The Best Athletic Shorts For Women
Although athletic shorts are good for being, well, athletic, that's not all that they're good for. Comfortable, breezy, and versatile, athletic shorts are also great to wear while lounging, knocking out chores, or playing with the kiddos. They don't have to look too athletic, either; in fact, some of them can even pass as non-athletic shorts. To help simplify your search for women's athletic shorts, we scoured the internet and rounded up a few of the best pairs on the market.
What To Look For
When it came to comparing the best athletic shorts for women, we focused on a few key components. The first is comfort. If the shorts aren’t comfortable, there’s just no way we’ll wear them. Next is breathability, and finally, we wanted to find a short that was actually stylish. With these three factors in mind, we landed on a few standout picks. For example, Luogongzi’s two-in-one running shorts feature a wide waistband, comfortable built-in spandex, and a cut that’s versatile enough for any body type. But they’re not the most breathable because of that inner spandex. For a breezier pair, we liked BMJL’s running shorts. Thanks to their high waist and breathable polyester, these are a fantastic option for moisture-wicking comfort. For a closer look at our favorites, have a look below.
Luogongzi 2-in-1 Flowy Running Shorts
Flowy and fun
Whether you’re running errands or running a marathon, these athletic shorts are a great pick. Soft, comfortable, and non-chafing, these shorts hit at the upper thigh and are comfortable enough to wear during a marathon and still run errands after. We love the wide, drawstring waistband and roomier leg, which work to fit all body types comfortably.
Pros:
- The leg is roomy enough to wear while lifting weights, yet not too roomy so as to fit awkwardly during yoga.
- The fabric holds up well over time, resisting pilling and micro-tears.
Cons:
- Although there is built-in spandex (which is a serious bonus), we think the cut of the leg is a bit high.
Colosseum Active Yoga and Running Shorts
Comfortable cotton
Offering a tighter fit than some athletic style shorts, these cotton-blend shorts are an excellent option for yoga, running, and even just lounging around the house. And thanks to said cotton blend, they’re super comfortable. However, there’s no need to relegate these shorts to lounge-day status, as they’re stylish enough to wear with a cute T-shirt for running errands around town. The thick, wider waistband helps to keep them from riding up, too.
Pros:
- We love the retro-style cut and the leg slit. These details make the shorts a bit more stylish than the average pair.
- These are the ideal shorts for wearing over a swimsuit.
Cons:
- These shorts tend to run large, so order down in size for a better fit.
BMJL Women’s Running Shorts
Oh-so-high
It can be hard to find the right pair of athletic shorts. Lower down on the waist, and you run the risk of having a constantly rising and uncomfortable pair of shorts. On the other hand, if the shorts have a wonky waistband, you might have to deal with the band cutting into your belly. So when we found this high-waisted pair, we were immediately hooked. Stylish and trendy, these also create a classic, more retro look thanks to the leg cut and high waist. Ideal for running, they won’t ride up or shift no matter how many miles you put on.
Pros:
- The high waist on these makes these a fantastic pair for runners.
- We love that these are breezy and lightweight enough to wear to hot yoga.
Cons:
- These don’t have a drawstring, so be sure to order the best size for your waist.
Uratot Cotton Sports Shorts, 2-Pack
The more the merrier
In our humble opinion, one can never have too many pairs of athletic shorts. That’s not only because activewear is all the rage these days, but also because athletic shorts work for just about any occasion, albeit casual. These throwback shorts come in a handy two-pack, and we’re not complaining because the cut, material, and fit are ultra-comfortable. Plus, at this price, we’re tempted to get a few extra pairs.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for a nice pair of swim shorts that can double as athletic shorts, these are a great option.
- The cotton on these is super soft, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Cons:
- The sizing isn’t the most reliable, with some fitting too large and others too small.
Oalka Women’s Short
Similar to a pair of yoga pants but shorter, these fitted shorts are a mega-comfy option when it comes to tighter shorts. That’s thanks to the high, wide waistband, the longer leg, and the side pockets designed to carry your everyday carry items. Whether you’re on a run, heading to yoga, or hopping on the bike, these shorts will see you through all of your favorite activities.
Pros:
- We love that these are fitted enough to wear under a dress on days where chafing can be an issue.
- The side pockets are handy for holding a phone or ID.
Cons:
- With frequent wear, these may begin to ride down. At this price, though, we find they’re still worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my athletic shorts?
This depends on whether or not you’re sweating while wearing them. If you sweat hard in them, you’ll want to wash them after every workout. Otherwise, it’s fine to skip washing until they really need it.
What’s the most moisture-wicking fabric for athletic shorts?
Although cotton is comfortable, they aren’t the most moisture-wicking. For breathability and moisture-wicking components, look to polyester.
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