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You need workout shorts that hold your phone without sagging, survive the wash without pilling, and feel good on a hot run. Most either pinch your thighs, swallow your keys in a baggy pocket, or turn see-through after a few cycles. This guide sorts through the six best options that get the pocket part right — from seven-packs that cost pennies per pair to premium picks with zippered security (a zipper that keeps items from falling out during movement).
The information here comes from the manufacturers’ published specifications and patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
These are the best workout shorts with pockets for your money right now, if you need deep side pockets for a phone or zippered stash pockets that stay shut during a sprint.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Workout Shorts with Pockets
Your buying decision depends on three things: pocket placement, fabric weight, and whether the short has a liner (a built-in inner layer) that stays put. Here is what to look for.
Pocket Placement and Security
Side mesh pockets (a lightweight, breathable fabric) are great for a phone but floppy if empty. Zippered pockets eliminate the worry entirely — your keys and card stay put during sprints, squats, or a bike ride. Look for a pocket depth that covers a phone case, not just a key fob. A few shorts also add a hidden inner-liner pocket, ideal for stashing a card or lip balm.
Fabric and Liner Choice
Quick-dry polyester blends are the standard — they are lightweight, breathable, and wick sweat away from your skin. The trade-off is that very thin fabric can feel flimsy or become sheer (see-through). A built-in liner (either a brief or a compression short) gives you freedom of movement without a second layer underneath, but the liner itself must stay put. If it rides up, pocket access gets awkward fast.
Fit for Your Build
An elastic waistband with a drawstring fits nearly every body type, but the rise (the distance from the crotch to the waistband) matters. High-waisted cuts hold everything in and flatten the midsection. A longer 7-inch or 9-inch inseam (the measurement from the crotch seam to the leg opening) gives more coverage and deeper pocket space. The crowd favorite fits true to size, but if reviews mention “size up,” believe them — a too-tight waistband is the #1 reason good shorts get returned.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Pocket Style | Fabric Feel | Liner | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALENNZ 7 Pack Mens Basketball Shorts★ Best Overall | Value bulk buy for men | Deep side mesh | Lightweight, breezy | None (wear own) | Amazon |
| Blaosn Flowy Athletic ShortsBest Style | Women’s high-waist comfort | 1 side pocket | Soft, stretchy | Biker short built-in | Amazon |
| 4 Pack Gym Mens Shorts | Budget-friendly men’s gym pair | Deep side mesh | Soft, light | None (wear own) | Amazon |
| BALENNZ 5 Pack Womens Athletic Shorts | Women’s zippered security | Zippered side | Lightweight, moisture-wicking | Built-in brief | Amazon |
| CE’ CERDR Women’s Athletic Workout Short | High-waist women’s gym short | Zippered side (2) | Soft, stretchy, opaque | Built-in liner | Amazon |
| HOPLYNN 5 Pack Mens 2 in 1 Running Shorts | Men’s no-underwear training | Side mesh + inner liner pocket | Thick, stretchy | Built-in compression liner | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BALENNZ 7 Pack Mens Basketball Shorts with Pockets
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 750+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Seven pairs for the price of two, and the pockets are deeper than you expect.
You get seven pairs in vivid colors for about what one premium pair costs. Owners consistently call them “a bit longer w deeper pockets” than brand-name alternatives they have worn for years, so your phone and keys stay put without peeking out. The fabric is lightweight and breezy, which is great for hot outdoor workouts, though a few find it very thin (wearing a layer under is the common workaround). What wins people over is the value: quality is the most-discussed strong point, followed closely by fit and comfort. The elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring make getting dressed simple, which is why buyers mention buying these for everyone from rehab patients to grandsons. The deep side pockets on this pick are deeper than the 4 Pack Gym Mens Shorts below, making it the better choice if you carry a large phone.
What Owners Love
- Seven pairs for an unbeatable per-short cost
- Deep pockets that actually hold a phone and keys
- Breezy, quick-dry fabric works well in heat
- True-to-size fit with a comfortable elastic waistband
The Honest Trade-Offs
- Fabric is thin — wear a liner (a built-in inner layer) if modesty matters
- Waistband runs slightly tight on larger midsections
Best for: The guy who wants a full weekly rotation without spending triple digits. Deep pockets and easy sizing make it a grab-and-go wardrobe staple.
Better for loose lounging than heavy sprinting: the thin fabric and lack of a built-in liner mean it is most comfortable in casual gym sessions, not marathon-pace runs.
