We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best shorts for women to wear while working out that is sure to help you add a few to your wardrobe.
Best Women’s Workout Shorts
1. Best Stretchable: THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts
The Gym People High Waist Yoga Shorts are perfect for running, gymming, dancing, pilates, yoga, and other workout sessions. These trendy yet comfortable athletic shorts have a high-rise design that offers tummy control and a wide waistband that streamlines your curves. These shorts are made of a quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric that promotes both compression and support. The non-see-through material stretches four ways without causing any deformity even after several rounds of washing. The two deep side pockets can store your phone, money, cards, or iPod. Specifications
Fabric: Polyamide and spandex Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Pros
Super stretchable Convenient side pockets Non-see-through Breathable fabric Money-back guarantee
Cons
Thin Not true to size
2. Best For Tummy Control: Baleaf Women’s High Waist Yoga Biker Shorts
The Baleaf Women’s High Waist Yoga Biker Shorts can be your perfect companion for running, yoga, dancing, and gymming. They have an elastic closure and are made of stretchable, breathable, and moisture-wicking material that provides complete coverage. These high waist yoga shorts come with a wide waistband that is slip-free and offers tummy flattening. They also feature two deep side pockets to keep your mobile or music device and one hidden pocket attached to the waistband. The long inseam gives full coverage while stretching and bending and offers excellent support and mobility to make your workout sessions even better and elaborated. The three types of ergonomic and chafe-free seams provide natural motion range, while the gusseted crotch allows you to move freely. Specifications
Fabric: Cotton, polyester, and spandex Available Sizes: X-Small to 5XL Plus
Pros
Lightweight Sweat-wicking Non-see-through fabric Provides tummy control Gusseted crotch Comes with a hidden pocket
Cons
No compression Quality and size issues
3. Best Comfortable Fit: Tough Mode Apparel Women’s Crossfit Running WOD Shorts
The Tough Mode Apparel Women’s Workout Shorts offer a comfortable and perfect fit and are suitable for daily gymming, cycling, running, dancing, yoga, and other workouts. They are made of a functional-active and body fit fabric that provides more stretch and compression. These workout shorts are made with two different cutting patterns and materials to provide maximum support and stretch during intense workout sessions. The patterned shorts are made of compression polyester, while the solid color shorts are made of stretchable nylon. The thick, non-see-through, and breathable fabric offers full coverage. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and nylon Available Sizes: X-Small to X-large
Pros
Non-see-through Stretchable Perfect fit No logo print Functional-active fabric Money-back guarantee Lightweight
Cons
Not squat-proof
4. Best Squat-Proof: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Yoga Shorts
The 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Yoga Shorts offer excellent comfort and flexibility. They are made of four-way stretch material that works brilliantly for activities like cycling, hiking, running, lifting, yoga, and gymming. These high waist endurance shorts help in tummy control and offer soft compression to the mid-waist to make it look toned. The wide and streamlined waistband defines and contours your body shape. The gusseted crotch gives full freedom to move, while the interlock seams prevent rubbing of thighs and chafing. There is a hidden pocket in the waistband to stash your wallet. The moisture-wicking fibers soak up sweat. These ultra-soft and lightweight yoga shorts offer both performance and fit so that your workout sessions are carefree and intense. Specifications
Fabric: Spandex and nylon Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Pros
Non-see-through Comes with a hidden pocket Provides tummy control Squat-proof 4-way stretch Sweat-wicking Gusseted crotch Money-back guarantee
Cons
Improper seams
5. Best Sweat-Wicking: Nike Women’s Dry Training Shorts
The Nike Women’s Dry Training Shorts are designed with the freedom to move and comfort in mind. They come with an elastic closure and offer full coverage due to the 5-inch inseam, so you can get involved in your fitness session without having to worry about stretching. These shorts are made of a sweat-wicking fabric, which keeps you sweat-free during intense workout sessions. The streamlined and angled side seams follow the body contours and flatter your shape. The elastic waistband has an adjustable drawcord for a personalized fit. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
Pros
Machine washable Full coverage Sweat-wicking fabric Integrated drawcord Soft
Cons
Is see-through
6. Best Skin-Friendly: Blevonh Women’s Running Fitness Workout Shorts
