When you’re working out, things can heat up quickly, and while gym leggings are great, shorts will keep you cooler when you’re working hard. A pair of the best women’s gym shorts will see you through a sweaty workout in comfort and style.Some people like their shorts short, but others might want a pair that offers more coverage in the gym. Whichever style you prefer, you’ll want them to be squat-proof; ideally they need to not be too flappy around the crotch (you don’t want to show off too much!); and there needs to be minimal slippage—no-one wants to be tugging their shorts up throughout their workout.So, a fair few boxes need to be ticked. Luckily for you, we’ve tested some of this season’s shorts to bring you our pick of the best gym shorts for women.Keen to kit yourself out further? Why not pair your shorts with one of the best women’s gym tops, and then carry your spare gym clobber in one of our tried and tested women’s gym bags? New season, new goals, new kit!The Best Women’s Gym Shorts(Image credit: Puma)Puma Women’s Run Favorite Short TightBest short shorts SpecificationsRRP: £30 / $36.49Sizing: XS-XLReasons to buy+Leg pockets for your phone+High waistbandReasons to avoid-Might be too short for someI love a pair of short shorts, especially when they fit well, don’t flap around the crotch and don’t fall down during workouts. Puma has nailed it with these shorts—they’re great both for gym workouts and for cardio. I did a treadmill run to check if they slipped down and they didn’t budge at all. Short shorts can get uncomfortable if the fabric rides up or gets stuck in the wrong places (ahem) but these were comfortable throughout my workout. The leg pockets fit a phone perfectly. However, I didn’t actually do a workout with my phone in the pocket because the shorts are so short that the pocket takes up pretty much all of the side leg area. The price point of these is good for a solid pair of shorts that I’ve placed at the top of my gym wear pile. (Image credit: The North Face)The North Face Women’s Flex Tight Shorts Best for more coverage Reasons to buy+Longer leg offers more coverage+Inner pockets +Inner drawcord to adjust fitThe perfect shorts if you’re after something that covers most of the thigh, these offer coverage, support and a little more warmth should you need it. The North Face is renowned for good-quality kit, and these are no exception. There is plenty of stretch in the soft, thick fabric and I didn’t feel constricted at all when wearing these shorts—they felt instantly comfortable. The high waistband sits snugly and there’s a drawcord inside for extra security. Plus, there’s an inner key pocket at the back of these shorts for the little essentials that you don’t want to lose on the gym floor, like coins or jewelry. Squat-proof, camel toe-proof and crotch-sweat-proof, these are great all-round exercise shorts. (Image credit: Fabletics)Fabletics Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted 6in ShortsGreat all-round gym shorts with plenty of storageSpecificationsRRP: $14.98 / £39 ($59.95 / £59 non-members)Tested: YesInseam : 6inSizing: XXS-4XReasons to buy+Comfortable+Large pockets+Squat-proofIf you want spring/summer shorts, these cycling-style shorts are ideal. A short version of the Fabletics PureLuxe leggings, they’re comfortable, flattering and fit for purpose. When tested in both strength sessions and on treadmill runs, these shorts proved their worth. They’re squat-proof, and on a speed session the thigh part did not roll up and the high waist band did not roll down—result! And let’s not forget the pockets: two large ones run along the outside of the thigh, perfect for storing your phone or whatever else you need to carry with you.Fabletics works on a “VIP” subscription model that charges members $59.95/£54.99 a month, which can be used against any outfit worth up to £80. Members benefit from lower prices on items, too. There is the option to skip the payment each month, which also skips your option to buy for the member price.—Lois MacKenzie(Image credit: DK Active)DK Active Millennia Cycling ShortsBest for sustainability SpecificationsRRP: $60 / £49.99 Sizing: XS-XLReasons to buy+Quirky pattern+High waist+Ethically madeReasons to avoid-Light color shows the dirt Although these shorts are tight, they are seriously comfortable and supportive. The high waist is flattering and didn’t budge while I lifted weights during a leg session. And we all know there’s nothing more annoying than a waistband that slips down.The label states that the shorts offer UV protection. DK Active originates from Australia, a country with particularly high UV levels, although it doesn’t hurt to have some extra sun protection wherever you are. DK Active is all about sustainability too: the shorts are ethically made and the brand has made an effort to use eco-friendly processes and packaging.