the value story is clearly working for most people.
What earns its keep
- Seven pairs covers a full training week with no mid-week laundry run.
- Quick-dry moisture-wicking fabric moves sweat off your skin.
- Elastic waistband plus an adjustable drawstring tightens the fit as you warm up.
- Colours hold through repeated washes instead of fading out.
Where it falls short
- Pockets are deep and open, not zippered, so they are not inversion-proof.
- No compression liner inside, so chafe protection is on you.
Made for: the guy training most days who wants a clean pair waiting every morning without thinking about laundry.
Think twice: if your session involves handstands or sprints with a phone in your pocket — go for a zippered pair instead.
2. AIMPACT Men’s Cotton Workout Shorts
Cotton that feels like your favourite old tee, cut to a 5-inch length that stays out of your way.
If polyester against your skin feels plasticky, this is the alternative. The AIMPACT pairs a cotton build with a 5-inch inseam, which lands comfortably above the knee and leaves your thigh free through a run or a set of lunges. That is 3 inches shorter than the Reebok Jumpstart 8-inch short below, so the hem sits well above the knee.
What buyers praise most is plainly the quality — it is the most-discussed positive trait in the review data by a wide margin, with fit right behind it. Owners wear these in hot summer weather and around the house on rest days without feeling wrapped up. The drawstring lets you dial in the waist instead of relying on elastic alone, and there are deep pockets plus three total stash spots.
The material draws mixed feedback, which is worth knowing up front. Some buyers love the cotton hand-feel; others find it heavier than a synthetic once you are genuinely soaked. Cotton also holds moisture longer than polyester, so this is a dry-day or lighter-session pair rather than a downpour-runner. Sizing splits the same way, so check the chart before you commit.
Who it clicks with: anyone who wants a soft, breathable short for summer training, beach days, or just living in them at home.
The trade-off: cotton is the wrong fabric for a sweat-heavy session — it holds water where synthetic sheds it.
Reach for these: when comfort against the skin matters more to you than drying speed.
Pass them over: if your workouts end with the shorts ringing-wet — the cotton will stay damp well after you finish.
3. Reebok Men’s Jumpstart 8” Short
The longest inseam here at 8 inches, for anyone who wants their thigh covered on the clock and off it.
Coverage is the whole reason to look at this pair. An 8-inch inseam runs a full 3 inches longer than the AIMPACT’s 5-inch cut, putting the hem right at the knee. If you have ever felt self-conscious walking from the gym into a shop, this length solves that without looking like a pair of long shorts.
Owners single out the material more than anything else, with comfort and the fabric’s thickness close behind. There is real substance to this polyester, and buyers describe it as anything but flimsy. The side pockets handle everyday carry, and the secure back zip pocket is the one place your keys will actually stay put. An internal drawcord lets you lock the waist before a run.
Two things are worth flagging honestly. Fit splits right down the middle — some find it a great fit, others call the sizing horrible, so try your true size first. Opinions on weight also divide between lightweight and super heavy, which tells you this is a denser short than some expect from the word “lightweight.”
Why it stands out
- The longest inseam in this lineup at 8 inches for real thigh coverage.
- Back zip pocket gives you one genuinely secure stash spot.
- The material draws more praise than any other trait.
- Works for gym and running as easily as daily wear.
The honest drawbacks
- Sizing feedback splits hard — some find it perfect, others way off.
- The fabric is heavier than the “lightweight” label suggests.
Go for it if: you want a longer leg and a thicker fabric that feels substantial.
Hold off if: you are after a featherweight sprint short — the density here will surprise you.
4. Under Armour Men’s Tech 7 Inch Shorts
A 7-inch short that handles lifting, running, and the drive home without complaint.
Seven inches is the most versatile inseam here, long enough for squats and short enough for a run. It is long enough for a squat session and short enough for a run, and the Under Armour Tech lands right there. The build is genuinely lightweight, so the shorts stay out of your way instead of dragging on your legs as you move.
The quality is the trait that carries this pair — owners talk about it more than any other, with fit and comfort next in line. It reads as proper activewear rather than a cheap knock-off, and buyers wear it for daily use as much as for the gym. That versatility is why it climbs onto so many lists for a single do-everything short.
Length is where opinion divides. Some find the 7-inch cut perfect; others say it is too short, and sizing splits the same way between true-to-size and not. If you are tall or prefer a longer leg, the Reebok 8-inch above gets you more coverage. For everyone in the middle, this is a solid, uncomplicated pick.
