Men’s Workout Shorts Buying Guide 2025, Picks for Lifting, Big Thighs, and More

The apparel space is wild sometimes. There are so many options to choose from, and I find it tough to judge what’s legit and what’s all marketing and social media influencer hype. If you feel that way, too, you’re not alone there.

I train in a hybrid-like fashion. Some days, I train for power, others for strength and hypertrophy, and other days, I’m running around like a maniac or jumping and sending it like the washed-up athlete I am.

As I built this list, I worked to keep an arm’s length distance from the marketing hype and buzz that surrounds some of these companies. I also test shorts for multiple months, sometimes a year+, before including them in this list.

In addition, I’ve purchased all of the shorts below, and there are no picks being included because of under-the-table deals or affiliate payouts. I also have individual article and video reviews on every single pick below to show and highlight EXACTLY what I’m doing in each pair of shorts.

Author’s Note: I updated this article in November 2024 to include new picks that I think deserve to be mentioned here. I’ve also re-formatted sections to improve user experience and I’ve cut out some fat of this article to make it shorter.

Sizing Thoughts and Tips

The toughest part about finding apparel online, especially in the reviews space, is finding the right size for your needs. I likely don’t have the exact same measurements and body type as you, and that’s not lost on me, but to help you out, I’ve included my dimensions below.

This way you can hopefully get an idea of how things might fit for you if out anatomies are at all similar, or if we share some of the same dimensions. When in doubt, I can’t stress enough to try and measure yourself when cross-referencing short size charts.

My Workout Shorts Video

If you ever have questions about sizing, please reach out here or on YouTube or Instagram. I answer every DM and comment, and I’ll do my best to give useful suggestions.

What to Buy for Overall: Ten Thousand Interval Short

I have tried to move away from the Interval Short over the last few years, and in doing so, I’ve found a lot of great options along the way. However, when it comes to what I go back to the most when in a pinch for lifting, CrossFit, short runs, you name it — it’s the Interval Short.

Interval Short Specs

• Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
• Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Good Alternative: Legends Luka HD Short

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs. Do note, if you have exceptionally large meat rockets, then you may want to go up a size to give yourself extra room and to avoid getting the shell hung up.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. These tend to fit thinner and moderately muscular legs pretty well and the liner has a good level of security for these anatomies.

Why I Chose Them

The Ten Thousand Interval Short is my top pick overall and for CrossFit for a few key reasons. For starters, this short is incredibly consistent and it works for a variety of training settings. The 4-way stretch shell moves.

If you’re hitting deep squats or attacking lateral movements, this short will move with you and never feel restrictive. On top of this, the Interval Short is also durable across the board and they should last you quite some time before having to invest in new shorts.

I’ve had a pair of Interval Shorts last two years before investing in a new pair, and mind you, I was training fairly hard in them and used them to prep for multiple powerlifting competitions. The final perk of the Interval Short for lifting is how good it is at sweat-wicking and anti-odor.

I admit I do not wash my workout shorts after every single use (oh, don’t you judge me!), and when I’m training in packed gyms I never want to be the smelly guy. The anti-odor tech in the Interval Short is solid and they dry fairly quickly.

What to Buy for Big Thighs: Lululemon Pace Breaker

Context Needed: I don’t have the biggest and meatiest legs in the game by any means, but I’m constantly running into shorts that feel limiting due to a lack of short width and gusset construction.

Disclaimer: if you’re a stockier bodybuilder with notably large legs, then I still don’t think the pick below will be the best for you. A lot of my bodybuilding friends rock older jersey-style gym shorts due to their large circumference and sizing. Peep Gym Reapers for that.

Pace Breaker Specs

• Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
• Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $68 (non-liner and liner)
• For More Info: Read My Review
  
• Good Alternative: BYLT Basics Active+ (good option for thicker legs)

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs. Yep, you’re reading this correctly. Lululemon had made a short that’s decent for thicker thighs.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. It’s worth noting that with their more spacious fit, thin legs may find these too loose. They don’t fit as snug as the old Pace Breaker did.

Why I Chose Them

The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short is an awesome workout short for a variety of needs. The updated Pace Breaker has a much more spacious shell which is great for lifters with different amounts of mass on their legs.

The compression liner in the lined Pace Breaker Short fits pretty well and it has a good amount of breathability. There are also two pockets for phone storage in these shorts which is a nice perk if you like to cart your phone around the gym or when running.

I’ll rock the Pace Breaker Short most for lifting and cross-training sessions. They’re a good “do it all” style short and I like that they have a comfortable and casual appearance for daily wear as well.

I also like that Lululemon does a pretty good job of fixing their products when they break. Every time I run into durability issues with my Pace Breaker Short, Lululemon either fixes them or replaces them which is nice for peace of mind.

