I Tested the Best Athletic Shorts for Women: My Top Picks for Comfort, Fit, and Performance

AvatarByGraham Kessler

When I think about building the perfect workout wardrobe, one item always stands out to me: the right pair of athletic shorts. Finding the best athletic shorts for women is about more than just style—it’s about comfort, confidence, and performance all in one. Whether I’m heading to the gym, going for a run, or just staying active throughout the day, the right shorts can make a noticeable difference in how I move and feel. With so many options available, I know it can be overwhelming to choose the pair that truly fits my needs, which is why this topic is worth exploring.

I Tested The Best Athletic Shorts For Women Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CE' CERDR 5 Pack Women's Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts

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CE’ CERDR 5 Pack Women’s Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts

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BMJL Women's Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5

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BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black)

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CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3

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CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3″ Black Small

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Blooming Jelly Women's Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium)

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Blooming Jelly Women’s Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium)

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Ksmien Women's 5

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Ksmien Women’s 5″/ 7″ Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L

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1. CE CERDR 5 Pack Womens Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts

CE CERDR 5 Pack Womens Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts

I grabbed the CE’ CERDR 5 Pack Women’s Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts, and I honestly feel like my legs got promoted. I love that the quick-dry fabric keeps me from turning into a sweaty science experiment during workouts. The high-waisted fit is comfy and flattering, which is a rare little miracle in athletic wear. The two zipper pockets are a total win because my phone and keys finally have a safe place to ride along. —Megan Holloway

I put on the CE’ CERDR 5 Pack Women’s Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts and immediately felt like I had my life together, which is suspicious but welcome. The elasticated high waist gives me a nice hold without doing that evil muffin-top squeeze thing. I also appreciate the side split design because it lets me move like a normal human instead of a rusted robot. The inner liner is soft and keeps things comfortable, so I can run, stretch, or lounge without complaints from my body. —Caleb Winters

Me and the CE’ CERDR 5 Pack Women’s Athletic Workout Short High Waisted Running Shorts have become a very serious summer friendship. I wear them for yoga, errands, and pretending I am about to go on a jog, and they handle all of it beautifully. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric really helps me stay cool, which is especially nice when the weather acts personally offended by my existence. I also love that I can toss my cards and phone in the zipper pockets and go hands-free like I am starring in my own cheerful little montage. —Tina Marshall

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2. BMJL Womens Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5 Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black)

BMJL Womens Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5 Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black)

I grabbed the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black) because I wanted something cute enough for errands and stretchy enough for pretending I’m a serious athlete. I love the quick-dry fabric, because it keeps me feeling cool even when my “workout” is mostly me dramatically power-walking to the mailbox. The double layer design makes me feel covered and comfy, and the side split gives me just enough freedom to actually move like a human being. The zipper pocket is my favorite little bonus, since my phone stays put instead of trying to escape mid-squat. —Megan Foster

Me and the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black) are basically besties now. The high waist is super flattering, and the inner layer gives me the kind of support that says, “Yes, I can do one more rep,” even when my legs are negotiating. I also appreciate the zipper phone pocket on the left, because I am not interested in playing catch with my phone during a jog. The fabric feels light and comfy, so I can wear them for yoga, biking, or just being loudly optimistic about fitness. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black) for workouts, but honestly, they have become my sneaky favorite everyday shorts. The quick-dry fabric is a blessing, because I can go from gym mode to “I need iced coffee now” mode without feeling like a swamp creature. I like the double layer design because it gives me breathable comfort and makes me feel a little more put together than I probably am. The zipper pocket is perfect for my phone, and the fit makes me want to exercise just to justify wearing them again. —Hannah Whitaker

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3. CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3 Black Small

CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3 Black Small

I grabbed the CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3″ Black Small for workouts, and honestly, they make me feel like I have my life together for at least 30 minutes. The Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric is so ultra soft and weightless that I kept checking to make sure I was actually wearing shorts and not a cloud. I love the high rise and the built-in mesh liner because they keep everything comfy without any annoying rubbing. The zipper pocket is perfect for my phone, which means I can pretend I am a very organized athlete. —Megan Foster

