Workout shorts have one requirement above all others: they need to stay where you put them through the actual movements of whatever training you’re doing. Shorts that ride up during lunges, that require readjusting after every squat, that create friction or gapping at the inner thigh — these are not minor inconveniences. They interrupt training focus in a way that accumulates into genuine disruption over the course of a session.
The shorts below have been evaluated specifically for their ability to stay in position during dynamic training rather than simply fitting well in a static position.
The Lululemon Pace Breaker is the running short reference — the built-in liner stays in position through the full range of running motion, the outer short doesn’t bunch, and the five-inch length (the most versatile length for most runners) covers adequately without restricting stride.
The liner is the specific element that separates good running shorts from running shorts that work in product photography. The Pace Breaker’s liner is attached to the outer short along the hem rather than being a completely separate inner short, which prevents the twisting and riding that liner-and-outer combinations produce in cheaper running shorts. The liner stays where it starts through an entire run regardless of distance.
The side pockets hold a phone and a key securely without bouncing during running — the pocket construction is specifically designed for running pace, not general walking, which makes the phone genuinely accessible without adjustment during a run.
Price: $68-78
Available at: Lululemon directly (lululemon.com)
Best for: Running and any activity where stride range requires a shorter length.
The Gymshark Flex Biker Shorts are the gym training recommendation because the longer length (approximately 6-7 inches) covers the inner thigh contact area that creates friction during lunges, sumo squats, and lateral movements in standard-length shorts. The seamless construction in the inner thigh eliminates the seam contact that causes rubbing in cut-and-sew biker shorts.
The waistband holds position through deadlifts, hip thrusts, squats, and floor exercises without the rolling or drifting that affects standard shorts during weighted training. The compression fabric provides mild muscle support appropriate for gym training without being as compressive as full-length leggings.
The Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bike Short applies the brand’s recycled fabric and inclusive sizing to the biker short format with results that match their leggings’ quality. The compression fabric maintains its stretch memory through multiple washes without developing the relaxed, loose quality that cheap biker shorts develop after six months of regular washing.
The extended size range (XXS-6XL) with proportional regrading makes this the biker short most consistently reviewed positively across size ranges — the inner thigh stays in position, the waistband sits correctly, and the length is appropriate at every size rather than varying as it does in brands that scale patterns rather than regrade them.
Price: $48-58
Available at: Girlfriend Collective directly (girlfriend.com)
Best for: Those who want inclusive sizing and sustainability alongside quality biker shorts.
Nike’s Dri-FIT One training shorts are the accessible option that delivers genuine Dri-FIT moisture management in a construction quality appropriate for gym training and general athletic use. The built-in briefs provide the coverage and security that eliminates the coordination requirement of a separate liner, and the Dri-FIT fabric manages sweat effectively during moderate to high-intensity training.
At $35-45, the Nike Dri-FIT One is priced appropriately for the quality it delivers — functional, reliable, and from a brand with genuine expertise in sportswear construction.
Price: $35-45
Available at: Nike directly (nike.com), sporting goods stores
Best for: Those who want accessible quality training shorts from a proven sportswear brand.
H&M’s Move training shorts represent the accessible end of the category with fabric and construction quality above the brand’s general activewear reputation. The seamless construction in some H&M Move shorts eliminates the inner thigh seam problem, and the compression fabric provides adequate hold for gym training.
At $18-25, these are the shorts for those who want functional gym shorts without significant investment — the appropriate choice for those building a gym wardrobe on a budget or for someone new to training who isn’t ready to invest in premium activewear before knowing what they’ll use most.
Price: $18-25
Available at: H&M stores and online (hm.com)
Best for: Those who need functional gym shorts at the most accessible price.
Workout shorts that stay in place transform training from interrupted to focused. Lululemon’s Pace Breaker is the running short reference with the best liner construction available. Gymshark’s Flex Biker Short is the gym training option with inner thigh coverage and secure waistband. Girlfriend Collective provides inclusive sizing and sustainability in quality biker shorts. Nike’s Dri-FIT One delivers accessible quality from a sportswear authority. And H&M Move provides the budget starting point for functional gym shorts. Whatever you choose, test the waistband position and the inner thigh coverage in the specific movements of your training before committing — the shorts that perform during your actual workouts are the ones worth buying.