Best Lightweight Athletic Shorts for Women of 2026

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

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These lightweight athletic shorts are a must-have for active women. Designed with comfort and style in mind, they are perfect for workouts, running, or simply lounging around. Made from a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture, these shorts keep you cool and dry even during intense exercise. With a comfortable elastic waistband and a variety of trendy colors and patterns to choose from, these athletic shorts are both functional and fashionable. Whether you're hitting the gym or going for a jog, these lightweight shorts are the ideal choice for any active woman.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ksmien Women's 5" Quick Dry Athletic Shorts Cover #TOP 1
Ksmien Women's 5" Quick Dry Athletic Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Under Armour Play Up 3.0 Shorts Cover #TOP 2
Under Armour Play Up 3.0 Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MAGCOMSEN Women's Quick Dry Hiking Shorts Cover #TOP 3
MAGCOMSEN Women's Quick Dry Hiking Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lightweight Athletic Shorts for Women

#TOP 1

Ksmien Women's 5" Quick Dry Athletic Shorts

Black
Medium
Ksmien Women's 5" Quick Dry Athletic Shorts Cover
Ksmien Women's 5" Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black

The Ksmien Quick Dry Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during any workout. Made from a smooth blend of polyester and elastane, these shorts are lightweight and breathable, helping you stay cool and dry. They feature two zipper pockets, perfect for securely storing your phone or small items while you exercise. The wide elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures a snug yet flexible fit, adapting to your body shape for maximum comfort. Plus, the split-leg design offers great thigh coverage and improved movement, so you can stay active without distractions.

What We Like
Quick-dry fabric
Zippered pockets
Adjustable elastic waistband
Split-leg design
#TOP 2

Under Armour Play Up 3.0 Shorts

1344552/1353764
Medium
Under Armour Play Up 3.0 Shorts Cover
Under Armour Womens Play Up 3.0 Shorts, (350) Matrix Green/Vapor Green/White, Medium

The Under Armour Play Up Shorts are designed for ultimate comfort and breathability. The soft, lightweight fabric ensures you stay comfortable during your workouts or leisure time. With moisture-wicking properties, these shorts quickly draw sweat away from your skin, helping you stay dry and cool. Their quick-drying feature means you can transition from gym to errands without feeling damp. Plus, the anti-pill and anti-pick finish enhances durability, so you can enjoy these shorts for a long time without worrying about wear and tear. The updated elastic waistband adds a stylish touch, making them perfect for any active occasion.

What We Like
Great build quality
Affordable price
Easy to use
Excellent performance
#TOP 3

MAGCOMSEN Women's Quick Dry Hiking Shorts

Black
Medium
MAGCOMSEN Women's Quick Dry Hiking Shorts Cover
MAGCOMSEN Hiking Shorts Women Lightweight Quick Dry Black Cargo Shorts 5 Inseam Golf Shorts with Pockets Casual Athletic, M

The MAGCOMSEN Hiking Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during outdoor activities. Their lightweight fabric dries quickly, so you stay cool and fresh even during intense hikes or hot days. With UPF 50+ protection, these shorts shield your skin from harmful sun rays, helping prevent sunburn. The water-resistant material also repels light moisture, so you won’t feel damp or uncomfortable. Plus, the elastic waistband with an inner drawstring ensures a snug, flexible fit that moves with your body, giving you freedom and comfort on the trail or during casual wear.

What We Like
Lightweight fabric
Quick-dry material
UPF 50+ sun protection
Water-resistant fabric
Elastic waistband with drawstring
#TOP 4

ZUTY 3 Pack 5" Women's Athletic Shorts

ZUTY
Medium
ZUTY 3 Pack 5" Women's Athletic Shorts Cover
ZUTY 3 Pack 5" Womens Athletic Shorts Basic Running Shorts Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Workout Shorts with Pockets Black-Light Grey-Burgundy M

The ZUTY Women's Athletic Shorts are made from a lightweight polyester and spandex blend that keeps you cool and dry, making them perfect for hot weather workouts. Their quick-dry fabric lets you wash and dry them overnight, ideal for travel and busy days without needing ironing. The 5-inch inseam provides just the right amount of coverage to prevent chafing while allowing full movement, so you can stay comfortable during activities like squats or running after kids. Plus, the elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a snug fit that adjusts to your body, offering comfort and preventing slipping no matter your shape.

What We Like
Lightweight breathable fabric
Quick-dry for travel ease
5" inseam prevents chafing
Adjustable waistband fit

Blooming Jelly Womens Quick-Dry Running Shorts

2550580302
Black
Medium
Blooming Jelly Womens Quick-Dry Running Shorts Cover
Blooming Jelly Womens Quick-Dry Running Shorts Sport Athletic Active Workout Shorts with Pockets 1.75" (Medium, Black)

Blooming Jelly Running Shorts are the perfect choice for active women. With an elastic waistband, these shorts provide a comfortable and stretchy fit. The spandex-ish underwear liner ensures that the shorts stay in place, eliminating any discomfort. The side zipper pocket is convenient for carrying your card or key while on the go. The high waisted band and side slit add a stylish touch to these shorts. Made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, these shorts are suitable for a variety of activities, including running, cycling, and gym workouts. The soft and cool fabric ensures maximum comfort, even during intense workouts. With the Blooming Jelly Running Shorts, you can stay active and stylish at the same time.

