Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Women’s Gym Shorts | Pockets That Hold Your Phone Mid-Rep

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The CRZ YOGA Dolphin shorts hit the sweet spot between a performance running short and a casual gym bottom. The 5-inch inseam covers just enough quad to prevent chafe while leaving full freedom of hip extension for box jumps and stride-outs. Reviewers consistently mention the built-in liner fits well and does not ride up — the single most common failure point for lined shorts. The waistband runs slightly large for some body shapes, so sizing down is a common recommendation for a snugger fit.

At just over 4 ounces in a size medium, these are among the lightest shorts in this roundup. The polyester-spandex blend dries noticeably faster than cotton-blend alternates, making them suitable for back-to-back sessions or humid outdoor runs. The single zip pocket is the main trade-off — it fits a phone, but you get only one, and it is on the smaller side. The coffee color tested showed no transparency under stretch, a strong sign of weave integrity.

Multiple long-term reviews report these shorts hold their shape after 20+ wash cycles with no pilling or elastic degradation. The absence of a drawstring means the waistband’s elastic must do all the work, and for most body types between 5’2″ and 5’7″, it delivers consistent compression without rolling. These are a legitimate alternative to name-brand running shorts at roughly half the investment.

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The BALENNZ 5-pack solves the most frustrating locker room problem: running out of clean shorts mid-week. At roughly 6.8 ounces per pair, each short features a built-in brief liner that earned repeated praise for not riding up — a design priority that directly addresses the primary complaint against pack shorts. The deep zippered pockets accommodate a phone and keys without sagging, and the zip closure provides real security during explosive movement like box jumps and burpees.

The high-waisted cut sits above the navel and uses a wide elastic band that distributes compression evenly across the midsection. Reviewers in the 5’9″ and 5’3″ height ranges both reported the 5-inch inseam offered modest coverage without restricting the quads during deadlifts. The moisture-wicking treatment pulls sweat away effectively during steady-state cardio, though the fabric itself is slightly thicker than the CRZ YOGA Dolphin, which can feel warmer in unair-conditioned spaces.

Color consistency across the five pairs is strong — no bleeding was reported after cold wash cycles. One reviewer noted the built-in underwear fits snugly; if you prefer a looser feel, sizing up is advisable. For under per five-pair set, the cost-per-wear drops into single-digit cents within two weeks. These are a practical rotation choice for anyone who trains five or more days per week and values pocket security over minimalist weight.

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The CE’ CERDR shorts stand out for their dual-layer design: an outer shell with a 5-inch inseam and a built-in compression short underneath. This construction eliminates the need for separate leggings or bike shorts under loose gym shorts, making them a one-piece solution for women who prefer the coverage of a short-over-legging look without the bulk. The over-belly waistband impressed reviewers across body types — one tester at 39 weeks pregnant reported the band sat comfortably without pressure despite sizing up from her usual medium.

Pocket capacity is a strong point here. The side pockets fit an iPhone 16 Pro Max fully, a rare achievement among women’s athletic shorts. The zippered versions add an extra layer of security for high-movement exercises. Fabric quality holds up after repeated wash cycles — reviewers noted no bleeding or fading on vibrant colors after multiple cold washes. The 5-inch outer layer provides enough coverage that bending and lunging do not expose the compression layer underneath.

Fit consistency across the pack is slightly uneven; some shorts within the same size run tighter in the waist than others. This appears to be a dye-lot variation rather than a systematic sizing issue. For most shapes between 5’0″ and 5’7″, ordering up one size from your usual measurement gives the best balance of compression and comfort. These are particularly strong for women who do not want to layer garments and want a single short that transitions from the gym floor to errands without looking like workout-only gear.

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For women who prefer more leg coverage without committing to capris, the 7-inch Bermuda cut is an ideal middle ground. These shorts end just above the knee, providing full glute-hamstring coverage during hip-dominant movements like Romanian deadlifts and glute bridges. The high-waisted panel extends above the navel and uses a lightly compressive fabric that reviewers say holds the tummy area without creating a muffin-top effect — a specific benefit for women with a lower belly pooch who want a smooth silhouette.

The side zipper pocket is a welcome addition for phone storage, though it is a single pocket rather than a pair. Reviewers at 5’7″ and 139 pounds with wider hips reported the waist fit true to size while accommodating curvier proportions — a common pain point where standard shorts gap at the back waist. Several reviews mention the large size worked better than medium for a 5’3″ build with a small waist and wider hips, suggesting the cut favors pear-shaped bodies. Fabric opacity tested well; multiple reviews confirm the fabric is not see-through even under deep squat positions.

These shorts are somewhat heavier than the 5-inch options, which makes them less ideal for hot outdoor runs but excellent for air-conditioned gym settings. The elastic drawstring inside the waistband provides security during deadlifts without cinching too tight. After three months of regular use and weekly washing, reviewers report no pilling, no fraying at the hem, and no loosening of the waistband elastic. If you want a knee-length gym short that prioritizes coverage and tummy control, this is the best option in the lineup.

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The ZUTY 3-pack is exactly what it advertises: a low-fuss, lightweight 5-inch short that works for moderate gym sessions and casual wear. The fabric is thin and breathable — a clear plus for women training in hot climates like Arizona summer heat. Reviewers consistently highlight the softness of the material and the depth of the side pockets, which hold a phone securely during walking lunges and treadmill inclined walks. For the price of a single premium short, you get three color options that rotate easily through a workout week.

However, the value proposition comes with trade-offs. Multiple reviews note the fabric is thin enough to appear see-through under direct overhead gym lighting. This is the most significant drawback for anyone doing deep squats or forward folds in a brightly lit studio. Additionally, one long-term reviewer reported hem fraying after several wash cycles — the stitching around the leg openings is the weakest structural point. The waistband fits true to size according to most reviewers, but some with wider hips found the fit tight around the glutes and needed to size up by one full size.

If your primary use cases are treadmill sessions, errand-walking, or hot yoga where sweat-wicking matters more than opacity, these shorts cover the basics acceptably. But for heavy barbell training, floor-based exercises, or any scenario where you will be in a deep hip-hinge for extended periods, the transparency risk makes them a secondary-choice option rather than a primary training short. The ZUTY pack is best thought of as a budget rotation addition, not a standalone gym wardrobe.