The Best Gym Shorts for Men of 2025

It’s a lot easier to enjoy a summit sunrise if you’re not gasping for air and massaging cramps out of your quads. That said, working out in the gym is a good way to prepare for working out outside. And a great pair of gym shorts is key to getting the most fitness and fun out of your workouts in the gym.

We’ve put in countless hours testing shorts through some of the most grueling workouts to find the best gym shorts for men. We put these shorts (and our testers) through a wide range of activities, including weightlifting, powerlifting, running, gymnastics, and kettlebell workouts.

Heck, we even jumped rope to see how these shorts held up. We examined a range of factors, including fit and feel, elasticity, durability, and moisture management. Style was also a factor because, hey, if you like how you look, you’ll perform better.

We put each pair to the test, and after months of chalk, sweat, and blood (and maybe a tear or two), we’re ready to weigh in. When the dust settles, we can say with certainty that these are the best workout shorts on the market. The following list represents gym shorts in a range of categories.

Editor’s Note: For our November 21, 2025, update, we added our new Best Overall Short, the R.A.D Superweave Training Short.

The Best Gym Shorts of 2025

• Best Overall Gym Shorts: R.A.D Superweave Training Short
• Best Budget Gym Shorts: Champion Mesh 9’’ Short
• Best Running Shorts: REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts
• Best Lined Gym Shorts: NOBULL Blended Merino Wool Short
• Best Everyday Gym Shorts: Vuori Banks Shorts

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R.A.D’s Superweave Training Short ($68) is a strong first entry into the fitness apparel market. The shorts are extremely durable, provide plenty of stretch, and are comfortable enough to forget that you’re wearing them. Plus, details like reflective detailing and zippered pockets are thoughtful touches.

The first thing we noticed when we put the shorts on was the texture. The material is slightly rougher than the Vuori Banks Short, but not so rough that it was uncomfortable. It made the shorts seem more durable right out the gate. And after three months of dragging a barbell up those shorts, climbing ropes, dropping to the floor for burpees, and performing hundreds of ab mat sit-ups, that material still looks brand new.  

None of that would matter, however, if these shorts weren’t comfortable to move around in. Luckily, these shorts are not only durable, but they feel great. The polyester/elastane blend feels smooth against the skin despite being slightly rougher than other shorts.

The 4-way stretch also adds to the comfort of these shorts. Most of the gym shorts we’ve tested excel in vertical stretch (from the waistband to the hem). This is a basic necessity, since squats, lunges, and running all require mobility in that area. Many shorts, however, lack horizontal (side-to-side) stretch, which can restrict movement in sumo movements, side lunges, and other lateral movements. That’s not the case, as these shorts stretched enough to accommodate sumo deadlifts, wide-legged squats, and cossack squats.

There are other shorts that have more style or might be suited toward a specific sport, but when it comes to hitting the gym hard, the Superweave Training Short is the best we’ve tried.

Best of the Rest

Gym Shorts Comparison Chart

Gym Short	Price	Material	Inseam	Liner
R.A.D Superweave Training Short	$68	Polyester, elastane	7″	No
Vuori Banks Short	$68	Polyester, elastane	7.5″	No
Champion Mesh 9’’ Short	$15	Polyester	9″	No
REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts	$45	Polyester, spandex	7″	Yes
Roark Bommer Short	$89	90% Polyester/ 10% spandex	3.5″	Yes, compression
Chubbies Swim Gym Short	$59	Polyester, spandex	5.5″, 7″	No
Vuori Ponto Short	$78	Polyester, Elastane	7″	No
Vuori Kore Short	$68	42% recycled Polyester/ 42% Polyester / 10% Elastane	5″, 7.5″	Yes, Boxer Brief Liner
Ten Thousand Interval Shorts	$68	Polyester, spandex	5”, 7″, 9”	Optional

How We Test the Best Gym Shorts

Here at GearJunkie, our team of experts is literally obsessed with finding the best gear. We spend an embarrassing amount of time combing through the internet to find the best of the best before sending those items to our expert reviewers for careful evaluation and testing. Plenty of cheap, ill-fitting models don’t make the cut for testing, and while the best of the best aren’t cheap, we ensure our budget picks aren’t duds either. Every pair of shorts in this selection is here because we’d recommend them to a friend, and any caveats are highlighted and explained so your choice is easier.

