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

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.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are a solid choice for gym-goers and active men who want lightweight, breathable shorts. Made from a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex, these shorts offer good mobility and quick moisture-wicking to keep you cool during workouts. The fabric is also abrasion-resistant, so it should hold up well over time. The fit is adjustable thanks to a soft elastic waistband with a built-in drawstring, allowing you to customize comfort without needing a belt.

These shorts come in a 5-inch inseam length (also available in other lengths), which is a popular size for both running and gym use—short enough for freedom of movement but long enough for decent coverage. Breathability is enhanced by small breathable holes along the sides and mesh pocket linings, helping with ventilation on hot days. Storage is a strong point here, too; three zippered pockets (two on the sides and one at the back) offer secure spots for keys, phone, or wallet during exercise, which is great for active lifestyles. Additionally, the fabric provides UPF 50+ sun protection, making these shorts suitable for outdoor sports.

On the downside, they don't have belt loops, so if you prefer wearing a belt for style or extra waist support, these may not be ideal. Also, while the reflective strips increase safety in low light, the design might be too sporty for casual wear outside of workouts. These shorts are well-suited for men who want versatile, functional gym or running shorts with good breathability, secure pockets, and a comfortable adjustable fit.

The Amazon Essentials Men's Athletic Basketball Gym Shorts offer a relaxed and comfortable fit, making them ideal if you prefer roomy shorts that don't cling tightly around your hips and thighs. These shorts sit just below the waist with an adjustable elastic waistband and drawcord, helping you keep them secure during activities. Made from 100% polyester with a performance tech fabric, they are lightweight, breathable, and designed to wick moisture away, which helps keep you cool and dry during workouts or casual wear.

The fabric also has a little stretch, adding flexibility for movements like jogging or playing basketball. The length is just above the knee (about 8 inches inseam on a medium size), which is a common and practical length for gym or sport shorts. These shorts are easy to care for with machine washing and tumble drying.

They are well suited for men looking for comfortable, breathable shorts for gym, basketball, or everyday activities but might not be the best choice if you need shorts with pockets or a tighter fit.