These Are The 15 Best Women’s Workout Shorts To Try In 2024
Brave through the most challenging workout routines with these comfortable shorts.
Chandel is a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and the owner of Curls & Pilates, a fitness company. She has 4 years of experience and trains some of the top names on the Fortune 500 list, teaching them how to tune into their bodies and create fitness practices that blend strength training and Pilates in with their busy lifestyles.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Whether you work out to stay active, get in shape, or because it makes you happy with all the endorphin rush, opting for the right clothing makes a great difference to your performance. Picking the best women’s active shorts can give you the liberty to move freely while wicking away moisture and letting you stay dry. Perfectly suited for summers, shorts for workouts can be a gamechanger when worn while cycling, running, or stretching.
We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best shorts for women to wear while working out that is sure to help you add a few to your wardrobe.
In This Article
Best Women’s Workout Shorts
1. Best Stretchable: THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts
The Gym People High Waist Yoga Shorts are perfect for running, gymming, dancing, pilates, yoga, and other workout sessions. These trendy yet comfortable athletic shorts have a high-rise design that offers tummy control and a wide waistband that streamlines your curves.
These exercise shorts are made of a quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric that promotes both compression and support. The non-see-through material stretches four ways without causing any deformity even after several rounds of washing. The two deep side pockets can store your phone, money, cards, or iPod.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyamide and spandex
- Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
- Super stretchable
- Convenient side pockets
- Non-see-through
- Breathable fabric
- Money-back guarantee
- Thin
- Not true to size
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 18,292 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best For Tummy Control:Baleaf Women’s High Waist Yoga Biker Shorts
The Baleaf Women’s High Waist Yoga Biker Shorts can be your perfect companion for running, yoga, dancing, and gymming. They have an elastic closure and are made of stretchable, breathable, and moisture-wicking material that provides complete coverage. These high-waisted yoga shorts come with a wide waistband that is slip-free and offers tummy flattening.
They also feature two deep side pockets to keep your mobile or music device and one hidden pocket attached to the waistband. The long inseam gives full coverage while stretching and bending and offers excellent support and mobility to make your workout sessions even better and elaborated. The three types of ergonomic and chafe-free seams provide natural motion range, while the gusseted crotch allows you to move freely. Several reviewers on Amazon liked these shorts for their smooth lining and flat lock seams that prevent chafing.
Specifications
- Fabric: Cotton, polyester, and spandex
- Available Sizes: X-Small to 5XL Plus
- Lightweight
- Sweat-wicking
- Non-see-through fabric
- Provides tummy control
- Gusseted crotch
- Comes with a hidden pocket
- No compression
- Quality and size issues
3. Best Comfortable Fit:Tough Mode Apparel Women’s Crossfit Running WOD Shorts
The Tough Mode Apparel Women’s Workout Shorts offer a comfortable and perfect fit and are suitable for daily gymming, cycling, running, dancing, yoga, and other workouts. They are made of a functional-active and body fit fabric that provides more stretch and compression.
These cute workout shorts are made with two different cutting patterns and materials to provide maximum support and stretch during intense workout sessions. The patterned shorts are made of compression polyester, while the solid color shorts are made of stretchable nylon. The thick, non-see-through, and breathable fabric offers full coverage.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and nylon
- Available Sizes: X-Small to X-large
- Non-see-through
- Stretchy
- Perfect fit
- No logo print
- Functional-active fabric
- Money-back guarantee
- Lightweight
- Not squat-proof
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,827 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
4. Best Squat-Proof:90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Yoga Shorts
The 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Yoga Shorts offer excellent comfort and flexibility. They are made of four-way stretch material that works brilliantly for activities like cycling, hiking, running, lifting, yoga, and gymming. These high waist endurance shorts help in tummy control and offer soft compression to the mid-waist to make it look toned.
The wide and streamlined waistband defines and contours your body shape. The gusseted crotch gives full freedom to move, while the interlock seams prevent rubbing of thighs and chafing. There is a hidden pocket in the waistband to stash your wallet. The moisture-wicking fibers soak up sweat. These ultra-soft and lightweight yoga shorts offer both performance and fit so that your workout sessions are carefree and intense.
Specifications
- Fabric: Spandex and nylon
- Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
- Non-see-through
- Comes with a hidden pocket
- Provides tummy control
- Squat-proof
- 4-way stretch
- Sweat-wicking
- Gusseted crotch
- Money-back guarantee
- Improper seams
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 3,002 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
5. Best Sweat-Wicking:Nike Women’s Dry Training Shorts
The Nike Women’s Dry Training Shorts are designed with the freedom to move and comfort in mind. They come with an elastic closure and offer full coverage due to the 5-inch inseam, so you can get involved in your fitness session without having to worry about stretching.
These activewear shorts are made of a sweat-wicking fabric, which keeps you sweat-free during intense workout sessions. The streamlined and angled side seams follow the body contours and flatter your shape. The elastic waistband has an adjustable drawcord for a personalized fit.
Chandel Stallwart, a certified personal trainer and pilates instructor, states, “Make sure to choose black shorts to steer clear of embarrassing sweat stains!”
