Best Gym Shorts for Men in 2025

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Finding the Best Gym Shorts for Real Workouts

If you’re serious about fitness, you know there’s a world of difference between just any old pair of shorts and a truly great pair of gym shorts. The right fit, liner, and storage make every workout smoother—whether you’re in the weight room, on the track, or heading out for a run. But with so many options in 2025, how do you pick the best gym shorts for your body and goals?

I’ve tested all the heavy hitters, and I’ll break down what really matters, answer the most common questions, and review the best options for every kind of training.

What Features Actually Matter in Gym Shorts?

Before you buy, here’s what separates a good short from a great one in my opinion:

• Elastic Waistband: Keeps things secure, even on leg day. Wide bands with a solid drawstring make a difference.

• Liner: I’m a fan of built-in liners—great for support, anti-chafe, and keeping everything in place during dynamic moves.

• 5” or 7” Inseam: 5” gives you freedom and a modern cut; 7” is solid for guys who want a bit more coverage. Most great shorts offer both.

• Pockets: I look for a dedicated phone pocket sewn into the liner, no more bouncing or dropped phones mid-run. Deep outer pockets are a must, too.

• Durability: If you’re training hard, you need shorts that survive countless washes and heavy use.

Gym Shorts vs. Athletic Shorts—What’s the Difference?

• Gym Shorts: Purpose-built for training, with sweat-wicking fabric, functional pockets, supportive liners, and streamlined fits.

• Athletic Shorts: A broader category, often less tailored for workouts, think basketball, soccer, or general sport shorts. They may lack liners or performance features.

For training and the gym, stick with gym shorts designed for movement and comfort.

The Best Gym Shorts for Men in 2025

1. Ten Thousand Interval Short

Best Overall & Premium Pick

If you want shorts that hold up to the toughest workouts, look and feel premium, and last for years, Ten Thousand is my #1 pick.

• Highlights: Top-tier durability, perfect fit, secure waistband, phone pocket in liner, and deep side pockets. Survives heavy rotation, sweat, and washes without missing a beat.

• Cons: Price is higher, but you get serious value in return.

2. Lululemon Pace Breaker Short

Best for Runners

The Pace Breaker is a longtime favorite for runners and anyone wanting comfort with no distractions.

• Highlights: Soft liner with phone pocket, deep outer pockets, sweat-wicking, and a wide color selection.

• Cons: Waistband is snug—if you have a bigger waist, it can feel restrictive. Liner can ride up slightly on bigger legs during longer runs.

3. Alo Adapt Running Short

Best for Style

Alo’s Adapt is all about sleek design and everyday durability.

• Highlights: Stylish fit, fantastic waistband, premium materials, and holds up to repeated wear.

• Cons: Lacks real pockets (just a small key pocket), so not ideal if you need phone storage.

4. Fabletics The One Short

Best Value/Entry-Level

Great for building your workout wardrobe without breaking the bank.

• Highlights: Elastic waistband, lined, 5” and 7” options, liner phone pocket, and frequent sales.

• Cons: Durability isn’t top tier. Expect to replace after a year of heavy use (loose liner pocket, worn drawstring, color fade).

5. Tracksmith Session Short

Best for All-Day Versatility

Tracksmith’s Session Short is a runner’s favorite that’s just as at home in the gym or on city streets.

• Highlights: Soft, stretchy fabric, antimicrobial mesh liner, 5” or 7” inseam, internal drop-in phone pocket, rear zip pocket, and UV protection.

• Cons: Premium price, but built for serious comfort and mileage.

6. Rabbit FKT 2.0 5″ Short

Best for Long Distance & Storage

Perfect for runners who want to carry everything—without sacrificing comfort.

• Highlights: Six well-placed pockets (including a secure internal phone sleeve), lightweight and stretchy, mesh liner, and flat seams for anti-chafe comfort.

• Cons: Storage might be overkill if you’re a minimalist, but if you need gels, keys, and phone—this is the one.

FAQs: Men’s Gym Shorts

What are the best gym shorts for men?

My top overall pick is the Ten Thousand Interval Short for durability, fit, and function. For runners, the Lululemon Pace Breaker and Tracksmith Session are great. For storage, check out the Rabbit FKT 2.0.

Are gym shorts different from athletic shorts?

Yes. Gym shorts focus on workout comfort—liners, sweat-wicking, and fit. Athletic shorts are more generic and may lack these essentials.

What features should I look for in gym shorts?

Strong elastic waistband, liner for comfort, the right inseam (5” or 7”), deep pockets (especially for your phone), and proven durability.

What are the top brands for men’s gym shorts?

Ten Thousand, Lululemon, Alo, Fabletics, Tracksmith, and Rabbit are the go-to options for 2025.

Final Take: The Only Shorts I’d Actually Buy Again

After testing just about every option out there, I keep coming back to Ten Thousand for daily gym sessions and heavy use—they’re worth every penny. Lululemon is a solid choice for runners, Alo is stylish but limited on storage, and Tracksmith and Rabbit offer elite options for serious runners or anyone needing all-day comfort and storage.

No matter which you choose, prioritize comfort, a secure fit, and the features you actually use. Great shorts won’t make you lift heavier, but they will make every workout a little better.