Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. I’ll be honest—working out in shorts was never really my thing. I’ve always been more of a leggings girl.
I used to think flowy shorts felt too exposed and compression shorts weren’t flattering. But since I'm a style writer who lives a pretty active lifestyle, I figured it was time to give athletic shorts a real shot. Now, after testing over 20 pairs of workout shorts over the past year and a half, I can officially say I’m a convert.
Alongside stylists and other WH editors, I tested the internet's most popular workout shorts. Over the past two years, we evaluated them based on coverage, moisture-wicking abilities, comfort, size range, and fit. A list of six fantastic pairs that we recommend for all types of workouts, including running, HIIT training, yoga, Pilates, and more.
I’ve tested a wide range of athletic shorts, but the Gym People High Waist Short topped my list for a few reasons: it’s super soft, has nice compression, comes in a ton of colors, and has many different pockets to store your belongings. Plus, said pockets don’t add any bulk to your legs—a rare find in a short. My biggest pet peeve with athletic shorts is when they feel way too tight and restrictive.
But this pair, made from a polyester-spandex blend, has four-way stretch that makes it feel breathable, light, and easy to move in. It feels supportive, but I wouldn’t wear it for running or burpees since it doesn’t hold me in quite enough. That said, the fabric is buttery soft—like, ridiculously comfortable—so it’s perfect for walking, yoga, and Pilates.
I also love that it’s not see-through, so I felt totally fine stretching and bending without worrying. The moisture-wicking could be better. Wohlner says she wore it to hot yoga once, and the sweat stains were definitely noticeable.Read More: Best Leggings For Working Out So many WH editors love this short from lululemon, especially for running.
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