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10 Best Men's Gym Shorts 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Under Armour Men's UA Tech™ Graphic Shorts MD Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,103
Material
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
119026 reviews

Material
The shorts feel incredibly soft and lightweight, providing comfort without holding excess moisture during workouts.
Fit
They fit well with a relaxed cut that allows freedom of movement, though the inseam length might be slightly longer than some prefer.
Pockets
Deep, mesh-lined pockets offer practical storage for essentials like phones, keys, and snacks without compromising breathability.
Waistband
The elastic waistband with an internal drawcord stays secure without digging in, delivering a comfortable, adjustable fit.
Breathability
The fabric’s quick-drying nature and breathable mesh pockets help maintain airflow, keeping you cool throughout your activities.

The Under Armour Men's UA Tech™ Graphic Shorts are made from 100% polyester UA Tech fabric, which is designed to be quick-drying and ultra-soft, making them comfortable and practical for gym workouts. The fabric also wicks sweat effectively, helping you stay dry during intense sessions. These shorts feature an elastic waistband with an internal drawcord, offering a secure and adjustable fit without the need for buttons or zippers. The fit is relaxed but not overly baggy, allowing for good freedom of movement.

They include mesh hand pockets, which are handy for carrying small items like keys or a phone. The length is typical for gym shorts, hitting around mid-thigh, which is a good balance between coverage and ventilation. Thanks to the mesh pockets and breathable fabric, these shorts allow good airflow, helping to keep you cool.

Since they are made of polyester, the shorts dry quickly but might retain some odor after heavy use if not washed regularly. These shorts suit anyone looking for comfortable, easy-care gym shorts with solid sweat-wicking and breathability features, especially if you prefer a straightforward elastic waistband and a classic fit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,103
Material
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
119026 reviews

Material
The shorts feel incredibly soft and lightweight, providing comfort without holding excess moisture during workouts.
Fit
They fit well with a relaxed cut that allows freedom of movement, though the inseam length might be slightly longer than some prefer.
Pockets
Deep, mesh-lined pockets offer practical storage for essentials like phones, keys, and snacks without compromising breathability.
Waistband
The elastic waistband with an internal drawcord stays secure without digging in, delivering a comfortable, adjustable fit.
Breathability
The fabric’s quick-drying nature and breathable mesh pockets help maintain airflow, keeping you cool throughout your activities.
#2

BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear

Rating
9.7
Material
Waistband
Pockets

Most important from
30798 reviews

Material
These shorts deliver exceptional comfort and moisture-wicking performance, keeping you dry even during intense workouts.
Waistband
The elastic waistband offers an ideal balance—secure without feeling too tight—staying comfortably in place through various activities.
Pockets
Deep, roomy pockets hold essentials like phones and keys without sagging or adding bulk, making them highly practical for workouts and casual wear.
Breathability
The fabric is lightweight and breathable enough for hot weather, while remaining opaque and not see-through despite its thinness.

The BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men are designed with workout comfort in mind. Made from 100% polyester, the fabric is soft, stretchy, and breathable, which helps keep you dry by quickly wicking away sweat during exercise. With a 10-inch inseam, these shorts offer a moderate length that works well for various activities like running, basketball, or cycling, providing enough coverage without feeling bulky.

The waistband features an elastic band with a drawstring inside, making it easy to adjust the fit so the shorts stay comfortably in place whether you’re moving fast or standing still. One useful feature is the pockets on both sides, which are great for carrying small essentials like your phone or keys, so you don’t have to worry about where to put them during workouts. These shorts are machine washable and imported, making them convenient to care for.

On the downside, since they are made entirely of polyester, some may find the material less breathable than natural fabrics such as cotton, especially in very hot weather. Also, the elastic waistband, while adjustable, might not suit everyone’s preference for tighter or firmer support. These shorts are a suitable choice for men looking for versatile, quick-drying gym wear with practical pockets and a comfortable fit for a wide range of sports and training activities.

Rating
9.7
Material
Waistband
Pockets

Most important from
30798 reviews

Material
These shorts deliver exceptional comfort and moisture-wicking performance, keeping you dry even during intense workouts.
Waistband
The elastic waistband offers an ideal balance—secure without feeling too tight—staying comfortably in place through various activities.
Pockets
Deep, roomy pockets hold essentials like phones and keys without sagging or adding bulk, making them highly practical for workouts and casual wear.
Breathability
The fabric is lightweight and breathable enough for hot weather, while remaining opaque and not see-through despite its thinness.
#3

Men's Running Shorts with Zipper Pockets 7 Inch Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Athletic Workout Shorts for Men (Black, L)

Rating
9.1
Fit
Pockets
Breathability

Most important from
4912 reviews

Fit
These shorts fit true to size and offer exceptional comfort with a high-quality feel.
Pockets
The side pockets are very functional, and the deep zipper pocket keeps valuables safe during workouts.
Breathability
Lightweight and quick-drying fabric makes these shorts perfect for intense exercise and hot weather.
Waistband
The waistband is comfortable and secure, with a drawstring that doesn’t roll or fold inside itself.
Material
Colors are accurate and the fabric is not see-through, maintaining a clean, sharp look.
Length
Plenty of legroom and the 7-inch inseam length matches expectations for versatile gym and running use.

These men's running shorts are a solid choice if you want lightweight, breathable gym shorts that dry quickly. The fabric blend of mostly polyester with some spandex offers good stretch and sweat-wicking, which helps keep you comfortable during workouts. The 7-inch inseam is a versatile length—not too short or long—making them suitable for running, gym sessions, and other sports. The wide elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring provides a customizable and secure fit, which is important for active use. A standout feature is the three-pocket design, including a deep zipper pocket to safely store valuables like your phone or keys, along with two roomy front pockets for hands or small items.

The split hem adds extra freedom of movement, which is great if you do dynamic activities. One potential downside is the synthetic fabric, which some users might find less soft compared to natural fibers, and it might retain a bit of odor after heavy sweating. Also, while the fit is roomy in the thighs and glutes, those looking for a tighter compression style might want to consider other options. These shorts are well suited for men who want practical, comfortable gym shorts with secure storage and versatile use across various sports.

Rating
9.1
Fit
Pockets
Breathability

Most important from
4912 reviews

Fit
These shorts fit true to size and offer exceptional comfort with a high-quality feel.
Pockets
The side pockets are very functional, and the deep zipper pocket keeps valuables safe during workouts.
Breathability
Lightweight and quick-drying fabric makes these shorts perfect for intense exercise and hot weather.
Waistband
The waistband is comfortable and secure, with a drawstring that doesn’t roll or fold inside itself.
Material
Colors are accurate and the fabric is not see-through, maintaining a clean, sharp look.
Length
Plenty of legroom and the 7-inch inseam length matches expectations for versatile gym and running use.

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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