What We Like
Comfortable
Convenient side pocket
Stylish design
#TOP 6

Tough Mode Women's Running Shorts with Mesh Liner and Zip Pocket

Black
Medium
Tough Mode Women's Running Shorts with Mesh Liner and Zip Pocket Cover
Tough Mode Womens 3" Lightweight Running WOD Volleyball Shorts Workout Mesh Liner Zip Pocket Black

Tough Mode Women's Running Shorts are ultra-lightweight and made of wicking polyester/spandex fabric. The shorts have a mesh lining to keep you safe and stylish side-bottom scallops, making them perfect for intense workout sessions such as running, gym workout, cardio, and WOD. The hem design is unique, and the zipper pocket on the waistband is convenient for keeping cell phones. The product is available in various sizes and is manufactured with high-quality materials at an affordable price.

What We Like
Ultra-lightweight and comfortable to wear
Mesh lining for added safety
Stylish hem design
#TOP 7

5 Pack: Women's Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set

WH-414 Large
Large
5 Pack: Women's Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set Cover
5 Pack: Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)

This bundle set includes five women's athletic shorts made of moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry during any sport. With deep mesh pockets and zippers, your phone and other small essentials are securely stored. The loose fit and elastic waistband with internal drawstring provide a custom fit. Ideal for yoga, basketball, fitness, soccer, exercise, jogging, walking, sleep, and lounging, these cute, soft, and comfy activewear shorts are a perfect addition to your workout apparel collection.

What We Like
Bundled set of 5 women's athletic shorts
Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry
Deep mesh pockets with zippers securely store small essentials
Loose fit and elastic waistband with internal drawstring provide a custom fit
Cute, soft, and comfy activewear ideal for various activities and lounging
#TOP 8

MAGCOMSEN Women's Lightweight Running Shorts

Dark Grey
Large
MAGCOMSEN Women's Lightweight Running Shorts Cover
MAGCOMSEN Running Shorts for Women UPF50+ Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Athletic Hiking Summer Shorts Pockets Dark Grey, L

The MAGCOMSEN Quick Dry Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during any outdoor activity. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, they quickly wick away sweat to help you stay cool and dry all day. The shorts offer UPF 50+ protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, which is perfect for sunny days. They also resist light rain and stains, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected weather or dirt. With a stretchy waistband and adjustable drawstring, these shorts provide a snug yet comfortable fit tailored to your waist. Overall, these shorts combine practicality and comfort to support your active lifestyle.

What We Like
Lightweight breathable fabric
UPF 50+ sun protection
Water and stain resistance
Adjustable elastic waistband
#TOP 9

Yevrimow Women's 2-in-1 High-Waisted Running Shorts

Yevrimow
NKDK-hei-L
Black
Large Short
Yevrimow Women's 2-in-1 High-Waisted Running Shorts Cover
Yevrimow Women's 2 in 1 Running Shorts for Gym Yoga Workout Athletic Shorts High-Waisted Shorts with Liner Pockets Black

The Yevrimow Running Shorts offer a smart double-layer design that gives you both support and freedom. The inner layer hugs your body to keep you secure during movement, while the outer layer's side slits allow for better airflow and flexibility. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, these shorts quickly wick away sweat to keep you dry and comfortable no matter how intense your workout gets. Plus, the elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a snug fit, making these shorts perfect for running, yoga, gym sessions, or even daily wear. With these shorts, you can move freely and stay cool throughout your activities.

What We Like
Double-layer support
Breathable side slits
Moisture-wicking fabric
Lightweight comfort
Adjustable waistband
#TOP 10

NIASHOT Women's Dolphin Quick Dry Shorts

Black
Medium
NIASHOT Women's Dolphin Quick Dry Shorts Cover
NIASHOT Athletic Workout Running Shorts for Women Dolphin Quick Dry Hiking Outdoors Gym Track Tennis Sports Clothes Black M

The NIASHOT Quick Dry Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during any workout or outdoor activity. Made from ultra-soft, lightweight fabric, these shorts dry quickly and move quietly with you, giving you a second-skin feel that helps you stay focused. The knit waistband offers gentle tummy control and stays in place without rolling, so you can move freely without distractions. Inside, a stretchy lining adds flexibility, making it easier to move during running, hiking, or gym sessions. Plus, the breathable inner liner helps reduce friction, keeping your skin comfortable even during intense activities.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Lightweight and soft material
Knit waistband with tummy control
Stretchy inner lining
Breathable inner liner
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our lightweight athletic shorts for women research, we found 48 lightweight athletic shorts for women products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 363,001 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight athletic shorts for women list. We found that most customers choose lightweight athletic shorts for women with an average price of $20.42.

The lightweight athletic shorts for women are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight athletic shorts for women, including Ksmien, Under Armour, MAGCOMSEN, ZUTY, Blooming Jelly. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 108 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

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.