Best Athletic Shorts for Men of 2026
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Athletic Shorts are a must-have for active men seeking comfort and style during their workouts or casual outings. These versatile shorts are designed with breathable fabrics that wick away sweat, ensuring a dry and comfortable experience. With a wide range of designs and colors, men can choose from various lengths and fits that suit their personal preferences and activities. Whether it's for running, playing sports, or simply lounging, Athletic Shorts provide the perfect combination of functionality and fashion for the modern man on the move.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Athletic Shorts for Men
BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men
Upgrade your workout gear with BALENNZ Men's Athletic Shorts. These soft and stretchy shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during any kind of sports or workout activities. With a 10-inch inseam, they provide enough coverage and freedom of movement for all your gym, cycling, running, basketball, football, tennis, and more. The shorts feature pockets on both sides, allowing you to carry your essentials with ease. The breathable and quick-drying fabric wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. The encased elastic waistband and inner drawcord ensure a perfect fit every time, so you don't have to worry about the shorts sliding up or down.
BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Men's Shorts
BOOJO Men's Gym Shorts are designed with your comfort in mind. The soft fabric ensures a cozy feel during your workouts, offering breathability and stretch. The elastic waistband with an inside drawstring provides a perfect fit that stays in place while running or training. With large pockets, you can conveniently carry essentials like your smartphone or wallet. These quick-drying shorts made of moisture-wicking fabric keep you dry and comfortable throughout your activities, whether it's exercising, lounging at home, or playing sports.
Kinglaman 4 Pack 2-in-1 Men's Running Shorts
The Kinglaman 2-in-1 Running Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and supported during your workouts. The built-in compression liner offers muscle support, helping you perform better and feel more at ease. Made from quick-drying mesh fabric, these shorts help you stay dry by wicking away sweat, which is perfect whether you're at the gym or out for a run. The lightweight and breathable material allows for excellent airflow, keeping you cool even during intense activity. Overall, these shorts combine support, comfort, and moisture control to enhance your exercise experience.
HOPLYNN 5 Pack 2-in-1 Men's Running Shorts
The HOPLYNN 2-in-1 Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and supported during various workouts. With a built-in compression liner, these shorts help stabilize your muscles whether you're running, doing yoga, or training for baseball. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool, making them perfect for intense activities like track sprints or gym sessions. Plus, the secure back pocket lets you safely store keys or cards, so you don’t have to worry about losing them while you focus on your exercise. These shorts combine convenience and performance for your active lifestyle.
Amazon Essentials Men's Performance Tech Loose-Fit Shorts
These men's athletic shorts are made of lightweight and breathable active stretch fabric with a relaxed fit through the hip, thigh, and leg. They feature an elasticized waistband with an internal adjustable drawstring for a comfortable fit, as well as two side pockets. The moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry during your workout. An Amazon brand.
BOOJO Men's Athletic Quick Dry Shorts 7 Pack
The BOOJO Athletic Shorts are crafted from soft, lightweight fabric that stretches in all directions, giving you the freedom to move comfortably throughout your day. Their breathable and quick-drying material helps you stay cool whether you're working out or just relaxing. The elastic waistband with a drawstring lets you customize the fit so the shorts stay securely in place without feeling tight or loose. Plus, the deep pockets are perfect for keeping your phone, keys, or other small essentials close by, so you don’t need to carry an extra bag when you head out.
BOOJO Quick Dry Men's Shorts
BOOJO Men's Athletic Shorts are crafted from premium polyester, ensuring they are soft, breathable, and stretchy for ultimate comfort. The quick-drying feature keeps you cool during workouts or casual outings, preventing discomfort from sweat. With deep, secure pockets, you can easily store your phone, keys, or wallet, allowing you to stay focused on your activities without worrying about your belongings. The elastic waistband and practical drawstring provide a snug fit, so you can move freely whether you're lounging at home or playing basketball. Enjoy flexibility and comfort with these versatile shorts for any occasion.
adidas Adi365 Basic Men's Shorts
The adidas Adi365 Men's Shorts are designed for athletic use, providing comfort and flexibility during your workouts. These shorts are made specifically for men, ensuring a tailored fit that supports your movements. The black color offers a versatile and stylish look that pairs well with any sportswear. Available in a medium size with a 5-inch inseam, these shorts strike a balance between coverage and freedom of motion, making them ideal for running, training, or casual wear. With adidas’s trusted quality, you can expect durability and performance in every use.
