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Yes, our forebears managed just fine in sweatpant cutoffs, but why settle for less when the best workout shorts for men will give you an edge? Whether you're hitting your local gym five times a week or committing to a weekly vinyasa flow, a dependable pair of shorts can help you get the most out of your reps, keeping you from wearily picking wedgies or watching your phone fall onto the mat for the fifth time this session. And to help you hit the ground running on your 2024 fitness goals, we went deep on a catalogue of the finest ones we've ever tested.
Here, you'll find some of our most stood-behind athletic brands, familiar names like Rhone, Ten Thousand, Tracksmith, and Lululemon. We've also tossed in some runner-up budget buys if you're looking to save your money on a big-ticket piece of equipment for your home gym instead. For guys who aren't afraid to show some thigh, we've got everything from lean 5" inseams to baggy basketball-ready silhouettes if you're not ready to show up to the pickup game in short-shorts. All of them will help you make some gains and look good while doing it.
To see more of the best workout clothes and gear hand-picked by GQ editors, check out the 2023 GQ Fitness Awards.
Skip all the chitchat and get straight to it—our top-pick workout shorts, here and now.
Over the past couple years, we've tested out—aka sweated in—a wide array of gym and running shorts to assemble this guide. We've also spoken to fitness coaches and running experts about their favorite gear for chasing down a new personal best. Many of these were tested and anointed in our annual Fitness Awards, so they've got an extra level of vetting from writers and editors we trust (more on why you should trust our expertise here).
In general, the best workout shorts will wick moisture, stretch with you, provide ventilation, avoid odor buildup, and feel good against your skin even during long periods of repetitive movement. Typically, performance fabrics contain a blend of polyester, elastane, cotton, and spandex to get the job done. For performance athletic apparel, you actually don't want too much cotton in your shorts, as it's a heavier material that doesn't provide as much stretch as athletes require.
So with each pair we tried, we asked ourselves the big questions: Is the stretchy performance fabric actually breathable and moisture-wicking enough to stave off a nasty case of swamp crotch? If there's a lining, does it actually stay put or does it ride up after the third deep lunge? Where are the pockets and do they actually hold things while you're pounding the pavement or ripping through mountain climbers—without impeding your movement?
And, of course, even if a pair of shorts passes the sweat test, do they look good enough for both running on the treadmill and running some errands on the way back from the gym? We found 17 pairs of workout shorts that ticked off most, if not all of these boxes, so read on to find your new go-to.
Material: Polyester, spandex Inseams: 5 inches, 7 inches, 9 inches Lining: Lined or unlined
Use the exclusive code “GQ15” for 15% off Ten Thousand's entire site for a limited time only.
The workout legends at Ten Thousand got their start back in 2014 with a simple pair of exercise shorts and a shirt. We dug version 1.0, which we tried back in 2015, but the company has spent the intervening years making small tweaks and adjustments to the design that have tipped the scales even further. The updates to its staple Interval shorts maintain the extremely minimal aesthetic, but add thoughtful details like hidden zipped pockets.
The thing you'll notice most as you actually train in these GQ Fitness Award-winning shorts, though, is how they move. Thanks to the un-bunchable, pinch-free waistband and extremely flexible shell, the shorts mold to your body but also shift easily with your movement. If you're looking for the best shorts for going absolutely nuts on the battle ropes, look no further.
These were so good that we inducted the Intervals into last year's GQ All-Stars, dubbing them the only workout shorts you'd ever need, and sung their praises in a full-length review. And we also managed to snag you a limited-time discount, as you might've seen: Use the code “GQ15” to get 15% off anything at Ten Thousand's site right now.