What to Buy for Lifting: Legends Luka Short

Right now for my lifting, I rotate most between my Luka Short, Interval Short, and Warren Short. When I’m hitting pure hypertrophy and strength workouts, the Luka Short is my most worn short due to its stretch and breathability.

Specs to Know

• Inseam Options: 5″ and 7″
• Liner Options: Liner and Linerless
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $70 (liner)
• For More Info: Legends Luka Short
• Good Alternative: BYLT Basics Active+ (good option for thicker legs)

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs, but if you’re nervous go up a size. I actually find the shorter inseam option to be the best pick for thick thighs.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. These don’t look overly baggy on thinner legs and for moderately muscular legs, these work great.

Why I Chose Them

The Legends Luka Short is a solid option for the guy needing an option for pure lifting. I routinely grab these shorts for my workouts where I’m blending strength and hypertrophy together and want a mobile and breathable option.

These shorts move well in every workout settings I’ve tested them in and I’ve been impressed with their liner — even though it’s not technically compression — for overall security. For example, if I’m doing power cleans, then back squats, this the type of short with a liner to lock down the goods well.

Another perk of these shorts for lifting is their general fit and shape. These can be a great option for the guy that loves to show some tasteful thigh like myself. They have enough space in the leg for somewhat thicker thighs which is great for my strength and hypertrophy-focused friends.

The last thing I like about these shorts for lifting is the waistband stays secure when training. These have yet to ride down or lost security when hitting legs, and if you’re a stickler for waistband security then you’ll appreciate this.

What to Buy for Built-In Liner: Ten Thousand Interval Short

I said it once and I’ll say it again, do not buy the Interval Short without the liner unless you have a liner you love to use separately. The price is not worth it for these shorts without the liner. The liner is also one of the best performance and construction features of this shorts. It walks a good line of versatility and security.

Specs to Know

• Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
• Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Good Alternative: Born Primitive Versatile Short (much snugger liner)

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs. Do note, if you have exceptionally large meat rockets, then you may want to go up a size to give yourself extra room and to avoid getting the shell hung up.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. These tend to fit thinner and moderately muscular legs pretty well and the liner has a good level of security for these anatomies.

Why I Chose Them

The Ten Thousand Interval Short with the built-in liner is my top pick for gym shorts built with a quality compression liner. Over my last three years of training, the lined Interval Short is one of my most worn shorts.

The liner in this short does a really good job of providing you with enough security while not suffocating the legs. Plus, the liner in my Interval Shorts has typically lasted quite a while and their durability tends to be really great.

The liner in the Interval Short doesn’t feature pockets or a ton of frills like other compression liner training shorts, but I almost see that as a plus because it’s a tried and true liner that is bombproof for training.

Whether you’re doing CrossFit, lifting, or short runs, the Interval Short with the built-in liner should perform well and provide you with the security you need to keep the guys safe and sound.

What to Buy for Comfort: Vuori Sunday Performance

I am the KING of finding comfortable gym shorts for lounging around and wearing casually. In fact, I pride myself on my line-up of casual, non-lined shorts for chilling. The Sunday Performance short is consistent and durable, and I’ve included some of my other favorites for shorter inseam lovers below in my sizing section.

Specs to Know

• Inseam Options: 7″, and 9″
• Liner Options: Non-Liner Only
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $78 (non-liner and liner)
• For More Info: Read My Review
  
• Good Alternative: Vuori Ponto Short

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs. These have pretty good space throughout and have the longer inseam options for longer legs and length inseam lovers. I know 5″ isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move, but these can run a little big and if you want a short that hugs a little tighter you may want to explore the Path Graves PX short, Vuori Ponto Short (alternative above), or Vuori Banks Short.

Why I Chose Them

The Vuori Sunday Performance Short is my top pick for lazy Sundays and comfort. It’s funny when I first invested in the Sunday Performance Short I was a little apprehensive of their higher price, but I’ve since become a big fan of them.

More specifically, I like the Vuori Sunday Performance Short because outside of their comfort, they work pretty well in a wide range of contexts. You can wear them to run errands, casually, and in more relaxed settings and they fit the bill well.

Compared to other “gym-focused” shorts, the Sunday Performance Short has a much more casual vibe, which I like. The deeper pockets are great for carrying around your belongings and the knit material is soft on the skin.

These shorts are also great for rocking with or without underwear. If you like to wear shorts like this commando on a daily wear basis, then you shouldn’t have issues with revealing too much as the material typically is heavy enough to keep things incognito.

What to Buy for Running: WOLACO Warren Short

The WOLACO Warren Short’s been a hero purchase for me in 2024. I went into these assuming they’d be “meh” but have yet to be disappointed by their performance and they’ve held up exceptionally well over the last 10-months for my hybrid workouts.

