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 Powerlifting Shorts | 5 Inch vs 7 Inch for Heavy Lifts

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Jed North builds this 5-inch short specifically for the squat and deadlift athlete who wants zero fabric interference mid-lift. The inseam lands cleanly above the knee, giving your quads full visibility and your hip flexors unrestricted range when you hit depth. The polyester blend fabric carries a structured feel that resists stretching out session after session, which matters when you are reracking 400-plus pounds and moving between warm-up and working sets without adjusting your shorts.

Multiple reviewers with athletic builds (6 feet, 215 pounds, 34–35 inch waist) report that sizing up to XL delivers a snug but not compressive fit that stays put under a leather belt. The waistband uses a standard drawstring, but the cut itself is tapered enough that the shorts do not ride up during hinge movements. A few buyers mentioned the silver dollar sized front pockets are shallow — they work for a phone or keys but not for a wallet.

The fabric feels heavier than a typical running short, which some lifters prefer for confidence during heavy singles. If you tend to squat with a belt, the 5-inch profile keeps the waistband clear of the belt buckle, eliminating that folded-over fabric pinch that longer shorts create.

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Anthem Athletics has earned a reputation among dedicated lifters for shorts that bridge the gap between bodybuilding aesthetics and powerlifting utility. The Dominance model is available in both 5-inch and 7-inch inseams, giving you control over how much thigh coverage you want. The 7-inch version hits just above the knee on most builds and stays anchored through squat walkouts and deadlift resets without riding up or twisting around the waist.

The fabric is a soft but strong polyester-spandex blend that reviewers consistently praise for its feel — not too slick, not too abrasive against the skin. Secure zippered pockets are a standout feature for lifters who carry a phone between sets. Multiple buyers report owning six or more pairs and prefer these over Gymshark and similar brands because the leg opening is cut wide enough to accommodate developed quads without the shorts flaring.

Some lifters with thick thighs note that the 5-inch version runs slightly long, closer to 6.5 inches, which may be worth factoring in if you want a true mid-thigh cut. The waistband uses a standard internal drawstring, and the construction holds up well to repeated machine washing. For a training short that handles both heavy compounds and accessory work, this is a versatile pick.

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Maamgic’s 2-in-1 short layers a built-in compression liner under a thick, opaque outer shell, which addresses two common powerlifting frustrations: chafing and transparency during deep squats. The outer fabric has a weight and texture closer to board shorts than running shorts — dense enough that it will not show skin even under aggressive hip drive or wide-stance pull positions. That density also means the shorts hold their shape through multiple heavy sessions without bagging out at the knees.

The built-in liner provides light compression that supports the groin and glutes, though one reviewer noted the liner could be snugger for very slim builds. The 7-inch inseam offers full thigh coverage without encroaching on the knee joint, and the drawstring is routed internally to stay clear of your belt path. The side zipper pocket fits a modern smartphone securely, and multiple buyers confirmed the shorts hold up well after months of weekly washing.

The main trade-off is the price point, which sits at the top of the mid-range tier. If you prefer a single-layer short for maximum breathability, the liner may feel like extra fabric. But for lifters who want the security of a compression layer plus the modesty of a thick shell, this combination works well for both gym and casual wear.

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LRD’s 7-inch short strikes a balance between a supportive inner liner and a soft, pliable outer shell that moves with you through squat cycles and deadlift setups. The compression liner is less compressive than a true compression short — think of it as a secure underlayer that keeps everything in place without restricting hip flexion. Multiple reviewers highlight the comfort of the waistband and the generous pocket sizing for a full-size phone.

The outer fabric has a brushed feel that resists pilling after repeated wash cycles. Some lifters note the shorts run slightly smaller than expected, so checking the sizing chart for your waist measurement is recommended. The inseam sits at 7 inches but can feel shorter due to the liner riding up — a common quirk of 2-in-1 designs that does not affect squat mobility.

Price-wise, LRD sits in the middle of the pack, making it a strong option for lifters who want the dual-layer experience without stepping into premium pricing. If you are between sizes, sizing up is the safer play, especially if you carry mass through the glutes and quads.

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CRZ Yoga brings a running short ethos to the gym floor, but the 2-in-1 construction and flat-seam liner make it viable for lifters who chafe during high-rep squat work or long deadlift sessions. The internal brief liner is designed to prevent friction between the legs, and the flat seam placement reduces the hot-spot irritation common in cheaper compression shorts. The 7-inch shell sits just above the knee and uses a quick-drying woven fabric that does not trap sweat.

The waistband is comfortable and holds well under a belt, though buyers note the absence of a back pocket for a wallet — something to consider if you pocket-carry during cardio or warm-up sets. The side phone pocket is well-positioned and does not interfere with squat rack posture. Several tall lifters (6’4″) with thick thighs found the fit long enough without excessive bunching behind the knee.

The liner works for general training but lacks the compressive tension needed to feel truly locked in during heavy singles. If chafing is your primary concern and you rotate between powerlifting and running, this is a versatile hybrid. For pure raw lifting, the liner could be looser than ideal.

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MIER’s 7-inch short is built for lightweight mobility — ideal for warm-up circuits, conditioning work, or lifters who prefer the feel of barely-there fabric. The shell is extremely lightweight and quick-drying, which makes it a go-to for hot gyms or outdoor training. The back zip pocket is a small but thoughtful detail for securing a key or card without the bulk of a side pocket bulge.

Multiple reviews mention the shorts run slightly large through the waist and long in the inseam (closer to 8 inches on some pairs), so downsizing may be necessary if you want a true mid-thigh cut. The fabric is thin enough that pocket contents are visible, and one buyer reported a zipper failing after several months of use. The waistband drawstring is adjustable but does not lock as securely as a wider elastic band would.

For pure powerlifting, these lack the structural density that heavier woven fabrics provide, meaning they can ride up during deadlift set-up or bunch at the belt line. But for the price, they work as a budget-friendly rotation pair for lighter training days or travel.

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This two-pack from a generic athletic brand gives you two pairs for roughly the cost of one premium short — an appealing equation if you need a rotation for daily training without overlapping laundry. The 7-inch inseam uses a lightweight, breathable mesh that dries fast and includes reflective patches for nighttime visibility. Zipper pockets are present on both sides and fit a modern smartphone securely.

Reviewers praise the comfort and fit, noting the waistband holds well for most activities. Some buyers suggest sizing down — a 6’0″, 200-pound lifter found the Large could have been a Medium. The material is light and breathable but lacks the woven density needed to survive barbell abrasion or heavy belt contact over many months. The inner elastic waistband and drawstring work together to keep the shorts in place, though repeated washing may loosen the elastic over time.

For pure powerlifting, these are entry-level shorts that work fine for moderate training loads. If your sessions involve regular contact with a knurled bar or heavy belt wear, the material may show wear faster than the denser options above. As a value buy for supplementary cardio or casual wear, they deliver.