Material: Polyester Inseams: 5 inches Lining: Unlined
If you're really trying to get the most mileage out of your gym shorts, you'll want a pair that can pull moonlight as everyday shorts. Uniqlo's Ultra Stretch shorts have got the credentials for the job, helping you push yourself at the gym courtesy of a sweat-wicking, quick-drying stretchy fabric, plus an elastic waist and zip pockets that ensure your phone remains along for the ride. Meanwhile, the minimal design steers keeps it from tripping into obvious activewear territory, so nobody will think you just came from a session at Crunch. Plus, for just $30, you can stock up in multiples to help you stretch your laundry timelines.
Material: Polyester Inseams: 5 inches, 7 inches Lining: Lined or unlined
Outdoor Voices has popularized the whole “elevated athleisure” movement since 2013, and for the past decade it's been producing some of our favorite workout shorts. Their best though? That distinction goes to the multi-tasking High Stride shorts. (They're so good, they earned a GQ Fitness Award.) While the name insinuates they're for runners, we've found these shorts are apt for any sweaty endeavor: hiking, lifting, humid summer days, and beyond.
A lot of that goes to a classic fit that's not thigh-skimmingly tight or overtly baggy. It's a happy medium that's not always easy to find. The five-inch inseam makes for some great thigh-bearing fit checks, while a seven-inch inseam is a little more modest. They're super lightweight, particularly in the unlined version, and stretchy enough for the splits (if that's a thing you can do).
Material: Polyester, spandex Inseams: 7 inches, 9 inches Lining: Lined or unlined
The Rhone Mako shorts are a little bit more gym-presenting than we'd choose for public appearances, but that's because they're dialed-in for performance. The stretchy fabric feels smooth against the skin, and yields that satisfying swishy rustling noise with each stride.
They're versatile and flexible enough to handle a variety of high-intensity cardio programs, from HIIT workouts to squat day. Plus, we think their full-zip, standalone phone pocket at the hip is the best-executed and most secure version out of all the shorts we tested.
Material: Polyester, spandex Inseams: 4 inches Lining: Lined
Who wears short shorts? Runners wear short shorts. And nobody designs more serious running kits (with shorts of various lengths) than Tracksmith, the Boston label that transplants Chariots of Fire–era aesthetics onto modern marathon-ready gear.
Take these thigh-high split shorts—a perennial Fitness Awards winner—inspired by Japan’s Hakone Ekiden, a legendary 218-kilometer relay race. They're fashioned from plush, antimicrobial mesh. You're not going to be able to fit your phone into the 2.5-inch inseam, but the shorts manage to make space for two internal pockets that hold your keys or those race-day sports goo packets.
Material: Nylon, polyester Inseams: 5 inches, 7 inches Lining: Lined
Man, we love our Baggies, and the fact that they're great simple workout shorts (among many other things) is why we'll always have a pair stashed inside our dresser. The recycled nylon is durable, the lining is appreciated, and they come in more colors than a pack of Skittles. Sure, hardcore swimmers will benefit from a more streamlined Speedo while getting in their lap times, but for the average athlete, Baggies should suit you just fine for a quick dip at the beach or pool.
Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra Inseams: 6 inches Lining: Unlined
For those who'd rather hit downward dog instead of the dumbbell rack, finding bottoms that are moisture-wicking and flexible without impeding your flow is the goal. Lululemon’s Balancer shorts are made from the brand's fastest-drying fabric, a breathable and ultra-stretchy blend thanks to the added Lycra. The straight-leg silhouette will keep the shorts from getting in the way of your zen, as will the elastic-free waistband that's designed to prevent bunching or pulling. That's actually why we'd recommend them for sinking into our other favorite pose, Lounging on Couch.
Material: Nylon, spandex Inseams: 7.5 inches Lining: Lined or unlined
Oliver's “All Over” shorts deliver on the promise of any superlative gym shorts (soft, stretchy, and chafe-resistant fabric, available in a dozen rad colors). But the trio of zipped pockets—two on the hips, one hidden inside—are the stars of the show here. The water-repellent finish also ensures that you can take your workout routine outdoors and not have to worry about getting absolutely soaked (by inclement weather, at least), which is one of the many reasons why these shorts have been such a fixture in our Fitness Awards past.
