Whether you love or loathe summer running, there’s a glorious moment every year when it’s finally warm enough to ditch the leggings and switch to running shorts. However, finding shorts that are comfy, flattering, breathable and chafe-free, and with a secure pocket (our personal dealbreaker), can be tougher than hill sprints in a heatwave.
To help you find a pair that suits, we’ve been putting the best women’s running shorts to the test since 2018, as well as using the experience we’ve gained to identify even more recommended buys with a detailed analysis of their specs and user reviews.
There are three types of running shorts: the traditional, looser-fitting type, often with a side split which allows for ease of movement (and breeziness); the cycling shorts-style ones – skin-tight numbers that will minimise chafing and offer support; and finally two-in-one shorts, which combine the two types above.
We’ve sorted our selection below into those three categories, beginning with the shorts we’ve tested in order of preference, then included the best of the rest – from least to most expensive – to broaden your options.
To round out the rest of your running wardrobe, browse our selections of the best running bras, best running shoes, best women’s running tops, best running leggings and best running jackets for women.
The Best Two-In-One Running Shorts For Women
We like the clean, simple look of these ultra-light shorts. The skin-tight inner layer helps avoid chafing, while the racing shorts-style lightweight top layer is flattering. The wide waistband is supportive and comfortable, with a drawstring to keep it firmly in place. You’ll find a fold-over pocket at the back of the waist with a key loop.
This 5in (13cm) pair from sustainable sportswear brand Rockay will keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather. The stretchy inner lining sits comfortably against the skin to prevent chafing and wick away sweat, while the perforated outer layer helps with air flow. The wide waistband sits fairly high, and there are two large and cleverly hidden pockets on the inner shorts, which can fit your phone and any other essentials. These shorts cost a pretty penny, but they feel high-quality and are flatteringly cut. And you can tell everyone Rockay donated part of the proceeds from your purchase to the ReSea project (opens in new tab) – which actually makes a demonstrable difference by removing plastic from the ocean.
These lightweight shorts start with a 5in (13cm) skin-tight liner with anti-chafe seams, then layer Brooks’ Chaser shorts on top. The waistband is quite high, but according to Brooks it can also be worn folded down if you prefer a low-rise fit. As well as a secure zip pocket at the back, there are two drop-in interior pockets at the front, one of which has a key loop, and two phone-sized pockets on the outer leg of the liner shorts, tucked under the top layer. Now you just need to remember which pocket you put your keys in.
Channel a classic track look with these navy and white trim 3in shorts with a side split. You won’t feel too exposed because they’re two-in-ones with a built-in skintight liner. This pair, made from recycled materials, also has a secure elastic waistband and a zip pocket on one side of the rear.
These lightweight low-to-mid-rise shorts have a 4.5in (11cm) compression layer overlaid with a 3.5in (8cm) lightweight layer for a combination of support and coverage. The waistband is soft and comfortable, and has a hidden drawstring to keep it in place. Mesh panels help heat escape and the contoured cross-over splits at the side allow for extra freedom of movement. A single drop-in key pocket is the only storage option.
Who wants to buy two pairs of shorts when you can buy two in one? This pair offer soft, stretchy liner shorts with a touch of compression, layered under matching top shorts with a side split – a flattering combination that offers flexibility, speed and style. There’s a zipped side pocket which can accommodate a phone and two drop-in pockets for your bank card and keys, and the comfortable wide waistband has a hidden drawstring to ensure an optimal fit.
A super-lightweight pair of shorts with built-in undershorts to keep chafing at bay, these are designed for trail running and are ideal for hot conditions. The wide, stretchy waistband sits comfortably with an inner drawstring to keep it in place. There’s a secure zip pocket at the back of the waistband plus drop-in gel pockets.
These tick all the boxes for training in hot weather, keeping you dry and avoiding chafing. Odlo claims the soft under-shorts cool your skin by up to 1°C, while the loose outer layer offers a flattering fit. But is there a zip pocket? Yes, there is, so we’re happy to recommend these as a great pick for summer.