Give yourself the liberty to workout freely and comfortably with the Blevonh Women’s Running Fitness Workout Shorts that come with built-in boyshorts. These quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable shorts are soft and highly stretchable. They are excellent for any kind of fitness activity, be it outdoor or indoor. These lightweight shorts are the perfect blend of style and comfort and come with two long pockets to carry your phone or iPod. The elastic layer design is smooth to wear and offers extra stretch while you perform any activity. The linear design prevents chafing. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: Small to 3X-Large
Pros
Two-layer design Breathable Moisture-wicking Quick-drying Built-in boyshorts Skin-friendly No pilling and shrinking Can be machine or hand washed
Cons
Not true to size
7. Best Breathable Fabric: Cadmus Women’s High Waist Workout Shorts
The Cadmus Women’s High Waist Workout Shorts can be used for exercise, dancing, gymming, and running. These all-weather shorts stay cool in summers and warm in winters. They are made of a sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric, which keeps you dry with two-way air circulation. It is elastic and lets you move freely. These shorts have a hidden waistband pocket to keep your stash safe and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. The gusseted crotch enhances the movements while the compression design supports the upper legs and controls muscle vibration to keep injuries away. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: X-Small to 2X-Large
Pros
Machine wash Quick-drying Sweat-wicking Gusseted crotch Breathable fabric Non-see-through All-weather
Cons
Not true to size
8. Best Versatile: Reebok Women’s Running Shorts
Take your workout to the next level with the Reebok Women’s Running Shorts. They are suitable for all sorts of fitness activities, like running, cycling, lifting, yoga, and gymming. These high-performance shorts are made of light, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric. These shorts hug your legs and provide enough room to move, stretch, and squat freely and comfortably. The polyspan blend fabric and full polyester lining ensure your workouts are sweat- and irritation-free. These gym shorts are available in both high and mid-rise designs. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Pros
True to size Breathable Moisture-wicking Stretchable Comes in high and mid-rise waist options
Cons
Does not have pockets
9. Best Slim Fit: Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Short
The Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Shorts are a great option to dial up your workout routine. These patented shorts have a drawcord elastic waistband to offer a perfect and adjustable fit. The elastic waistband sits perfectly on the waist and does not slip, so your fitness sessions are carefree and comfortable. These super comforting and ultra-soft shorts have side splits for free and easy movement. They are made of elastane and cotton and offer a slim fit. They provide brilliant stretchability to carry out any workout, whether indoors or outdoors. Specifications
Fabric: Cotton and elastane Available Sizes: XX-Small to XX-Large
Pros
Slim fit Comes with a drawcord True to size Machine washable
Cons
No compression Does not wick moisture
10. Best For Quick-Drying: VUTRU Women’s Running Workout Shorts
The VUTRU Women’s Running Workout Shorts are made of breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying material. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat away. The wide elastic waistband is fitted with an adjustable drawstring for customized fitting and to prevent slipping. These shorts have a built-in compression liner and side slits to prevent chafing and rubbing. The compression shorts hug your body firmly and provide excellent support while exercising, while the outer loose fit shorts offer extended mobility. They have one back zipper pocket and two waistband has hidden pockets to store your cash and cards. Specifications
Fabric: Spandex and polyester Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
Pros
Breathable Sweat-absorbent Stretchable Quick-drying Built-in compression liner 3 pockets
Cons
Not true to size
11. Starter Women’s Knit Waistband Running Shorts
The Starter Women’s Knit Waistband Running Shorts offer a comfortable fit. These lightweight and ultra-soft shorts are ideal for running, dancing, gymming, yoga, and hiking. They are made of Stretch-Star fabric, which offers extended mobility. The Dri-Star technology keeps you cool and dry throughout your workout session. These shorts come with a knit waistband adorned with a reflective logo and a zip pocket to keep your cash, cards, or keys. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Pros
Zipper closure Machine-wash safe Moisture-wicking Breathable Lightweight
Cons
Not true to size
12. EDENCOMERS Women’s Workout Shorts
The EDENCOMERS Women’s Workout Shorts are made of a soft, stretchable, moisture-wicking fabric that offers comfort and breathability. It moves sweat away from the body and speeds up acceleration to keep you cool. The built-in compression lining that gives super mobility to let you move and stretch freely. These lightweight and smooth shorts are ideal for yoga, hiking, running, jogging, lifting, and cycling. They have a two-in-one design – an elastic layer underneath loose-fitting shorts – to allow you to run, jump, and bend freely. The broad and soft elastic waistband firmly tucks the tummy and prevents slip downs. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