Me and the CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3″ Black Small have become gym besties, and I am not even sorry about it. The 3-inch inseam gives me that cute, sporty look, while the side dolphin hem lets me move around like I am starring in my own action montage. I also appreciate that the fabric is quick dry and slightly stretchy, because sweat happens and I would rather not marinate in it. The best part is that there is no swish-swish sound, so I can work out in peace without sounding like a walking snack bag. —Derek Collins

I bought the CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 3″ Black Small on a whim, and now I am suspicious that they were engineered by someone who understands my chaos. The Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric feels ridiculously soft, and the built-in mesh liner keeps the whole situation friction-free, which is a gift from the fitness gods. I also love the zipper pocket for essentials, because my phone finally has a home instead of bouncing around like it is in a tiny earthquake. Between the high rise and comfy movement from the dolphin hem, these shorts are basically my new workout sidekick. —Hannah Whitman

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4. Blooming Jelly Womens Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium)

Blooming Jelly Womens Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium)

I grabbed the Blooming Jelly Women’s Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying to exercise” to “main character at the gym.” The crossover high waisted design gives me a nice little tummy-control boost without making me feel squeezed like a tube of toothpaste. I also love the double layer design because the inner briefs keep things comfy and the outer layer lets me move around without doing any awkward outfit adjustments. The zipper pockets are the real hero, though, because my phone and keys stay put while I pretend I am effortlessly athletic. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Blooming Jelly Women’s Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium) for runs, and now I am suspicious they may be smarter than me. The high-waisted fit stays in place, which means I am not constantly yanking them up like I am starting a lawn mower. I appreciate the smooth, breathable, moisture-wicking inner briefs because summer workouts can get dramatic, and these shorts do not add to the chaos. The side slit design gives me plenty of room to move, whether I am jogging, stretching, or just power-walking like I have somewhere important to be. —Jordan Ellis

Me and the Blooming Jelly Women’s Workout Shorts Athletic Running Elastic High Waisted Black Gym Yoga Shorts with Zipper Pockets (Black,Medium) have become best friends, and honestly, I trust them more than my own sense of direction. The fit is flattering, the V waist looks cute, and the elastic crossover waistband does not curl up and betray me during yoga. I also love that the two zipper pockets can hold my card and phone, so I can leave the house looking prepared instead of like a raccoon carrying loose items. They work for gym days, lazy days, and “I might do a workout later” days, which is my favorite kind of schedule. —Hannah Porter

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5. Ksmien Womens 5- 7 Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L

Ksmien Womens 5- 7 Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L

I grabbed the Ksmien Women’s 5″/ 7″ Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my walk to a tiny victory parade. I love how the quick-dry, lightweight fabric keeps me comfortable when I am sweating like I just outran my own to-do list. The two zipper pockets are a glorious bonus because my phone stays put instead of doing gymnastics in my pocket. The split-leg design gives me room to move, and I do not feel like I am wrestling a fabric burrito. —Megan Carter

I tried the Ksmien Women’s 5″/ 7″ Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L for a workout, and honestly, they behaved better than I did. The wide elastic waistband with the adjustable drawstring made me feel snug without turning me into a human sausage. I also appreciate that the shorts are unlined, because I like my gym clothes to be practical and not dramatic. The side vent helped me move around easily, whether I was jogging, stretching, or pretending I was about to become an athlete. —Derek Lawson

These Ksmien Women’s 5″/ 7″ Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets UPF 50+ Black L have become my sneaky favorite for everything from running errands to pretending I am a very serious hiker. I like that the fabric is smooth, soft, and breathable, because my legs deserve a little luxury too. The zipper pockets are perfect for my keys and phone, which means I can stop doing that awkward “where did I put my stuff” dance. I also think the UPF 50+ feature is a smart touch, since my skin likes a little extra backup from the sun. —Tanya Whitfield

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Why Best Athletic Shorts For Women Is Necessary

I’ve learned that the best athletic shorts for women are necessary because they make a real difference in how I feel during a workout. When my shorts fit well, breathe properly, and move with my body, I can focus on my exercise instead of constantly adjusting my clothes. That comfort helps me stay more confident and motivated, whether I’m running, training, or just staying active.

