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10 Best Men's Gym Shorts 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise LODENFROST-5inch L

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,241
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The material is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for workouts or just lounging around.
Fit
The fit is true to size with a comfortable waistband that offers just the right amount of stretch.
Length
They strike a great balance in length, providing enough coverage without restricting movement.
Waistband
The fit is true to size with a comfortable waistband that offers just the right amount of stretch.
Pockets
The zippered pockets are secure and ideal for carrying essentials like phone or keys during activity.
Breathability
The material is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for workouts or just lounging around.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are designed with performance and comfort in mind, making them a solid choice for gym workouts and various outdoor activities. Made from a lightweight blend of 90% polyester and 10% elastane, the fabric is quick-drying, breathable, and stretchy, which supports good mobility and helps keep you cool during exercise. The shorts come with a soft elastic waistband and an adjustable drawstring, allowing for a customizable fit that stays secure without feeling too tight. In terms of length, the available 5-inch option (LODENTFROST-5inch) is a common gym-short length, providing a good balance between coverage and freedom of movement.

One standout feature is the inclusion of three zippered pockets—two on the sides and one at the back—which are deep enough to safely hold essentials like keys or a phone during activity, a practical benefit not always found in gym shorts. Breathability is enhanced by small breathable holes on the sides and a mesh lining in the pockets, plus the fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which is great for outdoor workouts or hikes. The flatlock seams help reduce chafing, adding to comfort.

On the downside, the shorts do not have belt loops, which might limit styling options if you prefer wearing a belt. Also, while the reflective strips improve visibility in low light, some users looking for a more minimalist design might find them less appealing. These shorts suit those who want versatile, breathable, and secure shorts for running, gym sessions, hiking, or casual sports, especially in warm weather. They provide a good mix of function and comfort without being overly technical or complicated.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,241
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The material is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for workouts or just lounging around.
Fit
The fit is true to size with a comfortable waistband that offers just the right amount of stretch.
Length
They strike a great balance in length, providing enough coverage without restricting movement.
Waistband
The fit is true to size with a comfortable waistband that offers just the right amount of stretch.
Pockets
The zippered pockets are secure and ideal for carrying essentials like phone or keys during activity.
Breathability
The material is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for workouts or just lounging around.
#2

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise NAVY-5inch M

Rating
10.0
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The shorts offer a perfect blend of lightweight, breathable material that keeps you comfortable during workouts or casual wear.
Fit
The elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring delivers a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you.
Length
Versatile length strikes a great balance—not too short nor too long—suiting various activities and preferences.
Waistband
The elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring delivers a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you.
Pockets
Zippered pockets provide secure storage for essentials like phones and keys, making them ideal for active use.
Breathability
The shorts offer a perfect blend of lightweight, breathable material that keeps you comfortable during workouts or casual wear.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are a solid choice for anyone looking for comfortable, versatile gym or activewear shorts. Made from a mix of polyester and elastane, they offer good durability and stretch, which is great for unrestricted movement during workouts or sports. The fabric is quick-drying and breathable thanks to 4-way stretch material and ventilation holes on the sides, helping to keep you cool and dry. With a 5-inch inseam, these shorts strike a balance between coverage and freedom of movement, making them suitable for running, basketball, hiking, or casual gym wear.

The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures a secure and customizable fit, which is key during active sessions. Another strong point is the inclusion of three zippered pockets—two on the sides and one at the back—that are deep enough to safely hold your essentials like keys, phone, or wallet while you move. Additionally, the shorts offer UPF 50+ sun protection, making them a good option for outdoor activities. Reflective strips add a safety feature for low-light conditions, which is a thoughtful touch. One thing to note is that these shorts don’t have belt loops, which some might prefer for style or added waist security, but the elastic waistband generally compensates well.

These shorts excel in the key areas gym-goers look for: comfort, breathability, fit, and secure storage. They’re especially suitable for those who want lightweight, quick-dry shorts with functional pockets and sun protection. For anyone seeking simple yet effective shorts for multiple sports and outdoor use, these shorts are a reliable pick.

