Looking for gym shorts that won’t ride up during tough workouts? You’ve come to the right place.
We know that finding the right workout shorts feels like an impossible task, and with every pair of gym shorts you try, the must-have list becomes longer: you need a stay-put waistband, that’s not too compressive, squat-proof approval, pockets galore, and comfortable fabrics that keep you both cool and dry.
We’ve created a list of key criteria that the best women’s gym shorts should meet, for every workout. So whether you’re looking for a pair of workout shorts to survive your rigorous marathon training, thick, no-show shorts for your leg days, or stretchy second-skin biker shorts for yoga or pilates, we’ll help you find your perfect pair.
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Key Criteria For Workout Shorts
Here are five things to consider when looking for the best workout shorts for women, get these right and you’ll find the perfect pair!
Sweat-Wicking Material: You might not always leave the gym without sweat marks, but you’ll want to stay dry at the very least. The best workout shorts for women feature moisture-wicking technology to keep sweat at bay, so you can stay comfortable and focused from warm-up to cool-down.
Right Length: The right inseam length is absolutely essential for comfort and performance. Shorter length inseams like 3” and 5” styles offer maximum mobility for sports like yoga, pilates, and running while longer 6-7” options offer more coverage and protection from chafing.
Have Pockets: Workout shorts with functional pockets are essential for carrying your keys, cards, and phone. Bonus points if the pockets are zipped!
Squat Proof Approval: Squat proof shorts are a great alternative to leggings, especially in warmer weather. Ensure maximum coverage during deep squats or downward dogs by choosing thick, high-quality fabrics that stay opaque.
Don’t Ride Up: It’s a non-negotiable that your shorts don’t ride up. Say goodbye to distractions with secure waistbands and snug hems to ensure your workout shorts stay in place, no matter how intense your workout gets.
Best Women’s Gym Shorts By Activity
Whether you’re hip thrusting, squatting, snatching or sprinting, the right fit of gym shorts can transform your workout experience. From longer-length biker shorts, to shorter styles, 2-in-1 options and buttery soft fabrics, find the best shorts for your workout.
Lifting
The best women’s workout shorts for lifting have to be squat proof. For last-minute workout changes, you want your shorts to provide you the best coverage whether you’re chest pressing or back squatting. Flattering contour details and bum scrunches are a bonus for a boost of confidence, here are our top picks:
Lift Contour Seamless Shorts
Highly acclaimed as the Gymshark collection for glute enhancing, the Lift Contour Seamless Shorts are thick, squat proof and glute sculpting, making them ideal for heavy leg day sessions. The waistband is high, and lightly compressive ensuring it stays put as you hinge and push through your deadlifts and deep squats and the seamless design adds extra comfort where you need it, making them a superb pair of workout shorts for lifting.
Why you’ll love them:
These workout shorts are built to handle the weight room. Whether you’re perfecting your snatch or smashing your PR, with these high-waisted, squat-proof shorts, you won’t need to keep pulling your shorts down, or waistband up after each rep. Ensuring you stay focused on the bar, not adjusting your shorts.
Adapt Seamless Shorts
For those who love a compressive fit and thick material for working out in, the Adapt Camo Seamless Shorts are the gym shorts for you. They’re squat proof, seamless and feature stay-put hem that doesn’t restrict your blood flow! These women’s gym shorts stay in place, and the short 5” inseam allows you to move through your hinges and lunges without the restriction of extra material.
Why you’ll love them:
High-waisted, squat-proof, thick. The Adapt collection has forever been a collection made for lifting, so you know what you’re getting, from the jump. You’ll love the bold patterns and bright colours these shorts are available in, and if you do feel more comfortable with a longer length, check out our 6” Adapt Safari Seamless Shorts.
Running
When it comes to running shorts, a few things always come to mind - pockets for storing your essentials, sweat-wicking fabrics, designs that reduce chafing, and reflective details for staying safe and seen. Here are our top picks that meet the criteria:
Running Cycling Shorts
Finding the best workout shorts for running that don’t ride up can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a thigh gap. Our Running Cycling Shorts feature a longline length that sits just below mid-thigh, which means not only will they ride up, but they also give you more coverage and protection against chafing. Plus, they’re designed with a secure zipped back pocket to store your house keys or other essentials, and a super-high-waisted fit that can be adjusted with a drawstring for customised comfort.
Why you’ll love them:
Your hunt for a pair of running shorts that you won’t chafe in and have pockets is over! Crafted using a high-stretch fabric, these running shorts are both supportive and lightweight, enabling you to stride with a full range of motion and go the extra mile - literally.
Running 2-in-1 Shorts
If you prefer a shorter, looser style of running shorts, maybe you’re running in a warmer climate or just prefer the silhouette and fit - but, you still need some protection against chafing, then these shorts are for you. Say goodbye to chafing with these double-layered shorts designed with - a breathable outer layer to keep you cool and an inner layer that stays snug for maximum thigh-to-thigh comfort. Oh and did we mention, the logo is reflective of a little helping hand staying seen during those late-night runs
Why you’ll love them:
If you love wearing training gear that looks the part, this pair fit the bill. From running clubs to the treadmill, these workout shorts are the perfect piece to elevate your stylish running looks while still being geared for lasting comfort and performance.