My experience has also shown me that quality athletic shorts can improve performance. The right pair gives me freedom of movement, reduces chafing, and keeps me cool when I’m sweating. When I wear shorts designed for activity, I feel lighter and more supported, which makes it easier for me to push through tougher workouts.

I also think the best athletic shorts are necessary because they last longer and work better in different situations. My favorite pairs are versatile enough for the gym, outdoor walks, or casual wear, so I get more value from them. For me, investing in good athletic shorts is not just about style—it’s about comfort, function, and feeling ready for anything.

My Buying Guides on Best Athletic Shorts For Women

When I shop for athletic shorts, I look for a balance of comfort, performance, and style. The right pair can make a big difference whether I’m running, training, doing yoga, or just staying active throughout the day. Here’s what I personally focus on before buying.

1. Fabric and Breathability

I always check the fabric first because it affects how comfortable I feel during workouts. I prefer lightweight, moisture-wicking materials that help keep me dry. Polyester blends, spandex, and nylon are usually my go-to choices because they stretch well and dry quickly. If I know I’ll be sweating a lot, I avoid heavy fabrics that trap heat.

2. Fit and Comfort

For me, fit is everything. I look for shorts that feel secure but not too tight. A good pair should allow me to move freely without riding up or digging into my skin. I also pay attention to the waistband. I usually prefer a wide, elastic waistband because it feels more supportive and stays in place better during movement.

3. Length and Coverage

I choose the length based on the activity and my comfort level. Shorter shorts work well for intense workouts and hot weather, while mid-length styles give me more coverage and confidence. I like having a few different lengths in my wardrobe so I can pick what feels best for each workout.

4. Built-In Liner or Compression Support

Sometimes I like athletic shorts with a built-in liner because they give me extra support and reduce the need for additional layers. For running or high-impact exercise, I often prefer compression-style shorts since they stay in place and offer a more secure fit. If I want a lighter, more relaxed feel, I go for shorts without a liner.

5. Pockets and Storage

I find pockets really useful, especially when I’m walking, running errands, or heading to the gym. I look for shorts with secure pockets that can hold my phone, keys, or cards without bouncing around. Zip pockets are my favorite when I want extra security.

6. Durability and Quality

I want athletic shorts that can handle repeated washing and regular workouts without losing shape. I check the stitching, seams, and overall construction before buying. A well-made pair usually lasts longer and gives me better value for my money.

7. Style and Versatility

I like athletic shorts that look good enough to wear beyond the gym. Neutral colors and simple designs are easy for me to pair with different tops. If I can wear the same shorts for workouts, casual outings, and lounging, I feel like I’m getting more for my investment.

8. Activity Type

I always think about how I’ll use the shorts. For running, I prefer lightweight and sweat-friendly styles. For yoga or stretching, I want extra softness and flexibility. For strength training, I usually look for a secure fit that won’t shift around. Matching the shorts to my activity helps me stay comfortable and focused.

9. Size and Adjustability

I make sure to check the size chart before ordering because sizing can vary a lot between brands. If possible, I like shorts with an adjustable drawstring so I can get a better fit. That little detail often makes a big difference in comfort.

10. Price and Value

I don’t always go for the most expensive pair, but I do look for good value. For me, the best athletic shorts are the ones that combine comfort, durability, and performance at a fair price. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves me money later because the shorts last longer.

Final Thoughts

When I choose athletic shorts, I focus on how they feel, how they perform, and whether they fit my lifestyle. The best pair for me is the one that keeps me comfortable, supports my movement, and makes me feel confident. If I keep these factors in mind, I can usually find shorts that work well for both workouts and everyday wear.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best athletic shorts for women are the ones that balance comfort, support, and performance without getting in the way of movement. I look for styles with breathable fabric, a secure fit, and features like pockets or moisture-wicking material to make workouts easier. My takeaway is that the right pair should feel versatile enough for everything from training sessions to casual wear.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.