A pair of shorts can be brilliant for a heavy squat session and deeply annoying five minutes into a run. That is why the best men’s training shorts are not simply the ones with the biggest logo, the loudest colour or the highest price. They are the pair that stay out of your way while you train.

For most people, that means choosing shorts based on the sessions you actually do. A gym regular who mostly lifts needs something different from a runner knocking out intervals before work. A triathlete doing strength work between rides and pool sessions may want a practical all-rounder, rather than a drawer full of highly specific shorts.

What makes the best men’s training shorts?

Start with movement. Good training shorts should let you squat, lunge, step up, row and stretch without catching across the thighs or climbing halfway to your ribs. That sounds obvious, but a surprisingly tidy-looking pair can feel restrictive once you are at the bottom of a squat.

Fabric matters too. Lightweight synthetic fabrics are common because they dry quickly, handle sweat better than cotton and do not become a soggy burden during a conditioning session. A little stretch is useful for mixed training, especially if your workout includes mobility work, kettlebells or lunges. Too much heavy, stiff material can feel durable in the change room but less pleasant when you are moving.

The best choice also depends on how much sweat and weather are involved. For an air-conditioned gym, fabric thickness is less of a concern. For a humid summer run, or a session in a shed gym with one heroic pedestal fan, lighter and faster-drying is usually the sensible call.

Fit: close enough to move, loose enough to breathe

Training shorts should sit securely at your waist without needing constant adjustment. An elastic waistband with a drawcord is generally practical because it gives you room to fine-tune the fit. That is particularly handy if you are between sizes or your shorts need to work across lifting, running and weekend errands.

A relaxed fit suits plenty of gym work and general fitness. It gives room through the seat and thighs and does not feel fussy. A more tapered cut can work well for running or circuit sessions, provided it does not pinch when you move.

Do not buy shorts hoping they will become comfortable after a dozen washes. Try the basics at home: squat, lift a knee, take a long stride and sit down. If the waistband rolls, the crotch pulls or the legs feel tight before training starts, return them if you can. There is no prize for tolerating irritating kit.

Choose the right length for your training

Short length is partly practical and partly personal preference. The right answer is the length you will actually wear, but each option has a job.

Shorter styles, often sitting well above the knee, are popular for running, high-intensity training and warm conditions. They give you plenty of freedom around the knees and can feel cooler during hard sessions. Some people love them. Others spend the entire workout wondering whether they have accidentally worn shorts intended for a different decade. Both reactions are fair.

Mid-length shorts are the all-round option for many recreational athletes. They usually offer enough coverage for the gym while still allowing comfortable movement for cardio and mobility work. If you want one pair for weights, easy running, spin sessions and general fitness, this is often where to start.

Longer shorts can feel more comfortable if you prefer coverage or train in cooler weather. The trade-off is that they may catch behind the knee during running, cycling warm-ups or deep squats. For casual lifting that is rarely a major problem. For fast intervals or lots of movement, it can become one.

Pockets and liners: useful extras, not automatic upgrades

Pockets are handy, but only when they suit the activity. Deep side pockets are useful before and after the gym for keys, a card or your mobile. During running, though, a bouncing phone is about as relaxing as a loose goggle strap halfway through a squad set.

If you run regularly, look for a secure small pocket that holds keys or gels without swinging around. Zips can help, although they are not essential for everyone. Think about what you genuinely carry. If you train at a gym with lockers and leave everything there, elaborate pocket systems may add little value.

Built-in liners are another personal call. A liner can be convenient for running and high-sweat sessions, removing the need to wear separate underwear. Some people prefer the support and reduced rubbing. Others dislike the extra layer, especially for lifting or warm weather. If you have not worn lined shorts before, start with one pair rather than replacing every short in your drawer.

Two-in-one shorts, with a fitted inner layer and a loose outer layer, can suit runners and people doing fast circuit work. The inner layer may reduce thigh rub and keep the shorts in place. They are less necessary for straightforward strength training, where a simple unlined short often does the job just as well.

Match your shorts to the session

If your week is mostly strength work, prioritise a comfortable waistband, a non-restrictive cut and durable fabric. You do not need ultralight race-style running shorts to deadlift, and you probably do not need five pockets either.

For running, fabric weight, leg movement and secure storage move higher up the list. Look for shorts that dry quickly and do not chafe over your usual distance. A pair that feels fine for a 20-minute jog may tell a different story at the 45-minute mark, so use them on shorter runs first if you are unsure.

For gym circuits, bootcamp or hybrid training, aim for the middle ground: light enough to breathe, stretchy enough to move, and secure enough not to need constant fiddling. These are the sessions where an all-round training short earns its place.

Triathletes and swimmers adding dryland work can keep things simple. Your gym shorts do not need to double as bike shorts or swimwear. Use them for strength, mobility, treadmill work or easy conditioning, then change into the gear made for the next part of the session. Trying to force one item to do every job often means it does none particularly well.

When cheaper shorts are perfectly fine

Price does not always tell you whether a pair will suit your training. Paying more may make sense when you know you value a specific fit, fabric feel or storage detail. It does not automatically make the shorts better for your Tuesday evening gym session.

A sensibly priced pair is often plenty if it fits well, handles regular washing and allows you to move comfortably. This is especially true if you are new to training, returning after a break or still figuring out what sort of sessions you enjoy. Buy one or two reliable pairs first. Once you know whether you prefer liners, short inseams or a roomier cut, you can be more selective.

Skip features you will not use. Reflective details matter more for early-morning or evening runners than for someone who trains indoors. A phone pocket is useful for outdoor sessions, less so when your mobile stays in a locker. Specialised running shorts are great for regular runners, but not compulsory for a person who runs ten minutes as a warm-up before weights.

Getting sizing right before the first session

Use the size chart, then compare it with a pair of shorts you already like. Waist measurements are helpful, but the cut through the thighs can be just as important if you lift, cycle or simply do not enjoy tight clothing.

When your shorts arrive, test the fit indoors with the tags on. Walk, squat, lunge and jog on the spot. Check that the drawcord works, the waistband stays put and any pockets sit comfortably. It is a boring five-minute check, but it is better than discovering a problem during a packed Saturday morning class.

Wash training shorts after sweaty sessions rather than letting them ferment in the bottom of a gym bag. Follow the care label, avoid excessive heat where possible, and do not leave them wet after a rainy run or a humid commute. A small rotation of two or three pairs makes regular washing much easier.

The right shorts should be one less thing to think about when you train. Choose the pair that fits your routine, not the one with the flashiest sales pitch, and spend the saved effort on getting out the door.