Material: Nylon, elastane, spandex Inseams: 7 inches Lining: Lined
If you're a runner who loves energy gels, Janji says you can fit up to 50 of them in these shorts. We haven't verified that claim first-hand, but there really are a crap-ton of pockets—hidden and discreet—all over these shorts. The stretchy nylon on these GQ Fitness Award winners can handle your deepest squat, and if you happen to have the stride of a giraffe, these shorts will move with you and not hold you back.
Material: Polyester, elastane Inseams: 6 inches Lining: Unlined
We're big on compression shorts here, because they help boost blood flow to muscles and prevent that swamp situation we hate during a workout. Under Armour's Heatgear is our favorite pair, clocking in at a budget-friendly $30. The super-thick waistband feels secure, and while they're snug (these are compression shorts, after all), they also feature ventilated mesh to air things out down there. These even have a built-in thigh pocket to lock down your phone during high knees and hard sprints.
Material: Polyester Inseams: 6 inches Lining: Lined
While everyone's on the pickleball bandwagon, you keep it real with some OG tennis. Tennis style has been trendier than ever since the pandemic, and while we'll always love the classic '80s-style tennis shorts trend, next-gen brand Palmes is doling out some of the best apparel for your next match on the court. The Middles have a modest six-inch inseam, mesh lined, and can store a whole can’s worth of tennis balls. Hell, we love these shorts so much we awarded them a GQ Fitness Award last year.
Material: Polyester, elastane, nylon Inseams: 4.5 inches Lining: Lined
Goodfight's Grocery Getters are what happens when you give Adam Sandler's favorite mesh basketball shorts the GQ treatment. That's also why they're a favorite of our style editor Yang-Yi Goh. In our 2023 Fitness Awards, he gushed over how comfy these shorts are, enough that you may just find yourself living in them. The pocket placement on these shorts—external, like a camp short—is pretty ingenious, too, as is the hidden interior pocket that secures your phone so it doesn't pants you on the StairMaster.
Material: Recycled polyester and elastene Inseams: 7 inches Lining: Lined
We've sounded off before on why the Pace Breakers are a gym bag staple, from the Goldilocks 7" length for showing off your calves to the breezy mesh lining and ample pocket space for keeping your necessaries within reach when you're hitting your stride on the treadmill. They also recently got refreshed in a recycled polyester fabric and a new range of colorways and prints, from woozy metallics to chambray patterns. Best of all, Lululemon stocks these in multiple variations, depending on whether you want a leggier fit or you prefer your workout shorts unlined.
Material: Polyester, elastane, nylon Inseams: 7 inches Lining: Lined
Surf-born brand Outerknown isn't just for beach days. With smart details—like a quick-drying four-way stretch fabric, secure zip pockets, and a comfy elastic waistband with a loop in back for tucking in a drenched tee or hand towel—the Outbound Stretch Volley Short will happily help you break a sweat anywhere.
Material: Polyester, elastane Inseams: 2.5 inches Lining: Lined
Runners love their short shorts as much as they love their pockets. Sadly, not enough running brands give athletes the latter. But these GQ Fitness Award-winning running shorts feature a trio of pockets, as well as one that keeps your phone dry from your sweaty butt.
Material: Polyester, elastane Inseams: 7.5 inches Lining: Lined
At first glance, these don't look like anything more than a normal pair of shorts. But thanks to four-way stretch fabric, these can handle your lifts, yoga classes, and runs. They're quick drying so you don't end up a sweaty mess at your post-workout hang, and they're available in almost two dozen colorways.
If you aren't opting for compression shorts or pants, you may just want some better-fitting underwear to slip underneath. These GQ-approved boxer-briefs from Falke will do the trick, thanks to a soft and breathable cotton blend that's laced with enough viscose and elastane to wick moisture and stretch as you move. That means you get to avoid the dreaded swamp crotch that tends to creep up with regular boxers or tighty-whities.
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