The Best Loose-Fitting Running Shorts For Women
These loose-fitting lightweight shorts offer plenty of room for movement, with a wide, comfortable waistband that you can secure with a hidden drawstring. They have built-in underwear made from a soft jersey fabric, and the slightly flared outer layer has hidden side slits to allow for a greater range of movement. The fabric is designed not to cling to you even when you’re mega-sweaty. Just one drawback for us: there’s no zip pocket. There is a foldover pocket at the back of the waistband, but you might not want to risk putting your phone in it.
Ideal for training in hot conditions or pushing your limits during a race, these shorts are both comfortable and lightweight. There’s a soft and stretchy hidden inner liner, and the outer layer is made from a perforated quick-drying fabric that drapes nicely – it’s a flattering cut. The wide, soft waistband stays where you want it and there’s a fold-over pocket at the back that has an elastic loop inside so despite the lack of zip, you don’t run the risk of losing your keys.
With a flattering cut and quick-drying, non-clingy fabric, these lightweight shorts are great for summer running. The wide, soft and comfortable waistband is shaped to stay put, and it features a large zip pocket at the back as well as a drop-in pocket at the front. The shorts flare out a little to keep the air flowing, and a mini side-split allows for greater freedom of movement.
A flattering cut distinguishes this very lightweight pair of running shorts. The soft, perforated liner offers good coverage and there’s just a hint of a side split. The waistband is fairly wide and the elastic is encased in soft cotton. Along with the usual sweat-wicking tech, there’s an antimicrobial treatment to keep your shorts smelling fresh for longer. A sturdy zip pocket at the back has room for essentials while two elasticated mesh side pockets are an added bonus: just right for stashing a mask or some energy gels.
These breezy and stylish shorts are great for very humid summer runs. Loose and lightweight, they’re made with sweat-wicking fabric that doesn’t cling and feels barely there. Although the cut is higher at the sides to keep you extra cool, the 3in (7.6cm) inseam means these shorts are not actually as short as they look, while the interior brief ensures you’re not flashing anything. The toggled drawstring allows you to adjust the waistband easily and we love the colourful elastic detail at the hip. There’s a fold-over pocket at the back of the waistband and a tiny drop-in pocket at the front.
If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, snap up a pair of these basic but very functional running shorts from Decathlon. The fabric, which is made with recycled polyester, is stretchy, lightweight and quick-drying, and the wide, soft waistband with a drawstring sits comfortably where you want it. There’s a zip pocket at the back of the waistband for your keys, although it’s not quite big enough for a smartphone. There are no built-in knickers in these ones.
A firm favourite among many runners, these classic black shorts are basic, but will be comfortable whatever warm-weather running you do. There’s a small drop-in pocket at the front, but no zip pocket – at this price we can forgive that.
With a simple, functional design, this is a great everyday pair for summer running. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, and there’s an underwear-style inner liner. The wide, soft waistband has a zipped pocket at the back for your keys or a card.
Boston-based running apparel brand Janji sells limited runs of its gear, giving it an hard-to-come-by, in-the-know appeal. But while the colour or print may change, the brand sticks with what works, and the 3in AFO Middle Short is extremely popular. Made with quick-drying, lightweight fabric, these mid-rise shorts will keep you cool even in very hot, humid conditions. There’s a comfortable waistband with a drawstring and a zip pocket at the back, and built-in briefs made of sweat-wicking fabric.
If you like to keep your shorts short, you’ll love this super-lightweight pair with a 2.5in (6.4cm) inseam and a cross-over on the outside leg. The wide, low-rise waistband has a drawstring to tighten if needed, and there’s also a loose inner lining. Stash your valuables in a secure zipped pocket at the back of the waistband, while the long pocket at the front of the waistband is perfect for your gels.
