Best Budget Workout Shorts: Gymshark Arrival Shorts
Gymshark has blown up recently, thanks to the brand’s commitment to creating high-performing workout apparel at approachable price points. Take the Arrival shorts, for example, which are about as little as you’d want to spend on gym bottoms lest you’re down for mooning your fellow gym goers while you’re hitting that deep, deep squat (we can’t promise you won’t get your membership revoked if that happens). Their slim fit really accentuates your quads during leg day, and a variety of sizes—from XS to 3XL—mean that you can find a pair that fits you no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
Best Training Shorts: Lululemon License to Train
Despite Lululemon’s push to branch outside of activewear (I mean, a Lululemon suit?), the Canadian athleisure brand still knows how to do fitness apparel pretty damn well. Its License to Train shorts are great for the multifaceted athlete, able to handle runs, lifts, climbs, or whatever other activity that gets the heart rate up. Its durable material means they can hold up to endless contact with the barbell during deadlifts, but they’re still lightweight enough to feel like they’re barely there when you’re just about to wrap up your 10K. Zippered pockets are a huge plus, adding to just how much we love to train in these—even if we’re only training to work on our summer bod.
Best Running Shorts: Bandit Vento
Bandit’s meteoric rise to the top of the running game has been impressive to see. From starting up in 2020 to collaborating with Asics in 2025 (as well as a frustratingly endless number of out-of-stock releases), Bandit makes running clothing that actually makes you want to lace up. Its Vento shorts make an exceptional running buddy, decked out in more pockets than we’re used to seeing in a pair of jogging bottoms. Two compression pockets (big enough to fit “the big” iPhone), two side slant pockets, and a zippered pocket ensure you have everything on your long-distance runs, while the overall look ensures that passersby know you take your running ‘fits seriously.
Best Mesh Gym Shorts: American Trench O.E. Classic Mesh Short
We’re all in favor of mesh shorts, whether they’re the raggedy pair we still have from high school PE or the massively oversized ones that Adam Sandler seems to never run out of. American Trench, which makes incredible basics right here stateside, seems to have perfected the mesh short, a classic gym staple that’s fallen to the wayside in favor of higher performing, more technical workout shorts (which we love and have given enough of a spotlight here). These no-frill mesh shorts have a great fit, clocking in with a modest (but not prudish) 6.5-inch inseam. Their mesh construction keeps you cool down there, and two slant pockets are just the icing on top of the handsome cake.