Specs to Know

• Liner Options: Liner-Only
• Inseam Options: 5″, 7″ and 10″
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $78
• For More Info: Read My Review
  
• Good Alternative: Path Project Graves PX Shorts

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These should size true to size for thicker legs. I also really appreciate the inseam on these shorts and they’re some of my favorite for showing some tasteful quad when in the gym and out and about.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. The liner hugs enough, even for thinner legs, and the shell doesn’t feel too parachute-y.

Why I Chose Them

The WOLACO Warren Short has been one of those shorts that I’ve been super impressed with. When I bought them I was skeptical of their performance for their price. To be honest, I thought these were going to be another “influencer” brand.

This short has been my go-to for running and hybrid workouts where I’m lifting and running all in the same session. The shell of these moves well with the legs and these have yet to feel restrictive when jogging, sprinting, and doing things like squats.

I also appreciate the phone pocket in this short. The liner inside the pocket has protection from sweat which is clutch for dudes like me who are dripping a few miles into their session. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten annoyed at my phone getting drenched in pockets after running.

The breathability of the liner and shell feed well into this short’s performance as well. These are a good option for most outdoor and gym settings when it comes to climate and odor control. I’ll be rocking these for my HYROX competition in February in Vegas (hmu if you’re there, too!).

What to Buy for Skinnier Legs: Vuori Kore Short

Ain’t no shame in thinner legs here. The Kore Short from Vuori does a good job at giving a well-rounded performance while working with relatively thinner legs. I like that the shell is also stretchy enough to give thicker thighs some wiggle room.

Specs to Know

• Liner Options: Brief-Only Option
• Inseam Options: 5″, 7.5″
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $68 (brief liner)
• For More Info: Read My Review
  
• Good Alternative: Born Primitive Versatile Short

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: You may want to size up in these or try them on in-store/keep in mind that you may have to return them. In my opinion, this is one of the FEW shorts that can work and look good for both thicker and thinner legs.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: True to size should be the move. These don’t look overly baggy or like parachutes which gives them a nice casual vibe for thinner legs.

Why I Chose Them

The Vuori Kore Short can be a good workout short to explore if you have thinner legs. This short’s boxer brief liner and shell offer a nice blend of security while not feeling overbearing regarding their tightness.

That said, while the Vuori Kore Short works well for thinner legs it can also be a good option for slightly more muscular legs, too. I’ll rock my Kore Short when I want a pair of shorts for casual use that I can then wear to the gym.

The Kore Short’s lightweight boxer brief is great for guys who want breathability and enjoy a lighter feel of security. For context, even when jumping and doing things like clean & jerks I never feel like my goods aren’t secure in the Kore Short.

I also like that the Kore Short has a pretty good pocket system. If you want shorts for upper body days and you plan to keep your phone on you at the gym, I think you’ll enjoy the depth and security of this short’s pockets.

What to Buy On a Budget: LRD Athletic Shorts

I’m always weary and on the lookout for cheap gym shorts. I’m sorry, but $78 for a pair of training shorts can be a little steep, and I sometimes have to pinch myself when dropping that much on new models.  For <$40, I’ve been impressed with the LRD Shorts

Specs to Know

• Inseam Options: 7″
• Liner Options: Liner
• Pockets: Yes
• Price: $32.99 (lined)
• For More Info: Read My Review
  
• Good Alternative: Bearbottom Base Short

Sizing Tips

• For Thick Thighs: These can fit a little snugly with the shell, so if you have bigger legs, you may want to size up for additional room. It’s easier to crank down a waistband than to have your legs feel like they’re being squeezed too much.
• For “Normal”/Thinner Thighs: If you have some meat on your legs but you’re not blessed with tree trunks, then you should be safe going true to size.

Why I Chose Them

The LRD Athletic Shorts are a popular budget training short sold through Amazon. These shorts have a price point of $32.99 and have a lot of great features for their overall price.

I try to keep in mind that cheaper workout shorts typically won’t deliver the same quality as premium shorts, so when assessing budget shorts I’m constantly looking for which pairs give me the most “premium feel” which is an area where the LRD Athletic Shorts deliver on.

These shorts have a lot of the same bells and whistles as some of the more premium training shorts on this list. For example, these shorts have a compression liner with a phone pocket, a back zipper pocket, and a shell with decent mobility.

For the guy on a budget, I think the LRD Athletic Shorts work pretty well for lifting and cross-training. My pair have done a pretty good job throughout all of my tests and they do have a slightly more premium look to them which I like.

My Shorts Buying Tips

Buying Tip 1 — Find the Material Blend You Like

Most companies will utilize a blend of materials to build their workout shorts. In general, you can expect to see blends of spandex/elastance, polyester, and knit materials.

