Ever feel like your gym shorts are holding you back? You know the feeling: fabric that bunches, seams that chafe, or a length that just isn’t right for your squats. Finding the perfect pair of lifting shorts can feel like a workout all on its own. There are so many styles, materials, and features out there, and it’s easy to get lost trying to figure out what actually works best for your training.
The right shorts can seriously boost your comfort and confidence under the bar. They let you move freely, focus on your form, and feel great while pushing your limits. On the flip side, the wrong shorts can be a constant distraction. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of lifting shorts today. We’ll break down what matters most so you can stop guessing and start choosing shorts that support every rep and set.
Keep reading to discover the key things to look for, from inseam length to fabric technology. By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge to pick shorts that feel as good as they look, letting you concentrate on getting stronger. Let’s get started on finding your new favorite gym gear!
Top Lifting Shorts Recommendations
- High quality mesh fabric, soft, lightweight, stretchy and quick dry. These gym shorts always keep you comfortable during your workout and other activities.
- Men's workout shorts feature with elasticized waist and adjustable drawstring, 2 pockets on side seam to store all of your small essentials, solid color, side split design allows more movement for weight training.
- You can pair this 5 inch running shorts with tank tops, t shirts, or sleeveless hoodies for workout or leisure all day.
- Lightweight men athletic shorts suitable for gym, workout, running, fitness, bodybuilding, training, jogging, weightlifting, squats, basketball, cycling, boxing, outdoor leisure or casual wear.
- Machine wash or hand wash. These men gym workout shorts are made of stretch fabric. Please order your normal size for a great fit. If you want tight feeling please choose one size smaller than your usual wear.
- Impact shorts design: Tummy control, low ribbed band, the inseam protects the modesty without overheating during activities，If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up
- Workout scrunch shorts: Flattering fit with the subtle glute contour and scrunch bum seam, impact shorts with the scrunch effect without the intensity of a scrunch, these shorts hug the curves in all the right places
- Impact shorts fabric: Sweat wicking, the moisture wicking fabric keeps me dry no matter how intense the workout, no more dreaded thighs sticking together
- Layering made easy: In warmer weather, these workout basic shorts pair well with a fitted tank or sports bra，for cooler studios, a matching cropped top can be added
- Sizes: If you are between sizes, please to choose one size up
- A relaxed-fit workout gym shorts made from lightweight for a supple feel and ideal drape.The premium quality polyester fabric is stitched with double lock systems. The quick-dry, breathable fabric helps the ventilation to your skin during the workouts. Running workout shorts are tested to last long and stay in great condition all throughout. Our men's fitness athletic shorts offer a comfortable fit and perforated detail for breathability to keep you dry through intense workouts;
- Athletic training shorts offer a relaxed fit with a rugged cut-off hem to cater to both style and performance. The dual-concealed zippered pockets hold your small essentials,whilst our premium elastic waistband with invisible drawcord provides a secure fit during high-paced activities.Our bodybuilding workout running shorts have a streamlined design and very unique cuts and details that will be suitable for the fitness sports;
- The athletic fitness shorts will have a breathable elastic panel between the sides and inner seams,promoting ventilation as well as flexibility.A super lightweight, high-stretch elastic panel - complimented by breathable mesh fabric and low-profile seams - is technically engineered so you can train for flexibility and focus harder than ever before;
- Gaglg gym workout shorts have been carefully chosen for their fit,their performance, and their durability. If you want gym bodybuilding shorts for men that can keep up with you, pace for pace,our fitness workout collection is easily up to the task.Suitable for Running,Workout,Training,Jogging,Basketball,Boxing Wear,Soccer,cycling,hiking and other training activities;
- Use the chart below to determine your size based on your measurements.The chart below is based on ranges, so look for the range that best suits you. If you're on the borderline between two sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.We are committed to continuously improving our customers' wearing experience.If for any reason, you are unhappy with the gym shorts for men, we are here to provide a solution as per your wish;
- 🍑【Booty Lifting & Sculpting】 – ATHVOTAR’s scrunch butt shorts feature a butt-lifting design that enhances your curves, making your hips look rounder and firmer. Perfect for the gym or casual wear, these shorts lift and shape your booty while highlighting your leg muscles for a confident, sculpted look!
- 🍑【Seamless & High-Waisted】 – Designed with a high-waist tummy control fit, these workout shorts provide gentle compression to slim your waist while staying comfortable. The seamless fabric prevents chafing, making them ideal for biker shorts-inspired workouts, yoga, or running!
- 🍑【APPLICABLE SCENARIO】 – These short pants are great for running,cycle,gym, yoga, pilates, fitness, tennis,hik ,athletic and more. They are versatile and stylish, and can be worn not only for sports, but also for everyday wear. You will be the most fashionable people in the crowd.
