Running & Training

The Best Women’s Athletic Shorts

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right athletic shorts can significantly enhance your comfort and performance during workouts. The ideal pair provides freedom of movement, adequate support, and effective moisture management. Investing in quality shorts designed for your specific activities ensures a more enjoyable and productive fitness journey.

SaleNo. 1
BALENNZ 5 Pack Womens Athletic Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Workout Gym Running...
  • PREMIUM FABRIC: BALENNZ womens athletic shorts are made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, lightweight and breathable. Keep you to stay cool and dry while exercising, provide you all day comfort
  • HIGH WAISTED DESIGN: These womens shorts are featured with wide elastic waistband, outer layer side split design to ensure they comfortably no matter how intense your training session gets so you don't have to worry about them sliding down or rolling up
  • ZIPPER POCKTE: Our womens gym shorts are designed with zipper pocket on both sides, you can easily carry your wallet, smartphone, and other small accessories when workout or training
  • FOR ALL ACTIVITIES: These running shorts for women are suitable for all sports and workout activities including running, jogging, climbing, cycling, yoga, gym, tennis, fitness, exercise, daily wear and more
  • MULTI-PACK: Womens workout shorts with various colors, 3-pack/ 5-pack for your choice; as basic sport styles for womens' wardrobe, these active shorts can meet women's wear needs, sufficient for daily changing and washing
No. 2
CE' CERDR Women's Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Elastic Running Shorts with Pockets for Gym Casual
  • Quick-Dry Fabric: The athletic shorts for women are made from a quick-dry, moisture-wicking blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This breathable fabric offers lasting comfort, and helps keep you cool and dry all day
  • Elasticated High Waist: The workout shorts for women feature a high waisted elastic waistband that offers a comfortable hold, smoothing and flattering your midsection, providing gentle shaping during various activities. Ideal for gym shorts women
  • Two Zipper Pockets: Designed with two deep side pockets, the gym shorts for women hold your phone, keys, or cards, making them a practical choice for hands-free workouts, errands, or casual outings
  • Side Split Design & Inner Liner: The running shorts for women feature a side split for enhanced breathability and movement. The soft inner liner provides added protection, ensuring comfort during exercise without chafing
  • Occasions: The athletic shorts are suitable for a variety of activities such as gym workouts, running, yoga, cycling, or lounging. They can also be easily styled with a casual top for everyday wear, offering great flexibility
No. 3
BMJL Women's Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5" Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout...
  • Quick-Dry Fabric: The sport short for women, is made up of 90%Polyester and 10%Spandex, which will keep you cool and comfortable when you exercise.
  • Double Layer Design: The high waisted shorts for women with Outer layer side split design, which offer breathability and wider range of motion.it also design with Inner layer, which provide elastic support and protective coverage.
  • Zipper Pocket: This womens gym shorts with a zipper phone pocket on the left, it can hold plus phone well when you workout.
  • Occasions: The running shorts with liner is perfect for exercise, yoga, cycling, volleyball, tennis, beach, swim,daily, biking, jogging, mountain,fitness,training,summer
  • Size Guide: All our casual shorts for women, are producted according to our brand size ,please choose your size refer to the last photo or Amazon size chart.
No. 4
CE' CERDR Women's Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Elastic Running Shorts with Pockets for Gym Casual
  • Quick-Dry Fabric: The athletic shorts for women are made from a quick-dry, moisture-wicking blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This breathable fabric offers lasting comfort, and helps keep you cool and dry all day
  • Elasticated High Waist: The workout shorts for women feature a high waisted elastic waistband that offers a comfortable hold, smoothing and flattering your midsection, providing gentle shaping during various activities. Ideal for gym shorts women
  • Two Zipper Pockets: Designed with two deep side pockets, the gym shorts for women hold your phone, keys, or cards, making them a practical choice for hands-free workouts, errands, or casual outings
  • Side Split Design & Inner Liner: The running shorts for women feature a side split for enhanced breathability and movement. The soft inner liner provides added protection, ensuring comfort during exercise without chafing
  • Occasions: The athletic shorts are suitable for a variety of activities such as gym workouts, running, yoga, cycling, or lounging. They can also be easily styled with a casual top for everyday wear, offering great flexibility
SaleNo. 5
Ksmien Women's 5"/ 7" Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF...
  • Quick-Dry & Lightweight Fabric: The athletic shorts for women is made up of 90% Polyester and 10% Elastane, which is smooth, soft, breathable and comfortable when you exercise
  • Two Zipper Pockets: This womens workout shorts with two side zipper pocket, it is big enough to put your phones or other belongings
  • Wide Elastic Waistband: The women's running shorts feature elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring at the booty are fitting more kinds of bodyline easily, offer convenience of comfort and style day after day
  • Split-leg Design: Great length provides adequate coverage for thighs and won't ride up. Side vent improves range of motion. Unlined - No underwear
  • Occasions: These womens 5 inch shorts are great for running, jogging, casual, travel, walking, sports, hiking, lounging or casual wear
SaleNo. 6
CE' CERDR 5 Pack Women's 2 in 1 Running Shorts High Waisted Athletic Workout Short for Gym Yoga with Liner...