2. Blaosn Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Workout Running Short Pants
A high-waisted flowy cut that feels like a skirt but moves like a training short.
This short doubles as a skort (a skirt-like outer layer over built-in biker shorts), giving you the look of a tennis skirt with the coverage of a compression liner. The high-rise elastic waistband with a drawstring is the thing owners praise most, with fit and comfort being the top two aspects by a wide margin. The trade-off is that the inside liner can ride up, and when it does, retrieving your phone from the single side pocket becomes a two-handed struggle. The outer layer hides any panty lines, so chafing (skin irritation from rubbing) is rarely an issue. It runs true to size, and the fabric is soft enough that owners call it a direct dupe of premium athleisure brands. The single side pocket is one fewer than the CE’ CERDR below, so plan accordingly if you carry both phone and keys.
Why It Is a Fan Favorite
- High-waisted design smooths the waistline without squeezing
- Built-in biker shorts give full coverage under the flowy outer layer
- Soft, stretchy fabric feels luxurious against skin
- True-to-size fit with a wide, supportive waistband
One Real Frustration
- Inner liner tends to ride up, making the single pocket harder to reach mid-workout
- Only one side pocket — not ideal for carrying both phone and keys
Reach for this if: you want a sporty-girly look that transitions from a gym class to a coffee run. The high waist and soft fabric earn it a spot as a daily athleisure staple.
Look elsewhere if: you need secure zippered pockets or run distances where a riding liner would drive you crazy.
3. 4 Pack Gym Mens Shorts – Basketball Athletic Shorts with Pockets
A four-pack that costs about the same as one pair from a sporting-goods store.
Buyers sum it up plainly: “Well worth the per pair.” That per-short cost is the headline, but the real surprise is that quality is the most-praised aspect — 82 owners call it out, edging out fit and value for money. The shorts are soft, light, and have deep pockets that hold a phone securely. Buyers report that they run small, so ordering a size up is the common advice. The fabric is thin enough for summer heat, though a few owners wish for a thicker feel. After several washes, the shorts hold their shape and color, making this a solid rotation for gym days and yard work. The per-pair cost is lower than the BALENNZ 7-pack’s per-pair cost, but you get 4 pairs instead of 7.
Strength in Simplicity
- Unbeatable value at roughly per pair
- Deep side pockets that fit a phone without bulging
- Soft, breathable fabric ideal for hot-weather wear
- Comfortable elastic waistband that is not too tight or loose
The Catch
- Run small — order one size larger than usual
- Thin material; wear underwear underneath for coverage
Who this is for: the bargain shopper who just wants a rotation of functional, pocketed gym shorts without overthinking the fabric. It beats the BALENNZ 7-pack on price per pair but comes in a single 4-pack.
skip it if: you need a built-in liner or thicker, more structured fabric for heavy squats or outdoor runs.
4. BALENNZ 5 Pack Womens Athletic Shorts with Zipper Pockets
A five-pack with zippered pockets — the phone-staying-up answer women have been asking for.
Zippered pockets are the standout feature here, and owners rank them as the third most-praised aspect after fit and comfort. The pockets are large enough for a phone, and the zipper means you can sprint, bend, or roll out of a yoga pose without anything falling out. The built-in brief liner (a simple underwear-style layer) means you do not need extra underwear, and the elastic high-waisted cut holds everything in place. A few owners note the front is baggy on certain body types, but the overall verdict is that these are “exactly what I wanted” — plenty buy a second pack for travel and the beach. The built-in brief is shorter than the biker-short liner on the Blaosn, so choose based on how much leg coverage you want.
The Zipper Advantage
- Zippered side pockets keep phone and keys locked in place
- Built-in brief liner provides full coverage without extra layers
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric works for gym and casual wear
- Five colors in one pack for rotation or vacation packing
One Fit Warning
- Front can appear baggy on some builds — consider sizing down for a snugger look
- Liner is a brief, not a compression short; not ideal for those who prefer longer coverage
Grab these if: you are tired of digging your phone out of a loose side pocket or losing keys mid-run. The zipper solves a real daily annoyance.
Think twice if: you need a full-length compression liner under your shorts, or you dislike a baggy front silhouette on high-waisted cuts.
5. CE’ CERDR Women’s Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Elastic Running Shorts with Pockets
Two zippered pockets and a wide waistband that actually stays put through a full gym session.