Spandex/elastance will give a short it’s stretchier and more mobile feeling, knits will usually indicate and suggest breathability, and polyester will typically influence things like comfort and durability.

Buying Tip 2 — Hit Me With Questions!

Finding new gym shorts can be like the Wild West, especially on the internet. I’ve hand-tested and vetted every pair of workout shorts in this list so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about how a short performs and fits.

I’d suggest leading with two things when searching for new gym shorts. First, assess how you plan to use your shorts. For example, are you a CrossFitter or recreational lifter? This can be huge for a short’s performance and durability.

Second, assess your dimensions and fit preferences. I know, measuring your waist, hips, and quads can be tedious, but I promise it will save you so much time when it comes to finding shorts that fit your anatomy best.

Compression Liner Vs Non-Liner

If you’re wondering whether you should go for a short with a compress liner or if you should go linerless, then it’s a good idea to consider two things. First, do you like bringing less with you to the gym?

Go Compression Liner If…

I love having compression liners built into my shorts because it helps me worry about fewer articles of clothing when I’m packing my gym bag.

Plus, I never have to worry about losing compression liners in the wash or my other clothes. Additionally, not every compression liner waistband works with different shorts, so this helps take the thought out of planning gym outfits.

If you’ve ever run into this, then you know how annoying it can be to constantly adjust your shorts while training. If you want to hedge your bets for your shorts fitting well and being a minimalist with apparel, then I’d suggest going with a liner if you can.

Go With No Compression Liner If…

The only caveat to shorts with liners built-in is that they’re often not the most comfortable for daily wear as the liner can feel a bit restrictive. Second, I’d consider if you prefer a compression liner for a specific reason.

A lot of times when I talk to lifters and athletes that prefer having their own compression liner it’s for a specific reason. This may be an internal phone pocket on the leg, a preferred fit, or another reason. If this sounds like you, then a linerless short will likely be your best call.

Should You Get a 5″, 7″ or 9″ Inseam?

When looking into different inseam options there are two aspects to consider. The first is your preference and what you like with your shorts. The second is how the inseam can support or hinder performance.

An example here would be a long inseam short used for long-distance running. In this context, the short could hinder performance due to chafing and feeling heavy after longer sessions. This is also why you never see marathoners running in long shorts.

 

Below are the most popular inseam options and some of my thoughts on each regarding workout performance.

Go With a 5″ Inseam If…

• Pros: Great for running, and mobility, and is a breathable, minimalist option.
• Cons: Not always the best for strength work including deadlifts, cleans, and snatches.

Go With a 7″ of 7.5″ Inseam If…

• Pros: Best of all worlds type of short and long enough to be versatile, but short enough for cardiovascular training.
• Cons: It may also be too short for some tall lifters doing things like deadlifts and cleans.

Go With a 9″ Inseam If…

• Pros: Best for protecting the thighs from friction.
• Cons: Not the lightest or most versatile option compared to 5″ and 7″.

If you want to get an idea of the inseam in a new pair of shorts that you’re thinking about investing in, then do the following.

Take a pair of your current shorts and lay them on the ground. Grab a measuring tape from the crotch to the end of the short. This is your current inseam and now you can mentally take or add inches accordingly.

How I Test the Shorts Featured

With reviewing and testing training shoes and apparel, I have similar means of assessing different products. For men’s workout shorts specifically, I consider how a short is intended to be used, then I train in them — a lot.

In my training, I constantly shift gears between cross-training workouts, heavier strength work, running, and athletic-style training. Below are three areas of a short I keep an eye on when training.

• Mobility: How much does a short stretch when training? Is it limiting for certain workouts or activities like heavy squats? Will it be restrictive for certain anatomies AKA big thighs and skinny legs? How much quad, hammy, and adductor can we dudes carry around in them?
• Durability: How does the short do in settings where it’s intended to perform well? For example, if a short is designed to be abrasion-resistant for lifting, does it hold its own for this ask? Are we wasting our money on another social media hype brand?
• Versatility: How well does the short perform for different activities? If it’s a more pricey short, can it hold its own for different means of training, or is it hyper-specific, and should it be limited to only certain training settings?

These are the main components of many others that I constantly try to assess when reviewing men’s workout shorts. That said, there are plenty of shorts that can work well for the recreationally active guy, so I try to be a bit more granular in my assessments.

Final Remarks

There are a lot of great men’s workout shorts on the market, and it can be overwhelming to sift through all of the options. These are some of my favorite training shorts to date, and I’ve personally trained in and thoroughly enjoy every model included in this list.

If you have any questions about the shorts above or have additional questions on sizing, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).