We ask a lot of our activewear.
No longer are we content with old band tees and loose-fitting cotton shorts. The apparel we want to wear as we train, run, cycle and lift must be able to withstand the high intensity of our workout, while looking good at the same time.
Performance is everything and so the timeworn pieces that ride up, fall down, fold over or interfere in any way with hitting our PB need to be swapped out for functional styles - and this has never been more true than for our gym shorts.
Gym shorts or cycling shorts have had a huge revival in the fashion sphere. Call it the Diana effect but pair them with a logo sweatshirt and you have the off-duty style of content creators the world over.
Returning to their original purpose, these styles are a workout essential for the freedom of movement that they allow. The tight fit has the benefits of compression and won’t catch on equipment as you move around the gym floor, while the longer length prevents chafing, compared to traditional running shorts.
Look for high-waisted constructions that keep them in place and are flattering at the same time. Wide bands ensure they won’t slip as you squat. And seamless designs should remove the possibility of camel toe and ensure that they won’t split when you’re midway through a rep.
Georgia Morgan, Junior Buyer at Adanola explains, “A good, high-quality pair of shorts should be compressive yet breathable. They should be both squat-proof and sweat-wicking to help keep you cool and comfortable during workouts. They should also have a high, thick, flattering waistline; not only does this give you extra support where it’s needed, but it also contours the body”.
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of gym shorts, fabric is everything. Brands like Adidas and Nike have proprietary quick-drying and moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your workout. Morgan adds, “You should look for out for material that is smoothing and sculpting, durable and compressive. You also want a material that is anti-bobble and has a four-way stretch. All of which should ensure that your shorts are supportive and comfortable”. Danielle Petesic, Chief Product Officer at Gymshark confirms this, saying “Seamless knit materials are a great option too, as they move with your body and you can adjust them up or down without the fabric gathering too much. In addition to being comfortable, they are lightweight and often breathable”.
With this in mind, we have selected the best gym shorts that are high-performance and will ensure you’re the best-dressed person in the studio.
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Sweaty Betty Power 9” Cycling Shorts
When it comes to functionality in fitness, Sweaty Betty is one of our first ports of call. When you’re racking up the mileage or taking your strength training to the next level, these cycling shorts have you covered. Leaving chafing out of the equation, they have a longer leg fit that also supports their sweat-wicking properties.
They come complete with a bum-sculpting construction as well as a four-way stretch - so no rip mishaps during deadlifts. There are 10 different colours with patterns or block colours to choose from as well as the option for a 6- or 9-inch in-seam.
Buy now £60.00, Sweaty Betty
Adidas 3-Stripes High-Waisted Short Leggings
Go for classic styling in your gym wear and opt for cycling shorts from Adidas’ heritage collection. They have the signature three stripes down the side that can be easily matched to the coordinating top, and likely your footwear too. The shorts have a slightly longer shape than some of the other short shorts on the market, which makes them ideal for endurance sessions and longer runs where the style should stay flat and smooth without riding up throughout. The AEROREADY fabric should keep you cool and dry so nothing can stand in your way of reaching your PB.
Buy now £33.00, Adidas
Gymshark Legacy Ruched Tight Shorts
The collection of gym shorts at Gymshark is, to summarise in one word, extensive. As the brand name tells you, it’s a label that specialises in this particular kind of activewear and does so very well, which is why they’re a hit on your Instagram feed where you’ll spot the telltale sharp-nosed shark outline logo everywhere you look.
There are bottoms at every length so whether you’re looking for short shorts that won’t interfere or catch as you take on those heftier weights, or styles that sit just above the knee to prevent that dreaded chafe, there’s a silhouette to suit.
For the Goldilocks of cycling shorts, this style can be ruched at the side to adapt their length. Detailing is kept minimal but there’s a reference back to the the brand’s original logo at founding and tactical seams that give your behind a sculpted effect.
Buy now £35.00, Gymshark
TALA Skinluxe High Waisted Training Shorts - Butter Yellow
Social media star Grace Beverley founded TALA to fill the gap in the market for sustainably-made activewear that is also high performance and the result is an ever-growing collection of fitness staples with beautiful fits and even better colourways.
The cycling shorts come in six colours, including this mood-boosting yellow hue that will get you excited to book into that next class. While they have style in spades, this isn’t a case of style over substance as the shorts promise flexibility and freedom whether yoga, spinning or running is on the cards. They have a high-waist design and a zip back pocket.
Buy now £40.00, TALA
Adanola Ultimate Crop Shorts
Adanola is another brand you will no doubt spot on your feed or FYP with its signature logo sweatshirts. The British brand is all about putting your best foot forward with its chic, understated designs that you’ll wear from the gym to the club. Performance is, of course, important but so is aesthetic and skin feel, which is why you’ll find the shorts some of the most comfortable on the market and you really won’t want to take them off.
This is very much true of the crop shorts. They are made from the brand’s Ultimate fabric, a brushed texture and cut with a higher waistline. Say goodbye to camel toe too as the seamless construction removes this awkward wardrobe malfunction from the equation. There are an array of colours to choose from.
Buy now £34.99, Adanola
Nike Go Women’s Firm-Support High-Waisted 20cm Biker Shorts with Pockets
Pockets. Need we say more? It’s so rare that women’s gym gear has proper, secure pockets so these shorts have won serious brownie points in our eyes. There’s the traditional small pouch at the back but these gym shorts are also fitted with six in total that include three drop-in, two angled and one zipped iteration on the thigh so you can store everything you need when you’re going from gym to brunch.
They are constructed with a compression fabric that is supportive where you need it with a wide waistband so it won’t roll or slide mid-squat. You will also find Nike’s signature Dri-FIT Technology that is sweat-wicking for comfort with every rep.
Buy now £59.95, Nike
RXRXCOCO Women Gym Shorts
These cycling shorts come in an array of colours and patterns to suit all types of gym wear enthusiasts - whether you’re a minimalist with monochrome or a maximalist with the leopard, ombre or tie-dye. The shorts have a high waist and are fitted with specialised butt-lifting technology - we won’t tell if you don’t!
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Sporty & Rich Piped-edge logo-embroidered track shorts
Shorts that will look as good out of the gym as they will inside, Sporty & Rich is known for its play on the varsity aesthetic that is far too cool for school. The retro design has the classic contrast trim detail and logo detail that gives it a 70s P.E. feel in a fashion-forward way. They have a relaxed fit so you can look your best while you’re lifting weights.
Buy now £115.00, Selfridges
PE Nation Ascend Bike Short in Tie Dye Print
These PE Nation bike shorts won us over with their tie-dye print. Something different from the sea of monochromatic activewear, they will encourage you to workout in style, while providing a flexible fit for a full range of motions throughout yoga, Pilates and the like. Go matchy-matchy with the coordinating sports bra.
Buy now £79.00, PE Nation