LULY YANG DSP Men's Performance Stretch Shorts
LULY YANG Performance Stretch Shorts are specially designed for DSP owners. With an ultra flexible waistband and comfort stretch, these shorts provide maximum comfort and flexibility. The soft finish adds an extra layer of comfort. The multiple pockets are designed for convenient storage on the go, allowing you to carry your essentials with ease. Whether it's for a workout or everyday wear, these shorts are suitable for all seasons, maximizing function and flexibility. Stay comfortable and organized with LULY YANG Performance Stretch Shorts.
AKAWOOKO Men's Quick Dry Athletic Shorts 5 Pack
The AKAWOOKO Athletic Gym Shorts are designed with your comfort in mind. Made from soft and breathable fabric, these shorts keep you cool and comfortable throughout any workout. Their quick-drying material helps wick away sweat, so you stay dry even during intense exercise. The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures the shorts fit securely without slipping or feeling tight. Plus, the large side pockets offer ample space to keep your wallet, phone, or keys handy, making these shorts perfect for running, training, or casual wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What length shorts for athletic men?
For athletic men between 5'5" and 6'1" in height, shorts with a 5 to 7-inch inseam are recommended. The most common inseam length for men's athletic shorts is 7 inches, falling above the knee. This length offers a preppy look and is popular among slim or athletic men.
2. What is the difference between 5 and 7 athletic shorts?
The difference between 5 and 7-inch athletic shorts is the length. A 3-inch short will finish on the upper thigh, a 5-inch short will reach the mid-thigh area, and a 7-inch short will finish just above the knee.
3. What do men wear under athletic shorts?
Men can wear briefs or boxer briefs under athletic shorts, depending on their preference for support and comfort. Briefs provide more support and prevent unwanted movement, while boxer briefs offer a more comfortable fit.
4. What size shorts should a 5'11 man wear?
For a 5'11" man, shorts with a 5 to 7-inch inseam are recommended. A 5-inch inseam will fall to the mid-thigh, while a 7-inch inseam is the universal length for men's shorts.
5. What size shorts should a 5'9 man wear?
For men under 5'9", the best length for shorts is 7 inches. Anything longer may be too long, although 9-inch shorts can work if you prefer a slightly longer length. For those under 5'5" or who want to show more thigh, 5-inch shorts are recommended.
6. Why are athletic shorts so short?
Athletic shorts are designed to be short to avoid chafing during physical activities like running. Less cloth means less friction, especially when running with a higher cadence, longer stride length, and in warmer temperatures. Shorter shorts help reduce friction and improve comfort for athletes.
7. Are 5 inch or 7 inch shorts better?
The universal length for men's shorts is 7 inches, which falls above the knee. Both 5 and 7-inch inseam shorts are suitable for a preppy look, especially on slim or athletic men.
8. Why do guys wear spandex under shorts?
Some men wear spandex or compression shorts under their athletic shorts for comfort and support during workouts. These compression shorts provide a layer of modesty and help prevent unwanted movement during physical activities.
9. Why do athletes wear shorts over leggings?
Athletes sometimes wear shorts over leggings for added warmth and protection. The shorts can help break the wind, cold, and snow, providing an extra layer of insulation during extreme temperatures.
During our athletic shorts for men research, we found 48 athletic shorts for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 498,928 customer reviews through our big data system to write the athletic shorts for men list. We found that most customers choose athletic shorts for men with an average price of $23.29.
The athletic shorts for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of athletic shorts for men, including BALENNZ, BOOJO, Kinglaman, HOPLYNN, adidas. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,020 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
William Weston was born in America and is currently a fashion industry designer. He's always been fascinated with the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so he decided to go into fashion design. William loves working on his designs and creating clothing that will make people look good while feeling comfortable at the same time.
Athletic Shorts for Men Comparison Table
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| Brand | BALENNZ | BOOJO | Kinglaman | HOPLYNN | Amazon Essentials | BOOJO | BOOJO | adidas | LULY YANG | AKAWOOKO |
| Department | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens |
| Fabric type | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex | 100% Polyester |
| Origin | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | - | Imported |
| Closure type | Drawstring | Drawstring | Drawstring | Drawstring | Pull On | Drawstring | Drawstring | Pull On | - | Drawstring |
| Care instructions | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | - | Machine Wash | Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low | Machine Wash | - | Machine Wash | Hand Wash Only | Machine Wash |
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