Training Loose Shorts
For those who enjoy the lightest feeling running short on the market, you’ll definitely enjoy the breeze on your legs with our Training Loose Shorts. Sitting at a teeny 2.5-inch inseam, these are the perfect short shorts for running, with curved side-split detail for even more freedom of movement. And if you were wondering if a loose pair of workout shorts will stay put, you’ll be pleased to know the Gymshark logo waistband features an internal silicone grip to keep your shorts in place.
Why you’ll love them:
These workout shorts are the perfect choice for those who don’t like a tight fit. You’ll also love the simple yet stylish design, lightweight feel and range of bold colours to brighten up your running outfits (and strava pics).
High-Intensity
High-intensity workouts need shorts that are not going anywhere - waistbands aren’t falling down, hem isn’t riding up, no matter how much you jump, twist or lunge… and they need to keep sweat at bay too. Here are the best women’s workout shorts for HIIT workouts:
Sweat Seamless Shorts
Packed full of tech, these workout shorts will wick away moisture, and withstand the toughest workouts, without compromising on comfort with our Premium DYNMC™️ fabric. The high-rise waistband is ribbed for added compression and stays put during burpees, box jumps or HIIT sprints. They’re ready for your toughest workouts, and will minimise sweat-marks, even if when you’ve pushed yourself to the limit.
Why you’ll love them:
Thanks to the sweat-wicking tech, these shorts are perfect for your sweatiest workouts like spin and hot yoga, and they do it all with a stylish edge. The shaped waistband offers a flattering and unique spin on a pair of gym shorts, but it’s not all aesthetics, it also functions to give you maximum support, and comfort throughout your session
Yoga & Pilates
Whether you’re a full-time pilates princess, or a hybrid girlie that balances yoga with lifting and running, just like @JessicaOlie, you’ve probably found that your compressive shorts don’t really work for studio classes. Yoga and pilates require something a little softer, less snug, and super stretchy. Your workout shorts need to be able to move with you with no distractions, no waistbands rolling down, and nothing too tight. Here’s our top picks:
Elevate
Elevate Shorts have a lightweight feel, while still providing high-waisted support, and a fit that stays in place, no matter how much you stretch and move. Soft to the touch, our RLSE™️ fabric is incredibly comfortable, making these workout shorts perfect for moving through various poses, bending and twisting.
Why you’ll love them:
Perfectly combining softness and stretch with our butter-soft fabric, the Elevate Shorts will have you flowing through your pilates routine with grace and ease, and still look chic enough to run errands after class.
Whitney Shorts
Your favorite lifestyle leggings are back–and this time, as shorts. The Whitney Shorts are soft, secure, and completely non-restrictive, allowing for a distraction-free experience, especially during floor-based moves. The high, wide waistband prevents the shorts from rolling down during downward dogs, planks, or roll-ups, while the 6-inch length means these shorts won’t roll up or shift during flows or mat work.
Why you’ll love them:
Buttery-soft fabric feels like a second skin, allowing you to focus fully on breath, movement, and alignment. Minimal branding means you can achieve that ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Pair with a matching minimal bra for the ultimate studio-ready matching set.
Hybrid
Hybrid shorts need to do it all - from the rig to the rower, they need to be durable enough for whatever your workout throws at them. So they also need to be comfortable enough for each activity, and we’ve got just the pair of shorts for you:
Vital Seamless Shorts
Our best-selling women’s shorts for a reason, Vital Seamless are available in 5” and 7” inch options for your coverage preference and offer unmatched versatility. They’re a great all-rounder, with sweat-wicking and stay-put technology that makes them perfect for switching between cardio, weights and mobility work.
Why you’ll love them:
Seamless started with Vital, and the dotted shading along the legs is a truly iconic design, so if you’re a fan of the classic Gymshark pieces, you’ll love these shorts. However your hybrid training plan is shaped, Vital Seamless Shorts are tough enough to support you at every phase.
Everyday
Your everyday workout shorts are the shorts you want to wear for a rest day, a hike, or an impromptu workout, so functional features like pockets are ideal, and versatility is key. Here’s our top pick:
Pocket Shorts
For many women, pockets in shorts are a non-negotiable, and with this pair, not only do you get two side pockets to store essentials - you get a second-skin feel, and lightweight design that allows the shorts to move with you as you need them to. Versatile, high-waisted and front-seam-free, they provide all-day comfort.
Why you’ll love them:
Feel equipped for just about anything your day throws at you with these workout shorts, they go with just about anything in your closet, and benefit from functional features like pockets - making them perfect to throw on for everyday ease.
Ready to upgrade your gym wardrobe?
Yoga, running, weightlifting, or all three - now you’ve found your perfect pair of workout shorts, it’s time to discover how the right fit can transform your workouts. From the best women’s workout shorts to everyday essentials, download the Gymshark App to find the best workout shorts for women.
