I Normally Hate Gym Shorts, but These Are So Good, They Changed My Mind

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I don’t know about you, but I cannot find the motivation to exercise if I don’t feel comfortable and supported in my activewear. With summer in full swing, I’ve officially switched over to wearing shorts to the gym, yoga studio, and while walking my dog in the sweltering Los Angeles heat. Last week, I was digging out my collection of seasonal athleisure from the depths of my dresser, and was reunited with some of the best gym shorts I’ve ever worn. 

To be completely honest, I am more of a leggings gal and don’t really love wearing shorts. Because of that, I am extremely picky about the shorts I add to my closet, and have held onto a few favorites for years. If you’re wondering what to wear while working out this summer, I’m sharing the best gym shorts from my collection, plus a few I’m eyeing for the season, ahead. 

Best Gym Shorts at a Glance

• Best Overall: Lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 4″, $68
• Best Trendy: FP Movement The Way Home Shorts, $30
• Best for Yoga: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Team Pockets 7″ Biker Short, $72
• Best for Running: Vuori Dash Short, $58
• Best Colors: Halara 2-in-1 Yoga Shorts, $23
• Best Sweats: Vuori Sedona Sport Short, $68
• Best Bike Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch YPB sculptLUX Bike Short, $45
• Best Sustainable: Girlfriend Black Trail Short, $39
• Best Print: Laurel Canyon Tennis Club Love All Recycled Biker Shorts, $108
• Most Stylish: Zella Expression Double Sheer Shorts, $59

What Type of Shorts are Best for the Gym? 

If you’re not sure what type of shorts are best for the gym, Kate Baldasare, a NASM-certified personal trainer, pre and postnatal certified trainer, and corrective exercise specialist, says to let your workout inform the best shorts for you. “If you are a runner and doing some cardio, a looser fit running short will work,” she explains. “If you are performing weight lifting or strength training, I recommend a tighter fit biker style short.” 

No matter what style of shorts you choose, Baldasare says to look at the fabric first. “Generally, a sweat-wicking, fast-drying fabric like polyester or spandex is great and will also stretch and move with you,” she explains.

In addition to fabric — which is a key feature of function — Baldasare says to consider more functional details like pockets, lining, and coverage to determine which shorts are best for your preferred workout. 

How Should Gym Shorts Fit Women?

The best-fitting gym shorts are the most comfortable and functional styles. For example, if you plan to use a bike or other sitting equipment, Baldasare says, “You’ll want something longer to avoid any discomfort or chafing on your legs.” 

Opting for styles that are true-to-size is a great idea, too. “Just like a pair of leggings, anything too tight or too loose will be an annoyance to your workout, so they should be true to size,” says Baldasare. “The ultimate flex is a pair of shorts that feel good, work well, and give you the confidence to crush your workout.”

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