Men’s Athletic Shorts: How to Choose the Right Pair Without Overpaying

The right pair of athletic shorts can make the difference between a workout you enjoy and one you endure. But with endless options — liners, inseams, fabrics, fits — choosing the right pair feels harder than the workout itself. This guide cuts through the noise so you can buy with confidence.

What to look for in men’s athletic shorts

1. Fabric: moisture-wicking is non-negotiable

Look for polyester or performance blends that pull sweat away from the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture and gets heavy — fine for lounging, terrible for training. A light mesh or quick-dry knit keeps you comfortable from warm-up to cool-down.

2. Fit: not too tight, not too loose

Shorts should move with you, not against you. A relaxed or athletic fit through the thigh gives room for squats and sprints without excess fabric flapping around. An elasticated waistband with a drawstring lets you dial in the fit.

3. Inseam: match it to your activity

Shorter inseams (5–7 inches) suit running and court sports where freedom of movement matters. Longer inseams (8–9 inches) are better for the gym and casual wear. When in doubt, a mid-length 7-inch inseam is the versatile sweet spot.

4. Pockets: small detail, big difference

Side pockets for your phone and keys are essential for everyday wear. For running, look for a zipped back pocket or liner pocket that keeps valuables from bouncing out.

5. Breathability and ventilation

Mesh panelling or perforated fabric makes a noticeable difference on hot days. If you train outdoors in summer, ventilation is worth prioritising over extra features.

Liner vs unlined shorts: which should you choose?

This is the question that confuses most buyers. Lined shorts have a built-in mesh brief — they offer support, reduce chafing and mean you can skip separate underwear. They are the best choice for running and high-intensity training. Unlined shorts are just the outer shell: more versatile, easier to layer over compression shorts or leggings, and often more comfortable for the gym where you might wear your own base layer. Neither is universally better — runners usually prefer lined, gym-goers often prefer unlined. If you do a bit of everything, own one of each.

Shorts for different sports

• Running: lightweight, lined, 5–7 inch inseam, with a zipped pocket for keys.
• Gym / weight training: slightly longer inseam, durable fabric, unlined or lined — personal preference.
• Football / court sports: loose athletic fit for lateral movement, breathable mesh.
• Swimming / beach: quick-dry fabric is essential; mesh drainage matters more than pockets.
• Everyday wear: comfort-first — soft waistband, side pockets, a colour that goes with everything.

How many pairs do you actually need?

For most active men, three pairs covers it: one for training, one in the wash, one for everyday wear. If you train five or more days a week, five pairs means never doing emergency laundry. Because quality athletic shorts now cost under £10, building a rotation is genuinely affordable — two premium-brand pairs often cost more than five good budget ones, and you will wear the budget ones just as happily.

Caring for your athletic shorts

• Wash cold. Hot water breaks down elastic and performance finishes faster.
• Skip the fabric softener. It clogs moisture-wicking fibres and kills breathability.
• Air dry when you can. Tumble dryers are the fastest way to ruin elastic waistbands.
• Wash promptly after workouts. Sweat left sitting in fabric causes odours that become permanent.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best inseam for athletic shorts?

For most men, 7 inches is the versatile choice — above the knee with full freedom of movement. Go shorter (5–6″) for running, longer (8–9″) for gym or casual wear.

Should athletic shorts have a liner?

For running and cardio, yes — a liner adds support and prevents chafing. For gym work, it is personal preference; many lifters prefer unlined shorts over their own base layer.

Can I wear athletic shorts every day?

Absolutely. Modern athletic shorts in neutral colours work for errands, travel, lounging and casual outings — they are one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe.

How should athletic shorts fit?

Comfortable through the waist without a belt, room through the thigh to squat and stride, and an inseam that ends above the knee. If you are between sizes, size up for comfort.

Why do my shorts ride up when I run?

Usually the inseam is too long or the fit too loose through the thigh. A shorter inseam with a slightly tapered leg stays put far better.

Are expensive athletic shorts worth it?

Diminishing returns kick in fast. A good £9 pair covers 90% of what a £40 pair does — the premium mostly buys brand, marginal fabric upgrades and styling details.