Women’s running shorts range from skin-hugging styles to baggies, multi-pocketed distance partners to simple splitties. The wrong shorts will chafe, cling, bounce, sag, ride up, and generally make your run miserable. The right shorts disappear on the run, noticed only when you need a gel or your phone and realize, “Hey, I’ve got that in this nifty shorts pocket!” We searched for, tested, and found the best options that can handle the challenges of summer while making you look good, feel cool, and run free.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out our picks for the best running shirts for women and the best running shoes.
Update: May 2025: We selected new shorts in every category but one, carrying over only the classic Tracksmith Session Short.
At a Glance
- Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts: Janji 5″ Pace ($68-74)
- Best Trail Running Shorts: Patagonia Endless Run ($89)
- Most Versatile Shorts: Tracksmith Session ($75)
- Best Distance Training Shorts: Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 4” ($75)
- Best 2N1: New Balance RC 2N1 3” ($65)
- Best Short Shorts: Janji 3” AFO Middle ($68-74)
- Most Comfortable: Oiselle Roga ($66)
- Best for Hot Temps: Bandit Vento Training ($88)
- What to Look For
- How We Test
- Meet Our Lead Testers
Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts
Janji W’s 5” Pace Short
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, comfortable fabric
⊕ Well-placed storage pockets
⊗ No zippered pocket
The Janji 5” Pace Shorts are so comfortable that they converted more than one tester who prefers the modesty of looser-fitting styles from “never-ever would I wear skin-tight shorts like this” to “okay, now I occasionally wear shorts like this.” The nylon/spandex fabric lightly compresses upper leg and glute muscles while remaining extremely lightweight, and the multiple pockets give runners storage options. We liked the side pockets for carrying a phone or gels, the back pass-through pocket for holding things like gloves or even a long-sleeve layer, and the internal waistband pocket for stashing a key. The silicone grip dots on the leg hems keep the shorts in place and don’t leave a mark, and the 5-inch length strikes a good balance between coverage and freedom. “I like that they are tights without being bun-huggers,” said a tester.
Best Trail Shorts
Patagonia Endless Run Shorts 6”
Sizes: XXS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Material dries quickly
⊕ Three no-bounce pockets
⊗ Drawstring seems unnecessary
Many running brands are designing short tights right now, but the capabilities of the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts caught our attention. These shorts dried quickly from sweat, keeping us from getting hot when it was warm and from feeling cold and clammy even when the weather turned. The 6-inch length on a trail run provided coverage and protection from both the sun and overgrown trees on tight singletrack. The next-to-skin fit kept us covered while scrambling on rocks (no flashing trail partners), and the wide, flat waistband stayed put during fast efforts and long, rambling runs alike. The lack of a center seam kept these comfortable, even when doing high-knee warm-ups or during rock scrambles. One tester raved: “A perfect length (not too short, but also not so long that they felt frumpy), perfect level of compression of the smooth, soft material that made me forget I had the shorts on.”
Most Versatile
Tracksmith Session Shorts
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Casual styling
⊕ Performance functioning
⊗ Thin waistband isn’t flattering on all
The inseam length of these shorts may be a mere three inches, but the relaxed fit, subtle branding , and easy flow of the lightweight polyester/spandex shell fabric make these shorts versatile enough to run errands or grab a coffee (or beer) afterwards. The fabric raised suspicions at first, as it appears to be a soft knit that would hold sweat. But, as one tester put it, “The fabric is a miracle–it dries quickly and just has a really nice drape to it.”
The liner, made of Italian-sourced nylon/elastane, adds to the luxurious feel and functionality of the Session Shorts—soft against the skin, extremely lightweight, and quick drying. Three interior pockets in the liner add storage options to the one exterior zippered pocket, which holds items like AirPods rather awkwardly. Some testers found the thin waistband to be unflattering as it can create a “muffin top” around the midsection. Otherwise, we love how well these shorts perform on and off the trail.
Best Distance Training Shorts
Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 4”
$75 at REI $75 at Running Warehouse
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Plenty of pockets for storage
⊕ Comfortable, quick-drying brief
⊗ Can bunch up in the middle
The Fuel n’ Fly 4” shorts have a whopping five storage options—two back stash pockets, two internal stash pockets, and a zippered back pocket. What’s more, we noticed minimal movement even when stuffed with a small smartphone for a long run. One tester calls these her “pack mule” shorts, adding, “None of the pockets caused irritation or chafing when loaded,” she said, adding that they didn’t budge or slide.
The back zipper pull tab is especially easy to grab while running. A lightweight polyester/spandex shell with perforations for added breathability feels “soft and moves well,” said a tester. The liner is notably quick-drying, which we loved—it’s not fun to run in a sweaty liner. The inner brief is also treated with an anti-odor peppermint oil that kept it smelling fresh.
Best 2 N 1
New Balance RC Short 2-in-1 3″
$65 at Dick’s Sporting Goods $65 at New Balance
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Slightly compressive liner supports muscles
⊕ 2N1 design provides modesty
⊗ Liner material stays wet longer than some
We tested a host of shorts with an exterior shell covering an interior short tight, and these rose to the top. We liked the feel of the thicker-than-most seamless liner; its weight made it nicely compressive. One tester reached for these for light support of her high-hamstring strain. Testers praised the quality materials of both the liner and exterior shell, and the tailoring of the shorts overall. “I really appreciate that they stay on my hips, where I put them,” said a tester.
