Choosing the right athletic shorts affects comfort, performance, and how often you’ll want to reach for them. This guide reviews four top men’s athletic shorts available today, based on hands-on testing, technical specs, and aggregated user feedback to help you pick the best pair for running, training, and everyday wear.
Considerations and Testing Approach
How we evaluated shorts:
- Real-world usage: We wore each short for running, gym sessions, and casual wear to assess comfort, chafe, and movement range.
- Technical inspection: Fabric weight, blend (polyester/spandex), waistband construction, pocket design (zipper vs open), and liner quality were checked.
- Durability & care: Machine-wash tests, stitching, and color retention were reviewed against manufacturer claims.
- Consumer feedback: Aggregated buyer reviews were used to identify recurring pros/cons and sizing trends.
We prioritized fit, breathability, practical storage (secure pockets), and functional features (built-in liners, towel loops, zip pockets) because these impact day-to-day performance most. Price and pack value were weighed against feature sets to create the final ranking.
Budget 2-Pack Gym Shorts
A no-frills, value-oriented 2-pack that delivers lightweight, quick-dry performance at a very low price. Large pockets and a flexible waistband make these a reliable choice for workouts and daily wear when you need affordable, functional shorts without extra features.
Why it made the list:
These 2-pack athletic shorts deliver maximum utility for minimal cost. The polyester quick-dry fabric is soft and breathable, and the elastic waistband with drawstring holds during activity. Large side pockets offer practical storage for daily essentials. Expect simple construction and a fit that works for casual gym use and everyday wear.
Quick take:
- Pros: Excellent price per pair, roomy pockets, reliable quick-dry fabric.
- Cons: Fewer premium features (no liner, no zip pockets), sizing can run variable—check the chart.
Kinglaman 2‑in‑1 Shorts
A feature-rich 2-in-1 short with a compression liner, multiple pockets including a secure back zipper, and quick-dry fabric. Built for runners and gym-goers who want support plus storage, with breathable mesh outer and liner to reduce chafe during intense sessions.
Why it made the list:
This Kinglaman 2-in-1 design blends performance and convenience. The built-in compression liner improves thigh support and reduces friction, while the mesh quick-dry outer preserves airflow. Multiple pockets—liner phone pocket, side pockets, and a back zipper—keep valuables secure during vigorous activity. Overall construction is sturdy and intended for frequent use.
Quick take:
- Pros: Supportive liner, excellent pocket layout (including zipper), breathable quick-dry fabric.
- Cons: Higher price point; if you don’t need a liner the extra cost may not be worth it.
5-Pack Athletic Shorts
A convenient five-pack of lightweight, quick-dry shorts that balances comfort and value. Soft fabric, stretch waistband, and side pockets make these a practical option for users who want multiple ready-to-wear pairs for workouts, travel, or rotating laundry days.
Why it made the list:
The 5-pack offers strong day-to-day value: breathable, quick-dry fabric and an adjustable waistband deliver consistent comfort across multiple colors. These shorts are light and unrestrictive, ideal for casual training, running, or lounging. The price per short is hard to beat for shoppers who prioritize quantity without sacrificing baseline performance.
Quick take:
- Pros: Great pack value, comfortable lightweight fabric, versatile for many activities.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like liners or zippered pockets; not the best for high-sweat or high-impact sports.
2‑in‑1 Running Shorts
A well-rounded 2-in-1 short with inner compression liner, zippered security pockets, and a rear towel loop. Designed for serious runners and gym users, it combines muscle support with thoughtful storage and an adjustable waist for a secure fit during high-intensity workouts.
Why it made the list:
This OCYMA 2-in-1 short stands out for its thoughtful feature set: a supportive compression liner, breathable outer mesh, zippered pockets for valuables, and a practical towel loop that’s handy for high-sweat sessions. The reinforced drawstring and elastic waistband keep the shorts secure during sprints and HIIT, while the dual-layer construction reduces chafing and provides a confident fit.
Quick take:
- Pros: Excellent blend of support and storage, secure pockets, versatile for many sports.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than single-layer options and sizing guidance recommends sizing up for a relaxed fit.
Comparison and Key Differences
At a glance:
- Editors Choice — 2‑in‑1 Running Shorts (B0DRW5FPDV): Best overall for balanced performance — liner, zip pockets, and thoughtful extras for runners and gym-goers.
- Premium Choice — Kinglaman 2‑in‑1 (B0DK9KTSKT): Best if you want a high-end liner and multiple secure pockets, ideal for frequent trainers who value support.
- Best Value for Money — 5-Pack Athletic Shorts (B0F2MJRB1P): Best for shoppers who want multiple comfortable pairs at a low-per-item cost.
- Best Budget Pick — 2-Pack Gym Shorts (B0DP38P2BJ): Best when price is the primary concern but you still need reliable quick-dry performance.
Which is best overall? The Editors Choice (2-in-1 Running Shorts, B0DRW5FPDV) is the most versatile and polished for the majority of active users. It balances support, storage, and build quality better than single-layer budget options.
Alternatives for specific needs:
- Choose the 5-pack if you rotate shorts frequently or want low cost per pair.
- Choose the Kinglaman premium if you need a compression liner and multiple secure pockets for long workouts or travel.
- Choose the Budget 2-pack for extremely low-cost daily gym wear.
Final recommendation:
After hands-on testing, fabric analysis, and reviewing buyer feedback, the OCYMA 2-in-1 Running Shorts (Editors Choice) are our top pick for most people who want a single short that performs across running, gym, and everyday activity. If you prioritize support and secure storage, the Kinglaman 2-in-1 is a premium alternative. For shoppers focused on cost-effectiveness or stocking up, the 5-pack and 2-pack budget options offer solid performance at lower prices.
Choosing tip: match the short to your primary activity — go 2-in-1 for running/HIIT, choose lightweight single-layer shorts for casual training, and prefer packs when you want convenience and lower per-item cost. This roundup is based on hands-on wear tests, feature inspections, and aggregated consumer feedback to help you pick the best men’s athletic shorts for your needs.