Running & Training

The Best Women’s Plus 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.

Finding the perfect plus-size athletic shorts can significantly enhance your workout experience. Proper fit and fabric technology are crucial for comfort, support, and freedom of movement, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions. Investing in quality shorts designed for your body type ensures you feel confident and capable during any physical activity.

No. 1
Ksmien Women's 5"/7" Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry with Zipper Pockets
  • 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, water activities, lounging or casual wear
No. 2
PINSPARK Women's Quick Dry Running Shorts Elastic Waistband Short Lilac
  • 【Quick Dry & Lightweight】The women's shorts are made of high quality quick dry fabric. The fabric is soft, lightweight and sweat-absorbent, keeping you cool and comfortable during exercise or in summer.
  • 【SECURE ZIPPER POCKETS】2 zipper pockets and 1 hidden inner pocket to keep your belongings safe. Easy access to your cell phone or keys, allowing you to focus on your workout.
  • 【2 IN 1 DESIGN】Experience the comfort of these gym shorts for women with a built-in compression layer. These women's athletic shorts provide extra support and coverage for all your activities.
  • 【HIGH-WAISTED】The shorts feature a high-waisted elastic waistband that provides a secure fit and abdominal support. Ensure that they won't slip off during intense exercise or daily wear.
  • 【OCCASIONS】These shorts are perfect for any summer activities such as running, yoga, hiking or beach outing. It is a useful item for active women who love sports and fashionable look.
SaleNo. 3
OLRIK Plus Size Athletic Shorts for Women - High Waisted Black Walking Bermuda Shorts with Pockets for Casual...
  • SOFT BREATHABLE COTTON BLEND – Made from a premium skin-friendly fabric blend (60% Polyester, 35% Cotton, 5% Spandex), these plus size shorts for women feel like a second skin. They are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and stretchy, keeping you cool and...
  • 8" INSEAM BERMUDA LENGTH – Designed with a approx. 8-inch inseam, these plus size bermuda shorts offer extended coverage that helps prevent inner thigh chafing ("chub rub") while walking. The length is perfect—long enough to feel secure but short...
  • HIGH WAISTED & ADJUSTABLE FIT – Featuring a wide, high-rise elastic waistband with a drawstring, these womens plus size shorts sit comfortably above the hips to provide gentle tummy control without digging in. The custom fit stays in place during...
  • DEEP POCKETS FOR ESSENTIALS – Practicality meets style with two deep side pockets spacious enough to hold your phone, keys, and wallet securely. Whether you are running errands, jogging, or sleeping, these shorts plus size women offer the convenience...
  • INCLUSIVE SIZING & EASY CARE – Available in sizes 1X to 5X to celebrate every curve. Note: Please refer to our size chart image for the most accurate fit, specifically the hip and waist measurements. These women's plus size shorts are machine washable...
No. 5
5 Pack: Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set...
  • WOMENS ATHLETIC SHORTS 5-PACK FOR EVERYDAY WEAR: Designed for gym sessions, travel days, coffee runs, and relaxed weekends. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear from morning to night.
  • SUPER-STRETCH WAISTBAND, ZERO DIGGING: The wide elastic waistband flexes comfortably with your body and stays in place without pinching. Built to adapt through long days, travel, and changing seasons of life.
  • ZIPPER POCKETS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER: Deep side pockets with smooth zippers keep your phone, keys, and essentials secure. Practical storage that moves with you, not against you.
  • RELAXED 5-INCH FIT WITH EASY DRAPE: A flattering mid-thigh silhouette that feels comfortable without clinging. Soft, breathable fabric gives these workout-ready shorts natural movement and all-day comfort.
  • FIVE COLORS. ONE LESS DECISION: A versatile multipack ideal for errands, light training, travel, and everyday wear. The kind of womens shorts that quietly become your weekly go-to.
SaleNo. 6
3 Pack Women's Lounge Shorts Athletic Running Workout Gym Hiking Pockets
  • Lounge Shorts For Women: This 3 pack of ultra soft comfy sweat shorts is made for lounging around the house, sleep, pajama wear, travel, errands and everyday casual wear for ladies
  • Relaxed Loose Fit: Pull on high waisted design with elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring for a true to size fit, 4 way stretch moves with you without rolling or riding up
  • Athletic Workout Ready: Lightweight moisture wicking quick dry fabric performs at the gym, running, yoga, volleyball, tennis, soccer, basketball, pilates, track and exercise classes
  • Ultra Soft Fabric: Buttery soft polyester spandex blend feels smooth, breathable and never see through, machine washable with no shrinking or fading wash after wash
  • Deep Side Pockets: Two side pockets securely stash your phone, keys and cards keeping hands free while you walk, shop, stretch, golf, hike or run errands in comfort
No. 7
AusLook Plus Size Women's Casual Comfy Wide Leg Shorts Black 3X Lightweight High Waisted Adjustable Tie Knot...
  • Standard US Plus Size: Auslook specializes in designing clothes for Plus-Size women. We adopt the most common US Size Standard so that you can buy clothes in the correct size easily. M=(US 8-10), 0X/L=(US 12W), 1X=(US 14W-16W), 2X=(US 18W-20W), 3X=(US...
  • Skin Friendly Fabric: These plus size wide leg women shorts are made from a skin friendly, lightweight, breathable and not see through fabric that offers a high level of experience. Comfortable high waist shorts that can be easily dressed up or down. The...
  • Features: The plus size lounge shorts are designed with a smocked high waist and drawstring, wide leg, loose fit, not see through, two pockets, beach shorts for women, flowy dressy shorts comfy and chic, the drawstring adds a stylish touch to these summer...
  • Match: Plus size womens shorts great with short T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, sneakers, a sporty and casual look, shorts match with tank tops, straw hats, sunglasses, woven handbags, high heels or sandals with the formation of the vacation style and...
  • Occasions: Summer shorts is super good for sports, casual, daily wear and other occasions, such as party, club, work, office, church, holiday, outgoing, vacation, gardening and wear it as athleisure style, jogging or strolling in the beach, park etc...
SaleNo. 8
HLTPRO 3 Pack Plus Size Biker Shorts with Pockets for Women - 8" High Waisted Spandex Athletic Bike Shorts for...
  • 【Soft & Stretchy】- HLTPRO plus size shorts are designed to meet the specific needs of plus-size women and maternity who want to stay fit.Our biker shorts are made with a soft, second-skin fabric that is both stretchy and opaque. At HLTPRO, we're...
  • 【Two Convenient Pockets】- Are you bothered by the fact that you don't have pockets for your keys ,cards or phone? Say goodbye to bulky backpack,Our bike shorts for women have two new style pockets on each side, you can focus on your activities: gym...
  • 【High Waisted & Don't Roll Down】- Our high waisted biker shorts for women will fit to your curves without feeling too tight, and will provide secure coverage without rolling down. Say goodbye to muffin top and hello to flat tummy. These gym shorts...
  • 【Fashion Design For Any Occasion】- HLTPRO is a lifestyle brand that combines fashion, relaxed elegance, comfort, and performance. These workout shorts for women can be worn not only under skirts or dresses to prevent chub rub, but also for any...
  • 【SPECIALIZED SHORTS BRAND】- We aim to redefine spandex shorts women with functional, comfortable, and stylish designs. We value our customers' feedback, as it was the impetus for our start. We refine every detail of our products, aiming for the...
SaleNo. 9
BALENNZ 5 Pack Womens Athletic Shorts with Pockets Workout Running Shorts,M
  • 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

