Ever feel like your gym shorts are fighting you instead of helping you lift? You pull them down, they ride up. You squat low, and suddenly, you worry about flashing everyone. Choosing the right lifting shorts can feel like a workout all on its own. There are so many styles, materials, and lengths out there, and the wrong pair can seriously mess with your focus.
It’s frustrating when your gear distracts you from hitting that personal best. You need shorts that move with you, offer the right coverage, and just feel right when you’re pushing heavy weight. Finding that perfect balance between comfort and performance shouldn’t be a mystery.
In this post, we cut through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great pair of lifting shorts. You’ll learn about the best fabrics, the ideal inseam lengths, and the features that truly matter for your training sessions. Get ready to discover the shorts that will finally let you concentrate on your lifts, not your laundry.
Top Lifting Shorts Recommendations
- High quality mesh fabric, soft, lightweight, stretchy and quick dry. These gym shorts always keep you comfortable during your workout and other activities.
- Men's workout shorts feature with elasticized waist and adjustable drawstring, 2 pockets on side seam to store all of your small essentials, solid color, side split design allows more movement for weight training.
- You can pair this 5 inch running shorts with tank tops, t shirts, or sleeveless hoodies for workout or leisure all day.
- Lightweight men athletic shorts suitable for gym, workout, running, fitness, bodybuilding, training, jogging, weightlifting, squats, basketball, cycling, boxing, outdoor leisure or casual wear.
- Machine wash or hand wash. These men gym workout shorts are made of stretch fabric. Please order your normal size for a great fit. If you want tight feeling please choose one size smaller than your usual wear.
- Impact shorts design: Tummy control, low ribbed band, the inseam protects the modesty without overheating during activities，If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up
- Workout scrunch shorts: Flattering fit with the subtle glute contour and scrunch bum seam, impact shorts with the scrunch effect without the intensity of a scrunch, these shorts hug the curves in all the right places
- Impact shorts fabric: Sweat wicking, the moisture wicking fabric keeps me dry no matter how intense the workout, no more dreaded thighs sticking together
- Layering made easy: In warmer weather, these workout basic shorts pair well with a fitted tank or sports bra，for cooler studios, a matching cropped top can be added
- Sizes: If you are between sizes, please to choose one size up
- A relaxed-fit workout gym shorts made from lightweight for a supple feel and ideal drape.The premium quality polyester fabric is stitched with double lock systems. The quick-dry, breathable fabric helps the ventilation to your skin during the workouts. Running workout shorts are tested to last long and stay in great condition all throughout. Our men's fitness athletic shorts offer a comfortable fit and perforated detail for breathability to keep you dry through intense workouts;
- Athletic training shorts offer a relaxed fit with a rugged cut-off hem to cater to both style and performance. The dual-concealed zippered pockets hold your small essentials,whilst our premium elastic waistband with invisible drawcord provides a secure fit during high-paced activities.Our bodybuilding workout running shorts have a streamlined design and very unique cuts and details that will be suitable for the fitness sports;
- The athletic fitness shorts will have a breathable elastic panel between the sides and inner seams,promoting ventilation as well as flexibility.A super lightweight, high-stretch elastic panel - complimented by breathable mesh fabric and low-profile seams - is technically engineered so you can train for flexibility and focus harder than ever before;
- Gaglg gym workout shorts have been carefully chosen for their fit,their performance, and their durability. If you want gym bodybuilding shorts for men that can keep up with you, pace for pace,our fitness workout collection is easily up to the task.Suitable for Running,Workout,Training,Jogging,Basketball,Boxing Wear,Soccer,cycling,hiking and other training activities;
- Use the chart below to determine your size based on your measurements.The chart below is based on ranges, so look for the range that best suits you. If you're on the borderline between two sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.We are committed to continuously improving our customers' wearing experience.If for any reason, you are unhappy with the gym shorts for men, we are here to provide a solution as per your wish;
- 🍑【Booty Lifting & Sculpting】 – ATHVOTAR’s scrunch butt shorts feature a butt-lifting design that enhances your curves, making your hips look rounder and firmer. Perfect for the gym or casual wear, these shorts lift and shape your booty while highlighting your leg muscles for a confident, sculpted look!
- 🍑【Seamless & High-Waisted】 – Designed with a high-waist tummy control fit, these workout shorts provide gentle compression to slim your waist while staying comfortable. The seamless fabric prevents chafing, making them ideal for biker shorts-inspired workouts, yoga, or running!
- 🍑【APPLICABLE SCENARIO】 – These short pants are great for running,cycle,gym, yoga, pilates, fitness, tennis,hik ,athletic and more. They are versatile and stylish, and can be worn not only for sports, but also for everyday wear. You will be the most fashionable people in the crowd.