The strongest card: a do-everything 7-inch cut that suits the gym as easily as the coffee run after it.
Watch this: length is the split point — if you like your shorts longer, size up or look elsewhere.
Best match: the lifter who runs a couple times a week and wants one short for all of it.
Not the one: if a 7-inch hem reads short on your frame — the extra inch on the Reebok matters.
5. NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts
Three zippered pockets and reflective strips make this the night-runner’s choice.
Nothing drains a run faster than stopping to hunt for a fallen key. NORTHYARD closes that hole with two side zipper pockets and a back zipper pocket, and the brand states the pockets are deep enough to stop items falling out during activity. Two reflective strips sit on the front and back so you are visible after dark.
Quality is the trait that carries this pair furthest by a wide margin, and fit sits in second. Owners describe the cut as not baggy, sitting just above the knee on the 7-inch version. Breathable holes on both sides add ventilation, and the polyester-spandex blend stretches enough that a deep squat does not fight the fabric.
You get three length options — 7-inch, 9-inch, and 5-inch — so you can match the cut to your sport rather than compromise. Sizing is the split: some find it true to form, others say it runs a bit small. Order your true size and you are most likely fine, but size up if you are between two.
What sells it
- Two side zip pockets plus a back zip pocket keep valuables locked down.
- Reflective strips front and back add visibility on evening runs.
- Three inseam options — 7-inch, 9-inch, and 5-inch — cover every preference.
- Stretchy polyester-spandex blend moves with deep lunges and squats.
What to know first
- Sizing runs small for some, so check the chart before ordering.
- Breathable side holes are a style call some will not want.
The pick for you: runners and gym-goers who carry keys and a phone and refuse to lose either.
Skip if: you want a plain smooth leg without mesh-style vent holes.
6. Nike Mens Shorts Dri-Fit Flex Woven Shorts 7inch
Flex fabric and hem vents built for lunges and squats, not standing still.
This pair is aimed squarely at high-intensity training. Nike Flex fabric stretches with every move, and the vents at the hems open up in deep bends like lunges and squats so the shorts do not bunch or catch. Nike’s Dri-FIT technology moves sweat off your skin for quicker evaporation, which keeps you dry through a circuit. The standard fit keeps things relaxed rather than skin-tight.
Quality is the standout here, with comfort behind it. Buyers treat this as a serious training short and the fabric holds up to that billing. At just 4 ounces, it is one of the lightest shorts in this lineup.
Now the honest part: fit, pockets, size, and length all draw split feedback. Some buyers find the fit perfect; others report a poor fit, shorts running small, or a length shorter than expected. Pockets are a mixed bag too, with some reporting a lack of them. Size up if you are unsure and confirm the pocket layout before you commit.
Why lifters like it: Flex fabric plus hem vents means the fabric follows a deep squat instead of fighting it.
The reality check: fit and length draw split reviews, so treat this as a try-before-you-trust pair.
The right fit: anyone whose training is heavy on squats, lunges, and full-range movement.
Look elsewhere: if you need guaranteed pockets or a longer cut — both are the weak points here.
7. Surenow 3 Pack Mens Running Gym Shorts
A 3-inch cut with three pairs in the box, for runners who want their legs completely free.
Three inches is the shortest inseam in this lineup, built for runners who want nothing flapping against the thigh. On a run, the shorter hem means zero fabric flapping against your thigh and no hem catching your knee at full stride. You get three pairs in one pack, so a rotation is baked in. The fabric is a quick-dry build that handles sweat without holding onto it.
Quality and comfort drive the verdict here, with value for money close behind — you are getting three pairs for the effort of choosing once. Owners also use them for walking and general gym work, so the short cut is not just for racing. The material moves well with your legs rather than dragging.
Sizing is the one clear weak point: buyers disagree, with a cluster finding them a bit small. Order a size up if you are between sizes, and be honest about whether a 3-inch inseam suits you. If you are not ready for that much leg, the 5-inch AIMPACT above is the next step up in coverage.
Where the value lands
- Three quick-dry pairs in one pack for a built-in rotation.
- A 3-inch inseam keeps the leg completely free at full stride.
- Material moves with your legs instead of dragging on them.
- Works as well for walking and gym days as for running.
The catch
- Runs small for a chunk of buyers, so sizing up is the safer bet.
- A 3-inch cut is simply too short for some body types and tastes.
