10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar 2024)

Let your legs see the light of day with these best workout shorts.

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $15.99 - $58.00 · 538 views

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specifications!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Best for budget
Under Armour
2
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Amazon best-selling
BALEAF
3
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Affordable without looking cheap
Lulacola
4
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Stay-put fit
Reebok
5
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Generous room
Brooks
6
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Inclusive size range
Girlfriend
7
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Best for running
Athleta
8
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Soft next-to-skin comfort
Patagonia
9
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Won't get lost in the wash
Lululemon
10
10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar  2024): Best go-to short
Outdoor Voices
Product Name Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts Women's High Waist Biker Yoga Workout Shorts Seamless Active Sports Legging Epic Lightweight Shorts Chaser 7" Shorts - Women's Moss High-Rise Bike Short Mesh Racer Run Short 4" Strider 3.5in Running Short - Women's Hotty Hot Short II Long 4" Hudson 2.5" Short
Features Best for budget Amazon best-selling Affordable without looking cheap Stay-put fit Generous room Inclusive size range Best for running Soft next-to-skin comfort Won't get lost in the wash Best go-to short
Material 95.37% Polyester, 4.63% Elastane 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane Plain Weave 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex 79% RPET, 21% Spandex Recycled Poly 100% Polyester Swift fabric 86% Recycled Polyester, 14% Spandex
Color 40+ options 43 options 3 options 6 options Black, Navy 10 options 3 options 3 options 13 options 3 options
Size XS-3XL XS-4XL S-L 2XS-XL XS-XXL XXS-6XL XXS-3XL XXS-XL 0-14 XS-XL
Pocket No Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Machine Wash Yes Yes n/a n/a n/a Yes Yes n/a n/a Yes
price $15.99 $19.99 $25.00 $29.97 $39.93 $48.00 $49.00 $49.00 $58.00 $58.00
Buy at view product on Under Armour view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on BALEAF view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Lulacola view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Reebok view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Brooks view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Girlfriend view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Athleta view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Patagonia view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Lululemon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Outdoor Voices view product on Amazon view product on eBay

Without a doubt, leggings are comfortable; but still, nothing can beat the sensation of running, hiking, or practicing yoga with your legs free in the wind. When the weather forecast shows that there will be plenty of sunshine today, of course, you don’t want to be stuck with all-too-long apparels that trap you with a puddle of sweat. If you plan on working out in the heat, you know it’s time to swap them for shorts and let your legs see the light of day. However, to ensure you don’t wear shorts that ride up in the middle of your workout, check out our round-up of best workout shorts for your summer exercise routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In case you wanna know...

What is activewear, exactly?

If you ask several dictionaries on the internet, their answers are pretty much the same: activewear is clothing for wear while engaging in sports, recreation, or other physical activities. Therefore, they are designed with a function in mind, for example by using materials that are breathable, stretchy, moisture-wicking, and so on.

What's the best material for activewear?

There are two categories commonly used for activewear: natural fibers and synthetic fabrics. If you prefer to exercise in natural fibers, bamboo and merino wool are great alternatives. We don’t recommend cotton because it is extremely absorbent and takes an exceptionally long time to dry. As for synthetic, you can rely on polyester, nylon, and spandex.

What is the difference between activewear, sportwear and athleisure?

Activewear can be called a synonym for sportswear, which is casual, comfortable clothing suitable for sport or exercise. Meanwhile, athleisure designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear such as walking and traveling.

How do I find the best activewear?

Since activewear is designed for sweaty sessions, make sure you look for fabrics that wick moisture away from the body to keep you cool and comfortable. After that, pick the perfect fit so you can focus on your workout and not have to constantly be readjusting or fussing about your outfit. Also, when it comes to activewear, you need supportive bras and stay-in-place pants. After that, look for the features you need, such as pockets, waistband, machine-washable, and so on.