- 🍑【4-Way Stretch & Breathable】 – Made from ultra-soft, non-see-through fabric, these shorts offer 4-way stretch for maximum flexibility. Moisture-wicking and breathable, they keep you dry during intense gym sessions, cycling, or outdoor activities.
- 🍑【Squat-Proof & Versatile】 – Passed the squat test with opaque coverage! Whether you're lifting weights, doing HIIT, or lounging, these workout shorts stay in place, offering support and style for any workout or casual outfit.
- ✿ BUTT LIFTING & SQUAT PROOF - Subtle buttocks contouring texture, highlights the hip curve, making your butt look like a sexy juicy peach, The smile contour design on both butt make you more sexy, The scrunch butt shorts are non see-through offer total coverage while bending, squatting, no more worrying about visible panties
- ✿ SEAMLESS HIGH WAISTED SHORTS - are what you’ve been waiting for, Their flattering fit and contouring ruched detail to the bum meet with a supportive and supple seamless fabric to advance your performance, Features compression in targeted areas that gently smooths and sculpts the backside and legs for a feminine, shapely look
- ✿ SQUAT PROOF - Pass the squat proof test, the scrunch workout shorts for women are non-see-through, moderate thickness eliminated see through embarrassment
- ✿ COMFY FABRIC - Buttery soft seamless workout shorts, ultra lightweight, sweat wicking quick dry. No seam for comfort, body hugging fit, skin-friendly and breathable. they look amazing on your butt too. You will love shorts because of how they compliment your glutes with the “smile” accents. These yoga shorts are a great shorts.
- ✿ APPLICABLE SCENARIO - These short pants are great for running,cycle,gym, yoga, pilates, fitness, tennis,hik ,athletic and more. They are versatile and stylish, and can be worn not only for sports, but also for everyday wear. You will be the most fashionable people in the crowd.
- Designed for yoga and workout
- Butterlift fabric is as Buttery Soft and flattering as Butterluxe, but a bit more compressed and thick
- High Rise, 4" inseam, intended to sit above mid thigh length
- No front seam, seamless waistband offers full coverage
- Butt scrunch. V-shaped line
- Intensify Collection: The Workout Shorts that slightly reveals the ankle have a good proportion. Experience freedom with our Shorts pair for those wanting a less interference during workouts.
- Diamond Gusseted Crotch: Gusseted crotch for greater freedom of movement. Flatlock seams reduce irritation caused by chafing.
- Comfortable High Waist: Wide-Waist Elastic Waistband to Cover Navel Which provide Tummy Control and Would not Fall.Suitable for Capri ,Workout ,Fitness.
- Ultra-Stretch Fit (Enough thickness with breathability: No See through) Featuring the super soft and skin friendly material, the Workout Shorts are moisture wicking with four-way stretch material that promotes both compression and support.
- For Daily Wear:56% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 9% Spandex fabrics have a more natural feeling than polyester ones which makes it perfect for everyday wear. A gusset crotch to maximize free movement and interlock seams to minimize rubbing and chafing make these shorts for women the perfect yoga short for working out.
- Sculpt Your Silhouette with Confidence*: Crafted with a high-elasticity waistband, these workout shorts hug your curves to accentuate a sleek, slimming waistline. The wide, reinforced band provides gentle compression and stays securely in place during even the most intense movements—no slipping, no rolling.
- Butt-Lifting Design for Effortless Curves*: Featuring a V-shaped back panel and discreet ruching along the hips, these scrunch butt shorts are engineered to lift, shape, and flatter your glutes. The strategic seaming contours your body while the stretchy fabric ensures full coverage, so you can squat, lunge, and stride with zero worries about ride-up or awkward gaps.
- Skin-Loving Comfort Meets Performance*: Made from ultra-soft, breathable fabric with 4-way stretch technology, these gym shorts move with you, not against you. The moisture-wicking material keeps you cool during sweaty HIIT sessions, while the buttery-soft texture feels like a second skin—perfect for yoga flows or post-workout lounging.
- Built for Every Movement*: Whether you’re crushing a 10km run, flowing through sun salutations, lifting heavy weights, or mastering Pilates reformer moves, these gym shorts deliver unrestricted mobility. The gusseted crotch and chafe-resistant inner lining eliminate friction, so you stay focused on your goals, not your gear.
- Versatility You’ll Obsess Over*: Dress them up or down—these shorts are your new wardrobe MVP. Pair them with a cropped tank for gym-to-brunch chic, throw on an oversized hoodie for cozy errands, or layer under a tennis skirt for court-ready style. Available in neutral tones and bold hues to match every vibe.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Lifting Shorts
Lifting shorts are essential gear for anyone serious about weight training. They offer comfort and allow your muscles to move freely. Finding the right pair makes a big difference in your workout. This guide helps you pick the perfect shorts for your lifting sessions.
