Higher percentages of these flexible fabrics do have a downside — they tend to absorb and retain more moisture. Moisture-ridden fabric and poor fit are the top causes of chafing.

There are no storage options with the Heritage short, but their silky smooth feel makes them one of the most comfortable on test. There are eight sizing options, too, for those who prefer a precise, dialled-in fit. Read our full Nike Dri-FIT Heritage 10cm Short review RELATED CONTENT: Liners: Many running shorts come with built-in liners. The advantage here is that you get a built-in pair of underwear, which helps simplify your running outfit, and it provides a snug, supportive fit that wards off chafing and irritation. In addition, some shorts include extra support features, like lululemon’s Out of Mind liner in its Surge Lined Shorts, which keep sensitive body parts from jostling around and rubbing against your thighs as you run. You’ll find shorts on our list in all lengths, fits, and flavors—but the best style is truly the one that feels best on you.

Running shorts explainer

We found the flat elastic waistbelt with internal drawstring comfortable — but wished it had a little more stretch. Still, even with the draw cord fully cinched tight around our waist, there weren’t any hot spots or irritation. As a bonus, the waistbelt has a loop in the rear to hang dry when not in use. Finally, footballers can get their shorts from our Football collections, or choose from our collection of high-performance shorts. New Balance: Tech First The road runner needs a versatile garment that is as happy in the sun as it is in the rain, and these shorts deliver on both counts. Now we know why running shorts are so short. They provide a freer range of motion and they are more breathable.

If you’re someone who struggles with between-the-legs chafing, we recommend looking at a 2-in-1 short such as the S AXX Hightailor a half tightlike the Nike. Having a built-in quarter-length compression liner will protect your legs from rubbing together. Take on the great outdoors with the Ronhill Women's Tech Marathon Twin Running Shorts. The lightweight outer layer and supportive inner keepyou cool, dry and comfortable even as your workout heats up. To find the best running shorts, we start with hours of online research. We attend trade shows such as The Running Event and Outdoor Retailer for newly released shorts, such as the S AXX Hightail, and keep our eye out for up-and-coming brands like Ten Thousand. We won’t stop you from running in your favorite all-cotton bottoms, but be wary that the fabric gets heavy when wet, dries slow, and can cause chafing. Plus, 100-percent cotton shorts will most likely do some serious shrinking in your dryer. Some better options are technical fabrics that blend various materials—like polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon.All running shorts should allow you to move freely — that’s a given. The best running shorts, however, should not only provide freedom of movement, but also keep moisture at a minimum to ward off chafing, and keep items like your phone, keys, and fuel secure without bouncing around. Still, these shorts have a place in every runner’s rotation based on comfort alone. If you ever find yourself with a social event after a run or workout, these are the perfect shorts for the occasion. With eight colors to choose from, you’re bound to find a pair to match your shirt. To give you greater comfort, many of our men’s running shorts provide a supportive inner sprinter, to prevent unwanted movement in your groin area. They also feature adjustable waistbands and side slits for freedom of movement.

When I first bought my running shorts online, I always wondered how they get that 3” measurement. I mean, surely it doesn’t mean that the whole length of the short measures 3 inches, that would be absurd. The main reason to squeeze into a pair of 3-inch shorts is the minimal, barely-there race feel that makes you feel like running fast, unencumbered. They’re lightweight, offer loads of ventilation and breathability, plus maximum freedom to move. They can also help reduce chafe risk and they generally come with built-in liner briefs to preserve your dignity and prevent any accidental exposures. The lightweight four-way stretch nylon and elastane blend shell is freaking amazing. Beyond running, these are the type of shorts ideal for lounging around the house in. As a bonus, they’re Polygiene anti-odor, antimicrobial treated.Offered in both a three and five-inch inseam, our tester found them to run on the shorter side of five-inch running shorts. Still, thanks to a mild amount of stretch, they never felt constricting. The brief liner offers a decent amount of support and hold for such a lightweight pair of shorts. To help you choose the length of your running shorts better, I compiled the advantages of the different running short lengths and their recommended use. Length