Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
Choosing a new pair of sports shorts seems simple. Yet many shoppers fall into the same traps: shorts that slip down while you move, cotton that becomes too warm during an intense workout or a close fit that feels comfortable in the fitting room but restricts you on the move. If you’re looking for men’s sports shorts, women’s sports shorts or running shorts, it therefore pays to look beyond colour and the brand logo.
In this buying guide, the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer sets out the key points to check. This helps you compare sports shorts based on features you’ll notice in real-world use.
A size L isn’t the same in every model. Regular fit, loose fit and compression fit can vary considerably, even when the label shows the same size. So check the waist and hip measurements in centimetres and refer to the size chart for the specific product.
With sports shorts featuring an elasticated waistband, the drawstring is also important. An internal or external drawstring helps you adjust the fit, but it doesn’t replace choosing the right size.
Cotton shorts and fleece shorts feel soft and are suitable for warm-ups, wearing at home or relaxed days. During an intense workout, however, a cotton blend can feel different from a lightweight polyester-elastane blend. According to Under Armour’s product description, certain synthetic models are designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly. This is a brand claim about performance; treat it primarily as a product specification for comparison, rather than a guarantee for every user.
For running, fitness and intense training sessions, weight, ventilation and drying time are often more relevant than a soft inner surface.
2-in-1 shorts combine a loose-fitting outer short with a close-fitting inner short. This can provide extra coverage and freedom of movement, but the combination won’t feel the same for everyone. Check whether the inner layer fits like compression shorts and whether the length suits how you plan to use them. For everyday wear, a standard pair of training shorts may be more comfortable.
Pay attention to the composition, for example:
Also look for mesh panels, a gusset and seams in areas where a lot of friction occurs. These details say more about practical use than general terms such as “performance” or “advanced”.
A 6-inch or 7-inch inside-leg length is available in various models. A shorter style can be comfortable for running or fitness, while a knee-length style offers more coverage for everyday wear.
Look out for these fits:
Fit is personal. A close-fitting model isn’t automatically more functional for every athlete.
Side pockets are useful for keys, a phone or a card. Check whether a pocket can be closed securely and whether your phone stays stable while you move. According to the product description, the Under Armour Launch 2-in-1 has an internal phone pocket on the right-hand side. Reflective details can be useful in low-light conditions, but they don’t automatically make running shorts fully visible to other road users.
Why it suits this profile: These PUMA shorts are a suitable first pair for training, everyday wear and relaxing at home. The knee length and regular fit are easy to style.
The size chart lists several body measurements and the waistband has an internal drawstring. This allows you to fine-tune the fit more accurately than by relying on a size letter alone.
68% cotton and 32% polyester; French terry; side pockets; according to the product information, made with at least 50% recycled materials.
Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for anyone mainly looking for comfort during warm-ups, gym sessions and relaxed days. The regular fit provides more room than a compression model.
The waistband is elasticated and has an external drawstring. The product information also mentions a press-stud pocket, so small items don’t have to be carried loose in an open pocket.
80% cotton and 20% polyester; brushed fleece inner; regular fit; hand pockets and a rear press-stud pocket.
Why it suits this profile: These 2-in-1 shorts are suitable for running and intense training where extra coverage, ventilation and a phone pocket are useful.
The integrated inner short means you don’t have to rely solely on the loose outer layer. The size chart distinguishes between waist and hips; the fit is fitted, so it isn’t roomy.
Polyester outer short; inner short with elastane; mesh panels; internal phone pocket; reflective details.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Always follow the care label. For the Under Armour models mentioned, this includes washing cold with similar colours, not using bleach and tumble-drying at a low temperature. Don’t routinely wash sports shorts at high temperatures and don’t use fabric softener if the product information advises against it. This helps preserve the fit and material properties as effectively as possible.
After washing, check the elasticated waistband, seams and any reflective elements. Loose seams or stretched elastic are practical signs that it’s time to replace a pair of shorts, regardless of the brand.
Choose a lightweight model with a secure waistband, sufficient ventilation and a pocket that keeps your phone or key stable. 2-in-1 shorts can provide extra coverage. Also check that the inner short isn’t too tight and that the length suits your running style.
It depends on the workout. Cotton blends are comfortable for warm-ups and light fitness. During intense sessions, a model made with polyester and elastane may feel more practical thanks to its lower weight and stretch. Always compare the exact material composition rather than relying on the product name alone.
Measure your waist around your natural waistline and your hips at their widest point. Compare both measurements with the product’s size chart. Then consider the fit: compression fit is very tight, fitted sits close to the body, while regular or loose fit offers more room.
