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.
If your phone has ever shot out of a loose pocket halfway through a sprint, you already know the real problem with most workout shorts. The pockets are an afterthought — too shallow, too stretchy, no closure. The picks below all solve that, in ways that range from mesh hand pockets to zippered side pockets to deep side slots that swallow a phone whole.
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.
Some shorts here are built for lifting and casual wear, others for running and cycling, and a few are cut specifically for women who want coverage and compression at the same time. Below you will find the workout shorts with pockets that actually keep your essentials where you put them.
Top Picks
How To Choose Workout Shorts With Pockets
Pockets are the headline here, but they are not all built the same. A zippered pocket keeps a phone locked down during a run. A deep side pocket on compression shorts holds a phone flat against your thigh. A mesh hand pocket is great for keys and a towel but will not stop a phone from sliding out mid-jump. Decide what you actually carry first, then pick the pocket style that matches it.
Match the pocket to the activity
Running and cycling reward closure — zippers or deep slots that grip. Lifting and gym sessions are more forgiving, so mesh hand pockets and open side pockets work fine as long as they are deep enough. If you carry a phone on every session, look for a pocket explicitly described as phone-sized or deep, and skip anything described only as a hand pocket.
Pick your inseam before anything else
Inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam to the hem, and it decides coverage. Short inseams (3″ to 5″) give maximum mobility and a bolder look. Mid lengths (7″) are the all-rounder for gym and casual wear. Longer cuts (9″ to 10″) give relaxed coverage for basketball or hiking. Women’s biker styles often run 3″, 5″, or 8″ and the longer ones help with thigh coverage and chafing.
Check the waistband and fabric
An elastic waistband with an internal drawcord keeps shorts from sliding down during jumps. High-waist and tummy-control waistbands add hold across the midsection. On fabric, quick-dry synthetics suit sweaty sessions, while soft stretchy blends suit yoga and pilates. Watch for material described as thin — it can go see-through under stretch.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Pocket Type | Inseam / Length | Fabric Feel | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic 10″ Shorts★ Best Overall | All-round gym and casual wear | Mesh hand pockets | 10″ | Quick-drying UA Tech, ultra-soft | Amazon |
| THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s High Waist ShortsBest Women’s Fit | Yoga, bike, and pilates | Side pockets | 8″ / 5″ / 3″ options | Soft, breathable, moisture-wicking | Amazon |
| Compression Biker Shorts Women Tummy ControlBest Compression | Tummy control and compression | 2 side pockets | — | High-elasticity compression blend | Amazon |
| BMJL Women Athletic Shorts 2.5″ | Running, hiking, golf | Two zipper pockets | 2.5″ | Advanced technology fabric | Amazon |
| BALENNZ Mens Athletic Shorts | Everyday workouts and sports | Pockets (per listing) | — | 100% polyester, quick-dry | Amazon |
| YEOREO CoreFlex Scrunch Shorts | Gym with a curve-focused cut | Button pocket design | 3.6″ / 4.5″ options | Soft, stretchy, softer-side compression | Amazon |
| NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts | Running and night training | 2 side zipper + 1 back zipper | 7″ / 9″ / 5″ options | Polyester-spandex stretch, quick-dry | Amazon |
| Ultra Performance 5-Pack Men’s Shorts | Stocking a whole week of workouts | Zipper pockets | 7″ | Lightweight stretch | Amazon |
| Biker Spandex Shorts Women | Chafe-free long sessions | Deep side pockets + inner pocket | — | Ultra-stretch, thick enough to stay opaque | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic 10″ Shorts
Our pick — 4.5+★ from 73,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd favorite that quietly nails the basics — light fabric, real pockets, and a cut that covers without billowing.
This is the pick for the guy who wants one pair of shorts for lifting, errands, and everything between. The 10″ inseam is the longest in this lineup, so you get full coverage instead of the thigh-baring cut of the NORTHYARD 5″ option. The UA Tech fabric is described by the maker as quick-drying and ultra-soft with a more natural feel, which means sweat wicks off instead of sitting on your skin between sets.
What wins people over is the overall quality — it is the most-praised trait of these shorts by a wide margin, followed closely by a fit that stays loose without going baggy. The encased elastic waistband with internal drawcord keeps the whole thing planted whether you are squatting, lunging, or just carrying groceries. Mesh hand pockets give you somewhere to park keys and a towel, though a phone will not be locked down the way it is on the zippered NORTHYARD.
