Forgetting to swap out cotton gym shorts doesn’t just mean a sweaty waistband; it means fabric that stays wet for miles, chafing, and that cold-stick feeling when rest periods drag on. Poly-blend athletic shorts solve this with quick-dry weaves that pull moisture off the skin and keep the fabric breathable through a full HIIT circuit. The real trade-off is pocket security versus liner design — zippered pockets keep keys safe but add bulk, while built-in compression liners eliminate the need for extra underwear but vary widely in seam placement.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I track fabric GSM, liner stitch patterns, and pocket engineering across dozens of brands to separate marketing claims from real durability in athletic shorts.
Whether you’re logging trail miles, holding a plank, or just running a Sunday errand, the right moisture-wicking pair keeps you dry and distraction-free. This guide covers the top candidates for the best athletic shorts on the market right now, with attention to pocket layout, inseam length, and fabric feel.
How To Choose The Best Athletic Shorts
The difference between a good pair of athletic shorts and a great one comes down to three variables: the fabric’s moisture behavior, the pocket system’s weight distribution, and the inseam length’s relationship to your primary movement plane. Shorts that work for a treadmill jog may fail completely for a barbell squat or a hot yoga flow. Nail these three factors, and you can stop second-guessing your drawer.
Fabric Blend & Moisture Management
Polyester is the workhorse of athletic shorts because it absorbs almost no water — it pushes moisture to the fabric surface where evaporation happens fast. Nylon adds stretch but holds more water, making it slower to dry. Look for a polyester-spandex blend (typically 85/15 or 90/10) for the best balance of dry feel and mobility. Avoid 100% cotton or any label that says “cotton blend” for cardio or high-sweat workouts; those fabrics stay wet, become heavy, and cause chafing on inner thighs and waistbands.
Inseam Length & Activity Fit
Inseam dictates both range of motion and coverage. A 5-inch inseam gives maximum freedom for sprinting and cycling but leaves the quad mostly exposed — not ideal if you want thigh coverage during squats. A 7-inch inseam is the all-purpose length that covers the lower quad without limiting deep knee bends. A 9-inch inseam suits basketball, casual wear, and heavier built frames but can bunch up behind the knee during seated leg curls. Match inseam to your dominant movement pattern, not just your look.
Pocket Security & Liner Design
Zippered back or side pockets secure a phone or keys during runs but can create bounce if the short lacks a tight waistband. Drop-in mesh pockets are lighter but let small items slide out during dynamic moves. Built-in compression liners eliminate the need for underwear and reduce chafe, but triple-check the liner gusset seam — flatlock stitching is essential to avoid a center-seam burn. If you lift heavy and prefer a loose outer short, look for a separate liner short underneath rather than a sewn-in version that can shift out of place under a barbell.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRZ YOGA 2in1 7″ | Premium | Lined running & gym | 7″ inseam with built-in liner | Amazon |
| Real Essentials 5-Pack 9″ | Mid-Range | Bulk wear & lounge | 9″ inseam, 5-pack value | Amazon |
| Under Armour Tech Graphic | Mid-Range | General training | UA Tech moisture-wicking fabric | Amazon |
| JWJ Gym Shorts | Budget | Zippered pocket runs | Lightweight with zip pockets | Amazon |
| YYV Women’s Running Shorts | Budget | Women’s quick-dry with liner | Zipper pockets & built-in liner | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. CRZ YOGA Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts 7″
The CRZ YOGA 2in1 short uses a 7-inch inseam with a sewn-in compression liner, eliminating the bulk of wearing separate underwear. The outer shell is a lightweight polyester-spandex blend that dries fast during high-output runs, while the liner uses a flatlock gusset to avoid center-seam irritation — a common pain point in cheaper two-in-one designs.
Pocket layout includes a rear zippered pocket sized for a modern phone and two side drop-in mesh pockets for smaller items. The liner offers moderate compression — enough to reduce muscle vibration during sprints without restricting hip flexor range. The waistband uses a flat drawcord that sits flush rather than a bulky round cord that can dig in under a belt.
For runners who want coverage and don’t want to fight with shifting underwear, this is a premium solution. The compression liner’s tightness suits lean-to-athletic builds best; if you carry more quad bulk, the liner may feel snug. Overall, it balances pocket security, moisture management, and freedom of movement better than most options at this price tier.
Why it’s great
- Flatlock liner seam prevents chafe on long runs
- Rear zip pocket holds a phone securely without bounce
- Liner provides light compression for muscle support
Good to know
- Compression liner may feel restrictive for larger quad measurements
- Drop-in side pockets are shallow for large smartphones
2. Real Essentials Men’s 5-Pack 9″ Dry-Fit Shorts
The Real Essentials 5-pack delivers a 9-inch inseam in a classic dry-fit polyester weave, built for the person who wants a week’s worth of shorts from one purchase. The fabric has a soft hand feel that works equally for gym sessions, basketball, and couch lounging, though the weave is slightly heavier than pure performance fabrics — it dries slower than ultralight running shorts but resists snags better.
Pockets are standard drop-in side pockets without zippers, so phone security during high-intensity movement is not guaranteed — these are better suited for casual training and rest days. The waistband includes an internal drawcord, and the elastic holds firm through multiple wash cycles without significant sagging. The 9-inch length provides full quad coverage, which is ideal for those who prefer modesty during deadlifts or don’t want shorts riding up during deep squats.
