Best Athletic Shorts for Girls of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
These athletic shorts are designed specifically for active girls who love to move and play. Made with high-quality materials, these shorts offer comfort, flexibility, and durability to withstand any sports or outdoor activities. With a variety of colors and styles to choose from, girls can express their unique personality while staying comfortable and stylish. Whether it's for soccer practice, running, or simply lounging around, these athletic shorts are a must-have for any active girl's wardrobe.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Athletic Shorts for Girls
Under Armour girls Play Up Solid Shorts
Experience superior comfort and breathability with the Under Armour Play Up Shorts. These athletic shorts for girls are made with a soft and lightweight knit construction, ensuring maximum comfort during any activity. The material wicks sweat and dries quickly, keeping you cool and dry. The soft elastic waistband with an external drawcord allows for customized comfort. The shaped hem with crossover side seams gives these shorts a streamlined look. With a 2.5" inseam and a loose fit, these shorts provide complete comfort for your active lifestyle.
4 Pack: Girls Active Athletic Performance Quick Dry Fit Short
The 4 Pack Girls Active Athletic Performance Quick Dry Fit Short is a high-quality multipack of 4 cute and fresh shorts that are perfect for any activity, whether it be playing outside, soccer practice, the beach, or biking and hiking. Made from breathable and lightweight material, the shorts wick moisture and dry fast to keep your little princess active, comfortable, and cool during the hot summer months. With a loose fit, front pockets, and an adjustable drawstring waistband, these activewear shorts offer maximum comfort and convenience.
Under Armour Girls' Fly by Shorts
The Under Armour Fly by Shorts are designed to help you achieve your athletic goals. With a focus on performance, these shorts are crafted to enhance your workout experience, making it easier for you to push your limits. The breathable fabric keeps you comfortable during intense activities, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions. Additionally, the stylish design ensures you look great while staying active. Whether you're running, playing sports, or just enjoying outdoor activities, these shorts are a reliable choice to support your active lifestyle.
adidas Girls' Retro Gym Shorts
The adidas Retro Gym Shorts are designed for comfort and style. Made from durable woven polyester, these shorts ensure you stay comfortable during any activity. Their retro look makes them suitable for both sports and casual outings. The stretchy drawcord allows you to adjust the fit effortlessly, giving you the perfect feel whether you’re running or playing. Additionally, the angled side seams add a stylish touch while enhancing your range of motion, making these shorts ideal for active play.
Liberty Imports Girls Athletic Shorts
The Liberty Girls Athletic Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and cool during those hot summer days. Made from breathable, lightweight material, these shorts wick away sweat quickly, ensuring you stay dry while being active. The hidden zipper pockets are perfect for securely storing your phone and other essentials, so you can focus on your workout without worrying about your belongings. With a 3-inch inseam and an elastic waistband featuring an internal drawstring, these shorts offer a customizable fit that enhances your comfort while you move. The stylish design makes them versatile for various activities, from sports to casual lounging.
The Children's Place Active Shorts
The Children's Place Shorts are designed for active girls who love to play. Made with quick-drying material, these shorts ensure she stays comfortable during any activity, whether it’s a game or just playing outside. The blend of polyester and spandex offers flexibility, allowing her to move freely. With an easy pull-on elastic waistband, getting dressed is a breeze. These shorts can be paired effortlessly with her favorite tops, making them a versatile addition to her wardrobe. Your little one will appreciate the comfort and style these shorts bring to her active lifestyle.
3 Pack Girls Butterfly Shorts with Spandex Liner
This 3-pack of butterfly shorts with spandex liner is perfect for girls who love to stay active. The quick-dry, breathable fabric keeps teens cool and fresh during any sport, while the built-in spandex liner ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Inner pockets are perfect for holding phones, and the high waist skirt shorts are ideal for dance, gym, exercise, tennis, and lounging.
Liberty Pro Youth Girls Basketball Shorts
Stay comfortable and stylish during your teen girl's workouts with Liberty Pro Girls Shorts. Made with soft and airy open-hole knit mesh fabric, these athletic shorts have a silky tricot lining that feels great on the skin. The side pockets provide ample space to securely hold your phone and other essentials while on the go. The quick-dry feature keeps your teen girl comfortable and dry during hot summer workouts, making these shorts perfect for running, tennis, soccer, and other sports activities. With an elastic waistband and inner drawstring, these shorts offer a custom fit and feel. Get unbeatable value with this 4-pack set of sport shorts, ideal for basketball, soccer, gym, running, tennis, workout, volleyball, gymnastics, practice, and lounging.