Available in a choice of either 2in (5cm) or 3.5in (8cm) inseam, these classic running shorts are made of light, breathable, non-clingy fabric and come with built-in underwear. The two side pockets both have zips, a slightly odd idea that we found divides opinion: although they keep your stuff safe, a phone or keys tend to bounce around in them.
If you’re wedded to your Runderwear running underwear and want a lightweight pair of liner-free shorts to wear over them, try these. The exceptionally light fabric is slightly stretchy and very fast-drying, and they have a 4in (10cm) in-seam and a laser-cut reflective trim. Oh, and there’s a zipped pocket at the back of the waist, engineered so your phone won’t bounce around in it.
If you’re in the market for race shorts that will keep you cool, these will certainly do the job. The fabric has received the sweat-wicking treatment, and the back panel is made of pleated material which stops them clinging and promotes airflow. Even the waistband is breathable. They are cut for a slim fit, with a 3in inseam and cross-over side split for maximum freedom of movement. In line with the stripped-back style there are no pockets at all. The barely-there feeling won’t be for everyone, however.
The Best Skin-Tight Running Shorts For Women
Strokably soft, with a matt finish, these flattering high-waisted shorts are made with fabric that’s supportive yet thin enough to keep you from overheating. There are two large, secure leg pockets that will easily fit a phone. Best of all, the shorts come in four colours including three that are not black. Note that the numerical sizing (00 to 16) corresponds to US sizing.
If you like your shorts high-waisted and supportive, you’ll like these. The fabric is smooth and soft and offers support without feeling like a corset. The high, wide waistband has a hidden drawstring and we found it was shaped in such a way that it never threatened to roll down. The 8in (20cm) inseam reaches mid-thigh which is insurance against any inner thigh chafing. Brooks have been exceptionally generous with their pockets: a phone-sized pocket on each leg, one of which has a key loop, as well as a large fold-over pocket at the back of the waist.
These long bamboo jersey shorts are comfy and flattering, with a firm enough hold to offer a decent amount of support. BAM’s non-see-through material is soft and stretchy, the wide waistband is comfortable, and bamboo’s renowned antibacterial properties are a bonus – you can get a few wears out of these before they start to pong. You’ll have to stash your keys elsewhere though, because there are no pockets in these shorts. They are also carbon net positive: BAM offsets carbon emissions from all its garments’ whole life, including 50 visits to your washing machine.
We were excited by the news that the company behind our favourite running underwear has launched skin-tight shorts. Lightweight, high-waisted, supportive and squat-proof, with a 6in (15cm) inseam and hidden pockets at the back of the waist, these sound as if they’re the business. There’s even a silicone strip around the legs and the top of the waistband to keep everything in place – no need for awkward readjusting mid-run. We’ll be testing them soon, so check back to see if they lived up to our expectations.
These skin-tight medium compression running shorts don’t ride up or roll down. They’re made with Econyl recycled yarn, which creates a fabric that’s lightweight and breathable as well as sweat-wicking. The mid-rise waist secured with a drawstring is comfortable and flattering, and there’s a zip pocket at the back of the waistband that fits a standard smartphone. These would be a great choice for long-distance training or racing if you find that looser shorts tend to chafe over longer distances.
Although fairly pricy, these performance compression shorts could be worth the cash because they’re designed to help reduce post-run soreness in your abductor, glute, quad and hamstring muscles. Even though they’re built to hold you in a tight squeeze, these shorts should be ultra-comfortable because they’re made from antibacterial, sweat-wicking, breathable stretch fabric, with seams that are flat-locked to reduce chafing. There’s no zip pocket – it’s been sacrificed on the altar of compression – but who wants their keys compressed into their waistband anyway?
These cycling-style shorts should minimise chafing and offer a slightly more supportive feel. The waistband is wide and comfy, with a hidden drawstring and multiple gel pockets as well as deep side pockets to secure larger items like your phone. Although lightweight, they offer good coverage.