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie Affiliate Managing Editor Billy Brown kicked off this gear guide in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in CrossFit and trail running. Since then, he’s continued to test gym shorts via CrossFit, powerlifting, running, and Olympic weightlifting workouts, searching out the most comfortable, durable, and best-looking (hey, it’s important) shorts he can find.

Tester and reviewer Paul Mandell is a strength and conditioning coach based in Bishop, California. Paul is no stranger to a good pair of gym shorts, especially considering that he wears them every day for work. Since he began contributing to this guide in the summer of 2022, he’s put 10 pairs to the test. He’s also contributed to our guides on Crossfit Shoes and Bike Computers.

Our Testing Process

We look for the same things you look for in a product — value, performance, fit, and finish. Our comprehensive evaluation translates to more time in the gym or on the trail for you and less time pulling your hair out over which product to buy. We strive to create thorough, comprehensive, and helpful reviews to help you find the best gear for your individual needs.

We put each pair of shorts through a varied routine of cardio work to see how they manage moisture and perform during running activities. We test mobility through our daily stretching routines and all the basic lifts. Durability is assessed after several months’ worth of box jumps, split squats, and other exercises that test the limits of stretch and stitching.

We look for the same things you look for in a product — value, performance, fit, and finish. Our comprehensive evaluation translates to more time in the gym or on the trail for you, and less time worrying about which product to buy. We strive to create thorough, comprehensive, and helpful reviews to help you find the best gear for your individual needs.

Our Gym Short Rating System

Each gym short in this guide was tested and scored in four main categories: Versatility, Stretch, Durability, and Value.

Value considers how well a kettlebell performs for its price, factoring in comfort, durability, weight range, and price. A budget-friendly option can score high here if it delivers strong performance for the cost.

Versatility evaluates how many different types of workouts we could do in a pair of shorts. We did as many different types of workouts as we could think of, from CrossFit and powerlifting to running and swimming, to determine which shorts would perform in the most activities.

Stretch considers how much mobility a short allows. We tested each short over a wide range of movements to determine whether it would restrict our movements or threaten to tear.

Durability looks at build quality and reliability over time. We inspected our shorts for any fraying, barbell abrasion, tears, and other signs of degradation over time.

Value considers how well a gym short performs for its price, factoring in comfort, durability, stretch, and other factors. A budget-friendly option can score high here if it delivers strong performance for the cost.

The overall score is not a simple average of these categories. Instead, it reflects our editorial judgment based on the complete user experience. That means a less durable short that’s extremely comfortable can still score high, while a short with a lower mobility range might rank higher for its durability.

Gym Short Buyer’s Guide

What Kind of Shorts Do You Need?

The first thing to consider when you’re buying a pair of gym shorts is how you plan to use them. If you tend to favor one kind of workout over others, the pair of shorts you’ll want may be different.

For instance, running shorts tend to be lightweight and shorter. Runners don’t want excess weight and material, and longer hems can cause irritation and chafe over time. If you run often, opt for a pair of shorts that also wicks away sweat and dries quickly.

While quick drying is a great feature, it’s not as necessary in weightlifting shorts. The added weight isn’t as much of an issue, and there’s less risk of chafing. With gym shorts, your priority should be on flexibility and, for heavy lifters, durability.

In a gym setting, you’re going to be going through a wide range of motions, so a pair of shorts with a lot of stretch is very handy. Lunges, jumps, sprints, and lateral movements all require a wide range of motion.

The same goes for yoga and other mobility workouts. And heaven forbid you split your pants doing a squat. We can tell you from experience — it’s not fun.

If your training entails Olympic lifts like the clean and jerk or deadlifts, durability is key. With these movements, the bar frequently comes into contact with your shorts.

Most bars have diamond patterns on the gripping areas called knurling. These abrasive sections are there to help you grip the bar, but they can also wreak havoc on shorts. Climbing ropes can also put a lot of strain on shorts as well, especially if you tend to slide down from the top.