Rating
10.0
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The shorts offer a perfect blend of lightweight, breathable material that keeps you comfortable during workouts or casual wear.
Fit
The elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring delivers a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you.
Length
Versatile length strikes a great balance—not too short nor too long—suiting various activities and preferences.
Waistband
The elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring delivers a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you.
Pockets
Zippered pockets provide secure storage for essentials like phones and keys, making them ideal for active use.
Breathability
The shorts offer a perfect blend of lightweight, breathable material that keeps you comfortable during workouts or casual wear.
#3

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Tennis Hiking Exercise Black M

Rating
9.7
Material
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The material is fantastic—light, airy, and it dries quickly, perfect for both beach trips and workouts.
Fit
Comfortable and seemingly durable, these shorts have a great fit and feel.
Pockets
Pockets are well-designed for running and seem to be sweat-proof.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are crafted from a blend of 90% polyester and 10% elastane, making them lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. This combination ensures durability and stretch, allowing for better mobility during various activities. The shorts also feature stylish breathable holes on both sides and reflective strips for added safety in low-light conditions.

The fit is adjustable thanks to a soft elastic waistband and a built-in drawstring, offering a custom fit. These shorts are available in 7", 5", and 9" lengths, catering to different preferences for gym, running, or casual wear. One of the standout features is the three zipper pockets that provide secure storage for essentials like keys and phones. The pockets are deep and designed to prevent items from falling out during movement.

The UPF 50+ fabric offers excellent sun protection, making these shorts suitable for outdoor activities. Users will appreciate the machine-washable convenience and the ability to wear these shorts comfortably all day. These shorts are ideal for various occasions such as hiking, gym workouts, and casual outings, offering a versatile option for men looking for comfort and practicality in their athletic wear.

Rating
9.7
Material
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
16991 reviews

Material
The material is fantastic—light, airy, and it dries quickly, perfect for both beach trips and workouts.
Fit
Comfortable and seemingly durable, these shorts have a great fit and feel.
Pockets
Pockets are well-designed for running and seem to be sweat-proof.

Buying Guide for the Best Men's Gym Shorts

Choosing the right men's gym shorts can significantly enhance your workout experience. The right pair should offer comfort, flexibility, and durability, allowing you to focus on your exercise routine without any distractions. When selecting gym shorts, consider the following key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs.
MaterialThe material of gym shorts is crucial as it affects comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Common materials include cotton, polyester, and blends. Cotton is soft and comfortable but may retain moisture. Polyester is lightweight, durable, and wicks moisture away, making it ideal for intense workouts. Blends often combine the best properties of different materials. Choose a material based on your workout intensity and personal comfort preferences.
FitThe fit of gym shorts determines how they move with your body. There are generally three types of fits: loose, regular, and compression. Loose fit offers maximum freedom of movement and is great for activities like weightlifting. Regular fit provides a balance between comfort and mobility, suitable for most workouts. Compression fit supports muscles and improves circulation, ideal for high-intensity training. Select a fit that aligns with your workout type and comfort level.
LengthThe length of gym shorts can impact your range of motion and comfort. Shorts typically come in three lengths: short (5-7 inches), medium (7-9 inches), and long (9-11 inches). Shorter lengths offer greater mobility and are preferred for running or high-intensity interval training. Medium lengths provide a balance of coverage and flexibility, suitable for general gym workouts. Longer lengths offer more coverage and are ideal for activities like basketball. Choose a length that matches your activity and comfort preference.
WaistbandThe waistband of gym shorts affects how securely they stay in place during workouts. Options include elastic waistbands, drawstrings, or a combination of both. Elastic waistbands offer a snug fit and are easy to put on and take off. Drawstrings allow for adjustable tightness, providing a customizable fit. A combination of both offers the best of both worlds. Consider your preference for adjustability and security when choosing the waistband type.
PocketsPockets can add convenience to your gym shorts, allowing you to carry essentials like keys, phone, or gym card. Some shorts have no pockets, while others have side pockets, zippered pockets, or hidden pockets. If you prefer to keep your belongings with you during workouts, look for shorts with secure pockets. However, if you find pockets distracting or unnecessary, you might opt for a pocketless design. Choose based on your need for carrying items during exercise.
BreathabilityBreathability refers to how well the fabric allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and dry. This is particularly important for high-intensity workouts or hot environments. Look for shorts with mesh panels or moisture-wicking fabrics that enhance breathability. If you tend to sweat a lot or exercise in warm conditions, prioritize breathable materials to stay comfortable. For less intense workouts or cooler environments, breathability may be less critical.

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