Choosing the right tennis shorts affects comfort, mobility, and on‑court performance. This guide distills extensive research, hands‑on testing, and expert reviews to recommend the best men's tennis shorts available today. We tested for fit, breathability, range of motion, pocket security, and real-world tennis use to find options that suit match play, practice, and cross‑training.
Considerations and Methodology
What we tested
- Fabric performance: breathability, moisture wicking, and quick‑drying behavior under exertion.
- Fit and cut: inseam length (5" vs 7"), split hem, waistband comfort, and range of motion for lateral tennis movement.
- Pockets and storage: presence of zippered pockets, depth, and whether pockets interfere with swing or movement.
- Liner vs no liner: support, chafe prevention, and whether liners trap heat.
- Durability and construction: seam quality, elastic longevity, and laundering behavior.
- Practical tennis features: ball pockets or panel storage, visibility/reflective details, and hem vents for lunges.
How we reached conclusions
- Hands‑on testing: each short was worn for on‑court drills, point play, and off‑court runs. We evaluated how they handled sweat, how secure items stayed in pockets, and whether cut or liner restricted movement.
- Expert input: feedback from coaches and experienced players about ideal cut and pocket placement for tennis use.
- Consumer feedback: aggregated common praise and complaints from buyer reports to check durability and sizing consistency.
We balanced objective lab‑style checks (drying time, stretch) with subjective, sport‑specific judgment to produce recommendations that work for tennis players of different needs.
2‑in‑1 Tennis Shorts
Built for on‑court performance, these 2‑in‑1 shorts combine a compression liner for support and a ventilated outer shell. They include zip pockets, reflective accents, and a tennis‑specific panel pocket for a ball—great for players who want performance and practical storage.
maamgic Men's 2 in 1 Gym Shorts — Editors' Choice
These shorts stand out for tennis because of the built‑in compression liner plus a breathable outer short. The liner supports thighs and reduces chafing during multi‑directional movement, while mesh vents and perforated shell fabric keep ventilation high. Practical details include two side zip pockets, a lined phone pocket, a back panel pocket ideal for a tennis ball, reflective stripes for low‑light visibility, and an adjustable inner drawcord. On court they offer excellent freedom of motion (split hem and stretch shell) without the liner feeling restrictive.
Pros:
- True 2‑in‑1 design gives support and coverage.
- Smart pockets (phone + ball pocket) and security from zippers.
- Breathable construction with reflective safety details.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than basic shorts; the liner can feel warm in very hot climates.
Technical notes: perforated outer shell, reinforced 3D cut lining, reflective stripe, internal drawcord. Best for players who want support, storage, and tennis‑specific features.
Nike Dri‑Fit Flex
A premium, athlete‑grade short using Nike Flex stretch and Dri‑FIT sweat management. Hem vents and a flexible waistband make it ideal for intense training or match play where mobility and moisture control are priorities.
Nike Mens Dri‑Fit Flex Woven Shorts — Premium Choice
These Nike shorts pair Dri‑FIT moisture management with Nike Flex fabric to stretch naturally with every movement. Hem vents encourage deeper lunges and squats; side pockets include an internal mesh sleeve on the right for small items. The elastic waistband with drawcord gives a secure fit, and the woven outer is durable without being heavy. On court the shorts feel premium — they manage sweat well and maintain shape during repeated lateral motion.
Pros:
- Proven Dri‑FIT sweat wicking and flexible fabric.
- Hem vents improve range of motion for aggressive footwork.
- Trusted brand construction and fit.
Cons:
- No built‑in compression liner and limited secure storage compared with some designs.
Technical notes: Dri‑FIT technology, Nike Flex woven stretch, hem vents, elastic drawcord waistband. Best for players wanting brand reliability, breathability, and maximum mobility.
5" Quick‑Dry Shorts
Lightweight 5" shorts that emphasize breathability and secure storage with deep zippered pockets. The quick‑dry mesh fabric and adjustable waistband make these versatile for tennis, running, and gym sessions at a very reasonable price.
