Finest Gymnasium Shorts for Males of 2023

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, from weightlifting and powerlifting to running, gymnastics, and kettlebell workouts.

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

We began with 9 pairs of gym shorts in 2021, and since then we’ve tested 5 additional pairs while dropping the weakest entrees from our list (this is the “Best of” after all). Our testers get to put each pair to the test, and after 2 months of chalk, sweat, and blood (and maybe a tear or two), they’re ready to weigh in. When the dust settles, we can say for sure these are the best workout shorts on the market. The following list represents gym shorts in a range of categories.

If you need more help deciding, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide at the end of our review to unravel just how to choose the best gym shorts. Also, check out our comparison chart to see how our choices stack up against one another and our FAQ section for any lingering questions.

Editor’s note: For our November 1st, 2023 update, we’ve included selections from NOBULL and Ten Thousand. Our testers loved the NOBULL Blended Merino Wool shorts so much that we had to include them in our top picks for the year.

The Best Gym Shorts of 2023

Gym Shorts Comparison Chart

How We Test 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.

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, splits squats, and other exercises that test the limits of stretch and stitching.

Author Billy Brown kicked off this gear guide in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in CrossFit and trail running.

Lead 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 when you consider that he wears them every day for work. Since he began contributing to this guide in the summer of 2022, he’s put ten pairs to the test. He’s also contributed to our guides on Crossfit Shoes and Bike Computers.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Gym Short

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.

FAQ