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Every man needs to have a few good pairs of shorts in his closet. These include some stylish shorts to wear out and about, but also some durable and sweat-resistant options to don at the gym. Indeed, these days it seems like there are shorts for any occasion.
The Best Men's Shorts - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Men's Shorts: adidas AEROREADY Designed to Move Shorts
- Best Men's Workout Shorts: Janji 7" AFO-Vent Multi Short
- Best Men's Running Shorts: New Balance Impact Run 5 Inch Shorts
- Best Men's Bike Shorts: New Balance R.W. Tech 7 Inch Shorts
- Best Men's Sweat Shorts: adidas Designed for Training Shorts
- Best Budget Men's Shorts: adidas Entrada 22 Short
- Most Comfortable Men's Shorts: New Balance MADE in USA Core Shorts
- Best Men's Yoga Shorts: adidas Techfit Short Tights
- Best Men's CrossFit Shorts: Copper Compression Base Layer Compression
- Best Men's Hiking Shorts: Janji 5" AFO Middle Short
At ACTIVE, we've tried out countless pairs of shorts and have come up with a list of recommendations, spanning 10 different categories of activity. Read on to discover our picks for the best men's shorts of 2023.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall - adidas AEROREADY Designed to Move Shorts
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Pockets: Side zip pockets
Whether you plan on wearing your shorts on a long run, a casual stroll around the neighborhood, or lounging around the house, the adidas AEROREADY Designed to Move Shorts are a great all-around option. Made with recycled polyester, these shorts are soft, lightweight, and made to promote total freedom of movement. Side zip pockets give you a place to securely stash your wallet and phone and moisture-absorbing materials will allow you to keep sweat at bay.
What We Like
- Moisture-absorbing
- Lightweight
- Lots of freedom of movement
- Zippered pockets to secure your stuff
- 5 colors available
What We Don't Like
- May not be as durable as other options
- Some men may find them just a little on the short side
BUY: adidas AEROREADY Designed to Move Shorts
Best Men's Workout Shorts - Janji 7" AFO-Vent Multi Short
SPECS
- Size: S-XL
- Material: Nylon, elastane
- Pockets: 7 pockets
If you're looking for shorts that will enhance your athletic performance, the Janji 7" AFO-Vent Multi Short earns our highest recommendation. Not only are these shorts ventilated for maximum airflow, but they're made with extra-stretchy nylon and elastane to promote your full range of motion. A moisture-wicking compression short liner is also included, to say nothing of the seven convenient pockets.
What We Like
- Tons of pockets
- Moisture-wicking compression liner
- Breathable
- Stretchy
- Lots of color options
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Nothing above an XL
BUY: Janji 7" AFO-Vent Multi Short
Best Men's Running Shorts - New Balance Impact Run 5 Inch Shorts
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Pockets: Drop-in pockets, zippered pocket, storage tunnel
For runners, the New Balance Impact Run 5 Inch Shorts earn our top honors. These shorts are designed to let you enjoy your runs without any fuss or hassle. Drop-in pockets make it easy for you to grab a protein bar, while a zippered one gives you a secure place to keep your phone. There's also a comfortable inner lining that offers both support and added moisture protection.
What We Like
- Supportive, moisture-wicking inner lining
- Both drop-in and zippered pockets
- Extremely lightweight
- Great length for runners
- Reflective details for after-hours runs
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Higher price point
BUY: New Balance Impact Run 5 Inch Shorts
Best Men's Bike Shorts - New Balance R.W. Tech 7 Inch Shorts
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Pockets: Inner and outer pockets
Cyclists will find much to love about the New Balance R.W. Tech 7 Inch Shorts. The mid-rise shorts provide a snug fit still with ample freedom of motion. Pockets on both the inside and outside of the shorts offer convenient and secure storage, while the athletic design is trim without ever feeling overly restrictive.
What We Like
- Athletic fit
- Very lightweight
- Fast-drying, moisture-wicking technology
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Higher price point
BUY: New Balance R.W. Tech 7 Inch Shorts
Best Men's Sweat Shorts - adidas Designed for Training Shorts
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL in 3 inseam lengths
- Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
- Pockets: Zippered pockets
Every man needs a good pair of drawcord sweat shorts and the adidas Designed for Training Shorts are our top pick. Made with polyester that's stretchy, durable, and sweat-wicking, these shorts will serve you well through your most intense workouts. Front zip pockets and a gusseted crotch add to the design.
