How to Pick the Best Workout Shorts for Men

If you’ve ever tried to exercise in shorts that are too big, too small, too tight, or just plain uncomfortable, you know how distracting bad workout clothes can be.

Your bottoms matter.

Here’s a super quick and easy guide to help you pick the perfect workout shorts for your needs:

Best Gym Shorts for Men: Pinnacle Shorts

Pinnacle Shorts are stylish enough to wear outside the gym, but truly, these shorts are built for ultimate gym performance. A lightweight, woven-knit fabric with multiple inseams ensures the shorts have the perfect fit. They dry quickly; are nicely stretchy and breathable; and are treated with an anti-odor silver ion treatment. Zipper pockets high on the hip hold your stuff out of the way when you’re lifting. Top that off with high-end zippers, a non-scrunch waistband, a double layer faux fly, and an under-leg gusset for max range of motion and less tension in the crotch and you’ve got the ultimate gym shorts.

Best Men's Athletic Shorts for Recovery and Relaxation: Attis Shorts

The Attis Shorts definitely hold their own in the gym – with zipper pockets, four-way-stretch technical fabric, an anti-odor treatment, quality zippers, and great breathability and stretch – but with a slightly heavier fabric that’s oh so comfortable, they also feel amazing when relaxing and recovering. The super soft polyester-spandex fabric has a semi-slick outside and technical waffle texture on the inside. Wear these shorts to work hard – and also play hard.

Best Running Short for Men: Versa Shorts

Per the name, the Versa Shorts are the perfect blend of performance, lifestyle, and recovery. They are built for gym, with a four-way-stretch fabric; multiple inseams for an excellent fit; functional, zipper pockets high on the hip; a silver ion treatment; and best-in-class zippers. They are also so dang comfortable, with hand pockets; a lay-flat waistband; an under-leg gusset for less tension in the crotch; and a soft, heathered material with great coverage. They’re equally as stylish, too – with multiple colors to choose from; drawstrings that can be tied inside or outside to change the look; a double layer faux fly; and medium fabric weight. These shorts can do it all.

Best Men's Compression Shorts: Virtus Shorts

Add the Virtus Shorts beneath any of the other three styles. These polyester-spandex compression shorts are designed to be a functional base layer underneath other shorts. They add light support and sweat wicking, while reducing the need to wash the outer shorts as frequently. The four-way-stretch fabric won’t limit your movement. The flatlock stitching and low-profile jacquard waistband add minimal bulk and are super comfy. Oh, and these shorts reduces chafing. They’re the perfect base to add to your gym attire.

How Tight Should Compression Shorts Be?

There's a fine line when it comes to compression shorts. Too tight and they'll be uncomfortable, pinching and digging into your skin. Too loose, and you won't have the benefits of compression and support.

When finding the right fit, make sure the waistband doesn't pinch but stays in place. The hips, waist, and thighs should all offer slight compression, and the shorts should stay in place during movement while remaining comfortable.

Best Budget-Friendly Gym Shorts: Motus Shorts

For a more budget-friendly gym staple, the Motus Shorts provide you with a lightweight and quick drying layer that'll help keep you cool and comfortable as your workout heats up. With SILVADUR™ anti-odor technology to keep you smelling fresh, and secure, high-hip zipper pockets to hold onto your wallet, keys, or phone.

Most Versatile Gym Shorts: Apollo Shorts

Whether you're tackling HIIT, sprinting through intervals, lifting heavy, or cruising through town running errands, the Men's Apollo Shorts offer unmatched versatility and comfort. These shorts and breathable and feature four-way stretch to support a full range of motion and comfort through sweaty sessions, with hip hip zipper pockets to keep everything you need in reach secure. Plus, they're super soft and durable, perfect for chilly mornings or warm-weather — taking you from the gym into the rest of your day.

Best Boxer Briefs for Men: Foris Boxer Briefs

The Foris Boxer Briefs were engineered to be the under garment you don't even notice. Made from a buttery-soft, breathable, and sweat-wicking fabric, these drawers keep you cool and dry through training and the rest of your day. Since comfort was the key here, you'll appreciate the 4-way stretch construction, flatlock stitching that limits chafing, and the low-profile jacquard waistband that stays smooth against the body.

What Makes REP Fitness Apparel the Best?

Skip the hassle of navigating peak performance gym clothes. REP Fitness is gym equipment and apparel for athletes, made by athletes — rigorously tested through lifts, HIIT, endurance efforts, and casual hangs to make sure they stand up to the challenges of the day.

REP uses high-quality manufacturing partners and construction methods. We use the best available fabrics and when we need something better, we develop a new fabric to meet the needs of our apparel.

Then, unlike typical brands that use mannequins for sizing, we utilize mannequins AND real people — over 10,000 body scans of athletes of all shapes and sizes — to ensure a fit that's comfortable, supportive, and capable of moving with your body through sport and athletic pursuits.

Takeaway

Picking out the best gym clothes for your routine doesn't need to be a workout in itself. REP Fitness has you covered with athletic shorts that support you no matter your training — from running hill sprints, tackling heavy lifts, to relaxing after a workout.

So load up on the REP shorts you need to help you stick to your goals, because who wants to do laundry every other day?

FAQs

What are the best men's shorts for gym workouts?

All of REP's shorts are designed to support gym workouts, but if you could only choose one, the Pinnacle Shorts take the cake. Beathable, stretchy, quick-drying, and infused with anti-odor technology, these shorts are ready to move with you throughout your training. Plus, the high hip zipper pockets keeps your stuff secure and close by.

How do I choose the right athletic shorts for running?

Finding athletic shorts that work for running comes down to how they lay on your body, their length, and whether or not they chafe or rub. The Versa Shorts feature multiple inseams for a more tailored fit to limit chafing, with zipper pockets on the hips so your gear doesn't jump around as you run.

What is the best length for men's running shorts?

The inseam you choose depends on personal preference; however we recommend either 5-inch or 7-inch lengths to support freedom of movement and coverage for running.