How to Choose Workout Shorts for Men | Buy Once, Train Right

Picking the right pair of workout shorts comes down to one honest question: what are you actually doing in them? Running demands a short, unrestrictive inseam, while squats and deadlifts need fabric that stays put through deep bends. The good news is that the decision is a simple checklist—activity, inseam, fabric, and fit—and once you match those four, the “perfect” pair is largely a matter of taste. The table below maps the most common inseam lengths to their best uses.

The Inseam: The Fastest Way To Narrow Your Options

Inseam is the length of the inside leg from the rise seam (crotch) to the hem. Get this right and you have solved half the problem. Shorter inseams favor movement and airflow; longer ones provide coverage and stay put during strength work.

To find your number, lay a well-fitting pair of shorts you already own flat and measure from the crotch seam straight down to the hem. If the pair you are eyeing lists a different inseam, compare it to your measurement and adjust by roughly the difference.

Fabric And Fit: What Actually Matters When You Sweat

Fabric dictates comfort; fit dictates whether you forget the shorts are there. Prioritize moisture-wicking, quick-dry synthetic fabrics—they manage heat and keep you dry. Cotton will absorb sweat and stay wet longer, making it a poor choice for anything beyond a light walk.

Stretch is the other half of the equation. Look for spandex or elastane in the blend, or a four-way stretch fabric, so the shorts move through squats, lunges, and yoga without binding. The waistband should sit secure without pinching, never sliding down or riding up mid-rep. A drawstring gives you adjustability that an elastic-only band cannot.

Lined Or Linerless: The Comfort Decision

Lined shorts have a built-in brief that removes the need for underwear, while linerless styles give you the freedom to wear your own. If you are unsure which you prefer, try both—liner fit is a key comfort variable for many guys.

Whatever you choose, test the pair with movement. Do a few squats and walking lunges in the fitting room to check for ride-up and bunching. For thick thighs, consider sizing up for extra room; for thinner thighs, true-to-size often works best. Briefs that chafe or waistbands that dig are deal-breakers, no matter how the shorts look.

Price, Brands, And The Final Call

Expect to pay roughly $25–$80 for a quality pair, depending on features and durability. You can find solid options at both ends of that range—a Nike Pro pair and a Lululemon Pace Breaker sit in different tiers, but both perform well. Brand matters less than matching the short to your workout.

When you have narrowed your choice to a pair that fits your activity and body, it is worth comparing the top-rated options side by side to see real-world feedback on durability and fit. Our tested roundup of the best workout shorts for men breaks down the leading models by inseam, fabric, and price so you can buy with confidence.