Pros
Quick-drying Breathable Moisture-wicking Stretchable Lightweight
Cons
No pockets
13. icyzone Running Yoga Shorts
The icyzone Running Yoga Shorts are made of breathable and quick-drying material that helps you keep cool and dry during intense workout sessions. These elastic closure shorts consist of inseam outer shorts for excellent mobility and inner mesh shorts for protection and support while exercising. The smooth and elastic waistband lies comfortably flat on your tummy and offers decent breathability. These super-light shorts are ideal for running, lifting, yoga, cycling, traveling, and even lounging. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
Pros
Quick-drying Comes with inner mesh shorts Lightweight Wide waistband Breathable
Cons
No pockets Not true to size
14. Custer’s Night Women’s Workout Shorts
Custer’s Night Women’s Workout Shorts are suitable for yoga, running, hiking, jogging, and cycling. You can also wear them for traveling and relaxing. These two-in-one shorts are made of a breathable and durable fabric that keeps you cool and dry all day long, even after an intense workout session. The inner layer of these lightweight shorts is made of polyester and spandex, whereas the outer layer is entirely polyester. Both the materials offer excellent support and mobility to allow you to stretch and move around quickly. The wide elastic waistband fits perfectly around the waist, and the two front pockets help you carry your phone, keys, and cards. Specifications
Fabric: Polyester and spandex Available Sizes: Small to XX-Large
Pros
Breathable Wide elastic band 2 side pockets 2-layer shorts Lightweight Anti-exposure
Cons
Not true to size
15. PUNTU Sport Shorts
The PUNTU Sport Shorts are designed to fit contour your body and accentuate your curves. They are made of top quality fabric, which is soft to touch and skin-friendly. These lightweight and breathable shorts offer good flexibility and freedom to move comfortably due to the double-layer design. These shorts have a wide yet soft elastic waistband with a drawstring to adjust around the waist conveniently. The trendy contrast color design makes you look fashionable. They are suitable for yoga, walking, swimming, running, gymming, and lounging. Specifications
Fabric: Cotton and spandex Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
Pros
Breathable Lightweight Wide waistband Machine washable Trendy design
Cons
Runs small
Here are a few things to consider before buying workout shorts, so your workout sessions are comfortable and uninterrupted.
Quick Buying Guide – Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Pair Of Women’s Workout Shorts
Material/Fabric
The softer and more stretchable the material, the better your performance. The fabric should be lightweight, breathable, skin-friendly, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchable to provide comfort and mobility and prevent chafing.
Size And Length
The size is another essential factor to consider before buying fitness shorts. If your shorts are too tight or too loose, they can either bunch up or ride up, affecting your workout session. Go for shorts with a drawstring so that you can easily adjust it around your waist according to your comfort and size. Make sure you buy a true-to-size pair. Workout shorts primarily come in three lengths – 3”, 5”, and 7”. Pick a pair of shorts, depending on the length and coverage needed.
Pockets
Pockets allow you to keep your things like mobile, cash, cards, earphone, etc. safely. They keep your hands free and make exercising comfortable.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Aditi Naskar, the author of this article, has a diploma in health and wellness and loves reviewing fitness and related products for her readers. In this article, she has listed the best women’s workout shorts with pros and cons and a detailed buying guide after carefully researching multiple options online and looking into their feedback. The shortlisted products are crafted with breathable and soft fabric to ensure comfortable wear. What is the most flattering length for workout shorts? A 7-inch length is the most flattering length for workout shorts. This length works perfectly for casual home exercises and strength training at the gym. Should gym shorts be tight? No, your gym shorts need to be snugly hugging your thighs. Tight shorts may restrict air and blood circulation and suffocate your skin. What kind of panties do you wear under your workout shorts? Wear laser-cut panties under your workout shorts. They disappear under your shorts and cling to your body without suffocating your skin. Can I wear running shorts for workout sessions? There is no difference between a pair of running shorts and workout shorts, so you may wear the former during your workout sessions. Why do workout shorts have liners? The liners in the workout shorts offer moisture management and structural support.
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