10 Best Exercise Shorts in 2026

A 9-inch inseam and zippered pockets make these shorts the kind of gear you grab when you don’t want to think about your gear. The Climacool moisture management pulls sweat away as intensity climbs, so you stay dry during heavy sets or long cardio sessions. The durable plain-weave fabric handles repeated washing without losing shape, which means they’ll still look good after months of gym rotation. For someone who wants one pair that works for lifting, running, and everyday errands, these deliver reliable performance without fuss.

The trade-off is that the woven fabric lacks stretch, so deep squats or lunges might feel a bit restrictive compared to the Under Armour Launch Run 7-inch Shorts, which use a more flexible knit. But if your priority is secure pockets and sweat-wicking comfort that lasts, these are the pair that quietly handles everything you throw at them.

A dedicated right-side internal phone pocket means you can carry your phone securely without it bouncing or sliding out mid-stride. That makes these shorts a natural fit for runners who want to stay connected or track their route. The built-in knit compression layer adds support and eliminates the need for separate liners. If you prefer a streamlined, close-to-body feel and appreciate sustainable materials, the recycled polyester fabric here is lightweight and durable enough for regular pavement pounding.

These shorts have a fitted cut and run small, so you will want to order a size up from your usual. Keep that in mind if you are between sizes or prefer a looser feel. The open hand pockets are fine for keys or a gel, but if you need zippered security, you will want to look elsewhere.

The 91% recycled polyester construction means these shorts are built with sustainability in mind, without sacrificing the stretch you need for lunges or deep squats. If you want gear that keeps your phone and keys from bouncing out during a run or gym session, the front zip pockets are a real win. These shorts suit the environmentally conscious lifter who wants a clean, regular fit that stays put through dynamic moves.

The adidas Axis Woven Training Shorts are built with 91% recycled polyester and 9% elastane, so you get stretchy, eco-conscious fabric that moves with you during squats or lunges. The elastic waist with drawcord lets you dial in the fit without a belt, and the front zip pockets keep your phone and keys secure, no more fishing them out from under a bench. At 7 inches, the inseam hits mid-thigh on most guys, which works well for gym sessions but won’t satisfy anyone who wants a longer or shorter cut.

An 8-inch inseam and relaxed fit through the hip and thigh mean these shorts move with you during squats, lunges, or a quick run to the basket, without riding up or binding. The ultra-lightweight honeycomb fabric wicks moisture and dries fast, so you stay comfortable through a sweaty workout or a lazy afternoon. For the price of a pack of two, you get a no-fuss pair that handles the gym, the court, or just lounging around the house.

The most decisive fact about these shorts is their relaxed fit, which means they sit below the waist and give generous room through the hip, thigh, and leg. That makes them ideal for unrestricted movement during a game or workout. The performance tech fabric is ultra-lightweight and breathable, with moisture-wicking and quick-dry finishes that help keep you cool when you’re active. An adjustable elastic waistband with drawcord adds extra security, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping during drills or sprints.

A 10-inch inseam means these shorts cover your legs well without riding up, whether you’re sprinting on the track or dropping into a squat at the gym. The quick-drying fabric wicks moisture away from your skin, so you stay dry through intense sets and cool-downs alike. BALENNZ designed these with a soft, breathable material that stretches when you need it, and the elastic waistband plus inner drawcord let you dial in the fit without fuss. They’re a practical pick for anyone who wants a do-it-all athletic short that handles sweat and movement without constant adjustment.

The longer cut isn’t ideal if you prefer a shorter inseam for speed work or high-rep leg days. For gym sessions, running, or basketball where you value quick drying and secure pockets, these shorts deliver exactly what the spec sheet promises.

A 2.5-inch inseam with a high-waist cut and built-in liner makes these shorts ideal for runners who want freedom of movement without worrying about coverage. The quick-dry polyester-spandex blend pulls moisture away, so you stay comfortable on warm days or during intense intervals. A zippered pocket on the left side holds a phone securely, and the dolphin hem with a longer back panel keeps the shorts in place as you move. This design suits women who prefer a snug, supportive waistband and don’t mind showing a bit more leg.

The BMJL 2.5″ Athletic Shorts have a single zipper pocket on the left side that securely holds a phone during workouts, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out while running or jumping. The high-waisted design with an elastic wide waistband keeps the shorts in place during sprints, and the built-in liner provides elastic support and protective coverage. Just check the size chart before ordering, as the shorts are produced according to the brand’s own sizing.

Five pairs in one package means you can grab a fresh set every day of the workweek without doing laundry. The soft, breathable fabric and moisture-wicking quick-dry design keep you comfortable whether you are lifting, running, or just lounging at home. Elastic waistband with an internal drawcord helps them stay put during squats or sprints, and the two side pockets hold your phone and keys securely. This pack works great for anyone building a no-fuss gym wardrobe on a budget who values convenience over flashy details.

The AKAWOOKO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Shorts do not list a specific inseam length, so if you prefer a precise 7-inch or 9-inch cut, you are guessing here. By contrast, the adidas Workout Essentials Basic Woven Shorts offer a clear 9-inch inseam. The AKAWOOKO pack gives you five shorts in one package but less control over fit details. If you want variety in colors or a tailored length, this multi-pack may feel generic, but for straightforward gym rotation and solid basics, it delivers exactly what it promises.

A 10-inch inseam and Relaxed Fit mean these shorts prioritize coverage and freedom over streamlined speed. The UA Tech fabric pulls moisture away fast and stays soft, so you stay comfortable during strength circuits or long cardio sessions without feeling clingy. If you prefer a looser silhouette that doesn’t restrict your squat depth or stride, this design delivers exactly that roomy feel. The elastic waistband with an internal drawcord keeps them secure without digging in, and the mesh hand pockets let you stash a phone or keys without adding bulk.

The 10-inch inseam and relaxed fit give these shorts generous coverage and freedom to move, making them a good pick for lifting, stretching, or walking. The UA Tech fabric wicks sweat and dries fast, so you stay comfortable during active use. Reviewers note the encased elastic waistband with an internal drawcord keeps them secure without digging in.

The recycled polyester fabric with 4-way stretch means you get a short that moves with you during lunges, sprints, or deep squats without feeling restrictive. That stretch, paired with moisture-wicking and breathable construction, makes these a smart pick for anyone who wants a single pair of shorts that works from a morning hike to an evening gym session. The concealed zip pockets add real peace of mind for carrying keys or a phone without worrying about them slipping out.

The trade-off here is the 6-inch inseam. It gives a modern, athletic cut that stays out of the way for high-intensity movement, but if you prefer more thigh coverage or are on the taller side, it might feel a bit short. Compared to the adidas Workout Essentials Basic Woven Shorts with a 9-inch inseam, these Amazon Essentials shorts lean toward a sleeker, more trim fit that prioritizes mobility over modesty. They are a practical, eco-conscious option for active days where you value stretch and pocket security.

The Under Armour Launch Run 7-inch Shorts weigh 0.3 pounds, so they’re slightly heavier than the Nike Tempo Dri-Fit. If you prefer a different weight profile, that’s a point of comparison. The Nike shorts focus on minimalism and a specific fit, while the Under Armour option offers a different balance.