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 Men’s Athletic Shorts | 7-Inch or Bust for Gym Days

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The CRZ YOGA 2-in-1 shorts nail the lined-shorts formula better than most brands costing twice as much. The built-in compression liner stays put during sprints and prevents thigh chafing, while the outer shell uses a lightweight quick-dry fabric that feels nearly weightless. A dedicated phone pocket inside the liner keeps your device secure without bounce — a feature that runners and cross-trainers will appreciate during high-impact movement.

The 7-inch inseam hits just above the knee for most builds up to 6 feet tall, and the flat seam stitching reduces irritation during long sessions. After repeated wash and dryer cycles, the fabric shows zero pilling and the waistband retains its elasticity. Users at 5’10” and 175 pounds report a perfect medium fit, while taller athletes appreciate the longer inseam option for deeper squat mobility.

Limited color selection and a liner that can bunch slightly during heavy squats are the only real drawbacks. The liner compression is supportive without being restrictive, though those with very muscular thighs may find the inner leg opening a touch snug. For the price, this is the closest you’ll get to premium Lululemon-style lined shorts without the premium.

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The Under Armour Tech Vent Shorts are the unlined workhorse of the gym bag. The proprietary UA Tech fabric wicks moisture aggressively, and after a year of weekly wear, reviewers report zero shrinkage, wrinkling, or color fading. The 7-inch inseam hits above the knee for users around 5’9”, offering enough coverage for public workouts while still allowing full leg mobility for kickboxing and HIIT circuits.

The unlined design gives you freedom to wear compression underneath if you prefer, though the fabric itself is smooth enough to wear alone without chafing. The drawstring is flat and stays tied through movement, and the loose fit accommodates larger thighs without binding. Machine washing and drying doesn’t degrade the fabric’s hand feel — it comes out feeling the same as day one.

The only consistent complaint involves the pockets. They’re deep enough for a phone, but they lack zippers and the material is loose enough that smaller items can shift awkwardly during movement. If you need absolute phone security during sprints, this isn’t the pair. But for general gym sessions, casual wear, and home lounging, they’re nearly perfect.

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These 2-pack shorts solve the one problem most budget athletic shorts ignore: pocket security. The zippered hand pockets lock your phone and keys in place during sprints, and the reflective patches on the side panels add visibility for early morning or evening runs. The mesh-infused fabric breathes exceptionally well — important for hot-weather running where trapped heat turns comfortable shorts into sweat bags.

The quick-dry polyester blend weighs noticeably less than cotton-mix shorts, and the material cuts through humid conditions without clinging to the skin. Users with larger legs (6’0”, 200 pounds) note the waistband runs slightly large, so sizing down may produce a better fit for some. The thick elastic waistband and internal drawstring keep the shorts anchored during dynamic movement even when pockets are loaded.

After several wash cycles the material holds up well with minimal pilling, though the zippers feel adequate rather than premium. The shell is unlined, so you’ll want compression underneath if you chafe easily. For the value of getting two pairs with functional phone security, these are a strong option for runners and outdoor trainers who prioritize pocket safety.

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Champion’s 7-inch sport shorts are the reliable entry-level option that does exactly what it promises without fuss. The double-ply construction uses a 100% polyester moisture-wicking fabric that feels smooth against the skin and dries faster than cotton-blend alternatives. Triple-row stitching on the side seams adds durability at a price point where most brands cut corners — these hold up to weekly wear without blowing out at the stitch line.

The elastic waistband stretches well and includes a flat drawstring that doesn’t dig in. Shorter users (5’0”, 140 pounds) report that the small fits well with room to move, while the 7-inch inseam lands right at the top of the knee for a balanced look. Colors are slightly muted out of the package but become more vibrant after a single wash. The fabric stays lightweight even when wet, making them a solid choice for humid summer training.

The main drawback is the lack of a liner — if you prefer built-in support, you’ll need to layer these with compression wear. The material also has minimal stretch, so those with larger glutes and thighs might find the fit restrictive during deep lunges. For casual lifting, treadmill work, and everyday errands, these are hard to beat for the price.

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The TVKSOM 7-pack is built for someone who wants a full week’s worth of gym-ready shorts without overthinking individual pairs. Each pair uses a thin, smooth polyester weave that mimics the feel of classic basketball shorts — lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry. The deep pockets slide a phone in and out easily, and the elastic waistband provides a secure fit while still allowing the shorts to move naturally during dynamic movement.

These run slightly long, so sizing up from your normal fit may produce a better length. Reviewers note the material is thin, which is great for sleeping or lounging in hot weather, but less suitable for heavy equipment use where the fabric might snag on knurling or Velcro. After several months of rotation, the fabric holds color well and the waistbands maintain their tension without stretching out.

The main compromise here is material quality versus quantity. Seven pairs at this price level means the fabric has less GSM weight than premium options, resulting in a lighter drape and more transparency under bright gym lights. The lack of zippered pockets also means phone security isn’t guaranteed during high-impact activity. If you need a budget-friendly rotation for casual gym sessions, lounging, and quick trips, these deliver exceptional value.