Most Versatile 6 Types of Gym Shorts: Fitness & Lifestyle Gear

Publish on Sep 30, 2025 • 2 min read

If your workout shorts chafe, restrict your squat depth, or hold sweat like a sponge, you're not just uncomfortable—you’re sacrificing performance. And if you have to change shorts between the gym and street? That would not be the most versatile choice.

Your workout deserves better, and you deserve gear that enhances your performance and your lifestyle.

The right pair of gym shorts is crucial. Whether you're heading out for an early morning sprint on the track, hitting the weights for a deadlift session, or looking for the most versatile gym-to-street men's shorts, your choice of gear should:

Provide comfort and maximum breathability.
Allow a full, uninhibited range of motion.
Prevent painful chafing and discomfort.
Offer support where you need it most.

Stop wasting money on generic sportswear. This comprehensive guide cuts straight to the point: we break down the 6 popular types of workout shorts for men and tell you exactly what makes the fabric, fit, and function good.

Learn about the 6 different types of gym shorts so that you can be properly geared up on your fitness journey!

6 Different Types of Gym Shorts

1. Running Shorts

Running shorts are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and supportive. They often feature shorter inseams—typically 3’’ to 6’’—to allow maximum freedom of movement. Many also come with built-in mesh liners for added comfort and reduced friction. Perfect for: cardio, marathons, treadmill sessions, and high-intensity interval training.

Retaled product: ZingPower running shorts for lightweight styles perfect for running.

2. Training Shorts

Training shorts are versatile and built for the weight room, CrossFit, or functional workouts. With inseams usually between 5’’ and 7’’, they strike the balance between coverage and mobility. Features like secure pockets, elastic waistbands, and moisture-wicking fabrics make them ideal for all-around performance. Perfect for: weightlifting, circuit training, and everyday workouts.

Retaled product: ultra-light training shorts lightweight perfect for training.

3. Gym Shorts with Liner

For extra support, gym shorts with liner are a popular choice. The inner compression layer—often made with spandex fabric—offers muscle support and prevents chafing. This makes them especially useful for leg day, sprints, or workouts that demand explosive movement.👉 Perfect for: running, gym, and high-intensity training.

🔗 Check out Maamgic’s 5.5" Lined Gym Shorts for built-in comfort and support.

4. Tennis Shorts

Tennis shorts are built for agility. They usually come with a looser fit, side slits for unrestricted movement, and deep pockets for holding tennis balls. The inseam typically runs a bit longer than running shorts, offering both style and practicality on the court.

👉 Perfect for: tennis, badminton and other fast-paced sports.

🔗 Check out Maamgic’s 5.5" Lined Gym Shorts for built-in comfort and support.

5. Athleisure Shorts

Blending performance with lifestyle, athleisure shorts are gym-ready but stylish enough for everyday wear. They’re versatile enough to take you from a workout to a casual hangout without missing a beat. Quick-dry fabrics and modern fits make them a must-have for men who want both function and fashion.

👉 Perfect for: gym-to-street style, travel, and casual weekend wear.

🔗 Explore Maamgic’s Lifestyle Athletic Shorts that work just as well outside the gym.

6. Compression Shorts (Tights Shorts)

Compression shorts, often made with spandex, are designed to fit snugly to the body. They improve circulation, reduce muscle vibration, and are often worn underneath looser gym shorts for added support. While not always worn on their own, they’re a staple for athletes who need extra stability.

👉 Perfect for: running, cycling, and layering under gym shorts.

Finding the right pair of workout shorts for men comes down to activity type, personal style, and comfort. Whether you prefer lightweight running shorts, supportive gym shorts with liner, or stylish athleisure options, there’s a perfect fit for every lifestyle.

At Maamgic, we combine performance-driven features with modern design—so your gym shorts work just as hard as you do.

Shop Maamgic Gym Shorts

Gear up for peak performance with our latest athletic and gym shorts.