  • Moisture-Wicking & Quick-Dry Fabric: Made with a durable outer shell (95% Polyester, 5% Spandex) and soft inner liner (75%Nylon, 25%Spandex), these running shorts for women are breathable, quick-drying, and soft yet durable for your workouts
  • 4 Functional Pockets: These gym shorts for women include two secure zippered outer pockets and two hidden inner pockets for cards, keys, or small essentials—keeping everything close and secure without extra bulk or bounce during workouts
  • Side Split Design & Supportive Inner Liner: The side split hem enhances flexibility and movement, while the soft liner offers support and prevents chafing. The women's athletic shorts feature a double-layer design for comfort and freedom of movement
  • Elastic Waistband with Drawstring: The high-rise waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures a secure yet comfortable fit that moves naturally with you. Whether running, gym, or yoga, these womens workout shorts deliver comfort and confidence
  • 2-in-1 Versatile Design: Combining style and function, these womens running shorts easily transition from the gym to outdoor activities or casual wear. Suitable for running, training, lounging, or just enjoying your day comfortably
SaleNo. 7
GAYHAY Running Shorts for Women - Athletic Quick Dry Sports Womens Shorts High Waisted Gym Workout Black...
  • Soft & Quick-Dry - Experience the ultimate comfort in these women's shorts, designed as both versatile workout shorts women love and durable womens running shorts.The women's sports & recreation shorts have a linerless design, making them lighter, more...
  • Side Slit & Flattering - Featuring a trendy side split hem, these workout clothes for women essentials function as stylish athletic shorts for women that actively flatter your figure. Designed to serve as must-have running shorts women adore, the...
  • Pockets Design - Enjoy ultimate convenience with these practical workout clothes staples, designed as reliable womens gym shorts that keep you focused. Functioning as functional womens shorts athletic wear must-haves, the deep side pockets securely hold...
  • Multi-Scene Use - Perfect for versatile wear, these essential gym shorts women rely on serve as comfortable women shorts for any occasion. Ideal as breathable athletic shorts women can enjoy, they are specifically designed for running, high-intensity gym...
  • Easy Wash Care - Maintaining these durable workout shorts is effortless, ensuring your favorite womens athletic shorts remain in top condition. Designed as long-lasting women's sports & recreation shorts, they are machine washable. For best results, wash...
No. 8
Yevrimow Women's 2 in 1 Running Shorts for Gym Yoga Workout Athletic Shorts High-Waisted Shorts with Liner...
  • 2-IN-1 DESIGN: Women's running shorts are double-layered Design with inner layer provide elastic support and protective coverage can greater freedom of movement.; Outer layer has side slit design provide greater range of movement and breathable function.
  • Great Material: Our shorts are made with high-quality materials and quick-drying, moisture-wicking, lightweight, and breathable material efficiently transports moisture away from the skin, ensuring you remain cool and comfortable.
  • Lightweight and Comfortable Fabric:Women's running shorts with soft material wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable when you exercise.An elastic waistband and a functional drawstring closure, perfect for running, workout, exercise, gym, fitness...
  • Occasion: The women's shorts are ideal for a variety of activities, including daily activities, dance, swimming, running, cycling, jogging, gym workouts, hiking, yoga, travel, biking, and Pilates. They are also suitable for everyday wear.
  • Liner Pocket: The built-in liner with an elastic pocket on the right is designed to be convenient for carrying your necessities while preventing your phone from slipping and ensuring free movement.
SaleNo. 9
Blooming Jelly Women's Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper...
  • Double Layer Design: The women sport shorts with smooth, breathable and moisture-wicking inner briefs provide safe coverage, allowing you to exercise more safely and freely during summer workouts without worrying about the underwear causing friction...
  • Crossover High Waisted Design: Womens athletic shorts feature hot-pressing bonded cross waist design that is elastic and more comfortable to wear without curling. The slimming v waist perfectly shows the curves of your waist and provides visual tummy...
  • Two Zipper Pocket: This womens gym shorts with two side zipper pockets can hold card, key, plus phone or other belongings well when you workout. This way, you can focus on your workout or running with this activewear without worrying about stuff slipping...
  • Occasions: The high rise, 2.5" length black shorts for women with liner is perfect for summer active, gym exercise, running, jogging, cycling, yoga, badminton, volleyball, tennis, hiking, fitness, training, indoor or outdoor, or daily wear, casual wear...
  • Note: We strongly suggest that you have your body measurements taken first, and then refer to our size chart before order, XS=US 0-2, S=US 2-4, M=US 6-8, L=US 10, XL=US 12, 2XL=US 14.
No. 10
Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts for Women Running...
  • Comfort Fabric: These athletic shorts for women are made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, offering comfort and durability, while keeping you cool and dry during workouts
  • High Waist & Tummy Control: Leafigure women yoga shorts feature a high-waisted design, offering gentle compression and tummy control
  • Pockets Design: Designed with practical side pockets could holding your phone, keys, or other essentials while you’re running, biking, yoga or at the gym
  • Super Stretch: The material is stretchy and soft, ensuring that legging shorts move with your body during any activity, whether you're bending, squatting, or stretching, without irritation or restriction
  • Stylish for Everyday Wear: These bike shorts are easily paired with tunics, T-shirts, jackets, dress or sports bras, idea for workouts to daily errands

Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Women’s Athletic Shorts

Key Features to Consider

  • Material: Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester, nylon, or blends that wick away moisture. Spandex or elastane is often included for stretch and shape retention. Avoid cotton, as it tends to hold sweat and can become heavy.
  • Inseam Length: Shorts come in various inseam lengths, typically ranging from 2 to 9 inches. Shorter inseams offer maximum freedom of movement, ideal for sprinting or intense training. Longer inseams provide more coverage and can reduce chafing during longer runs or activities.
  • Fit and Style: Consider your personal preference and activity. Compression shorts offer a snug fit for support, while looser styles with built-in liners provide comfort and coverage. Some styles feature pockets for essentials like keys or energy gels.
  • Waistband: A comfortable, adjustable waistband is crucial for a secure fit. Look for wide, flat waistbands that won't dig in or roll down during exercise. Drawstrings can offer additional adjustability.

Activity-Specific Choices

  • Running: Prioritize lightweight fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, and a fit that allows for a full range of motion without restriction. Split shorts offer maximum leg mobility for speed work.
  • Training/Gym: Versatility is key. Shorts with a bit more room and perhaps a liner are suitable for various exercises like weightlifting, HIIT, or circuit training. Durability is also a plus.
  • Yoga/Pilates: Soft, stretchy materials with a comfortable, non-restrictive waistband are preferred. A longer inseam might offer more coverage and prevent riding up during poses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right inseam length for athletic shorts?
Inseam length depends on your activity and personal preference. Shorter inseams (2-4 inches) offer maximum mobility for running and sprints, while longer inseams (5-9 inches) provide more coverage and reduce chafing for training or longer distances.
What material is best for athletic shorts?
Synthetic blends like polyester and nylon are ideal because they are lightweight, durable, and excel at wicking away sweat. Look for added spandex or elastane for stretch and comfort during movement.
Should athletic shorts have a built-in liner?
Built-in liners can add comfort, support, and moisture management, acting like underwear. They can also prevent chafing. Whether you need one depends on personal preference and the type of activity you're doing.
How important is the waistband on athletic shorts?
A comfortable and secure waistband is very important for preventing the shorts from slipping down or digging into your skin during exercise. Wide, flat waistbands with adjustable drawstrings are generally preferred for a customized fit.
Can I wear cotton shorts for sports?
It's generally not recommended to wear cotton shorts for intense athletic activities. Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, which can lead to discomfort, chafing, and feeling weighed down.