What We Like
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretchy yet durable
- Several color options
What We Don't Like
- Some men may find them a little too short
- Not the most stylish option on the list
BUY: adidas Designed for Training Shorts
Best Budget Men's Shorts - adidas Entrada 22 Short
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Pockets: Not listed
You don't have to pay top dollar just to get a decent pair of shorts. Case in point: the adidas Entrada 22 Short, which offers a clean and classic design and moisture-wicking materials. Stretchy yet supportive, they offer you a full range of motion for maximum comfort whether you're working out or simply running some errands. All that for less than $20!
What We Like
- Moisture-wicking
- Modest price point
- Stretchy yet durable
- Several color options
What We Don't Like
- Very basic in style/aesthetic
- May not be as durable as other shorts
Most Comfortable Men's Shorts - New Balance MADE in USA Core Shorts
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXL
- Material: Cotton
- Pockets: Front pockets, back patch pocket
For sheer luxury, you'll want to take a look at the New Balance MADE in USA Core Shorts. Though you'll pay a bit more for them, they more than justify their higher price point with a soft and supple cotton feel. The premium, heavyweight French terry material conveys elegance yet also works well for casual wear.
What We Like
- Luxuriously soft cotton
- Stylish yet casual
- Several color options
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not the best bet for moisture control
BUY: New Balance MADE in USA Core Shorts
Best Men's Yoga Shorts - adidas Techfit Short Tights
SPECS
- Size: XS-XXXL
- Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
- Pockets: Not listed
Strike a pose with the adidas Techfit Short Tights, our pick for the best men's yoga shorts. Made with a compression fit, these shorts aren't just supportive, but actually help to keep your muscles loose and warm. They're also lightweight, quick to dry, and wonderfully unobtrusive as you're trying to focus on your practice.
What We Like
- Quick to dry
- Compression fit
- Lightweight
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Some men won't like the tight, long fit
- Not the best bet if you want lots of pocket space
BUY: adidas Techfit Short Tights
Best Men's CrossFit Shorts - Copper Compression Base Layer Compression
SPECS
- Size: S-XL
- Material: Copper-infused nylon
- Pockets: Not listed
For CrossFit athletes, compression shorts just make sense. Enter the Copper Compression Base Layer Compression shorts, which are designed to keep those muscles nice and warm throughout your workout, helping you reduce the risk of stiffness, soreness, or injury. Four-way stretch fabric ensures a wide range of motion, while moisture-wicking materials keep your sweat under control.
What We Like
- Quick to dry
- Compression fit
- Flexible and stretchy
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- No color options
- Not as well-suited for casual, everyday wear
BUY: Copper Compression Base Layer Compression
Best Men's Hiking Shorts - Janji 5" AFO Middle Short
SPECS
- Size: S-XL
- Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
- Pockets: Both drop-in and zippered pockets
Take a hike in the Janji 5" AFO Middle Short, which are stylish, ultra-lightweight, and made to endure plenty of wear and tear. They're also breathable and fast-drying, with a battery of zippered and drop-in pockets to choose from. A built-in liner provides added support and protection.
What We Like
- Quick to dry
- Stylish designs
- Breathable
- Multiple pockets to choose from
- Ultra-lightweight but also durable
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some men may find them a little too short
BUY: Janji 5" AFO Middle Short
What To Look For in Men's Shorts
As you shop around for the best men's shorts, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind.
Size
Generally, you want shorts to offer a tailored fit, but not to be too tight or too baggy. The right size will help accentuate your positive attributes while covering your less desirable areas. Sizing will also keep your shorts where you want them during an intense workout instead of riding up or chafing.
Weight
To ensure your comfort, particularly during workouts, it's generally best to find shorts made from a fairly lightweight material.
Materials
While there are many materials that might be used to make men's shorts, the most common options include cotton (which is soft, supple, and lightweight) plus various iterations of stretchy, flexible polyester.
FAQs About Men's Shorts
How tight should men's shorts be?
A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers underneath your shorts, yet you don't want them so loose that you can fit your entire hand between your leg and the shorts.
What length should men's shorts be?
While this is somewhat a matter of personal preference, a good guideline is to keep your shorts one to two inches above the knee.
What kind of men's shorts are in style 2023?
Tailored and slim-fit shorts, including drawcord shorts and shorts with a flat front tend to be the most fashionable options these days.
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