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A good pair of shorts should do more than look sporty. During a workout, you want freedom of movement; when running, you want to minimise chafing; and at home, comfort is the priority. Yet men's sports shorts are often bought based on colour or brand name, even though the fit, fabric and waistband are what determine how often you will wear them.
The term breathable does not tell you much if the shorts' fabric is not specified. Cotton feels soft, but tends to retain relatively large amounts of moisture. That can be comfortable for casual wear, but less practical during intense training. Mesh and woven polyester are generally lighter. Always check the exact composition and care instructions.
Loose mesh shorts provide plenty of room for basketball, fitness and unrestricted movement. When running, however, shorts that are too loose may feel less secure. A 2-in-1 design combines a loose outer layer with close-fitting inner shorts. Men's compression shorts fit even more tightly, so they will not feel comfortable for everyone.
An L from one brand may fit differently from an L from another. That is why you should check waist and hip measurements in centimetres, rather than relying solely on M, L or XXL. With an elasticated waistband, a drawstring helps you adjust the fit, but it cannot automatically make the wrong size fit properly.
For everyday wear, men's cotton shorts or French Terry styles are a practical choice. The PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo shorts, for example, are made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester. According to the product description, they feature soft French Terry fabric and a knee-length fit.
Men's fleece shorts are warmer and feel soft against the skin. The Under Armour Rival Fleece Shorts are made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester and, according to the product description, have a brushed inner surface. This makes this type of shorts more suitable for warming up, the gym or relaxing in cooler weather than for an intense summer run.
For training and running, mesh shorts or lightweight woven polyester are often the more logical choice. The PUMA ESS Woven shorts are made from 100% polyester. According to the product information, PUMA uses dryCELL technology to draw moisture away from the skin; this is a claim made in PUMA's product information and is not an independent guarantee that you will stay dry.
An elasticated waistband with a drawstring prevents the shorts from slipping down while you move. Also check the rise and inside-leg length. Knee-length shorts provide more coverage for casual wear, while a style that sits above the knee has less fabric around the leg.
With the Under Armour Launch 7'' 2-in-1 Shorts, “7 inch” refers to the length of the outer layer. The style has built-in close-fitting inner shorts. This can be useful when you want extra coverage and a secure feel while running or doing fitness training.
If you want to carry your phone, keys or card, shorts with pockets are a useful choice. Open side pockets are suitable for small items when walking or relaxing at home. For running, a zipped or internal phone pocket is more practical. Make sure a large phone will not weigh down the waistband.
Reflective details can be useful for increased visibility in the dark. The Under Armour Launch 2-in-1 product description mentions reflective details and an internal phone pocket. Always check whether the pocket's position and dimensions are suitable for what you want to carry.
Why this suits the profile: These grey men's shorts are suitable for the gym, at home and for everyday wear. The knee-length cut is easy to style, and the elasticated waistband has an internal drawstring.
The product information clearly states the fabric composition, fit, pockets and sizing advice. This means you do not have to rely solely on a general term such as “sporty”.
68% cotton and 32% polyester; side pockets; knee-length fit; at least 50% recycled materials according to the product description.
Why this suits the profile: These fleece shorts are designed for comfort during warm-ups, light training and relaxed wear. According to the size chart, size XXL is intended for a waist measurement of 104–116 cm.
The fabric choice makes it clear that these are not thin summer running shorts. This helps you avoid buying fleece for an activity where mesh or lightweight polyester would make more sense.
80% cotton and 20% polyester; brushed inner surface according to Under Armour; open hand pockets and a zipped back pocket; available in XXL.
Why this suits the profile: This style is designed for running, fitness and training sessions where a close-fitting inner layer is preferred. The black outer layer is easy to pair with other clothing.
The built-in inner shorts reduce the need for an additional layer. The sizing description states that the fit is close, allowing you to take the more fitted feel into account.
100% polyester outer layer; inner shorts made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane; internal phone pocket; mesh panels; drawstring waistband.
Why this suits the profile: The compression fit is designed for people who specifically want a very close-fitting style during training or as a base layer.
The product information explicitly states “compression fit”. If you prefer a looser fit, you can skip this style or consider going up a size in line with the sizing advice provided.
84% polyester and 16% elastane; mesh panels; 15 cm inside-leg length; small storage pocket on the right-hand side.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Measure your waist where the waistband normally sits and compare this measurement with the size chart for the specific style. For the Under Armour Rival Fleece Shorts mentioned above, the product information states that XXL fits a waist measurement of 104 to 116 cm. PUMA uses several international size designations, so check the chart on the product page.
Wash sports shorts according to the care label. Cotton-polyester styles can shrink or lose their shape if washed at excessively high temperatures. With technical fabrics, do not use fabric softener if the manufacturer advises against it. The Under Armour styles, for example, state that they should be washed cold, tumble-dried on a low setting and not treated with fabric softener. This helps limit unnecessary wear to the elastane, drawstrings and technical finishes.
Ideally, choose lightweight shorts with moisture-wicking properties, mesh panels or a 2-in-1 construction. An internal phone pocket and reflective details can be practical. Check that the fit does not chafe and that the inner layer is not too tight.
Yes, particularly for strength training, warming up and lower-intensity activities. Cotton feels soft, but can retain moisture for longer than polyester. For intense cardio or warm environments, lightweight woven or mesh shorts are often more practical.
Choose the right size, avoid overheating them in the tumble dryer and follow the care label. Turn technical shorts inside out when advised and do not use fabric softener if the product information prohibits it. Before buying, also check the seams, pocket construction, waistband and material composition.