Choose these: if you want maximum leg freedom plus a spare pair waiting in the drawer.
Move on: if you prefer mid-thigh coverage — a 3-inch hem will feel too brief.
8. Nike Men’s Dri-FIT Flex 7″ Workout/Training Short
The trimmed-down Flex short with a dialled-in fit and side pockets that actually reach.
Fit is what buyers praise most on this pair, and comfort follows right behind. That is the whole story here: the 7-inch inseam with an elastic waistband and drawcord sits where it should, so you are not adjusting it between sets. This is a simpler build than the Nike pair above — no hem vents listed, just a clean polished short. Dri-FIT moves sweat off your skin, and side pockets give you easy-to-reach storage.
Owners wear these running as easily as lifting, and the comfort holds up through a full session. Where it differs from the woven Nike short is focus: this one wins on fit rather than ventilation, so if you want a short that simply feels right on the body, this is the cleaner call.
The trade-off is that this is a core short, not a feature-packed one. You get side pockets and a drawcord, nothing more, and there is no zip pocket for your keys. Consider it if you want a Nike short that fits right and disappears on your legs.
Reach for it: when fit is the thing you care most about and you want it right from the first wear.
Leave it: if you need a secure zip pocket — this one is open-pockets only.
9. HOPLYNN 5 Pack Men’s 2 in 1 Running Workout Shorts
A built-in compression liner that stops thigh rub before it starts, five pairs deep.
If the inside of your thighs has ever burned twenty minutes into a run, the 2-in-1 design is what you want. A tight compression liner sits under the loose outer shell and keeps everything in place, which is the layer that ends the rub. You get five pairs in the pack, so you are set for a full training week. Owners note the five-pack costs a fraction of name-brand 2-in-1 shorts with the same liner layout.
Quality is what buyers praise most, with fit close behind, and the liner includes a pocket for a key or card. The outer shorts suit basketball, running, cycling, gym work, and hiking. Material and appearance both land well with owners.
Two honest notes. Sizing splits — some find them true to size, others say they run one size smaller than listed, so size up if you are unsure. Durability also divides opinions, so treat these as a value rotation rather than a decade-long pair. Neither is a deal-breaker at this price for five pairs.
What the liner does: a tight inner layer holds the thigh still so skin never rubs skin on a long run.
Weigh this: sizing runs small for some and durability draws mixed views — order up and expect a rotation, not a lifer.
Made for you: runners and lifters who chafe and want a liner doing the work of stopping it.
Not for you: if you like a loose single layer against your leg — the compression inner takes some getting used to.
Know the Specs
Inseam: the number that decides how you move
The inseam is measured from the crotch seam to the hem on the inside of the leg. In this lineup the range runs from a 3-inch cut up to an 8-inch cut. A short inseam like 3 or 5 inches leaves your thigh fully free, which suits running and speed work. A 7 or 8-inch inseam gives more coverage for lifting, basketball, and everyday wear. Some brands also list a 9-inch version for relaxed coverage. Pick the length that matches your main activity, then check the waist adjust before you buy.
Fabric and moisture wicking: what keeps you dry
Moisture wicking means the fabric pulls sweat off your skin and spreads it out so it evaporates faster. Polyester is the usual choice because it dries quickly and stays light when wet. Cotton feels soft and breathes well but holds moisture, so it suits hot dry days and lounging more than a heavy sweat session. A polyester-spandex blend adds stretch, so the fabric follows your legs through a deep squat. Look for the fabric named outright in the listing, and decide whether quick drying or a soft hand-feel matters more to you.
Common Questions
What inseam is best for working out shorts for men?
Do I need a compression liner in my gym shorts?
Are zipper pockets better than deep open pockets?
Is cotton or polyester better for sweating in?
Should I size up or down in workout shorts?
Are multi-packs worth it compared to buying one pair?
What does moisture wicking actually mean?
Can I wear workout shorts for everyday use too?
Why does sizing feedback differ so much between buyers?
The Bottom Line
The strongest all-rounder on this list is the BALENNZ 7 Pack. Seven quick-dry pairs with moisture wicking fabric cover a full training week, the colours hold through repeated washes, and it is the pick with the highest rating in this lineup. If you want zippered security for keys and a phone, the NORTHYARD gives you three zip pockets and reflective strips — while the HOPLYNN 2-in-1 is the pair to reach for if thigh chafe is your problem, with a compression liner built in.
How we choose
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of November 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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