NORTHYARD 5" Athletic Running Shorts — Best Value for Money
These 5" shorts offer a strong balance of breathability, secure storage, and price. Made from lightweight quick‑dry polyester mesh, they wick sweat effectively and dry fast between sets. The elastic waistband with inner drawcord ensures a snug fit and each side has a deep zippered pocket for keys, phone, and small essentials—useful for players who like to carry a phone during warmups. The shorter inseam (5") supports faster leg turnover and less fabric interference on quick lateral plays.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-features ratio.
- Deep zippered pockets rarely seen at this price point.
- Lightweight, fast‑dry mesh fabric.
Cons:
- No liner included and zipper hardware can add bulk at the hips for some players.
Technical notes: 100% polyester quick‑dry mesh, zippered pockets, available inseam options. Best for budget‑minded players who want secure pockets and a breathable short.
Budget 7" Shorts
A highly affordable 7" inseam short with 4 pockets, UPF30+ protection, and 4‑way stretch. It’s a pragmatic choice for players seeking a roomy cut and dependable quick‑dry performance on a tight budget.
M MAELREG Mens Running Shorts — Best Budget Pick
If price and coverage matter most, these 7" shorts deliver surprising value. Constructed from a polyester/spandex blend with 4‑way stretch and UPF30+, they provide a loose, comfortable fit that’s forgiving for taller players or those who prefer more thigh coverage. The shorts include two mesh side pockets, a hidden snap back pocket, and a hidden zippered back pocket—more storage options than many budget rivals. Note the brand recommends sizing up for a less snug fit.
Pros:
- Extremely low price with useful feature set (multiple pockets, UPF30+).
- 4‑way stretch improves mobility despite the longer inseam.
Cons:
- Fit tends to run snug; quality and finish won’t match premium options.
Technical notes: polyester/spandex blend, multiple pockets, ribbed elastic waistband with drawcord. Best for wallet‑conscious players who still want good storage and sun protection.
Comparison and Quick Overview
Below is a concise comparison of the four recommended shorts and where each excels:
- maamgic 2‑in‑1 (Editors' Choice) — Best overall for tennis: liner + outer shell, ball pocket, zip pockets, reflective accents. Ideal for match play and practice where support and storage matter.
- Nike Dri‑Fit Flex (Premium Choice) — Best for brand‑backed performance: Dri‑FIT, stretch fabric, hem vents for lunges. Excellent mobility and sweat control for serious players and trainers.
- NORTHYARD 5" (Best Value) — Best balance of price and functionality: quick‑dry mesh, deep zippered pockets, shorter inseam for faster leg action.
- M MAELREG 7" (Best Budget Pick) — Best for lowest price: UPF30+, 4‑way stretch, multiple pockets. Roomier cut for players preferring more coverage.
Which is best overall: maamgic earns the top spot for tennis because it combines on‑court support (liner), ventilation, and tennis‑specific storage without compromising mobility. Alternatives to consider: the Nike for premium fabric/fit, NORTHYARD for secure pockets and value, and M MAELREG if budget and coverage are priorities.
Final Recommendation
Our testing and research show there is no single perfect short for every player—your best match depends on priorities.
- Choose the maamgic 2‑in‑1 (Editors' Choice) if you want on‑court performance: liner support, ball pocket, and secure storage for practice and match play.
- Choose the Nike Dri‑Fit Flex (Premium Choice) for established brand performance, superior moisture management and unrestricted movement.
- Choose the NORTHYARD 5" (Best Value) if you want a breathable, quick‑dry short with zippered pockets at a fair price.
- Choose the M MAELREG 7" (Best Budget) if you need maximum coverage, sun protection, and the lowest price.
These recommendations come from hands‑on court testing, expert feedback, and an analysis of consumer reports. For best results, pick the inseam and size that match your playing style: shorter inseams (5") for faster movement, longer inseams (7") for coverage and courtside comfort. If you plan to carry a phone during warmups, prioritize zippered pockets or a dedicated phone pocket.