Last update on 2026-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Women’s Plus Athletic Shorts

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Plus-Size Athletic Shorts

When selecting plus-size athletic shorts, prioritize features that offer comfort, support, and performance:
  • Fabric and Breathability: Look for moisture-wicking materials like polyester blends or spandex. These fabrics pull sweat away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry during intense workouts. Breathable designs with mesh panels can further enhance ventilation.
  • Fit and Length: Consider the inseam length that suits your activity and preference. Shorter inseams offer more freedom for running, while longer styles provide more coverage and can prevent chafing. Ensure the waistband is comfortable and stays in place without digging in.
  • Features and Support: Many athletic shorts include features like built-in liners for added support and comfort, or pockets for convenience. If you engage in high-impact activities, look for designs offering greater compression and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best inseam length for plus-size athletic shorts?
The ideal inseam length depends on your activity and personal comfort. Shorter inseams, typically 3-5 inches, are great for running and high-intensity training as they allow for maximum leg movement. Longer inseams, 7 inches or more, offer more coverage and can be better for activities like yoga or weightlifting, and can help prevent chafing.
How important is moisture-wicking fabric in athletic shorts?
Moisture-wicking fabric is highly important for comfort during exercise. It draws sweat away from your skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate more quickly. This helps keep you dry, prevents irritation, and regulates body temperature, making your workout more enjoyable.
Should I look for shorts with a built-in liner?
A built-in liner can offer enhanced support and comfort, similar to wearing separate underwear. It can also help prevent chafing by providing an extra layer between your skin and the outer short. For activities requiring more movement, a liner can be a beneficial feature.
What kind of waistband is best for plus-size athletic shorts?
A comfortable, wide waistband is generally preferred. Look for designs that are elasticated but not overly tight, and that sit smoothly against your body. A drawstring can also be helpful for adjusting the fit, ensuring the shorts stay securely in place without rolling down or digging in.