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Fabric Focus: 4 Type of Different Material of Gym Shorts

Why the gym shorts fabric matters? The fabric determines breathability, dry time, and overall feel. Beyond simply listing the materials, here’s how to judge what makes a fabric high-quality and suitable for performance:

Fabric	Key Features	Performance Standard (What to look for in a Good pair)	Best Used For
Polyester	Durable, lightweight, excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying.	Optimal Density & Weave: Look for a lightweight micro-mesh or ripstop weave. A high-quality polyester blend should feel soft, not plastic-y, and feature anti-microbial treatments to resist odor.	Most men's workout shorts, especially training and running styles.
Nylon	Very strong, smooth hand-feel, superior stretch, and moisture transfer.	Silky Hand-Feel: Premium nylon feels incredibly smooth against the skin, reducing friction. It should stretch well and be highly durable, retaining its shape even after intense washing.	High-end performance shorts and inner linings.
Cotton	Soft, highly breathable, very comfortable, but slow to dry (holds sweat).	Blends Only: A good cotton short (for athleisure) should be a blend (e.g., Cotton/Poly/Spandex) to give it structure and some speed in drying. Pure 100% cotton is not recommended for actual gym shorts.	Athleisure and casual wear. Avoid for heavy sweating.
Spandex / Elastane	Provides critical stretch and recovery; essential for compression.	High GSM (Grams Per Square Meter) & 4-Way Stretch: A high-quality spandex shorts material should have high density (not see-through when stretched) and offer 4-way stretch (both horizontally and vertically) for unrestricted, non-sagging support.	Tight shorts, compression layers, and inner liners.

What's the Best Gym Shorts Fabric:

A superior pair of gym shorts almost always features a synthetic blend that prioritizes the following three standards:

Moisture Management (Wick & Dry): The fabric must efficiently wick sweat away from your skin and then dry quickly. Polyester and nylon possess these features, which results in a better fit and feel.
Anti-Odor Technology: Good synthetic fabrics (Polyester, Nylon) often incorporate silver-ion or other anti-microbial finishes. This is critical for preventing the buildup of odor-causing bacteria, prolonging the shorts' life and freshness.
Stretch (Elastane/Spandex Fabric): Even a looser training short should have at least 5% spandex or elastane. This percentage of spandex ensures the shorts maintain their shape, offer a slight, comfortable 4 way stretch for deep movements, and resist tearing at the seams.

Choosing Your Inseam: Length Matters

The inseam (the measurement from the crotch seam to the bottom hem) is key for both aesthetics and function.

3–5 Inch Inseam: Hits mid-thigh. Ideal for maximum mobility (runners, squatting).
5–7 Inch Inseam: the most common length in gym shorts, hits upper thigh. The modern favorite, offering a great balance of coverage and mobility for general training gym shorts.
7–9 Inch Inseam: Hits just above the knee. Provides more traditional coverage, often seen in classic training shorts.

The Takeaway: Find Your Perfect Versatile Pair Gym Shorts

Whether you need the supportive embrace of tight shorts for heavy lifting or the airy freedom of running shorts, understanding these different types will guide you toward the right choice.

Finding the right pair of workout shorts for men comes down to activity type, personal style, and comfort. Whether you prefer lightweight running shorts, supportive gym shorts with liner, or stylish athleisure options, understanding these six different types is the key to making the right choice.

Remember the Versatility Rule:

If your day is mostly split between the gym and casual activities, focus on gym shorts with liner (best all-around) or athleisure shorts (best for lifestyle).
If your focus is high-performance, choose the specialized training shorts or compression gym shorts, but recognize their lower versatility.

At Maamgic, we combine performance-driven features with modern design—so your gym shorts work just as hard as you do, no matter where your day takes you. Investing in high-quality gear is investing in a better workout and a more comfortable life.

Shop Maamgic Gym Shorts Gear up for peak performance and versatile gym shorts.

September 30, 2025

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