This short improves on the single-pocket design of the Blaosn above by giving you two zippered pockets — one on each side — so you can split your phone and keys without jamming them together. Fit and comfort are the most-praised aspects, and owners love the wide, non-compressive waistband that smooths the midsection without digging in. The built-in liner stays put (few complaints about ride-up), and a side-split hem (an opening at the leg side) gives freedom of movement. Some find the sizing slightly small, so checking the chart or ordering up is smart. After multiple washes, the fabric stays opaque (not see-through) and the colors hold. The two zippered pockets give it an edge over the BALENNZ 5 Pack for women, which has one zippered pocket per side.
what separates it
- Two zippered pockets — one for phone, one for keys — both large enough for a Pro Max
- Wide, supportive waistband smoothes the waist without rolling down
- Built-in liner does not ride up, even during running or volleyball
- Side-split design allows unrestricted leg movement
Fit Note
- Runs slightly small; many recommend ordering one size up
- Liner is a brief (an underwear-style inner layer), not a full compression short
Best for: the woman who wants her phone in a zippered pocket and needs a waistband that stays put through lunges and burpees. The side-split cut makes it a strong choice for running, too.
Not for you if: you prefer a longer compression-style liner under your shorts, or you are between sizes and dislike the guesswork of sizing up.
6. HOPLYNN 5 Pack Mens 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Liner
A five-pack of 2-in-1 shorts with an inner liner pocket — no underwear needed.
This is the choice if you hate wearing boxers under gym shorts. The built-in compression liner (a tight-fitting inner short) keeps everything in place, and it also has its own small pocket — ideal for a card or lip balm — separate from the deep side pockets. The outer fabric is thick and stretchy, which owners say holds up well for lifting and gym sessions, though it runs slightly heavy and loose for distance running. Sizing feedback is mixed: some find it true to size, others need to size up (one 5-foot-10, 175-pound buyer needed a large). The smartphone-compatible side pocket works with a cased iPhone 15 Pro, and the back zippered pocket adds extra security for a key. Unlike the BALENNZ 7-pack, which has no liner, this short has a built-in compression liner, so it is ready to wear without underwear.
The 2-in-1 Advantage
- Built-in compression liner eliminates the need for underwear
- Inner liner pocket provides a secure spot for small essentials
- Five pairs at a fraction of the cost of single name-brand shorts
- Thick, stretchy fabric holds up to frequent washing and gym wear
Reality Check
- Shorts run large and heavy — better for gym than for competitive running
- Some report loose stitching after months of use; durability varies
- Sizing runs small for some — check the chart and consider sizing up
Reach for this if: you want a 2-in-1 short that saves you washing underwear and keeps your phone secure in a side pocket. The five-pack value beats the premium 2-in-1 from Under Armour on cost by a wide margin.
Not ideal for: serious runners who need lightweight, form-fitting shorts for long distances. The loose legs and heavier fabric work better in the weight room.
Understanding the Specs
Pocket Style
Standard side mesh pockets are the most common — they are roomy and breathable, but your phone can bounce around during high-intensity moves. Zippered pockets eliminate that bounce entirely; the zipper locks the phone flat against your thigh. A few shorts add a hidden inner-liner pocket, which is great for a key or card and keeps it from sliding around the main pocket. If you run or do HIIT (high-intensity interval training), lean toward zippered.
Built-in Liner
A liner (brief or compression short) means you can wear the shorts without underwear, reducing bulk and sweat. The trade-off is that liners can ride up during movement, making pocket access awkward. The best liners are stitched flat around the leg opening so they do not roll. If a pair has a liner, it adds a second, smaller pocket for a key or lip balm — a detail worth checking.
FAQ
Are workout shorts with zipper pockets safe for phone storage during sprints?
Do built-in liner shorts need underwear underneath?
How many pockets do workout shorts with pockets usually have?
Will deep side pockets hold a phone without sagging the fabric?
Can workout shorts with pockets be worn for swimming or water sports?
Do high-waisted workout shorts for women stay in place during running?
How do I size workout shorts with pockets if I am between sizes?
Do these shorts shrink in the dryer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best workout shorts with pockets overall is the BALENNZ 7 Pack Mens Basketball Shorts because it delivers deep, functional pockets and a comfortable fit at a per-pair cost that nothing else beats. If you need zippered security for your phone, the BALENNZ 5 Pack Womens Athletic Shorts with Zipper Pockets is the clear choice. And for a true 2-in-1 short with a built-in liner, the HOPLYNN 5 Pack Mens 2 in 1 Running Shorts offers the best value per pair without sacrificing pocket utility.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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