Not all gym workouts are created equal, and neither are the shorts you should wear for them. What works perfectly for a leisurely treadmill session might fail miserably during a heavy squat session or high-intensity circuit. Understanding the demands of your preferred training style helps you choose shorts that enhance rather than hinder your performance.

As a personal trainer who has spent years guiding clients through various workout styles, I've seen firsthand how the wrong shorts can derail a training session. This guide breaks down what to look for based on how you train.

Weightlifting and Powerlifting

Heavy barbell work demands shorts that can handle deep squats, deadlifts, and other compound movements without restriction. The key requirements are unrestricted range of motion and durability.

Length Considerations

For squatting and deadlifting, shorter inseams (5-7 inches) generally work better than longer shorts. Longer shorts can bunch up behind your knees during deep squats, creating discomfort and interfering with your positioning. Many serious lifters prefer shorts that sit well above the knee.

Material and Stretch

Four-way stretch fabric is essential for weightlifting shorts. You need the fabric to move with you through the full range of motion without binding or pulling. Look for shorts with at least some elastane content (typically 10-15% for lifting-specific shorts) that provides genuine stretch rather than just slight give.

Fit

A slightly fitted cut works better than very loose shorts for most lifting. Baggy shorts can snag on barbells during deadlifts or get caught under your thighs during squats. That said, avoid overly tight shorts that restrict blood flow or feel constricting during heavy effort.

Lifting Tip

Test potential lifting shorts with a deep bodyweight squat in the fitting room. Your shorts should allow you to reach full depth without any pulling, bunching, or riding up. If they restrict your movement without a barbell, they'll only feel worse under load.

CrossFit and Functional Fitness

CrossFit workouts combine multiple training modalities, often in the same session. Your shorts need to handle everything from Olympic lifts to box jumps to rowing, making versatility paramount.

Durability Requirements

CrossFit is notoriously hard on clothing. Rope climbs, box jumps, barbell contact, and wall balls all test the durability of your shorts. Look for reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant fabrics, particularly in high-wear areas. Some CrossFit-specific shorts feature reinforced panels in areas prone to barbell or rope contact.

The Right Length

Most CrossFit athletes prefer shorts in the 5-7 inch range. This length allows full range of motion for lifts and gymnastics movements while providing enough coverage for movements like air bikes and rowing where shorter shorts might ride up uncomfortably.

Pocket Considerations

During WODs (workouts of the day), you generally don't need pockets and might actually prefer shorts without them to reduce bulk and potential snagging points. For open gym sessions or warm-ups, small, secure pockets can be useful for keeping a phone or key handy.

CrossFit Shorts Checklist
  • Four-way stretch for full range of motion
  • Reinforced construction for durability
  • 5-7 inch inseam for versatility
  • Secure waistband that stays put during high-intensity movements
  • Quick-dry fabric for sweaty conditioning work

Cardio and Treadmill Work

Cardio-focused workouts prioritise comfort and moisture management over the specific movement requirements of lifting. When you're on a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike for extended periods, different features become important.

Moisture Management

Extended cardio sessions generate significant sweat. Excellent moisture-wicking fabric is essential to keep you comfortable and prevent chafing. Look for shorts marketed specifically for running or cardio, which typically use advanced moisture-management fabrics.

Inner Liners

Built-in brief or compression liners are particularly valuable for cardio work. They provide support, reduce bounce, and minimise the fabric layers that can cause chafing during repetitive movements. If you dislike built-in liners, ensure your separate undergarments are equally suited to extended cardio.

Length Flexibility

Cardio work is more forgiving of different shorts lengths. Choose based on personal preference and what feels comfortable for your typical cardio activities. Cyclists may prefer shorter lengths to avoid saddle interference, while elliptical users have more flexibility.

HIIT and Circuit Training

High-intensity interval training combines cardiovascular demands with explosive movements. Your shorts need to handle burpees, jumping lunges, mountain climbers, and similar high-energy exercises.

Security During Dynamic Movement

HIIT involves rapid transitions between movements, often including jumping and ground work. A secure waistband that stays in place is crucial. Look for shorts with drawstrings or elastic waistbands that adjust snugly without feeling restrictive.

Range of Motion

Explosive movements require unrestricted leg movement. Stretch fabric and appropriate length ensure you can execute burpees, jump squats, and similar movements without the shorts binding or riding up. Shorts that pass the deep squat test generally work well for HIIT.

Quick-Dry Properties

The sweaty nature of HIIT makes quick-dry fabric particularly important. Heavy, sweat-soaked shorts become uncomfortable and can contribute to chafing during high-rep workouts.

HIIT Movement Test

Try this in the fitting room: do a burpee, then a jumping lunge on each leg, then touch your toes. If the shorts stayed comfortable and in place throughout, they'll likely work well for your HIIT sessions.

Yoga and Flexibility Work

While many people wear tights for yoga, shorts can work well for hot yoga, certain flow styles, or those who simply prefer them. The requirements differ significantly from high-intensity training.

Stretch and Recovery

Yoga positions require extreme flexibility in all directions. Look for shorts with high stretch content that moves seamlessly with your body and recovers its shape afterwards. Compression-style shorts or fitted options often work better than loose shorts for yoga.

Coverage and Security

Yoga involves inversions and wide-legged positions where loose shorts can shift inappropriately. Fitted shorts or those with secure leg openings prevent awkward moments during class. Consider longer lengths for yoga to maintain coverage in all positions.

Comfort Priority

Yoga sessions involve holding positions for extended periods, making comfort paramount. Soft fabrics without irritating seams, tags, or waistbands contribute to the mindful experience yoga aims to create.

General Training and Mixed Sessions

Many gym-goers don't specialise in any single training style. If you do a bit of everything or your workout varies day to day, you need versatile shorts that handle multiple demands adequately.

All-Rounder Characteristics

The best general-purpose gym shorts share several characteristics: four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, a secure but comfortable waistband, and a medium inseam (6-7 inches for men, 5-6 for women) that works across activities. Quality construction is especially important when shorts need to handle varied use.

When to Specialise

If you train seriously in any particular style, having dedicated shorts for that activity makes sense. All-around shorts are fine for casual or varied training, but serious lifters, runners, or CrossFitters often prefer specialised options that optimise for their primary activity.

Features That Matter Across Training Styles

Regardless of how you train, certain features universally contribute to gym shorts quality.

  • Gusseted crotch: A diamond-shaped fabric panel that provides more room and reduces stress on seams during movement
  • Flat-lock seams: Seams that lie flat against the skin, reducing chafing during repetitive movements
  • Reinforced waistband: A waistband that maintains its shape and fit over time and multiple washes
  • Quality fabric: Shorts that maintain their performance properties after repeated washing and use
Avoid These Common Mistakes
  • Buying shorts based only on appearance without considering function
  • Choosing the wrong length for your primary training style
  • Ignoring fabric content and settling for low-stretch materials
  • Prioritising price over quality for gear you'll use frequently

Building Your Training Wardrobe

Most active people benefit from having a few different pairs of shorts to suit different training needs. A practical approach is to start with versatile all-around shorts, then add specialised options as you develop preferences and commit to specific training styles.

Quality matters more than quantity. Two or three pairs of well-made shorts that suit your training needs serve you better than many cheap pairs that wear out quickly or never feel quite right. Invest in shorts designed for your activities, care for them properly (see our activewear care guide), and they'll support your training for years.

The right gym shorts become invisible during your workout, allowing you to focus entirely on your training. When you find shorts that work, stock up because fit and availability can change over time.