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The best workout shorts come down to three choices: inseam, liner and pockets. This hub compares 19 men's and women's shorts to help you pick quickly. Based on brand specs and what owners commonly report, here are three good starting points.
Want a shortlist? The shorts finder quiz asks about inseam, liner and activity, then matches you with options. Prices are list prices and sales are common.
Inseam is the main fit decision. In this set, men's shorts run from 3 inches (the Ten Thousand Distance) to 9 inches (Vuori Kore and Pace Breaker offer 9). Women's styles go from about 2 inches to 8.5 inches in the biker cuts. A 3 to 5 inch inseam suits running and freedom of movement. A 7 inch is the common all-purpose gym length. Longer lengths cover more thigh for lifting and squats. Several shorts come in multiple inseams, so you can pick your length without changing brand. Lululemon Pace Breaker and Vuori Kore each offer 5, 7 and 9 inch options, and Ten Thousand sells separate 3, 5 and 7 inch styles for different uses.
Liner or no liner
A liner replaces underwear and cuts chafing for many people. Types in the data:
Brief liner (Kore, Hotty Hot, Ten Thousand Session): a classic running-style liner.
Compression liner (Rhone Pursuit, Ten Thousand Interval): a longer, snug liner that stays in place and reduces thigh rub for some.
No liner (Pace Breaker, Alo Repetition, Gymshark Arrival): your choice of underwear.
If you are unsure, a liner is the lower-effort option. Linerless suits layering a compression short.
Pockets
Pockets range from none to zippered and multi-pocket setups. Runners often want a secure zip or phone pocket, while lifters may not care. The Ten Thousand Interval and Rhone Pursuit list multiple pockets. Women's styles like the Girlfriend Collective Run and Bike shorts have none, so check if you need a phone pocket.
Fit and feel
Fit ranges from slim (Gymshark Arrival, Girlfriend Collective) to athletic (most men's shorts) to relaxed (Hotty Hot, Clementine). Fabric is either woven-light (airy, light, little stretch) or stretch-knit (soft with more give). Waistbands are elastic, drawcord or both. Compression styles, such as the Girlfriend Collective Bike Short, hold in place for lifting and cycling.
Sizes and price
Prices here run from about $26 (Gymshark Arrival) to $128 (Ten Thousand Distance). Extended sizes: Girlfriend Collective goes to 6XL, Lululemon Pace Breaker to 3XL and Align shorts to size 20. Check return windows in our return policy guide.
Many shoppers pick the shortest inseam for running without thinking about chafing. A short inseam with no liner can be uncomfortable for some people, so match length and liner to how you move.
Another mistake is ignoring pockets. If you run with a phone, check the pocket type before the color, since the data lists zip, side, phone, multi and no-pocket styles.
Finally, check the size range. Some pages list incomplete sizing, such as Under Armour's, so confirm the range on the brand's page before ordering, and check the return window if you are between sizes.
It depends on the workout and your comfort. Many runners like 3 to 5 inches for freedom of movement. Seven inches is the common gym length and offers more coverage for squats. Try a middle length first, then adjust. Several brands offer more than one inseam in the same style.
Do I need a liner in workout shorts?
Not always. A liner replaces underwear and reduces chafing for many people, which is why lined shorts are popular for running. If you prefer your own underwear or compression shorts, a linerless short gives more choice. Compression liners hold in place but feel snugger than brief liners.
Are compression shorts good for working out?
Many people like compression shorts for lifting, cycling and runs because they stay put and reduce thigh rub. Others find them too snug. Biker shorts like the Girlfriend Collective Bike Short are a popular women's option. Choose based on comfort and activity.
What is the difference between woven and knit shorts?
Woven shorts feel lighter and crisper and often have less stretch. Knit shorts feel softer and stretch more. The data lists both types for these shorts, so check the fabric label. Woven suits running and hot days, while knit suits lifting and movement-heavy workouts.
Can I use running shorts for the gym?
Yes. Many running shorts work well in the gym, and many gym shorts work for easy runs. Look at the liner, pockets and inseam instead of the label. If you squat or lunge deeply, a longer inseam or compression liner may feel more secure.