- 🍑【4-Way Stretch & Breathable】 – Made from ultra-soft, non-see-through fabric, these shorts offer 4-way stretch for maximum flexibility. Moisture-wicking and breathable, they keep you dry during intense gym sessions, cycling, or outdoor activities.
- 🍑【Squat-Proof & Versatile】 – Passed the squat test with opaque coverage! Whether you're lifting weights, doing HIIT, or lounging, these workout shorts stay in place, offering support and style for any workout or casual outfit.
- ✿ BUTT LIFTING & SQUAT PROOF - Subtle buttocks contouring texture, highlights the hip curve, making your butt look like a sexy juicy peach, The smile contour design on both butt make you more sexy, The scrunch butt shorts are non see-through offer total coverage while bending, squatting, no more worrying about visible panties
- ✿ SEAMLESS HIGH WAISTED SHORTS - are what you’ve been waiting for, Their flattering fit and contouring ruched detail to the bum meet with a supportive and supple seamless fabric to advance your performance, Features compression in targeted areas that gently smooths and sculpts the backside and legs for a feminine, shapely look
- ✿ SQUAT PROOF - Pass the squat proof test, the scrunch workout shorts for women are non-see-through, moderate thickness eliminated see through embarrassment
- ✿ COMFY FABRIC - Buttery soft seamless workout shorts, ultra lightweight, sweat wicking quick dry. No seam for comfort, body hugging fit, skin-friendly and breathable. they look amazing on your butt too. You will love shorts because of how they compliment your glutes with the “smile” accents. These yoga shorts are a great shorts.
- ✿ APPLICABLE SCENARIO - These short pants are great for running,cycle,gym, yoga, pilates, fitness, tennis,hik ,athletic and more. They are versatile and stylish, and can be worn not only for sports, but also for everyday wear. You will be the most fashionable people in the crowd.
- Designed for yoga and workout
- Butterlift fabric is as Buttery Soft and flattering as Butterluxe, but a bit more compressed and thick
- High Rise, 4" inseam, intended to sit above mid thigh length
- No front seam, seamless waistband offers full coverage
- Butt scrunch. V-shaped line
- Intensify Collection: The Workout Shorts that slightly reveals the ankle have a good proportion. Experience freedom with our Shorts pair for those wanting a less interference during workouts.
- Diamond Gusseted Crotch: Gusseted crotch for greater freedom of movement. Flatlock seams reduce irritation caused by chafing.
- Comfortable High Waist: Wide-Waist Elastic Waistband to Cover Navel Which provide Tummy Control and Would not Fall.Suitable for Capri ,Workout ,Fitness.
- Ultra-Stretch Fit (Enough thickness with breathability: No See through) Featuring the super soft and skin friendly material, the Workout Shorts are moisture wicking with four-way stretch material that promotes both compression and support.
- For Daily Wear:56% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 9% Spandex fabrics have a more natural feeling than polyester ones which makes it perfect for everyday wear. A gusset crotch to maximize free movement and interlock seams to minimize rubbing and chafing make these shorts for women the perfect yoga short for working out.
- Sculpt Your Silhouette with Confidence*: Crafted with a high-elasticity waistband, these workout shorts hug your curves to accentuate a sleek, slimming waistline. The wide, reinforced band provides gentle compression and stays securely in place during even the most intense movements—no slipping, no rolling.
- Butt-Lifting Design for Effortless Curves*: Featuring a V-shaped back panel and discreet ruching along the hips, these scrunch butt shorts are engineered to lift, shape, and flatter your glutes. The strategic seaming contours your body while the stretchy fabric ensures full coverage, so you can squat, lunge, and stride with zero worries about ride-up or awkward gaps.
- Skin-Loving Comfort Meets Performance*: Made from ultra-soft, breathable fabric with 4-way stretch technology, these gym shorts move with you, not against you. The moisture-wicking material keeps you cool during sweaty HIIT sessions, while the buttery-soft texture feels like a second skin—perfect for yoga flows or post-workout lounging.
- Built for Every Movement*: Whether you’re crushing a 10km run, flowing through sun salutations, lifting heavy weights, or mastering Pilates reformer moves, these gym shorts deliver unrestricted mobility. The gusseted crotch and chafe-resistant inner lining eliminate friction, so you stay focused on your goals, not your gear.
- Versatility You’ll Obsess Over*: Dress them up or down—these shorts are your new wardrobe MVP. Pair them with a cropped tank for gym-to-brunch chic, throw on an oversized hoodie for cozy errands, or layer under a tennis skirt for court-ready style. Available in neutral tones and bold hues to match every vibe.
Choosing Your Perfect Lifting Shorts: A Buyer’s Guide
Lifting shorts are essential gear for anyone serious about hitting the gym or lifting heavy. They help you move freely and stay cool when you work out hard. Finding the right pair makes a big difference in your training. This guide will help you pick the best shorts for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for lifting shorts, certain features matter most. Good shorts support your lifts without getting in the way.