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester
- Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
- Machine washable
- Full coverage
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Integrated drawcord
- Soft
- Is see-through
6. Best Skin-Friendly:Blevonh Women’s Running Fitness Workout Shorts
Give yourself the liberty to workout freely and comfortably with the Blevonh Women’s Running Fitness Workout Shorts that come with built-in boyshorts. These quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable shorts are soft and highly stretchable. They are excellent for any kind of fitness activity, be it outdoor or indoor.
These lightweight shorts are the perfect blend of style and comfort and come with two long pockets to carry your phone or iPod. The elastic layer design is smooth to wear and offers extra stretch while you perform any activity. The linear design prevents chafing. Reviews on Amazon indicate that these shorts do not ride or bunch up or dig into the skin.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: Small to 3X-Large
- Two-layer design
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Built-in boyshorts
- Skin-friendly
- No pilling and shrinking
- Can be machine or hand washed
- Not true to size
7. Best Breathable Fabric:Cadmus Women’s High Waist Workout Shorts
The Cadmus Women’s High Waist Workout Shorts can be used for exercise, dancing, gymming, and running. These all-weather shorts stay cool in summers and warm in winters. They are made of a sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric, which keeps you dry with two-way air circulation. It is elastic and lets you move freely.
These shorts have a hidden waistband pocket to keep your stash safe and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. The gusseted crotch enhances the movements while the compression design supports the upper legs and controls muscle vibration to keep injuries away.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: X-Small to 2X-Large
- Machine wash
- Quick-drying
- Sweat-wicking
- Gusseted crotch
- Breathable fabric
- Non-see-through
- All-weather
- Not true to size
8. Best Versatile:Reebok Women’s Running Shorts
Take your workout to the next level with the Reebok Women’s Running Shorts. They are suitable for all sorts of fitness activities, like running, cycling, lifting, yoga, and gymming. These high-performance shorts are made of light, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric.
These shorts hug your legs and provide enough room to move, stretch, and squat freely and comfortably. The polyspan blend fabric and full polyester lining ensure your workouts are sweat- and irritation-free. These gym shorts are available in both high and mid-rise designs. Many reviewers on Amazon have praised this product for its sweat-wicking ability and comfortable fit.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
- True to size
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretchable
- Comes in high and mid-rise waist options
- Does not have pockets
9. Best Slim Fit:Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Short
The Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Shorts are a great option to dial up your workout routine. These patented shorts have a drawcord elastic waistband to offer a perfect and adjustable fit. The elastic waistband sits perfectly on the waist and does not slip, so your fitness sessions are carefree and comfortable.
These super comforting and ultra-soft shorts have side splits for free and easy movement. They are made of elastane and cotton and offer a slim fit. They provide brilliant stretchability to carry out any workout, whether indoors or outdoors.
Specifications
- Fabric: Cotton and elastane
- Available Sizes: XX-Small to XX-Large
- Slim fit
- Comes with a drawcord
- True to size
- Machine washable
- No compression
- Does not wick moisture
10. Best For Quick-Drying:VUTRU Women’s Running Workout Shorts
The VUTRU Women’s Running Workout Shorts are made of breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying material. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat away. The wide elastic waistband is fitted with an adjustable drawstring for customized fitting and to prevent slipping.
These shorts have a built-in compression liner and side slits to prevent chafing and rubbing. The compression shorts hug your body firmly and provide excellent support while exercising, while the outer loose fit shorts offer extended mobility. They have one back zipper pocket and two waistband has hidden pockets to store your cash and cards.
Specifications
- Fabric: Spandex and polyester
- Available Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
- Breathable
- Sweat-absorbent
- Stretchable
- Quick-drying
- Built-in compression liner
- 3 pockets
- Not true to size
11. Starter Women’s Knit Waistband Running Shorts
The Starter Women’s Knit Waistband Running Shorts offer a comfortable fit. These lightweight and ultra-soft shorts are ideal for running, dancing, gymming, yoga, and hiking. They are made of Stretch-Star fabric, which offers extended mobility. The Dri-Star technology keeps you cool and dry throughout your workout session. These shorts come with a knit waistband adorned with a reflective logo and a zip pocket to keep your cash, cards, or keys.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: X-Small to X-Large
- Zipper closure
- Machine-wash safe
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Not true to size
12. EDENCOMERS Women’s Workout Shorts
The EDENCOMERS Women’s Workout Shorts are made of a soft, stretchable, moisture-wicking fabric that offers comfort and breathability. It moves sweat away from the body and speeds up acceleration to keep you cool. The built-in compression lining that gives super mobility to let you move and stretch freely.
