The Best Running Shorts for Women

Lululemon's activewear is a favorite amongst GH experts and fitness fanatics for being both well-designed and well-made. Its Hotty Hot running short is specifically designed with wider leg openings and a curved hem for easy movement. It also has reflective details for visibility, and the collection offers both high-rise and low-rise variations in two inseams (2.5 inches and 4 inches).

Tester notes: This pair proved how thoughtful design makes all the difference. One tester said, "They are so comfortable to wear, from the feel to the fabric to the way the style catches the air as I run — they don't slow me down and maybe, just maybe, help me run faster."

Others found the fabric great for sweaty runs, with one who shared, "Sometimes it feels like running shorts just absorb the sweat and the sweat sticks around, but these shorts felt like they dried just as quickly as they wicked away sweat."

I personally tested this pair and was surprised by how it didn't ride up, a frequent problem for my thicker thighs. Some testers also noted that the waistband may run small.

Under Armour's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts are a steal, costing a fraction of other picks and boasting over 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Available in a wide range of colors, they're made with 100% polyester material that wicks sweat away and dries quickly, while the mesh detailing on the side allows for breathability.

Tester notes: Our testers unanimously agreed: The shorts felt lightweight and breathable. I also liked the internal drawstring so you can easily adjust the waistband to your preferred fit. Beyond that, the fabric showed minimal shrinkage and solid moisture-wicking capabilities in our tests.

One GH analyst has had a pair of Under Armour running shorts for a decade and says they still perform just as well now as they did when she first wore them, holding up to consistent use and washing. Some downsides are that tall testers found them too short, while some reviewers found the lighter colors to be sheer.

While some activewear may look overly technical and may seem out of place beyond the gym, these running shorts were deemed stylish and versatile by several testers. Although they might look simple, don't let that fool you: They proved to be high performing on the road, wicking away sweat with ease. And while this pair has a 2.5-inch inseam, Vuori also offers a 4-inch inseam, albeit with less colors to choose from.

Tester notes: These shorts earned some of the highest scores from consumer testers, who were surprised by just how much they liked wearing them for both exercise and everyday wear. As one tester put it: "Often running shorts feel disproportionately sparse when paired with a short sports bra, but these make me feel comfortable and attractive when paired with any top — which is sometimes the best motivation to get me out the door and on that treadmill." Still, our testers and I disliked that there was only one tiny pocket that didn't seem very useable.

Out on the trails, you'll need durable gear that'll last, especially during any unexpected snags. REI's in-house brand of running shorts proved both durable and high performing in tests, with innovative fabric and functional pockets throughout the waistband (similar to those you'd find in a running belt).

Tester notes: This pair's fabric is truly functional: There's perforations throughout in a grid pattern to allow for added breathability, which is a must when running outdoors in the summer heat. Our testers immediately took note of this on their runs. "The mesh fabric was very airy and comfortable," said one. "The fabric didn't stick to my skin."

Others praised the pockets, with one happy runner who reported, "These shorts allowed me to fit both my phone and keys in [one] pocket without any movement or jiggling whatsoever." They did, however, receive lower scores on appearance from testers.

Whether you're taller or simply want more coverage, finding running shorts that aren't too short can be a challenge. Luckily, this pick from Baleaf has a 7-inch inseam and comes with quick Amazon Prime shipping. The legs have a looser fit for extra comfort with two large front pockets. There's also a zippered back pocket in the waistband that easily fit a phone during testing.

Tester notes: Several testers who typically opt for long shorts called them "perfect." Others liked the generous pockets, which helped keep their phones, earphones and keys in place without any issues. Another said, "No chafing while running and the waistband staying in place was the best!"

Still, there was some inconsistency with sizing. While some testers found they fit true-to-size, others found the waistband too tight, despite efforts to adjust it. Be sure to check the size guide for your most accurate size.

What's great about two-in-one shorts is that they feature a lightweight shell with built-in compression shorts to help reduce chafing. The inner layer is comparable to bike shorts, offering support, while the outer shell covers up the skin-tight fit, making it a more approachable pick. Plus, Athleta consistently impresses our experts in testing, standing out for its moisture-wicking technical fabrics.

Tester notes: Our testers especially liked the wide waistband of this pair and how secure it felt on their bodies. One said, "the inner shorts hold onto your leg well without feeling like it's squeezing them...The fabric is thick enough that I feel supported and it's soft to the touch."

Several reported no chafing or riding up during running. Some, however, cautioned that getting the proper size is crucial as the shorts felt "less stretchy" than similar styles, especially if you tend to size up for a looser fit. The liner is also longer than the outer shorts, which some may not like.

Bike-style shorts aren’t just great for biking. They're perfect for all types of exercise, including running, because the fitted design allows for easy movement. lululemon's Wunder Train line has excelled in our tests (the workout leggings beat out dozens of contenders) and its bike shorts are no exception.

Though there is a limited color selection, this pair comes in four inseams with sizes available from 0 to 20. The comfortable, wide waistband is designed with a hidden drawcord to adjust the fit.

Tester notes: Compared to other bike shorts we've tested, these stood out for feeling lightweight yet not cheap or flimsy. The stretchy fabric easily wicked away moisture in tests and earned top scores from our testers.

They're also a favorite of Senior Textiles Product Analyst Emma Seymour who said, "I have the 6-inch inseam and find that it's the perfect length on me: Short enough to be cute and stylish but long enough to stay in place when exercising."

Light as a feather, nothing can hold you back when you're wearing these shorts. Nike's Aeroswift shorts are a go-to for many runners come race day due to how weightless they feel. They're completely split on the sides, which means that despite the 3-inch inseam, these shorts may feel extremely short. Still, there's a built-in liner for much-needed security.

Tester notes: If you've never tried this style before, the first run can feel eye-opening. One tester shared, "It felt like I wasn't even wearing any shorts. [I was] running without any constriction[s]."

Although it's important to note that you'll still feel protected: Another tester commented, "The material is very thin and lightweight, but the brief liner and waistband made [the shorts] feel very secure." The material wicked away moisture like a dream. However, several testers felt it ran small.

For sweaty runners, moisture-wicking apparel is essential, especially in hot summer weather. Amongst the many running shorts we tested, this pair beat out all others when it came to wicking away moisture.

The fabric had minimal stretch in our evaluations but it is fitted to the body for a "non-poofy" look, as the brand proclaims. There are also multiple pockets within the waistband.

Tester notes: Our testers reaffirmed our in-Lab results. One said, "The material doesn't get gross and sweaty." Another also described the fabric as "solid" and "substantial," but, beyond that, it doesn't make the loud crinkly noise you'd expect of typical running shorts. Compared to other popular styles on the market, the Roga shorts are undeniably unique, with a fit in between the loose running shorts and tight, compressive bike shorts.

Note, some of our testers personally weren't a fan of the semi-fitted silhouette, but many online reviewers love how the shorts meld to their form and move with their body.

Sometimes, all you really want is a pair of running shorts cute enough to wear on runs and straight to brunch. Still, you won't want to feel incredibly sweaty or uncomfortable in between, so some functionality is needed. While that's easier said than done, these shorts from Aerie have won over several GH testers who called them "extremely comfortable" and "flattering."

Tester notes: Aerie's leggings and bike shorts have a buttery soft feel, and this pair uses the same fabric for the inner base shorts. Our testers gave the material high scores for its comfort and appreciated the large built-in pockets, similar to what you'd expect from an exercise dress. Though the inner layer rode up slightly for some testers.

Many also complimented the appearance, noting that the crossover waistband and the flared silhouette had a very feminine look.