10 Best Gym Shorts For Men in 2026

Three zipper pockets, two deep side and one back, mean your phone, keys, and cards stay put through sprints, jumps, or a set of burpees. Mesh lining inside keeps things comfortable against your leg. This is the short for the guy who wants one pair that works from a morning run to an evening basketball game, thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric, moisture-wicking tech, and UPF 50+ protection that handles sun without extra layers. The reflective strips on front and back add visibility when you’re out before dawn or after dusk, and the elastic waistband with drawstring lets you dial in the fit without fuss.

The trade-off is the unlined interior, if you prefer built-in compression or a liner, you’ll need to wear your own underneath. Compared to the CRZ YOGA Linerless Workout Shorts, which also skip a liner, the NORTHYARD gives you more pocket security with zippers and a longer inseam option (up to 9″) for those who want more coverage. The water-resistant coating is handy for light rain or a sweaty gym bench, but on scorching days it can hold heat a bit more than a fully mesh short. For everyday training where you carry essentials and move between sun and shade, this is the balanced pick.

Compared to the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts, which also offers zipper pockets but adds reflective strips for low-light visibility, the GGJ focuses on pocket capacity and freedom of movement. If you prioritize keeping your gear secure and hate fumbling with a separate bag, these are a straightforward, practical choice.

With a 5-inch inseam and a linerless design, these shorts are built for maximum airflow and minimal weight. The fabric is described as ultralight and quick-drying, so you won’t stay damp after a workout. Two side pockets and a right zipper pocket give you secure storage for essentials like keys or a phone during movement.

Because there’s no built-in liner, you will have to put on your own underwear underneath. The 5-inch inseam is shorter than the 7-inch or 9-inch options found on some other shorts, like the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts, which also include a liner. These are best suited for someone who wants a very lightweight, fast-drying layer and is fine pairing it with separate underwear. Not ideal for those who prefer a longer inseam or an all-in-one design with a liner.

At least 70% recycled materials make these shorts a thoughtful pick if you want your gym gear to tread a little lighter on the planet. Adidas builds them with AEROREADY moisture management, so sweat gets pulled away from your skin rather than pooling in the fabric. The regular fit sits between loose and snug, which means they won’t flap around during squats or feel restrictive on leg day. Front zip pockets give you a secure spot for keys or a phone, and the 9-inch inseam offers solid coverage for most training moves without riding up.

The Adidas Designed 4 Training Shorts use AEROREADY moisture management to keep you dry during workouts. They come in a regular fit that balances loose and snug, ideal for compound lifts or deep stretches where you don’t want fabric riding up. The 9-inch inseam provides extra coverage, and front zip pockets secure small items like a wallet or phone. Plus, they’re made with at least 70% recycled materials, so you’re reducing waste while training.

Two pairs in one package means you can rotate through laundry days without running out of gym-ready shorts. The Lempue 2 Pack Athletic Gym Shorts deliver a 5-inch inseam that keeps you cool during leg day or a quick run. The quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric helps you stay dry even when the workout gets sweaty. With two slash pockets for your phone and two zippered pockets for keys or cards, you get plenty of storage without worrying about things falling out mid-sprint. The elastic waistband and inner drawstring let you dial in the fit, so you can focus on the lift instead of tugging at your waistband. For anyone starting a gym routine or building a reliable rotation without spending much, this set makes practical sense.

The trade-off for that value is the shorter 5-inch inseam, which means less coverage than the 7- or 9-inch options you see on the NORTHYARD Athletic Running Shorts. Taller lifters or anyone who prefers a longer cut for modesty or chafing protection might find these a bit brief. There is also no built-in liner, so you will have to put on your own compression shorts or briefs underneath if you want that extra layer. But if you want two solid, functional pairs of gym shorts that handle sweat, storage, and movement without fuss, the Lempue pack is a smart, budget-friendly way to stock your drawer.

The AEROREADY moisture management system is the standout feature here, actively pulling sweat away from your skin so you stay dry through heavy sets or a long cardio session. That makes these shorts ideal for anyone who trains hard and hates that clammy cling of soaked fabric. The regular fit gives you room to move without feeling baggy, and the zip pockets mean your phone or keys stay put during burpees or box jumps. Plus, the 100% recycled build lets you feel good about your gear choice without sacrificing performance.

The Adidas Train Essentials Pique Shorts use AEROREADY moisture management to keep you dry during workouts, so you can focus on your reps instead of sweat. They come with front zip pockets that hold small essentials like a wallet or phone, which means you don’t have to worry about them falling out during a set. The regular fit strikes a comfortable balance between loose and snug, making them suitable for gym sessions without feeling baggy.

A relaxed fit that sits below the waist and an 8-inch inseam on a size Medium means these shorts give you room to move without riding up during squats or lunges. The performance tech fabric is ultra-lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so you stay cool even when your workout gets sweaty. That makes this two-pack an easy go-to for anyone who wants a no-fuss short that handles gym sessions, a pickup basketball game, or just lounging around, all without breaking the budget.

These shorts deliver exactly what they promise for the gym-goer who values breathability, comfort, and getting two pairs for the price of one. The trade-off is that loose fit and missing pockets.

A 10-inch inseam provides full coverage that stays in place during activity, as the elastic waistband with inner drawcord keeps the shorts from sliding up or down. The soft, breathable fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly, helping you stay comfortable during workouts.

The hand pockets on both sides let you carry a wallet or smartphone, but they lack a zipper closure. For comparison, the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts include zippered pockets for more secure storage. If you don’t need that extra security, these BALENNZ shorts offer a simple design that covers the basics for gym and casual wear.

Getting five pairs in a single pack means you can grab a fresh set every day of the workweek without doing laundry twice. The soft, breathable fabric and moisture-wicking quick-dry material keep you comfortable during sweaty sessions, while the elastic waistband with an internal drawcord stays put whether you are squatting or sprinting. That makes this bundle a practical choice for anyone who wants a reliable rotation of gym shorts without overthinking the details.

The trade-off is that the large side pockets lack zippers, so your phone or keys could slip out during intense movement or if you sit down carelessly. Still, for straightforward gym sessions and casual wear, this five-pack delivers solid everyday value with minimal fuss.

A 10-inch inseam and a relaxed, generous fit mean these shorts give you plenty of room to move without riding up or feeling clingy. That loose cut is ideal if you prefer your gym shorts to feel more like comfortable everyday shorts than a second skin, especially for lower-body days or casual wear around the house. The UA Tech fabric wicks sweat and dries fast, so you stay comfortable during a workout without that heavy, damp feeling. This is the pick for anyone who values freedom of movement and a laid-back fit over a streamlined, performance-tight silhouette.

The 10-inch inseam means these shorts hit above the knee, giving you plenty of coverage without feeling restrictive. There is no built-in liner, so you will have to put on your own compression shorts or underwear underneath, which adds a layer of planning. Compared to the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts, which offer zippered pockets, the Under Armour Tech Graphic gives you a more relaxed, roomy fit but mesh pockets that don’t secure items as tightly as zippered ones. If you prioritize a loose, comfortable fit for the gym or lounging and don’t mind bringing your own base layer, these are a great match.