Best Shorts for Men: Gym vs. Running vs. Casual, a Buying Guide

The best shorts for men depend on what you're doing in them. Gym, running, and casual shorts are built for different demands, and the differences are practical, not just cosmetic. Gym shorts prioritise a wider waistband and freedom of movement for lifting, running shorts prioritise low weight and reduced drag over distance, and casual shorts prioritise comfort and versatility over athletic performance.

Picking the wrong category doesn't ruin an outfit, but it does mean carrying compromises you didn't need to make. This guide breaks down what actually defines each type, so you can pick the best shorts for men for the way you spend your day.

What makes a short good for the gym?

Gym shorts run with a wider, more supportive waistband and a fuller cut through the thigh, built to handle squats, lunges, and resistance training without restricting movement or riding up. Fabric is usually a heavier, quick-dry synthetic that resists friction against a bench or a barbell.

Inseam length tends to run longer than running shorts, typically 7 to 9 inches, prioritising coverage and stability during lifts over the reduced weight a shorter cut offers. Men's performance shorts marketed for general gym use usually sit in this category rather than the running-specific one below.

“Buy shorts for what you'll do in them, not where you'll buy them.”

— The rule of thumb for the best shorts for men

What makes a short good for running?

Running shorts cut weight and drag wherever possible: a shorter inseam, usually 3 to 5 inches, a thinner waistband, and a lighter fabric than gym shorts use. The goal is minimal interference over distance rather than support for heavy, static loads.

A built-in liner is a common feature, offering support without a separate base layer underneath, though some runners prefer an unlined pair worn with compression shorts for more flexibility across different activities. Either approach is valid; the choice comes down to personal preference rather than one being objectively better.

What makes a short good for everyday wear?

Casual shorts trade athletic performance for all-day comfort and versatility, typically running slightly longer with a fuller cut and a softer, non-technical fabric. They're built to move between a walk, an errand, and sitting around at home, not a workout.

No Sweat Shorts sits at the hybrid end of this category. It's built on Transitweave™, a lightweight, quick-drying performance fabric, but cut with a 6-inch inseam and a roomier thigh that look right off-duty as well as at the gym. Easy Day Shorts is the softer option for lounging and the gym: cotton-based performance shorts in the same two-layer fabric as the Easy Day Tee, with cotton on the outside and Coolmax® on the inside to move moisture away from the skin, plus stretch and a side slit for movement. This is what separates a genuinely versatile pair of casual shorts from one that only really works for the gym or only for lounging.

What inseam length should you choose?

Inseam is measured from the crotch seam to the hem. Of everything that goes into the best shorts for men, it changes how a pair looks the most.

Height plays a part too. A shorter inseam tends to make legs look longer on shorter frames, while taller men can carry a longer inseam without it looking like it's swallowing the knee. No Sweat Shorts uses a 6-inch inseam, the length that works hardest across the gym and the rest of the day.

What fabric should shorts be made of?

• Polyester with spandex: wicks sweat, dries fast and stretches with you. The default for gym and hybrid shorts.

• Nylon: smooth, light and durable, common in running shorts.

• Cotton: soft and breathable, but it holds sweat and dries slowly, so it suits lounging more than training.

• Cotton and performance blends: the comfort of cotton with some of the moisture management of synthetics, a good fit for everyday casual shorts.

In a humid Indian summer, quick-drying fabric is a big part of what makes the best shorts for men worth wearing. A pair that stays damp after a workout or a walk in the heat is uncomfortable to keep wearing, which is why performance fabrics have moved well beyond the gym.

No Sweat Shorts in quick-drying Transitweave™, from the court to the street.

Pockets, waistbands and other details worth checking

Check for a secure pocket if you carry a phone while you move. A zip pocket stops it bouncing out on a run or a set of jumps. No Sweat Shorts has a hidden zip pocket for a phone or wallet, placed to avoid a bulge at the front, plus two roomy side pockets.

Easy Day Shorts go further on storage: two front and two back pockets, a dedicated AirPods pocket and a hidden zip phone pocket positioned to minimise phone bulge. The cotton pocket lining doesn't touch your skin, and the clean waistband shows no drawcord impression, with silicone drawcord ends.

For the waistband, an elastic band with an adjustable drawcord is the most forgiving setup, staying put through squats and sprints without needing a belt. Running shorts often add side splits for a longer stride, while casual shorts usually keep a cleaner, closed hem.

The best shorts for men: how many pairs do you need?

Most men are well covered by three: one pair built for training, one hybrid pair for errands, travel and gym-to-street days, and one soft pair for lounging at home. If you run regularly, add a dedicated running pair, since a shorter, lighter build makes a noticeable difference over distance.