This is a bulk wardrobe solution rather than a specialist piece. If you rotate through gym gear fast and need shorts that can handle everything from warmup sets to lounging without looking ragged, the 5-pack delivers strong per-unit value. The trade-off is less refined moisture wicking than premium single pairs and no built-in liner.
Why it’s great
- Five shorts in one purchase for rotation without repeat washing
- 9-inch inseam provides full quad coverage for squats
- Durable waistband elastic holds shape after repeated wash
Good to know
- No zippered pocket for secure phone storage
- Fabric is slightly heavier and dries slower than ultralight blends
3. Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic Shorts
The Under Armour Tech Graphic Shorts use the brand’s signature UA Tech fabric — a fast-drying, ultra-soft polyester knit that feels noticeably lighter against the skin than standard gym short material. The loose fit allows free hip rotation for kettlebell swings and lunges, though the absence of a built-in liner means you need separate compression bottoms for activities that involve a lot of jump or sprint movement.
Inseam length sits at approximately 10 inches, which makes this a long short suited for taller frames or anyone who prefers knee coverage. The elastic waistband with external drawcord stays put during dynamic movement, and the side pockets are deep enough to hold a phone securely during walking or moderate jogging, though they lack zippers for sprint security. The graphic print is heat-pressed and holds up through about 30 washes before noticeable fading.
Under Armour’s reputation for consistent sizing and durable moisture wicking makes this a reliable choice for general training. It is not built for serious runners or those who need pocket security — it is a solid middle-ground short that works well for weightlifting sessions, treadmill work, and casual gym wear without requiring special care.
Why it’s great
- UA Tech fabric is soft and dries noticeably faster than cotton blends
- Loose fit allows unrestricted hip movement for lifting
- Deep side pockets hold a phone securely at walking pace
Good to know
- No built-in liner — requires separate compression or underwear
- 10-inch inseam may feel long for shorter users or sprinters
4. JWJ Men’s Athletic Gym Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets
The JWJ Gym Shorts are built around pocket security: two zippered side pockets and one rear zippered pocket give runners and commuters multiple lockable compartments for phone, keys, and cards. The fabric is a lightweight quick-dry polyester mesh that breathes well during high-exertion workouts, though the mesh weave is less durable against velcro attachments or rough gym benches than tighter knits.
Inseam length is approximately 7 inches, offering a balanced coverage that works for running and gym circuits without excess fabric. The elastic waistband uses a flat drawcord that stays tied. There is no built-in liner, so the shorts rely on a standard loose fit that requires underwear or separate compression. The lack of a liner also reduces laundry friction — you can wash and dry these quickly without worrying about liner shrinkage.
For the price, the JWJ shorts deliver better zipper pocket implementation than many budget shorts. The trade-off is a thinner fabric that may show wear faster than denser polyester blends. If your priority is keeping a smartphone from flying out of a side pocket during a sprint, this is the smart pick in the entry-level tier.
Why it’s great
- Three zippered pockets provide secure storage for phone and keys
- Lightweight mesh fabric dries very quickly after wash or sweat
- 7-inch inseam hits a good balance for running and gym work
Good to know
- No built-in liner — looser fit requires separate underwear
- Thin mesh fabric may pill or snag faster than denser weaves
5. YYV Women’s Running Shorts with Zipper Pockets Quick-Dry with Liner
The YYV Women’s Running Shorts combine a built-in compression liner with zippered side pockets, addressing two common gaps in women’s athletic shorts: having to wear separate underwear and losing small items during movement. The outer layer is a lightweight polyester-spandex blend with a 5-inch inseam that gives maximum freedom for sprints and strides, while the liner provides enough support for a phone in the side pocket without sagging.
The elastic waistband sits higher than typical men’s shorts, hitting closer to the natural waist for a secure fit during running and bending. The zippered pockets are positioned on the outer thigh, accessible without twisting, and the interior liner uses flatlock seams to minimize thigh chafe. The quick-dry fabric handles heavy sweat sessions well, and the shorts pack down small for travel.
The 5-inch inseam and built-in liner make these purpose-built for runners and high-cardio athletes. For those who want a looser fit or more thigh coverage, the shorter inseam and snug liner may not suit lounging or weightlifting sessions. As a women’s-specific option that competes directly with the unisex budget tier, this is a strong choice if liner comfort and pocket security are the top criteria.
Why it’s great
- Built-in compression liner eliminates need for extra underwear
- Zippered side pockets keep phone and keys secure during sprints
- Flatlock seams reduce inner-thigh chafe during long runs
Good to know
- 5-inch inseam offers minimal thigh coverage for the taller user
- Liner fit may be snug for larger hip or quad measurements
FAQ
How do I know if a 7-inch or 9-inch inseam is right for my height?
Do built-in liners chafe more than wearing separate compression shorts?
Can I wear athletic shorts for swimming or will the fabric degrade?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best athletic shorts winner is the CRZ YOGA 2in1 7″ because it nails the three hardest tradeoffs — a compression liner that doesn’t chafe, a zippered pocket big enough for a phone, and a 7-inch inseam that works across runs, lifts, and court play. If you want a bulk solution for rotation without worrying about individual pair wear, grab the Real Essentials 5-Pack. And for a zippered-pocket budget runner that locks down your phone during sprints, nothing beats the JWJ Gym Shorts.