What Buyers Rave About
- 10″ inseam gives relaxed, full-thigh coverage
- Quick-drying UA Tech fabric keeps sweat from pooling
- Internal drawcord plus elastic waistband holds during lifts
- Lightweight enough for all-day casual wear
Where It Falls Short
- Mesh hand pockets are open — a phone can slide out mid-sprint
- Stitching has reportedly worn on some pairs over months of use
- Sizing runs mixed, so check the chart before ordering
Reach for these if: you want a do-everything men’s short with full coverage and low-key athletic looks.
Look elsewhere if: you need zippered pockets for running or carrying a phone at speed.
2. THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s High Waist Workout Shorts 8″/5″/3″
The fit-first yoga short that comes in three inseam lengths so you can dial in exactly how much leg you want.
If your main complaint with workout shorts is that they ride up or slide down, start with the fit. This women’s short is praised most for exactly that, and the high waist plus flexible fit is what does the work. It comes in 8″, 5″, and 3″ lengths — the 8″ stays thigh-covering through deep yoga poses while the 3″ suits pilates and hot-weather bike sessions.
You get a spot for your phone or keys without extra bulk at the hip, thanks to side pockets. The maker describes the fabric as soft, breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking (it pulls sweat away from your skin). One honest trade-off: material thickness draws mixed reports. Some buyers find it nice and sturdy, while others call it incredibly thin. If you need the fabric to stay opaque when you stretch, lean toward a longer inseam or a thicker biker short like the Biker Spandex pick below.
The length flexibility: three inseams in one product is rare, and it means you are not locked into a single coverage level across yoga, bike, and gym days.
The plain catch: sizing is also mixed in feedback, so measure your waist and hips before choosing rather than defaulting to your usual letter size.
The match: women doing yoga, bike, or pilates who want high-waist coverage and a soft stretchy feel.
Not the one for: anyone who needs thick, fully opaque fabric under maximum stretch.
3. Compression Biker Shorts Women Tummy Control with Pockets
A compression-forward biker short built around a “sandwich” waistband that flattens the midsection — with pockets that actually hold a phone.
Fit is the star here; it is the thing owners praise most about this short, and the PowerTight construction with high elasticity and compression is why. The special sandwich waistband is a three-layer band designed to slim the curve and smooth the front. The no-front-seam design cuts friction at the crotch, which matters on a long ride or a long set of squats.
Your phone stays put while you move, because buyers describe the two side pockets as secure enough to hold it during a workout. Length is mixed: some find it perfect, while others say the cut runs small, so check the size chart rather than going by your usual number. Softness and comfort both rank high in feedback, and the shorts hold their shape through a workout instead of sagging. For firm compression and tummy control, this is the balance. If you want a looser yoga short, THE GYM PEOPLE pick above is the better starting point.
The waistband story: the sandwich construction is the standout spec — it is what delivers the tummy-control look that draws so much praise from buyers with thicker thighs.
Pick these if: you want a compression biker short with a defining waistband and phone-secure side pockets.
One caution: length divides people — order based on the size chart, not your default letter size.
4. BMJL Women Athletic Shorts 2.5″
The two-zipper short that keeps your phone put through a real run — not just a stroll to the car.
Here is where pockets get serious. Two big zipper pockets mean you can pocket a phone and actually use your arms without fear. The high-rise waist keeps the short up rather than sliding, and the 2.5″ inseam gives maximum range for running, hiking, and golf swings. Fabric is described by the maker as an advanced technology fabric — the plain version is that it is built to move with you and dry fast.
Fit draws the loudest praise, and pockets follow close behind, which is the right combo for a running-focused short. Where the two zippers make the short, durability is the honest caveat. Feedback is mixed on this — some report sturdy wear while others note seams tearing in multiple places. With normal care and no over-stretching, most pairs hold up. If you want pockets that stay zipped no matter what and you value flattering high-rise cut over heavyweight construction, this is the one.
The Pocket Win
- Two zippered pockets — phone stays locked down through motion
- 2.5″ inseam frees up the stride for running and hiking
- High-rise waist prevents mid-run slide
- Available in multiple colorways
The Honest Limit
- Seam durability is inconsistent across pairs
- Short inseam doesn’t suit anyone who wants thigh coverage
- Coverage on the rise can feel mixed depending on build
Go with BMJL if: your top priority is zippered phone security on a run or hike.
