10 Best Gym Shorts For Women in 2026

This is the pair I’d hand to a friend starting their gym journey or someone who wants one short that works for everything from a HIIT class to a weekend hike. The crossover high waist stays put, and the zippered pockets keep your phone secure during burpees.

With a 2.5-inch inseam, these shorts are short, great for unrestricted motion but not ideal if you prefer more thigh coverage for cycling or modesty. Compared to the Ksmien Women’s Athletic Running Shorts, which are unlined, the Blooming Jelly includes a built-in liner and a crossover high waist, though the Ksmien offers a longer 5- or 7-inch inseam option. If you want a secure, liner-supported fit and don’t mind a shorter length, the Blooming Jelly works well; if longer coverage is your priority, the Ksmien is a different choice.

Four functional pockets, including two zippered side pockets that securely hold a phone and keys, make these shorts a standout for anyone who hates carrying a bag during a run or gym session. The 2-in-1 design pairs a flowy outer layer with a built-in liner of nylon and spandex, which provides soft support and helps prevent chafing and ride-up. That combination of storage and coverage suits runners, gym-goers, and anyone who wants to move freely without constant adjustments. The high-waisted elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring lets you dial in the fit, and the split hem adds both mobility and a sporty look that works for daily wear too.

The built-in liner adds an extra layer, which some may find warmer than a single-layer short in hot weather. Compared to the Ksmien Women’s Athletic Running Shorts from the guide, which are listed as unlined, the MLYENX offers the liner’s support and chafe protection but adds that extra fabric. If you prioritize a lighter feel, the Ksmien may be worth considering, but for those who value pocket space and liner security during high-movement workouts, this design delivers exactly what it promises.

A high-waisted waistband with tummy control means these shorts hold you in without rolling down during yoga or running. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with your body, while the moisture-wicking, quick-dry material keeps sweat from soaking through. Two deep side pockets fit a phone securely, so you can listen to music or track a workout without carrying anything in your hands. If you want a secure, smoothing fit that stays put through squats and stretches, this is a strong choice.

The deep side pockets on these shorts hold a phone securely, so you can listen to music or podcasts while walking or running without needing an armband. The high-waisted design with tummy control helps streamline your shape and keeps the waistband from rolling down during yoga or Pilates. Compared to the Blooming Jelly Athletic Running Shorts with a 2.8-inch inseam, these offer more coverage and support, though the fabric is not as airy for hot days.

The 90% polyester blend dries fast after a sweaty session or a splash through a puddle, and the wide elastic waistband with drawstring adjusts to fit without digging in. The Amazon listing mentions UPF 50+ protection, which is a common feature for outdoor activity shorts. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, trail running or just walking the dog on a bright day, that sun protection can be a helpful addition.

The trade-off is the unlined design: there is no built-in brief, so you will need to wear your own underwear or a liner shorts underneath. That gives you freedom to choose your preferred support, but it is one more thing to remember on laundry day. Compared to the 2-in-1 options like the MLYENX Running Shorts, which have a built-in liner, the Ksmien keeps things simpler and lighter but expects you to handle the base layer yourself. For anyone who prioritizes sun protection and pocket security over all-in-one convenience, these deliver exactly that.

Weighing 0.4 pounds, these shorts are light enough for hot runs or sweaty gym sessions. The fabric is described as ultra-soft, weightless, and quick-dry, with no swish-swish sound. The double-layer design includes a built-in spandex liner with anti-slip dots, and side zipper pockets deep enough for a phone. That combination offers coverage without extra bulk for high-motion workouts.

The 3-inch inseam provides less coverage than longer shorts, which may not suit those who prefer more leg coverage. Without a drawstring, the compression waistband must provide the fit, so if you need an adjustable waist, the Blooming Jelly athletic shorts are an alternative. For a lightweight, pocketed option with a built-in liner, these CRZ YOGA shorts are a practical choice.

With a hidden waistband pocket plus a back zipper pocket, these shorts let you carry keys, cards, and a phone without jangling or bouncing. The high-waisted wide elastic band also gives tummy control and stays put during lunges or sprints, while the built-in liner adds coverage without needing separate compression shorts.

The built-in mesh liner adds coverage without a second layer of fabric, so you get support and modesty without bulk. The outer layer’s side slits let you move freely through a full stride, but they also expose more leg than a closed inseam. For storage-first gym sessions, the hidden waistband pocket and back zipper pocket keep keys and cards secure while you move.

The two-layer design is the key feature here: a compression liner against your skin provides chafing protection, while the outer layer adds coverage and style. Four pockets, including two zippered, keep your phone and keys secure, and the stretchy elastic waistband stays put during activity. For anyone who prioritizes chafe-free miles, this design delivers what it promises.

The snug compression liner won’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer a looser, airier feel, the Blooming Jelly Women’s Athletic Running Shorts offer a single-layer alternative with a similar high-waisted fit. But if you’ve dealt with chafing on runs or during gym sessions, the Stelle’s built-in liner provides chafing protection directly. Just be aware that the polyester fabric is not described as breathable for extreme heat, and the 2-in-1 design means the liner is integrated.

Five pairs of shorts in one package means you can grab a fresh pair every gym day without doing laundry midweek. The quick-dry polyester-spandex blend wicks sweat away, and the high-waisted elastic band smooths your midsection while you move. Two zippered pockets keep your phone and keys secure during a run or a yoga session, and the inner liner adds chafe protection. This is a practical grab-and-go set for anyone who wants a reliable rotation of gym bottoms without overthinking it.

The fabric is a 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend that wicks moisture and dries quickly, so you stay cool during a run or gym session. Because the spandex content is low, the shorts don’t stretch as much as some other options, reviewers note they can feel snug during deep movements like lunges. The polyester also tends to hold onto sweat odor, meaning you’ll want to toss them in the wash after each wear. If you need a big stack of affordable, functional shorts and don’t mind the limited give, this five-pack delivers real value.

The 5-inch inseam is designed to prevent thigh chafing by providing mid-thigh coverage that stays put, so you can focus on your workout instead of pulling fabric down. The lightweight, quick-dry polyester-spandex blend pulls sweat away fast, and the moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool during outdoor training. For women who deal with irritation between their legs, this design directly addresses that frustration without adding bulk or a built-in liner.

The fabric has no stretch, which means the fit depends heavily on choosing the right size. The manufacturer recommends sizing up if you have wider hips or thicker thighs, so you may need to order a size larger than usual. Compared to the Blooming Jelly shorts, which use a stretchier material, the REWKOY pair feels more structured but less forgiving. If you prioritize chafe prevention and pocket security over stretchy comfort, these shorts deliver exactly what they promise.

A ruched mid-rise waistband with an internal drawcord means you get a secure, adjustable fit that stays put during squats or lunges, no constant tugging. The woven fabric wicks sweat and dries really fast, and super-breathable mesh panels provide enhanced ventilation. The built-in brief adds coverage without a separate liner, so these shorts work well for anyone wanting a reliable, no-fuss option.

Storage is limited: there’s only one invisible zip pocket on the right side, just big enough for a key or card, so you won’t be stashing a phone or multiple gels here. Compared to the CRZ YOGA 2 in 1 Double Layer Running Shorts, which offer zip pockets and a high-waisted cut, the Fly By is more minimal and less cargo-friendly. It’s a classic, focused short that does the basics very well.