Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Men’s 5 Inch Shorts | Don’t Skip the Liner

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Fabletics nails the athletic-fit balance with a woven fabric that feels dense enough to hold shape after repeated wash cycles yet remains breathable for training and swimming. The 5-inch inseam sits cleanly above the knee without flaring, and the adjustable waistband provides a locked-in feel without a drawcord dangling. Reviewers consistently mention the deep side pockets that keep a phone secure during movement, though the zip pocket on the back requires some finger dexterity to open and close.

The unlined construction gives you freedom to layer with compression tights or go commando, and the quick-dry nylon blend sheds water fast enough for pool-to-patio transitions. Multiple buyers describe these as their new go-to shorts for everything from lifting to golf, citing the fabric’s soft hand feel and resistance to pilling. At this weight class, The One Short competes directly with premium brands like Gymshark and Lululemon at a more accessible price point.

One consistent feedback point is the zip pocket’s stitching — a few users report the zipper catching on the interior back seam, making it finicky to close quickly. This is not a dealbreaker for most, but if you rely on a rear pocket for constant access, it is worth noting. For an all-around short that transitions seamlessly from a workout to a casual dinner, this is the strongest single pair in the lineup.

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New Balance keeps things simple with a 5-inch short that prioritizes function over flash. The built-in mesh brief liner eliminates the need for separate compression underwear, making these a true pull-on-and-go option for running, gym sessions, or casual wear. The fabric is lightweight with a smooth hand feel that resists clinging, and the elastic waistband with internal drawcord offers a secure fit without pressure points.

Reviewers who previously owned the Accelerate model from New Balance confirm that the Sport Essentials short is a worthy replacement with an improved fit through the quad area. The 5-inch inseam lands in the sweet spot for those who want leg exposure without feeling overexposed, and the side pockets are cut deep enough to hold a phone during a jog without bouncing. Multiple buyers mention buying several colors after the first pair.

One tradeoff is the side pocket design — some users note that the pocket bags extend below the hem when carrying larger items, creating a visible bulge. This is a common issue with lined shorts at this length, but it is worth considering if you plan to carry keys or a thick wallet. For runners who want a no-fuss short with an integrated liner, this is a top-tier pick.

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The North Face Action Shorts 2.0 are built for active outdoor use with a lightweight nylon shell and FlashDry technology that wicks moisture aggressively. The 5-inch inseam offers freedom of movement for hiking, climbing, or travel, and the fabric feels crisp against the skin without being stiff. The elastic waistband with an internal drawcord provides a secure hold that stays in place even when the shorts are wet from a stream crossing or a sudden downpour.

Buyers consistently praise the quick-drying nature of these shorts — one reviewer noted they work perfectly as a hybrid short for water activities and trail wear. The lack of a fly is a deliberate design choice to improve drying speed and reduce bulk, though it can be surprising if you are accustomed to traditional shorts. The hand pockets are generously sized and sit at a comfortable angle for hand entry.

A few users mention that the waist runs slightly large, so sizing down may be necessary for a snug fit. The absence of a built-in liner means you will need to plan your base layer, but this also makes the shorts more versatile for casual wear without the compression layer feeling out of place. For outdoor enthusiasts who need a short that can handle water and trail conditions, the Action Shorts 2.0 deliver reliable performance.

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MIER offers a three-pack of 5-inch running shorts that cover the essentials without a high per-pair cost. The fabric is lightweight and soft with a smooth finish that does not cling during sweaty workouts, and the elastic waistband with an external drawcord provides reliable security. These shorts are unlined, giving you control over your base layer, and the side pockets are deep enough for a phone during a gym session or a jog.

Buyers consistently rate these as their favorite gym shorts, with multiple reviewers noting the fabric feels 100% better than premium brands like Gymshark at a fraction of the cost. The 5-inch inseam is cut generously — reviewers around 6 feet tall report it shows the perfect amount of leg without feeling too short. The colors are consistent across the three pairs, and the fabric holds up well to regular washing without pilling or fading.

One thing to note is that the light grey colorway is slightly transparent, so you will want to choose darker colors or wear appropriate underwear. The shorts also lack a built-in liner, which some buyers mistakenly assumed based on the athletic cut. For those building a rotation of gym-ready shorts without breaking the bank, the MIER three-pack delivers solid value.

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Nike’s Flex Stride 2-in-1 shorts combine a lightweight outer shell with an integrated compression liner, creating a single-piece solution for high-intensity runs and training. The Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat away from the skin effectively, and the 5-inch outer shell provides coverage while the compression liner keeps everything secure without riding up. The elastic waistband with a flat drawcord offers a low-profile fit that sits comfortably under a shirt or singlet.

Reviewers describe these shorts as exceptionally comfortable and cool in hot weather, with the 2-in-1 design eliminating the need for separate compression tights. The built-in liner has a mesh construction that breathes well, and the outer shell fabric has a smooth, quiet hand feel that does not swish during movement. The zippered pocket on the back is a practical addition for storing a key or card during a run.

The main downside is the premium price point, which puts these in the upper tier of the category. Some users also note that the sizing can run slightly small, so ordering up may be necessary if you are between sizes. For runners who want the security of a 2-in-1 system with the breathability of a short outer shell, this is a proven performer.

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maamgic offers a 5-inch short that leans into casual versatility with a relaxed fit through the thigh and a soft stretch fabric that moves like cotton but dries faster. The pull-on design with an elastic waistband and internal drawcord makes these easy to throw on, and the fabric has a vintage washed texture that looks sharp without feeling stiff. Reviewers highlight the comfort and style, with many calling these the best shorts they have owned for summer wear.

Buyers around 5’10” with athletic builds note the cut accommodates bigger quads without binding, and the 5-inch inseam feels slightly longer than competitors like J.Crew or North Face — a plus if you want a bit more coverage without crossing into Bermuda territory. The side pockets are functional for daily carry, and the fabric resists wrinkles well after packing. Multiple users bought additional colors after the first pair.

A common piece of feedback is the rear pockets — they use Velcro closures instead of zippers, which reduces security for items like wallets or phones. The Velcro also picks up lint over time, losing some grip. For casual wear around the house or a relaxed outing, these shorts excel, but they are less suited for high-movement activities where pocket security matters.

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maamgic’s 2-in-1 swim trunks pack a lot of value into a single pair with a built-in compression liner that eliminates the need for separate swim briefs. The quick-dry outer shell sheds water fast, and the 5-inch inseam keeps the short silhouette clean without riding up in the water. Side zippered pockets add security for keys or a phone while you are at the beach or pool, and the adjustable drawcord allows for a custom fit around the waist.

Reviewers consistently praise the comfort and soft inner leg material, with multiple users describing these as their go-to shorts for both swimming and casual wear. The vibrant colors hold up well to chlorine and saltwater, and the fabric shows no signs of fading after multiple washes. Buyers note the breathable mesh lining prevents chafing even during extended wear out of the water.

One potential issue is sizing — several users report these run small, particularly in the waist and thigh, so ordering up a size is recommended. The compression liner also runs snug, which is standard for a 2-in-1 swim short but may feel restrictive if you prefer looser swimwear. For a budget-friendly 2-in-1 option that performs well in and out of the water, these are a solid pick.