Think about how you plan to use your shorts and choose an appropriate pair.

Material

Most shorts are made of a synthetic material like polyester or nylon mixed with a stretchy material like elastane or spandex. The synthetic material is great for wicking away sweat, while the elastic material provides stretch. If you want the feel of something more natural, we’ve included a great poly-cotton blend short in the list above.

How the material is cut and sewn is as important as the material itself. Mesh vents are useful for allowing excess heat to escape, and scalloped hems give you even more freedom to move. Flat seams prevent chafing. Think carefully about what you’ll be using your shorts for, and choose accordingly.

Fit

When it comes to gym shorts, fit goes in the realm of personal preference. Most gymgoers tend to choose a slimmer fit, as slim shorts are less likely to snag on equipment. A sleeker short also tends to be more supportive, particularly if it has a good liner.

Baggier shorts are popular for the freedom of movement they provide. However, with the stretch that most shorts offer, that isn’t as much of an issue. If you make sure that your shorts have plenty of stretch and they fit your waist, you should be comfortable.

Fit definitely also ventures into the realm of style, so think about what you want folks to see you wearing.

Style

Speaking of style, do you know about the three S’s? Essential for having a great gym session, the three S’s are Style, Safety, and Style. In that order.

Maybe you don’t care as much about your running shorts as you do about looking good in your gym shorts. Maybe you want people to know what true power looks like (hint: it’s your glutes), or maybe you just want clean shorts that are equally at home in the gym and at the coffee shop.  Either way, be sure you’re going to look and feel good in whatever you choose.

Length

The most common inseam lengths for workout shorts are 5, 7, and 9 inches. Runners often go for a higher hem to minimize material, so they tend to go for the 5-inch inseam.

If you lift a lot, the 9-inch inseam provides more coverage and protection from the barbell. The 7-inch inseam is a good blend of the two. So, if you do a bit of everything, that’s a solid choice.

One big exception to the rule is lifters who focus primarily on deadlifts. Clothing adds friction, so if you are near the higher end of your strength level, longer shorts may hinder you. Many lifters wear shorter hemmed shorts or roll their shorts up before a heavy deadlift. However, at a certain point, deadlifting or doing any Olympic work in shorts is just asking for bloody shins. Consider yourself warned.

Pockets

You generally don’t lift weights with stuff in your pockets, but a rear pocket and two front pockets are ideal for any time you wear your shorts outside the gym. Runners generally carry a few necessities with them, like keys, some cash or cards, and energy gels, so zippered pockets are almost certainly mandatory.

Make sure that at least one pocket zips shut to prevent anything from falling out. If you’re the kind of person who changes at the gym, pockets probably aren’t a high priority for you. Take a minute to think about what you need from your shorts and choose accordingly.

Price & Value

There are excellent shorts to be found at any price range, but if you go with a budget option, you may be missing out on some durability and features that you’d prefer. Conversely, if you overspend, you can find yourself wearing shorts with a stack of features you won’t be using. Here’s a guide to what you will (and won’t) get across the pricing spectrum.

Budget

For around $30 and under, you’re looking at the no-frills category. You’ll rarely find liners, zippered pockets, or ultra-durable materials here. What you will find are shorts that will cover your bits while allowing you the mobility to get you through workouts that require a wide range of motion. Our budget pick, the Champion Mesh 9’’ Short ($15), is a great example of this category — no frills, all business.

Mid-Tier

If you’re willing to spend between $40 and $70, you’ll open up your options to more durable materials, stylish cuts, and things like liners and pockets. The Vuori Banks Short ($68) offers excellent stretch, long-term durability, and a wide range of colors and prints to choose from. We wear these to the gym more often than not.

Premium

You can expect to spend close to $100 for a premium pair of gym shorts, which can be an eye-raising amount for the average gym rat. But what do you get for that kind of dough? Super lightweight yet durable materials like those you’ll find in the Roark Bommer Short ($89) or eye-rolling comfort like you’ll find in the buttery soft Vuori Ponto Short ($79), which is oddly also one of the most durable shorts on this list.

Frequently Asked Questions