Key Features to Look For
1. Inseam Length
The inseam is the length of the fabric on the inside of your leg. Shorter inseams (3 to 5 inches) give you maximum range of motion. This is great for deep squats and Olympic lifts. Longer shorts (7 inches or more) offer more coverage. Choose what feels best for your comfort and lifting style.
2. Mobility and Stretch
Good lifting shorts must stretch well. You need fabric that moves with you during heavy lifts. Look for shorts with spandex or elastane blended into the material. This ensures they never feel tight when you squat low.
3. Waistband Security
A secure waistband keeps your shorts in place. A wide, sturdy waistband prevents rolling or slipping during dynamic movements. Drawstrings offer extra security, but the elastic quality of the band itself is crucial.
4. Pocket Placement and Depth
Pockets are useful for keys or phones between sets. However, deep or poorly placed pockets can interfere with your movement, especially during squats. Check that pockets lie flat and do not bunch up.
Important Materials Matter
The fabric directly impacts how the shorts perform. You want materials that handle sweat and constant movement well.
- Polyester: This is very common. Polyester dries fast and resists wrinkles. It makes a durable short.
- Spandex/Elastane: This adds stretch. Always look for blends that include some spandex for flexibility.
- Nylon: Nylon is very strong and resists abrasion well. It often feels smoother than polyester.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often seen in the details. These small things make a big difference over time.
What Makes Them High Quality?
- Flatlock Seams: High-quality shorts use flatlock stitching. This sewing technique lays the seams flat against the fabric. This prevents chafing, which is very important during long workouts.
- Moisture-Wicking Technology: The fabric should pull sweat away from your skin. This keeps you drier and more comfortable.
- Reinforced Stress Points: Areas like the crotch or where the seams meet the waistband should have extra stitching for strength.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Thin or See-Through Fabric: If the material is too thin, it might become see-through when stretched during a deep squat. Always test the stretch in a well-lit mirror.
- Weak Waistbands: A thin, weak elastic band will quickly lose its shape.
- Poor Stitching: If you see loose threads or uneven sewing, the shorts will likely tear quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your shorts determines your best fit.
For Powerlifting and Heavy Squats:
You need maximum mobility. Choose shorter inseams (3-4 inches) made from a highly stretchy blend. The fabric should feel secure but never restrictive around the thighs.
For General Gym Use and Cardio:
Versatility is key here. A medium inseam (5-7 inches) works well. Focus on breathability and good moisture-wicking properties for when you transition to the treadmill or rower.
For Comfort and Recovery:
Some lifters prefer softer, slightly looser fabrics for light days. Look for brushed interior finishes or slightly heavier cotton blends if maximum compression is not your goal.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lifting Shorts
Q: Should lifting shorts be tight or loose?
A: Most serious lifters prefer a fit that is snug but not restrictive. They should hug your muscles without squeezing them, allowing full movement during deep lifts.
Q: Can I wear regular running shorts for weightlifting?
A: You can, but dedicated lifting shorts are better. Running shorts often have built-in liners that can bunch up under weightlifting belts or during heavy squats.
Q: How short is too short for lifting shorts?
A: This is personal preference! Many athletes use 3-inch inseams. If you feel comfortable and have full coverage when squatting, the length is right for you.
Q: Do I need compression shorts underneath my lifting shorts?
A: No, it is not required. If your lifting shorts have good stretch and support, compression shorts are optional. They help some people prevent inner-thigh chafing.
Q: How do I wash lifting shorts to keep them nice?
A: Wash them inside out in cold water. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of moisture-wicking materials.
Q: Are lifting shorts durable enough for CrossFit?
A: Yes, if they have reinforced seams and quality nylon or polyester blends. Look specifically for “hybrid” shorts if you plan on heavy rope climbs, as these resist abrasion better.
Q: What is the biggest quality indicator in lifting shorts?
A: The quality of the stitching and the fabric’s ability to stretch without becoming see-through are the best indicators of good quality.
Q: Will my phone fall out of the pockets during exercise?
A: If the pockets are shallow or made of thin mesh, yes. Look for zippered pockets or deeper pockets integrated into the side seam for better security.
Q: Should the waistband be very wide?
A: A wider waistband (about 2 inches) usually offers better support and prevents the shorts from digging into your stomach during heavy overhead movements.
Q: Is material breathability important?
A: Yes, breathability is very important. It helps heat escape your body, keeping you cooler and more comfortable during intense, long training sessions.