10 Reviews: Best Activewear Shorts (Mar 2024)

Here are the best activewear shorts
Under Armour Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts  - Best Activewear Shorts: Best for budget
https://www.amazon.com

1.
Under Armour
Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts

Best for budget

price from
$15.99
Our opinion:

No need to spend a fortune to get a comfy running short because you can have it for only about 16 bucks. Yeah, the shorts by Under Armor offers an ultra-comfortable, soft knit waistband with an internal drawcord that ensures it stays in place no matter how active you are. Moreover, it wicks sweat and dries really fast.

Promising review:

I’m 5’3, 125-130 pounds, and a muscular lower body. These fit so comfortably and give a shape without being too tight. They’re also extremely lightweight and a little thinner which I like. I bought two pairs and might buy more honestly haha

by regan

Material 95.37% Polyester, 4.63% Elastane
Color 40+ options
Size XS-3XL
Pocket No
Machine Wash Yes
BALEAF Women's High Waist Biker Yoga Workout Shorts - Best Activewear Shorts: Amazon best-selling
https://www.amazon.com

2.
BALEAF
Women's High Waist Biker Yoga Workout Shorts

Amazon best-selling

price from
$19.99
Our opinion:

If more than 43 thousand reviewers managed to produce 4.3 stars for this product, this is still not enough to convince you, then we will. The high-rise short which comes in 43 color choices provides complete coverage with its moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy fabric. Additionally, the gusseted crotch and ergonomic seams give you a full range of motion.

Promising review:

Okay I love these. For my big booty ladies out there, they are squat proof. They have like a little sparkle to them too which is so cool! They fit great, I got the small. They are very supportive! I'm 5'2 and wear a 27

by Jenn

Material 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex
Color 43 options
Size XS-4XL
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash Yes
Lulacola Seamless Active Sports Legging - Best Activewear Shorts: Affordable without looking cheap
https://www.lulacola.com/

3.
Lulacola
Seamless Active Sports Legging

Affordable without looking cheap

price from
$25.00
Our opinion:

If you’re looking for inexpensive activewear that doesn’t look cheap, Lulacola always has it. The Seamless Active Sports Legging has a slim fit that is suitable to accompany your fitness session. Made from a blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, this short comes with three flattering color options that make you look great.

Material 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Color 3 options
Size S-L
Pocket No
Machine Wash n/a
Reebok Epic Lightweight Shorts - Best Activewear Shorts: Stay-put fit
https://www.reebok.com/

4.
Reebok
Epic Lightweight Shorts

Stay-put fit

price from
$29.97
Our opinion:

Move freely in all directions with these Epic Lightweight Shorts from Reebok because the four-way-stretch fabric allows you to. The shorts feature an internal drawcord for a stay-put fit without gripping your waist. You can pair it with a tank top, sports bra, or your favorite tee without a problem. Sprint, squat, or stretch have never been easier.

Promising review:

Light weight and comfortable. Not too short, not too tight or too baggy. Quality seems good, although I have only washed and worn them half a dozen times now.

by jar18

Material 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane Plain Weave
Color 6 options
Size 2XS-XL
Pocket No
Machine Wash n/a
Brooks Chaser 7
https://www.rei.com/

5.
Brooks
Chaser 7" Shorts - Women's

Generous room

price from
$39.93
Our opinion:

Pick loose-fitting shorts if you don’t like the tight legging feeling. The Brooks Chaser 7″ Shorts give you enough room to do lunges and hamstring stretches effortlessly. Not only that, the shorts also promise you to stay cool and comfortable with the sweat-wicking fabric. In addition, you no longer need to deal with annoying drawcords because this model relies on a wide, flat waistband.

Promising review:

Love these shorts - they are so comfortable and great for workouts !! They stay put and never fall - great having pockets as well !

by SharonC

Material 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex
Color Black, Navy
Size XS-XXL
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash n/a
Girlfriend Moss High-Rise Bike Short - Best Activewear Shorts: Inclusive size range
https://www.girlfriend.com/

6.
Girlfriend
Moss High-Rise Bike Short

Inclusive size range

price from
$48.00
Our opinion:

When else will you be able to shop while saving the environment? Hands down to Girlfriend who turned 17 water bottles into the flattering High-Rise Bike Short. You’ll instantly love the color variety, relatively low price points, and inclusive size range. No matter what size you are, you can stay comfortable and stylish both in and out of the gym.