Under Armour Girls' Standard HeatGear Shorty
Under Armour Girls' Standard HeatGear Shorty is perfect for anyone who values comfort and convenience while working out. The shorts are made of original HeatGear fabric that is light, breathable, and dries quickly. The material is stretchy, allowing you to move comfortably in every direction. The mesh panels are strategically placed to provide extra breathability, and the exposed elastic waistband with wordmark detail adds a stylish touch to the shorts.
CRZ YOGA Girls Athletic Shorts
The CRZ YOGA Athletic Shorts are perfect for active girls who enjoy various sports and activities. Crafted with ultra-soft and lightweight fabric, these shorts provide a comfortable, weightless feel, making them ideal for running, soccer, or even dance practice. The high-rise design and 2.5-inch inseam ensure a secure fit, while the built-in mesh liner decreases friction during movement. Plus, the side zipper pockets offer convenient storage for essentials, and the elastic waistband with an inner drawstring allows you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What shorts to wear to the gym female?
When choosing shorts for the gym, it's best to opt for performance materials that are sweat-wicking, such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics draw moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable during your workout.
2. What do you wear under athletic shorts?
Athletic shorts for girls usually do not have a built-in liner or compression garment. Therefore, it is recommended to wear underwear under these shorts for the necessary coverage and support while running.
3. What do you wear to the gym as a girl?
Girls have various options when it comes to gym attire. Matching gym leggings and sports bra outfits are popular, but there are other choices like full-length leggings, 7/8 leggings, and Capri leggings. The key is to wear comfortable and functional clothing that suits your body type and the weather.
4. Why are women's gym shorts so tight?
Women's gym shorts are often designed to be tight for a reason. Tighter clothing can help lift pressure away from muscles and improve blood circulation. Compression-style clothing has been found to enhance performance by increasing blood and lymphatic flow, allowing for more efficient oxygen delivery to the muscles.
5. Why do athletes wear shorts over leggings?
Some athletes wear shorts over leggings for added warmth, especially in extreme temperatures. The additional layer of shorts can help break the wind, cold, and snow more effectively than just leggings. It provides extra protection and insulation for the lower body.
6. What is the little pocket in athletic shorts for?
The little pocket in athletic shorts serves as a convenient storage space for small items like phones, cash, credit cards, keys, folded hats, or sunglasses. It allows you to keep your essentials secure and easily accessible while on the move.
7. What is the difference between 5 and 7 athletic shorts?
The difference between 5-inch and 7-inch athletic shorts is the length. For individuals of average height, a 3-inch short finishes on the upper thigh, a 5-inch short approaches the mid-thigh area, and a 7-inch short finishes just above the knee.
During our athletic shorts for girls research, we found 48 athletic shorts for girls products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 50,389 customer reviews through our big data system to write the athletic shorts for girls list. We found that most customers choose athletic shorts for girls with an average price of $19.00.
The athletic shorts for girls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of athletic shorts for girls, including Under Armour, Real Essentials, adidas, Liberty Imports, The Children's Place. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.
Athletic Shorts for Girls Comparison Table
#TOP1
|
#TOP2
|
#TOP3
|
#TOP4
|
#TOP5
|
#TOP6
|
#TOP7
|
#TOP8
|
#TOP9
|
#TOP10
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brand | Under Armour | Real Essentials | Under Armour | adidas | Liberty Imports | The Children's Place | Liberty Pro | Liberty Pro | Under Armour | CRZ YOGA |
Department | Girls' | girls | Girls' | girls | girls | girls | girls | girls | girls | girls |
Fabric type | 100% Other Fibers | 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex | 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex | 89% Nylon, 11% Spandex | 100% Polyester | 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane | Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane |
Care instructions | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash |
Origin | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Designed in USA, Imported | Imported | Designed in USA, Imported | Designed in USA, Imported | Imported | Imported |
Closure type | Pull On | Drawstring | Pull On | Pull On | Drawstring | Pull On | Pull On | Drawstring | Pull On | Drawstring |
FTB Score |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Where to Buy |