Best Gym Shorts for Men That Move With You

A pair of shorts can make or break a training session faster than most people expect. When the hem catches at the bottom of a squat, the waistband rolls during deadlifts, or sweaty fabric clings halfway through conditioning, your focus shifts from the work to your gear. The best gym shorts for men feel like they are not there: they move when you move, manage heat well and stay put when the session gets serious.

That does not mean there is one perfect pair for every athlete. A bloke building strength in the rack, a runner clocking kilometres before work and a weekend footy player doing speed work need different things from their shorts. Choose for the way you actually train, not just the colour or the model photo.

Best gym shorts for men: choose for your training

Start with the movements you do most. Training shorts are performance gear, and their cut, material and pocket setup should support the session in front of you.

For lifting and strength work

Lifters usually do best in shorts with a shorter inseam, a secure waistband and plenty of freedom through the hips. Five-inch to seven-inch shorts are a strong all-round range. They give your knees room to move, make it easier to check squat depth and avoid fabric bunching behind the knees on leg extensions or lunges.

Look for a gusseted crotch, which is an extra panel of fabric between the legs. It sounds like a small detail, but it reduces pulling at the seams during deep squats, split squats and wide-stance deadlifts. A slightly thicker, stretchy fabric can also feel more secure under a barbell than ultra-light running material.

Avoid oversized basketball-style shorts for serious lower-body sessions if they get caught on equipment or restrict your stride. They can be comfortable for a warm-up, but extra fabric is rarely helpful when you are working through a heavy set.

For running, conditioning and hybrid training

If your session includes intervals, sled pushes, burpees, box jumps or a quick run, lightness and moisture management matter more. A four-way stretch fabric with a small percentage of elastane moves cleanly in every direction, while sweat-wicking material helps prevent that soaked, heavy feeling late in the workout.

A five-inch inseam is popular for fast-paced training because it stays out of the way. A seven-inch option offers more coverage and can suit taller men or anyone who prefers a less exposed fit. Neither is automatically better. The right length is the one that lets you stride, squat and jump without rubbing or riding up.

For runs longer than a few kilometres, lined shorts deserve a look. A fitted inner liner can reduce chafing and keep everything supported, which means you may not need separate compression shorts underneath. The trade-off is personal: some athletes love the simplicity, while others find a liner too restrictive or too warm for hard gym sessions.

For sport, circuits and everyday training

Training across different sports calls for a versatile pair rather than a highly specialised one. A seven-inch, unlined short with stretch fabric, zip pockets and a drawcord waist works well for gym sessions, weekend sport and recovery walks alike. It is practical gear that earns its place in the rotation.

If you train outdoors in a New Zealand summer, prioritise breathable, quick-drying fabric over heavier cotton. Cotton can feel soft at the start, but it holds moisture once you sweat. Synthetic performance fabrics are generally better for regular training because they dry faster and keep their shape across repeated washes.

Get the fit right before chasing features

The best fabric in the world will not save a poor fit. Your shorts should sit securely at the waist without needing to be cinched tight enough to dig in. You should be able to brace your core, hinge forward and take a full stride without the waistband sliding or folding over.

Pay attention to the rise as well as the waist measurement. A low-rise short may look sharp standing in front of the mirror, then shift uncomfortably when you squat. A medium rise tends to be the safest choice for most gym-goers because it provides coverage without feeling restrictive around the stomach.

Length is largely a preference, but it changes how a short performs. Shorter styles feel freer for squats, running and hot weather. Longer styles can provide more coverage and may be more comfortable for machines, group classes or athletes with bigger quads. Try your usual movements rather than judging fit while standing still.

A simple fitting check helps. Do a bodyweight squat, raise one knee to hip height, perform a lunge and jog on the spot. If the fabric pinches, the leg opening grips your thighs, or the shorts slide around, size or style up. You want a confident fit, not a pair you have to adjust every set.

Fabric that works as hard as you do

Most quality gym shorts use polyester, nylon or a blend of the two, with elastane added for stretch. Polyester is lightweight, durable and quick to dry. Nylon often has a smoother, slightly more premium feel and can stand up well to friction from benches, turf and regular wear. Both are solid options when the construction is right.

Stretch is essential, but more elastane is not always better. Very stretchy, thin shorts can feel brilliant for mobility work yet offer little structure when pockets are loaded or when you prefer a firmer waistband. For lifting and general training, aim for a fabric that stretches with you but returns to shape afterwards.

Breathability matters most for high-output sessions. Mesh panels, perforated fabric and lighter weaves can improve airflow, especially around the inner thigh. These features are useful for conditioning, but they can sometimes make shorts feel less substantial. If your workouts are mostly weights in an air-conditioned gym, a more durable fabric may be the better call.

Features worth paying for

Not every extra feature earns its keep. The best gym shorts for men usually get a few core details right rather than piling on gimmicks.

A drawcord is valuable because it lets you lock in the waistband before running or jumping. Internal drawcords offer a cleaner look, while external ones are quicker to adjust. Either works if the cord is strong and does not disappear into the waistband after a wash.

Pockets are another decision based on how you train. Open side pockets are fine for getting to the gym, but a mobile can bounce out during rowing, running or burpees. At least one zip pocket is a smarter option for active sessions. It keeps your keys, card or mobile secure without turning your shorts into a bulky cargo style.

Reflective details are useful if you run early or late, though they are not a must for indoor gym work. Towel loops, oversized logos and multiple extra pockets are usually less important than a dependable waist, durable seams and fabric that handles sweat.

Lined or unlined gym shorts?

This is one of the most personal choices you will make. Lined shorts combine a supportive inner layer with an outer shell. They are convenient for running, conditioning and travelling because they reduce the number of garments you need to wear. A good liner should sit close to the body without squeezing the thighs or rolling at the leg.

Unlined shorts give you more flexibility. Wear them over your preferred compression shorts, trunks or nothing extra depending on the workout. Many lifters favour unlined designs because they can choose support separately and avoid the heat that some liners create during long sessions.

If chafing has been a problem, trial a lined pair or wear compression shorts underneath an unlined style. If you regularly train in high heat or simply dislike close-fitting layers, unlined is likely the more comfortable route.

Make your gym shorts last longer

Training shorts take a beating from sweat, equipment and constant washing. Turn them inside out before washing, use a cool cycle and skip fabric softener. Softener can leave a coating that reduces the moisture-wicking performance of technical fabrics.

Air-dry them where possible instead of using a hot dryer. High heat can wear down elastic fibres over time, leaving the waist loose and the fabric less responsive. It is also worth rotating at least two or three pairs rather than hammering the same favourite shorts every session.

Good shorts will not add kilos to your deadlift or run the intervals for you. They do remove one distraction from the work. Choose a pair that fits your training, holds up to repetition and lets you move with purpose, then put that saved energy into the next rep. Recover like an athlete, train like one too.