Promising review:

Mulberry bike shorts One of my favorite colors so far, looks great with many of the other girlfriend colors. These shorts are the perfect length and perfect amount of compression.

by Sydney G.

Material 79% RPET, 21% Spandex
Color 10 options
Size XXS-6XL
Pocket No
Machine Wash Yes
Athleta Mesh Racer Run Short 4
https://athleta.gap.com/

7.
Athleta
Mesh Racer Run Short 4"

Best for running

price from
$49.00
Our opinion:

If you are looking for running shorts, go for the Mesh Racer Run Short 4″. It has great length and good coverage, but best of all is comfort. The reflective details are helpful, keeping you visible at night. Yeah, it’s indeed designed for long-distance, short-distance, and trail running yet also super comfortable even when squatting or doing burpees.

Promising review:

Love these shorts. They are TTS. The length is perfect for me and I love the wider waistband. 5'3" and 128. The shorts are so comfortable I wear them all summer long. I wish they had them in more colors/patterns.

by E

Material Recycled Poly
Color 3 options
Size XXS-3XL
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash Yes
Patagonia Strider 3.5in Running Short - Women's - Best Activewear Shorts: Soft next-to-skin comfort
https://www.backcountry.com/

8.
Patagonia
Strider 3.5in Running Short - Women's

Soft next-to-skin comfort

price from
$49.00
Our opinion:

The Strider 3.5in Running Short promises “a secure and comfortable fit as you run, and won’t feel too pinchy when adjusted tightly.” In addition, the quick-drying material is featherweight, with soft next-to-skin comfort and moisture-wicking performance. You’ll appreciate the pocket that offers low-bulk storage for a smartphone, a couple of energy gels, or a set of keys and cards.

Promising review:

So comfortable. I love the material, and I think these are my favorite workout shorts. I've never tried this brand, but I love it now. I bought a size up because they have a bit more room.

by Cheryl K.

Material 100% Polyester
Color 3 options
Size XXS-XL
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash n/a
Lululemon Hotty Hot Short II Long 4
https://shop.lululemon.com

9.
Lululemon
Hotty Hot Short II Long 4"

Won't get lost in the wash

price from
$58.00
Our opinion:

Next up is the Hotty Hot Short II Long 4″ from Lululemon that offers 15 eye-catching colors that are tempting to check out all them. It boasts a lightweight and sweat-wicking with four-way stretch thanks to the Swift fabric. Plus, the continuous drawcord is easy to cinch and won’t get lost in the wash.

Promising review:

I’ve always loved these light weight shorts! The perfect short for a runner! Yes, they run smaller than the old version. No big deal, I got a size 6 instead of the 4. I wore mine the other day and they will be my race day shirts in the summer!

by Akemi RunningRealtorMB

Material Swift fabric
Color 13 options
Size 0-14
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash n/a
Outdoor Voices Hudson 2.5
https://www.outdoorvoices.com/

10.
Outdoor Voices
Hudson 2.5" Short

Best go-to short

price from
$58.00
Our opinion:

Lastly is the Hudson 2.5″ Short from Outdoor Voices that is a great pick for a go-to short. It is crafted from the lightweight quick-drying recycled polyester fabric featuring a comfortable knit waistband and built-in brief liner. In addition, you can attach it. with a nice crop top and your favorite sneaker. That way you’re ready to tackle your workout goal.

Promising review:

No words can describe how perfect these shorts are! PERFECTION. If you don’t have these you have to put them in your cart right now! So stretchy, comfortable, and perfect for any activity! I’m just waiting on some new colors so I can complete my collection...

by June

Material 86% Recycled Polyester, 14% Spandex
Color 3 options
Size XS-XL
Pocket Yes
Machine Wash Yes

Conclusion

Finally, that’s all the ten best activewear that you can count on to make exercise easier and more comfortable. Hopefully, you’ve come to realize that finding the perfect activewear isn’t as daunting as it may seem. So scroll right back up, pick out your favorite, and make it yours today!

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