Look elsewhere if: you want longer coverage or heavyweight stitching durability.
5. BALENNZ Mens Athletic Shorts
The plain, workhorse men’s short that does gym, run, basketball, and lounging without charging extra for any of it.
The fabric is 100% polyester, which is the whole reason these dry fast and stay light through a long session. Moisture wicks off the skin rather than sitting on it, so you go from sweat to dry in one car ride. Fit is the trait buyers value most here, with value for money right behind — which for a short that covers this many activities is the whole pitch. Pockets are generous enough for daily carry, and the soft material earns steady praise.
Size is the honest caveat. Some find it perfectly sized while others say it runs small, so measure first. Material thinness also shows up as a recurring note — these are light, and they feel light, which is both the benefit and the trade. If you want one pair for gym, basketball, running, and errands, this covers it; for heavier fabric, look higher up the list.
The value read: A 4.5+ star rating across tens of thousands of owners backs up that versatility., and it comes from a short that does not charge a premium for versatility.
Fit for: the men who want one short to cover every workout and daily task.
Skip if: thin, superlight fabric bothers you or you need heavyweight stitching.
6. YEOREO CoreFlex Women Scrunch Workout Shorts
Built around a back scrunch seam and cross waist — a gym short designed to shape the silhouette while you lift.
The scrunch seam at the back is the reason this short exists: it is there to define and amplify curves, and the cross waist is there to slim and reduce waistband pressure. The result is a short that hugs rather than cinches. Fit is what buyers come for, with comfort and the cut’s appearance next in line. Soft, stretchy fabric that reads as substantial rather than cheap gives it that “nice fabric” quality, and compression sits on the softer side rather than clamp-tight.
Two inseam options — 3.6″ and 4.5″ — let you pick how much thigh you want to show, and the button pocket design gives you a workable spot for small essentials. Sizing is the mixed part: some find the cut a bit small, so order to measurement. If you want a curve-sculpting gym short with small button pockets, this is your pick.
Why it works: the scrunch seam plus cross waist is what turns a basic biker into a shape-focused short, and the fabric does the rest without feeling flimsy.
One thing to check: the button pockets are small-essentials pockets, not phone-sized — plan to carry electronics elsewhere.
Reach for it if: you want a curve-shaping gym short with a scrunch seam and soft compression.
Look elsewhere if: you need a full-size phone pocket or roomier sizing.
7. NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts
The most pocket-forward men’s short here — three zippers, reflective strips, and three inseam choices in one product.
If pocket security is the whole point, this is the pick. Two side zipper pockets plus one back zipper pocket give you three separate locked compartments, so a phone, keys, and a card go in different spots and stay there. The maker says the zippered pockets are deep enough to keep items from falling out during activity. Two reflective strips — front and back — keep you visible on a night run.
Quality is the trait buyers value most here by a wide margin, and it tracks with the fuller feature set: breathable quick-dry fabric, side vent holes designed by NORTHYARD, and a polyester-spandex blend that stretches for better mobility. The elastic waistband has an internal adjustable drawstring so it stays planted. The 5″ inseam is the shortest and boldest cut, the 9″ gives relaxed coverage for basketball and hiking, and the 7″ splits the difference. Sizing is mixed — some find it true to form while others say it runs a bit small.
The Full Pocket System
- Two side zippers plus a back zipper — three secure compartments
- Reflective strips on front and back for night training
- 7″, 9″, and 5″ inseams in one product line
- Quick-dry stretch blend with side vent holes
- Internal drawstring keeps the waistband set
Honest Trade-Off
- Sizing varies by body — the size chart matters before ordering
- More features than most need if you do not carry much
Pick it for: runners and gym-goers who carry a phone, keys, and cards and want each locked down separately.
Size first: feedback is split on fit, so go by the chart rather than your usual letter size.
8. Ultra Performance Mens Gym Workout Shorts 5 Pack
Five pairs in one order — the shorts you buy so laundry day never forces you into the same pair twice.
This is the practical pick. A five-pack covers every gym session with some working laundry rotation, so you are never hunting for clean shorts on the way out the door. They are built as basketball shorts with lightweight stretch for quick cuts and jumps, and the zipper pockets keep a phone locked down rather than bouncing out mid-cut. The cut is clean and athletic enough to wear straight from workout to errands. Big and tall builds are explicitly mentioned in the listing as a fit group these shorts can serve.