- **Inseam Length:** This is how long the shorts are. Shorter inseams (3 to 5 inches) give you the most range of motion for squats and deadlifts. Longer shorts (7 inches or more) offer more coverage but can sometimes bunch up.
- **Stretch and Mobility:** Look for shorts made with stretchable fabric. This lets you squat deep without feeling restricted.
- **Waistband Security:** A strong, wide waistband keeps your shorts up, even when you are bent over or moving fast. Drawstrings are great for extra security.
- **Pockets:** Useful pockets let you carry your phone or keys. However, make sure the pockets are shallow or zippered so they don’t flop around during intense movements.
Important Materials That Matter
The fabric your shorts are made from greatly affects comfort and performance. Different materials offer different benefits.
Durable and Flexible Fabrics
Most high-quality lifting shorts use a blend of synthetic materials. These fabrics handle sweat and heavy use well.
- **Polyester:** This is very popular. Polyester dries fast and resists wrinkles. It handles repeated washing without breaking down quickly.
- **Spandex (or Elastane):** A small amount of spandex adds crucial stretch. This flexibility is vital for deep squats and box jumps.
- **Nylon:** Nylon is often used because it is very strong and lightweight. It resists abrasion, meaning it won’t easily tear if you rub against equipment.
Avoid shorts made mostly of heavy cotton for intense lifting. Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet, which can make you feel heavy and uncomfortable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The construction of the shorts shows their true quality. Well-made shorts last longer and perform better.
Stitching and Construction
Check the seams. High-quality shorts use **flatlock stitching**. This stitching lies flat against the fabric, which prevents chafing and irritation during long workouts. Poorly stitched shorts often fall apart after just a few months of hard use.
Ventilation
Good lifting shorts help you stay cool. Look for shorts that have **mesh panels** or laser-cut ventilation holes in high-sweat areas, like the inner thighs or the back. These features allow air to flow better.
Fit Considerations
A good fit is key. Shorts that are too tight restrict movement. Shorts that are too loose can get caught on weights or machines. Test the fit by performing a few bodyweight squats before you buy them.
User Experience and Use Cases
Lifting shorts should feel like a second skin—you should hardly notice you are wearing them.
Training Scenarios
- **Powerlifting and Olympic Lifting:** For these sports, maximum mobility is needed. Choose shorts with the shortest inseam (3–4 inches) and the most stretch.
- **CrossFit and HIIT:** You need durability and quick-drying features. Shorts that wick sweat away fast are best for these high-intensity sessions.
- **General Gym Use:** If you do a mix of cardio and light weight training, comfort and secure pockets are your main concerns.
A great pair of lifting shorts lets you focus entirely on your technique. They should never be a distraction.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lifting Shorts
Q: What is the best inseam length for heavy squats?
A: Most lifters prefer a shorter inseam, usually between 3 and 5 inches. This length gives your legs maximum freedom for deep squat depth.
Q: Should lifting shorts have a liner?
A: Some lifting shorts include a built-in mesh liner, like running shorts. This is a personal choice. Liners offer support but some people find them restrictive and prefer to wear their own compression shorts underneath.
Q: How do I wash my lifting shorts correctly?
A: Always wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent. Never use fabric softener, as it can clog the pores of the performance fabrics and reduce their wicking ability.
Q: Is it okay if my lifting shorts have zippers?
A: Zippers on pockets are fine for carrying items, but avoid shorts with large, hard zippers near the skin. They might press into you when you lie down for bench presses or rows.
Q: What fabric blend is best for wicking sweat?
A: A blend high in polyester or nylon, mixed with spandex for stretch, wicks sweat the best. These materials pull moisture away from your skin quickly.
Q: How often should I replace my lifting shorts?
A: If you lift intensely four or more times a week, expect to replace them every one to two years, or sooner if the seams start fraying or the stretch weakens significantly.
Q: Are compression shorts better than regular lifting shorts?
A: They serve different purposes. Compression shorts offer muscle support and reduce chafing. Lifting shorts prioritize range of motion and often have a looser fit for comfort.
Q: Do I need special shorts for deadlifts?
A: For deadlifts, you need shorts that won’t catch on the barbell. A smooth, tight-fitting fabric around the thighs is helpful to prevent friction burns.
Q: What is “four-way stretch”?
A: Four-way stretch means the fabric stretches both vertically and horizontally. This feature offers the best mobility for dynamic movements like lunges and box jumps.
Q: Can I wear basketball shorts for lifting?
A: You can, but basketball shorts are often too long and baggy. They can get in the way during deep squats or swing around during dynamic movements, making specialized lifting shorts a better choice.