Choosing a new pair of shorts might seem simple, but small differences can determine whether you wear them often or leave them in the drawer after a few weeks. When shopping for men’s sports shorts, people often focus mainly on colour, brand and price. That can lead to the wrong purchase: cotton shorts that feel too warm during a workout, a waistband that slips or pockets that don’t keep your phone secure.
Use these practical tips to compare men’s shorts by material, fit and intended use. This will help you find the right sports shorts for men for the gym, running, walking, relaxing or everyday wear.
Shorts with a sports logo aren’t automatically suitable for intense training. Cotton feels soft, but it generally retains more moisture than polyester. Cotton can be a comfortable choice for gentle activities, travel or casual wear. For running or an intense gym session, breathable shorts made from lightweight synthetic fabric are often more practical.
Always check the fabric composition and look for specific information about ventilation or moisture management. The names of branded technologies don’t, on their own, tell you how a product will feel to wear.
A size M or L can vary between brands and styles. A close-fitting 2-in-1 pair of sports shorts may fit differently from a regular-fit pair made from French Terry. Check the waist and hip measurements in centimetres, and look at the inside leg length if it’s provided.
An elasticated waistband with a drawstring gives you more room to adjust the fit, but it’s no substitute for a good size guide. If you’re unsure, it’s worth measuring your natural waist and comparing it with the product specifications.
Open side pockets are handy for keys, but your phone may move around when you’re running or exercising. An internal phone pocket or secure back pocket can be a useful feature. Consider the length, too: a style that sits above the knee generally allows more freedom of movement, while knee-length shorts offer more coverage for casual wear.
For everyday wear, men’s cotton shorts and cotton blends are comfortable and versatile. According to the product information, the PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo shorts are made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester. Their French Terry construction is designed to feel soft and is suitable for low- to medium-intensity training, lounging and casual wear.
For running and more intense workouts, lightweight woven shorts are often a sensible choice. According to the product information, the PUMA ESS Woven shorts are made from 100% polyester. PUMA’s product information says that dryCELL is designed to wick moisture away from the skin. Treat this as a product claim from the brand; your experience may vary depending on the person and activity.
Look for terms such as regular fit, fitted, medium rise and inside leg length. A regular fit gives you more room around the thighs and hips. A fitted style sits closer to the body. With 2-in-1 shorts, a close-fitting inner short sits beneath the outer layer. This can provide extra coverage while running, but feels less loose than regular men’s training shorts.
Shorts with an inside leg of around 15 cm, such as the Under Armour Rival Terry, are relatively short and allow freedom of movement. A knee-length style such as the PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo shorts is better suited to versatile everyday wear.
Shorts with an elasticated waistband and an internal or external drawstring are easier to keep in place when you move. Also check:
Follow the care label. Some synthetic shorts should be washed at 30 degrees and must not be tumble dried. This can help keep the fabric and finish in good condition for longer.
Why it suits this profile: These black sports shorts combine a knee-length cut with side pockets and an adjustable waistband. That makes them a practical choice for casual days, walking and light workouts.
The product specifications state that the fabric is made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester. You’ll know, then, that these aren’t fully technical running shorts.
Elasticated waistband with an internal drawstring, side pockets and at least 50% recycled materials, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: These lightweight woven shorts are designed for training, running and outdoor activities. The black colour is easy to pair with sports tops.
The 100% polyester composition and stated dryCELL technology make it clear that this style differs from casual cotton shorts.
Lightweight woven fabric, side pockets, drawstring and 100% recycled materials according to the product information, excluding trims.
Why it suits this profile: The 2-in-1 design is made for running and intense workouts where extra coverage and a phone pocket are important.
The product information lists a close-fitting inner short, mesh panels, reflective details and an internal phone pocket. This means you can check the features in advance.
100% polyester outer layer, inner short made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane, drawstring and open hand pockets.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a lightweight style with a secure waistband, plenty of room to move and, ideally, a phone pocket or secure pocket. A 2-in-1 style can provide extra coverage. Also check whether the manufacturer mentions moisture-wicking properties. Treat this information as a product claim from the brand, not a guarantee that every wearer will get the same results.
Cotton shorts for men can be comfortable for light gym sessions, warm-ups and relaxing. For intense workouts, a cotton blend or polyester pair may be more practical, as it generally feels lighter and can dry more quickly. Check the fabric composition rather than relying on terms such as “breathable”.
Wash the shorts according to the care label, wash them with similar colours and avoid bleach unless the label says it’s safe to use. Check the maximum washing temperature and whether the shorts can be tumble dried, too. Choosing the right fabric for each activity also helps prevent a casual French Terry style from being used unnecessarily for intense training.