These lightweight and smooth shorts are ideal for yoga, hiking, running, jogging, lifting, and cycling. They have a two-in-one design – an elastic layer underneath loose-fitting shorts – to allow you to run, jump, and bend freely. The broad and soft elastic waistband firmly tucks the tummy and prevents slip downs. Reviews on Amazon indicate that these shorts are super-lightweight and great for high-impact workouts.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretchable
- Lightweight
- No pockets
13. icyzone Running Yoga Shorts
The icyzone Running Yoga Shorts are made of breathable and quick-drying material that helps you keep cool and dry during intense workout sessions. These elastic closure shorts consist of inseam outer shorts for excellent mobility and inner mesh shorts for protection and support while exercising. The smooth and elastic waistband lies comfortably flat on your tummy and offers decent breathability. These super-light shorts are ideal for running, lifting, yoga, cycling, traveling, and even lounging.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
- Quick-drying
- Comes with inner mesh shorts
- Lightweight
- Wide waistband
- Breathable
- No pockets
- Not true to size
14. Custer’s Night Women’s Workout Shorts
Custer’s Night Women’s Workout Shorts are suitable for yoga, running, hiking, jogging, and cycling. You can also wear them for traveling and relaxing. These two-in-one shorts are made of a breathable and durable fabric that keeps you cool and dry all day long, even after an intense workout session.
The inner layer of these lightweight shorts is made of polyester and spandex, whereas the outer layer is entirely polyester. Both the materials offer excellent support and mobility to allow you to stretch and move around quickly. The wide elastic waistband fits perfectly around the waist, and the two front pockets help you carry your phone, keys, and cards.
Specifications
- Fabric: Polyester and spandex
- Available Sizes: Small to XX-Large
- Breathable
- Wide elastic band
- 2 side pockets
- 2-layer shorts
- Lightweight
- Anti-exposure
- Not true to size
15. PUNTU Sport Shorts
The PUNTU Sport Shorts are designed to fit contour your body and accentuate your curves. They are made of top quality fabric, which is soft to touch and skin-friendly. These active lifestyle shorts are lightweight and breathable shorts that offer good flexibility and freedom to move comfortably due to the double-layer design.
These shorts have a wide yet soft elastic waistband with a drawstring to adjust around the waist conveniently. The trendy contrast color design makes you look fashionable. They are suitable for yoga, walking, swimming, running, gymming, and lounging.
Specifications
- Fabric: Cotton and spandex
- Available Sizes: Small to X-Large
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Wide waistband
- Machine washable
- Trendy design
- Runs small
This was our list of highly-rated women’s shorts to keep you comfortable during sweaty workouts. All these workout shorts are selected after careful consideration of their unbiased online reviews. Here are a few things to consider before buying workout shorts, so your workout sessions are comfortable and uninterrupted.
Quick Buying Guide – Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Pair Of Women’s Workout Shorts
- Material/Fabric
The softer and more stretchable the material, the better your performance. The fabric should be lightweight, breathable, skin-friendly, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchable to provide comfort and mobility and prevent chafing.
- Size And Length
The size is another essential factor to consider before buying fitness shorts. If your shorts are too tight or too loose, they can either bunch up or ride up, affecting your workout session.
Go for shorts with a drawstring so that you can easily adjust it around your waist according to your comfort and size. Make sure you buy a true-to-size pair. Workout shorts primarily come in three lengths – 3”, 5”, and 7”. Pick a pair of shorts, depending on the length and coverage needed.
- Pockets
Pockets allow you to keep your things like mobile, cash, cards, earphones, etc. safely. You can test their size and functionality by placing these items in them. They keep your hands free, making exercising comfortable. Chandel Stalwart, a certified personal trainer and pilates instructor, “At this point, leggings and gym shorts that do not have pockets should be illegal. Pockets in shorts are a necessity, not a nicety.”
The Bottom Line
Gym shorts or workout shorts are an integral part of your athletic wardrobe. They help absorb sweat, allow flexibility of movement, and keep you comfortable. The best workout shorts for women will make a great difference in your performance and keep you looking stylish while sweating it out in the gym. They are perfectly suited for the summers. For high-performance comfort in a breathable material, choose the Baleaf Women’s High Waist Yoga Biker Shorts while for Crossfit and running, go with the Tough Mode Apparel Women’s Crossfit Running WOD Shorts. For exceptional flexibility, the 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Yoga Shorts is the ideal choice. The products reviewed above are super stretchable, made of breathable fabric, lightweight, and provide tummy control. Consider the material, fabric, size, length, and number of pockets before choosing the best women’s workout shorts.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, has a diploma in health and wellness and loves reviewing fitness and related products for her readers. In this article, she has listed the best women’s workout shorts with pros and cons and a detailed buying guide after carefully researching multiple options online and looking into their feedback. The shortlisted products are crafted with breathable and soft fabric to ensure comfortable wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most flattering length for workout shorts?
A 7-inch length is the most flattering length for workout shorts. This length works perfectly for casual home exercises and strength training at the gym.
Should gym shorts be tight?
No, your gym shorts need to be snugly hugging your thighs. Tight shorts may restrict air and blood circulation and suffocate your skin.
What kind of panties do you wear under your workout shorts?
Wear laser-cut panties under your workout shorts. They disappear under your shorts and cling to your body without suffocating your skin.
Can I wear running shorts for workout sessions?
There is no difference between a pair of running shorts and workout shorts, so you may wear the former during your workout sessions.
Why do workout shorts have liners?
The liners in the workout shorts offer moisture management and structural support.
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