(Image credit: Fabletics)Fabletics On-The-Go PowerHold High-Waisted 6in ShortsFlattering compression shortsSpecificationsRRP: $17.98 / £39 ($59.95 / £59 non-members) Tested : YesInseam : 6inSizing: XXS-4X Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Flattering fit+Large pocketsReasons to avoid-White is slightly see-throughThese shorts are made from the popular Fabletics Powerhold material. This is a super-flattering and comfortable material that is slightly thicker than most. It is designed with maximum compression to support you during your activity and the thick material is great for colder days too. The shorts have two large pockets along the thighs, big enough to fit your phone and a few energy gels. I tried the shorts in white, and as you’d expect with white items of clothing, the fabric was a little see-through. However, the shorts performed well and didn’t budge even when tested on a treadmill run. Fabletics works on a “VIP” subscription model that charges members $59.95/£54.99 a month, which can be used against any outfit worth up to £80. There is the option to skip the payment each month, and your option to buy for this price will also be skipped. Members benefit from lower prices on items, too. (Image credit: Spanx)Spanx Faux Leather Bike ShortsBest for a bit of luxury SpecificationsRRP: $63 / £58 Sizing: XS-XLReasons to buy+Great to wear in and out of the gym+Tucks everything inAre you looking for a pair of shorts that work well in the gym, while also being stylish enough to wear out and about? This faux-leather pair give off a sleek vibe while also being practical for the gym. They’re made by Spanx, so of course you’re left with a smooth silhouette, and the high Power Waistband is super-flattering too. This does mean that they are quite tight, so it might be worth trying a couple of sizes before making your final decision. Working out in very tight clothing isn’t comfortable and it can interfere with your breathing, so be sure to pick a size that doesn’t constrict you too much.There’s also no camel toe in these shorts thanks to a seam-free center. Although the outer fabric is faux-leather, the inner is a much softer, fine rib knit, which feels pleasant against the skin. These shorts are not too short and not too long—I’m a big fan of the length. I would even go so far as to say they’d look good with a pair of wedge sandals in summer. So you may get more wear out of them, making the price slightly more bearable. (Image credit: Lorna Jane)Lorna Jane Get Physical No Chafe Bike ShortBest for a pop of color SpecificationsRRP: $85 / £65 Sizing: XXS-XXLReasons to buy+Smooth, soft fabric +Mesh pockets on the leg+No inner seamReasons to avoid-Slight danger of camel toeYet again, the Aussie-based brand Lorna Jane has come up trumps with this soft, well-fitting, comfortable pair of shorts and although they’re called “bike shorts”, they work well for all workouts. The fabric is super-smooth, and the compressive core waistband is high, meaning it’s flattering and leaves you with a sleek silhouette. I went for the cobalt blue pair, and the color really does stand out— it looks fantastic with a bright white gym top. If you do wear these on the bike, you can expect zero chafing as there’s no inside leg seam. The only flaw I found with these is that they did ride up a little and had a slight tendency towards a camel toe. Overall though, I’d say these are worth the spend. They are hands down my favorite brightly coloured shorts I’ve tried this season. (Image credit: Stance)Stance Women’s Work It Out ShortBest 2-in-1 shortsSpecificationsRRP: $85 / £80Sizing: XS-XLReasons to buy+Two layers can be worn together or separately+Useful pocketsThe price is quite steep, but you’re essentially getting two pairs of shorts in one. The tight inner pair can be unfastened from the baggier pair on top by simply undoing two buttons, and then the shorts can be worn together or separately. The tighter pair have a flattering high waistband, and sit fairly high on the leg (if you want something that offers more leg coverage, these might not be for you). The tight shorts sit comfortably without the need to be tugged up during a workout, and they have phone pockets on the side of the leg. The baggier pair of shorts are very breathable making them perfect for gym cardio sessions. I loved the back mesh pocket on the outer shorts—handy for stashing an extra layer of clothing. Stance has finished these shorts with FEEL360/FreshTek, which is an antimicrobial wash that also wicks away moisture. They’re expensive, yes, but serious gym-goers may want to invest. (Image credit: New Balance)New Balance Women’s Impact Run Fitted Shorts Best for gym cardio SpecificationsRRP: $59.99 / £45 Sizing: XS-2XLReasons to buy+Fit well with no slipping down+Plenty of pocket spaceAlthough they can be worn for all gym workouts, these soft and stretchy second-skin shorts were particularly comfortable for cardio sessions on the treadmill, bike or rower. They move really comfortably with the body and despite not being too tight, they really don’t budge at all when they’re on. The New Balance DRYx technology helps to wick away moisture so I felt cool throughout my workout, although sweat does show in the bright orange shade I tried. The shorts include drop-in and zippered pockets for nutrition and valuables, with a storage tunnel at the back of the waistband through which you can thread extra layers for a hands-free workout. I found this tunnel pocket useful for my phone and it made a change from just having leg pockets. There are also large