How to Choose the Right Workout Shorts for Your Activity

Quick answer

Choose workout shorts based on your primary activity: for lifting, pick shorts with a shorter inseam and stretch fabric so you can squat and hinge without restriction; for running, prioritize lightweight, moisture-wicking shorts with a liner or brief to prevent chafing; for general training, a mid-length short with a secure waistband works best. Always consider how your underwear interacts with the short—padded or compression underwear can replace a built-in liner and improve support.

Workout shorts are not one-size-fits-all. The pair that feels great on a run can bunch up during squats, and the shorts you love for lifting may chafe on a long jog. The difference comes down to three things: inseam length, fabric stretch, and how the short works with your underwear.

This buying guide gives you concrete decision rules so you can match your shorts to your activity—whether that is lifting, running, or mixed training. You will also see how performance underwear like padded boxer briefs or compression tanks can solve common problems before you buy new shorts.

Start with your primary activity

Before you look at colors or brands, name your main workout. If you spend most of your gym time under a barbell, you need shorts that allow deep hip flexion without the fabric catching. If you run three times a week, you need lightweight, quick-drying material that moves with your stride and reduces friction. For classes or general training, you can choose a middle ground.

Write down the two or three movements you do most—squats, lunges, sprints, rows—and check whether your current shorts restrict any of them. That single step will tell you if you need a shorter inseam, more stretch, or a different waistband.

• Lifting: look for 5–7 inch inseams and four-way stretch.
• Running: prioritize 3–5 inch inseams and lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric.
• General training: 7–9 inch inseams with a secure, flat waistband.

Inseam length: the most visible trade-off

Inseam length changes how much your thighs move and how much coverage you get. Shorter inseams (3–5 inches) give runners and lifters maximum freedom, but they can ride up during floor work or feel too revealing if you prefer more coverage. Longer inseams (7–9 inches) stay in place and reduce chafing between the thighs, but they can restrict deep squats if the fabric does not stretch.

A practical rule: if you frequently do squats, deadlifts, or lunges, choose a shorter inseam with stretch. If you run, cycle, or do a lot of walking, a mid-length short with a liner or smooth interior reduces friction. If you are between sizes, size up for range of motion rather than down for a tighter look.

• Test a bodyweight squat in the fitting room—if the fabric pulls at your hips, go shorter or stretchier.
• For running, avoid heavy seams or thick waistbands that can rub under a hydration belt.

Fabric and support: what to look for

Most workout shorts use a blend of polyester, elastane, or nylon. The key is stretch and moisture management. A fabric with at least 10–15% elastane moves with you; 100% cotton shorts absorb sweat and stay wet, which increases chafing risk. If the shorts have a built-in liner, check whether it provides the support you need—many liners are minimal and may not replace your usual underwear.

This is where your underwear choice matters. A performance boxer brief with padding, like the WORKOUT Padded Boxer Brief, can add compression and support without a separate liner. The catalog describes it as engineered for sports that require mobility and a greater sense of compression, support, and a well-rounded fitness appearance. If you prefer a looser short, pair it with a supportive brief or trunk that stays put.

• Look for flatlock seams to reduce friction.
• Avoid cotton for high-sweat activities; choose synthetic blends or bamboo for casual wear only.

Fit guidance: how shorts should actually feel

A good workout short should feel secure but not tight. The waistband should sit flat against your skin without digging in when you bend. The fabric should move with you in every direction—if you feel restricted at the hips or thighs, the short is either too small or not stretchy enough. Length is personal: some men prefer shorter shorts for lifting, while others want more coverage for running.

Check the rise: a high-rise short stays in place during overhead movements, while a low-rise short may slide down. If you wear a compression tank top like the Cotton Compression Tank Top, its tapered construction is designed to remain tucked in all day long, which can help keep your shorts from shifting. Always test a few air squats, a lunge, and a jog in place before committing.

• Waistband should not roll or gap when you squat.
• Fabric should stretch in all directions without showing through.

How to layer with underwear

Your underwear can make or break a pair of shorts. If your shorts have a built-in liner, you may not need extra layers—but many men find liners too loose or too tight. In that case, choose a boxer brief or trunk that matches the short's support level. For lifting, a compression boxer brief can reduce muscle vibration and keep everything in place. For running, a seamless brief or jockstrap can prevent chafing.

The SEXY NIGHTS Anatomic Boxer Brief is made from mesh and bamboo and fits like a second skin, which makes it a good option under slim or short running shorts. Its patented ANATOMIC TECH® is described as anatomically correct, so it can reduce shifting during movement. If you need extra volume or shaping, the Padded Boxer Trunk + Smart Package Cup adds removable padding and a smart package cup—useful if you want a more defined look under your shorts.

• For running: choose a seamless, moisture-wicking brief or boxer brief.
• For lifting: compression underwear can improve support and reduce bounce.

Decision rules for buying workout shorts

• If you primarily lift weights: Choose a short with a 5–7 inch inseam and four-way stretch. Avoid heavy cotton or restrictive waistbands. Pair with a compression boxer brief like the WORKOUT Padded Boxer Brief for support. Test a deep squat—if the fabric pulls, go shorter or stretchier.
• If you primarily run: Choose a lightweight, moisture-wicking short with a 3–5 inch inseam and a smooth liner or no liner. Wear a seamless brief or the SEXY NIGHTS Anatomic Boxer Brief to prevent chafing. Avoid cotton and thick seams; check for flatlock stitching.
• If you do mixed training or classes: Choose a mid-length short (7–9 inches) with a secure waistband and enough stretch for lunges. A compression tank top like the Cotton Compression Tank Top can keep your shorts in place. Look for a short that works for both squats and short runs.
• If you want extra shaping or volume: Consider the Padded Boxer Trunk + Smart Package Cup under your shorts. It adds removable padding and a smart package cup for a more defined look. Check that the padding stays in place during movement.

Performance underwear that works with your shorts

• WORKOUT Padded Boxer Brief: Engineered for sports activities that require mobility and a greater sense of compression, support, and a well-rounded fitness appearance; features patented padding. If you lift or do CrossFit, this can replace a liner and give you extra support and shape under any short.
• SEXY NIGHTS Anatomic Boxer Brief: Made from mesh and bamboo, fits like a second skin, and features patented ANATOMIC TECH® for an anatomically correct design. Ideal under running shorts where you want minimal bulk and no shifting.
• Cotton Compression Tank Top: Cotton compression undershirt with high elasticity to firm, tone, and slim the upper body; tapered construction designed to remain tucked in all day. Helps your shorts stay in place and smooths your silhouette under a t-shirt.
• Padded Boxer Trunk + Smart Package Cup: DUAL TECH® style with removable padding for the butt and a smart package cup for projection and enhancement. Useful if you want a more defined look under training shorts or joggers.

Fit guidance: who should choose what

Best for

• Lifters who need freedom in the hips and thighs
• Runners who want lightweight, chafe-free shorts
• Men who want to layer with compression or padded underwear for support

Not for

• Anyone who prefers loose, cotton-only shorts for high-sweat activities
• Men who want a single pair of shorts for every sport without compromise

Use your main activity to set inseam, fabric, and support level, then test the fit with real movements. If your shorts still shift or chafe, adjust your underwear first—performance boxer briefs and compression tanks often solve the problem without a new pair of shorts.