The exterior shell paired with the interior lining provided modesty for a range of activities without restricting movement. “You’re not flashing your neighbor when you’re doing burpees or planks, on treadmill runs, lifting workouts, or playing pickle ball,” said a tester. Another enjoyed doing yard work after runs in these for the same non-neighbor-flashing reasons.
Two interior pockets and a back zippered pocket carried small items like AirPods or a key. Storing a phone in the back pocket, however, was too bouncy and awkward.
Best Short Shorts
Janji W’s 3″ AFO Middle Short
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Light and airy
⊕ Comfortable waistband
⊗ 2-inch inseam on the frontside can feel bare
These lightweight, airy shorts with a 3-inch inseam are actually shorter than that—the backside extends to 3 inches while the front of the ultralight recycled polyester/elastane blend shell material is a mere 2 inches. One tester described the shorts as “barely there fabric in a barely there fit.” For some, these might feel too barely there, but for others, they are blissfully light and mobile.
The polyester/spandex brief liner is soft against the skin (but stays wet a tad longer than the shell). Our Virginia-based tester noted how well these shorts performed in hot, humid, dripping sweat conditions. “Because the outer is so fast drying, I would wear these shorts for SUPing as well. I just wish the liner dried faster,” she said. Bonded seams and a knit waistband add to the overall comfort.
Most Comfortable
Oiselle Roga Shorts
Sizes: 2-24/26
Pros and Cons
⊕ Universally-flattering length
⊕ Comfortable, stretchy fabric
⊗ Tighter fit around the booty/thighs than other shorts
We love Oiselle’s original Roga Shorts for their wide, flat waistband that makes them sit as comfortably as yoga pants. The 4-inch inseam length and tapered sides are flattering, and the stretch woven polyester/spandex fabric is both substantial and lightweight. A semi-fitted cut provides coverage while the stretchy material moves with your body. “They sort of fit in between a short tight and a more traditional running short,” said a tester, who described the material as having more structure than other shorts. “I liked it—it wasn’t wimpy, but also not heavy or thick,” she said.
Minimal seams in the crotch add to comfort, even during high-friction moves like high knees, and the shorts proved comfortable in hot and humid running conditions. “I wore these for a treadmill run when I was super sweaty after sitting in a sauna, and they were great—no chafing,” said a tester. Bonus: A tiny loop on the interior backside allows for easy hanging (to dry from all that sweat, for instance).
Best Shorts for Hot Temps
Bandit Vento 4″ W’s Training Short
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
⊕ Flattering hem and overall style
⊕ Back yoke allows stashing a shirt/tank mid-run
⊗ Waistband elastic can feel a tad snug
The gathered waistband, perforations at the scalloped hem, and slightly shiny shell fabric of these shorts are as chic as Bandit’s home city (Brooklyn, New York). Testers commented that these look “urban” and “stylish,” but they also liked how they felt on the run. “Very lightweight and breathable,” said one. “Airy!” said another. The material, a nylon/spandex blend with a slick finish, is treated for Durable Water Repellency, which keeps these from getting bogged down from sweat or a summer rainstorm.
Pass-through loops on the backside of the waistband allow easy stashing of a shirt or tank mid-run. And while three interior pockets on the liner are intended for gels, we found them mighty small and preferred nothing in them. “These feel more like a performance race short than a casual-jog short,” said a tester.
What to Look For
When it comes to summer running clothes, look for breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.
Materials
Sweat-wicking and quick-drying materials are essential. These are usually made of polyester or wool blends and have a wide variety of proprietary names and textures. Polyester weaves tend to be the most breathable and highly durable, while wool resists odors and has a natural feel next-to-skin. Try on as many options as you can to find the ones that are both soft against your skin and feel cool and airy.
Fit
The fabric should not restrict your movement or be so tight as to interfere with your breathing at all. When trying on garments, do some dynamic stretching such as leg swings, lunges, and running in place to experience your body’s whole range of motion in the apparel.
Shorts Style
Besides material and fit, there are a few key features to consider in running shorts: pockets, inseam, and waist height.
If you like to carry items like your phone, keys, sunscreen, water flask, gels, or snacks, you’ll need more pockets (if you don’t run with a vest). Make sure the pockets are large and robust enough to fit and secure what you’re carrying, and located in spots where they won’t bounce or irritate. When you’re trying on shorts with pockets, test how they feel when the pockets are full—especially if you intend to carry something heavy like a cell phone, which can drastically change the way a pair of shorts fits and rides.
Consider whether you prefer shorts with a longer inseam—like four to six inches—for more coverage and to avoid chafing, or ones with a shorter inseam that show a little more leg and feel less restricted.
The rise is crucial to consider, too. While some runners prefer a higher waist to feel more secure, others prefer a waistband that hits right at their hip bones and doesn’t constrict.
How We Test
- Number of testers: 8
- Number of products tested: 35
- Most extreme temperature experienced during a run: Sitting in a sauna then running on a treadmill; 95-degree Florida beach runs
- Most elevation gained during a run: 2,300 feet
With five testers based in Colorado, one in California, and two in Virginia, the season’s summer apparel received a full gamut of testing conditions. All testers have been running for two to four decades, and consistently put their apparel through the paces…with scrutiny.
Meet Our Lead Tester
Lisa Jhung writes, runs, and generally adventures from her homebase in Boulder, Colorado. Raised as a California beach kid, she also makes it back to the coast—any coast, but primarily the Pacific—as often as possible. She’s been testing gear for Outside for a couple of decades and co-manages the road and trail running shoe tests, and manages the women’s running apparel, sports bras, and running hydration vest tests.
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