mesh pockets on the legs, which proved practical for storing jewelry. (Image credit: Pokita)Pokita Red Leopard Bike ShortsBest high-waisted shorts with pocketsReasons to buy+Attractive print +High waist+Phone pocketReasons to avoid-Dark underwear shows through Pokita isn’t a globally known brand and it doesn’t have a huge range, but its shorts are well made. They’re great for squatting because they don’t budge an inch, and the fabric doesn’t stretch so much that they become opaque. However, because of the lighter colour, it’s best to avoid wearing dark knickers.The high waistband is flattering without being too tight, plus they have a drawstring waist that means you can adjust as necessary. This is great for weightlifting when tight shorts can feel restrictive while you’re focusing on breathwork to help with heavy lifts. The phone pocket on these shorts means you can carry your digital workout plan around conveniently too. (Image credit: Adidas)Adidas HIIT 45 Seconds Two-In-One ShortsBest for HIIT workoutsReasons to buy+Tight inner shorts +Allows unrestricted movementThere’s a good reason why these Adidas shorts have HIIT in their name—they’re perfect for high-intensity training because they allow you to move freely. The undershorts ensure that whether you’re doing floor work, squatting or something else, there’s no chance of any bum cheek flashes. They’re also great for super-sweaty workouts because the fabric contains moisture-absorbing Aeroready.I found them quite roomy and the waist seemed bigger than normal—try a smaller size if you prefer a snug fit. The waistband does have a cord to tighten it should you need to.(Image credit: Modibodi)PUMA X Modibodi Active Cycle ShortBest period-proof gym shortsSpecificationsRRP: $65 / £48Sizing: XS-4XL / 8-22Reasons to buy+Replaces pads or tampons+Side pockets can accommodate a phoneReasons to avoid-Can feel odd not wearing underwearYour TOTM just got easier with this innovative pair of shorts which contain a built-in, discreet, absorbent pad that’s said to have the capacity of up to three tampons, while also controlling odour thanks to the use of Merino wool.Are they comfortable though? That’s the real question. Although it feels a little different training in gym shorts with no underwear, I found them a joy to wear. The waistband isn’t excessively tight (very welcome when you’re dealing with period bloat) and each leg has a wide phone pocket which can also hold coins, a card or even keys. After use, Modibodi recommends rinsing in cold water, then washing on a cold wash, before hanging up to dry. Modibodi also recommends washing the shorts before first use to activate the absorbency technology in the gusset.(Image credit: New Balance)New Balance Relentless Two-In-One Shorts Best mid-rise gym shortsSpecificationsRRP: £32.50Sizing: XS-2XLReasons to buy+Inner shorts+Thick, wide waistbandReasons to avoid-Mid rise isn’t to everyone’s likingThe thick elasticated waistband emblazoned with the NB logo on these shorts is what first caught my eye. It not only looks good, but it also ensured these shorts stayed put throughout my workouts. These are mid-rise, sitting just below the waist, and while many will be fine with this design, if you prefer shorts that keeps your tummy tucked in you should look elsewhere.We love that these shorts have tighter inner shorts so no matter what exercise you’re doing, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re covered up. There’s also a pocket in the back waistband to stash away essentials. Overall these are comfortable and classic.(Image credit: MP)MP Women’s Velocity Seamless Cycling ShortsBest seamless gym shortsReasons to buy+Very high-waisted +No seams so no chafing+Handy key pocket in the waistbandReasons to avoid-Very tight-fitting – you may need to size upThese aren’t just great for the gym – the ombre design makes them great for day-to-day wear too. The extra-high waistband keeps everything tucked in and the high waist is so thick that it even comes with a small zip pocket that’s ideal for keys or a card. Plus, the fact there are no seams means no chafing.One thing to consider, though, is the tight fit. These are incredibly close-fitting, and although they may stretch in time, it may be worth ordering a size up.(Image credit: Pour Moi)Pour Moi Energy Shorts Best baggy gym shorts on a budgetReasons to buy+Feminine +Baggy with space to breathe +AffordableThese Pour Moi shorts might not be the most technical ones around, but they won’t break the bank and are more than up to the job. The sparkly waistband adds a girly detail and the colour options are great—I tried the rose gold colourway. One downside was they did show the sweat, so perhaps avoid these if you plan on an intensely sweaty session.Pour Moi describe these as mid-rise, yet I found they came up quite high, which I prefer. The waistband isn’t too tight and there’s no digging in across the tummy—I could breathe comfortably throughout all my exercises. The baggy fit makes movement easy, and although the lack of inner shorts might not be everyone’s cup of tea, we’re big fans of this pair—they’re basic yet seriously comfy. Round up of today’s best deals
https://www.coachweb.com/gear/9004/gym-shorts-women