Quality is the top praise with fit right behind, and buyers describe the fabric as comfortable and soft. Zipper pockets get direct appreciation as a secure phone space. Length falls just above the knees on most builds. Value for money rounds out the main draws — for a five-pack, the per-pair number lands well under most singles. Sizing is the modest caveat: fit is generally true, but a small number of buyers find the cut a touch off, so verify the size chart if you sit between sizes.
The math that matters: five pairs in one order is the value story here, and the zippered pockets mean none of those five compromises on phone security.
Built for: anyone who wants a full week of gym shorts without buying one pair at a time.
Check before ordering: verify the size chart if you are between sizes.
9. Biker Spandex Shorts Women
The anti-chafe biker short with real pockets — a deep side slot for your phone and an inner pocket for the small stuff.
If chafing is what sends you hunting for a new short, this is the one to look at. The high-waisted biker cut keeps fabric between the thighs, which is why buyers report less chafing over long sessions. The deep side pockets hold a phone securely and are firm enough that the phone doesn’t slide, plus a separate inner pocket handles cards or keys. Ultra-stretch fabric fits and stays in place. The fabric is thick enough that it’s not see-through, which is the honest answer to every biker short’s biggest question.
Fit is the most-praised trait, with comfort behind it. This pair works well for cycling and hiking as well as the gym. Sizing shows mixed signals — some find the cut perfect, others say it runs small — so rely on the size chart. If you want one short that holds a phone, fights chafe, and stays opaque under leggings, this is the one.
The pocket combo: deep side slot plus inner pocket means you can carry a phone and a card separately without either bulging.
The fit note: mixed sizing means order by measurement, not habit — don’t default to your usual letter size.
Reach for it if: chafing and see-through risk are your biggest concerns and you still want a real pocket.
Not for: anyone who wants a loose, relaxed fit — this is a snug biker cut.
Know the Specs
Pocket type
Zippered pockets are locked-down and best for running, cycling, or anything with real motion. Mesh hand pockets are easy in and easy out — good for a towel or keys, weaker for a phone. Deep side pockets sit flat against the thigh and hold a phone without bounce. The honest test: will your phone fall out if you shake the short? If yes, the pocket is not for your workouts.
Inseam length
Inseam runs from the crotch seam to the hem and sets coverage and mobility. Short inseams (2.5″ to 5″) give maximum stride and a bolder look. Mid lengths (7″) are the all-rounders. Long cuts (9″ to 10″) give relaxed coverage and suit basketball or hiking. On women’s biker shorts, 3″ to 5″ is common for gym, and 8″ lengths cover more thigh during yoga and chafing-prone sessions.
Waistband and drawcord
An elastic waistband with an internal drawstring is the reliable combo for anything with jumping or sprinting. High-waist and tummy-control waistbands add hold and smoothing across the midsection. A cross waistband reduces pressure on the front, which matters when you’re bending and lifting all session.
Fabric weight and quick-dry
Polyester and polyester-spandex blends dry fast and stay light, which suits sweaty sessions and multiple wears per week. Softer stretchy blends feel more yoga-friendly but can go thin under stretch. If opacity under a deep squat is a worry, look for fabric explicitly noted as thick enough not to be see-through.
Common Questions
Will a phone fit in workout shorts pockets?
What inseam should I pick for running vs lifting?
Are zippered pockets worth it over open pockets?
How do I stop workout shorts from riding up or chafing?
Will the fabric be see-through when I squat?
Do these shorts run true to size?
Can I wear workout shorts with pockets for everyday errands?
What fabric dries fastest after a sweaty session?
How many pairs do I need if I workout most days?
Are these shorts good for cycling and hiking too?
The Bottom Line
For most people, the workout shorts with pockets winner is the Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic 10″ Shorts. They pair the highest overall quality with a fit that stays loose without going baggy, and they cover gym, lifting, and casual wear at once. If you want a phone that stays zipped in place while you run or train at night, grab the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts, which has three zippered pockets and reflective strips (shiny bands that catch headlights and streetlights). And for a women’s pick that fights chafing and hides your phone in a deep side pocket, reach for the Biker Spandex Shorts.
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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