By: Elizabeth Rakow
Published On: 6/12/2026
THE SHORT(S) STORY:
How To Choose The Right Workout Shorts For You
Welcome to your shorts report.
Let’s talk about the shorts you need this summer. Whether you’re a runner who can’t wait to log miles outside, a lover of the outdoors planning some hiking excursions with friends, or a dedicated yogi hoping to get a few sunny flow sessions in, you’ll likely need a pair of shorts. We’re breaking down some of our best sellers by activity and telling you which pair is your best bet for a long summer spent in shorts.
IMPACT LEVEL: Medium to High
TOP FEATURES: Built-in briefs, durable fabrics, sweat-wicking
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Cross-Training, Competitive Sports, HIIT
TOP FEATURES: Built-in briefs, durable fabrics, sweat-wicking
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Cross-Training, Competitive Sports, HIIT
A low-rise waist with a classic retro silhouette, these nylon shorts feature built-in briefs and a lined elastic waistband for a stay-put feel.
HIGHLIGHTS: Super lightweight feel. Secure, high-rise waistband. Classic dolphin-style hem.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Nice and light! In the summer, especially in the south, finding shorts that move with me & don’t get in the way of my workouts is very important to me. This fits the bill!”
“I ran in these for the first time the other day and they were so comfortable, they fit perfectly and felt weightless.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Super lightweight feel. Secure, high-rise waistband. Classic dolphin-style hem.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Nice and light! In the summer, especially in the south, finding shorts that move with me & don’t get in the way of my workouts is very important to me. This fits the bill!”
“I ran in these for the first time the other day and they were so comfortable, they fit perfectly and felt weightless.”
Designed with durability in mind + a customizable fit, these shorts feature a mid-rise waistband with adjustable drawstring.
HIGHLIGHTS: Customizable fit. Mid-rise, adjustable waistband. Flattering coverage.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Not too short and nice room for a girl with curves!”
“The fit is relaxed without being too baggy, and they sit well at the waist with the adjustable drawstring. I like the length and cut of the legs—they’re flattering and don’t ride up too much.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Customizable fit. Mid-rise, adjustable waistband. Flattering coverage.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Not too short and nice room for a girl with curves!”
“The fit is relaxed without being too baggy, and they sit well at the waist with the adjustable drawstring. I like the length and cut of the legs—they’re flattering and don’t ride up too much.”
A longstanding FP Movement staple, these shorts have an ultra-supportive high-rise waistband, flirty fit, and convenient stash pocket for cards, keys, and other small essentials.
HIGHLIGHTS: Thick, ribbed, super-supportive waistband. Interior stash pocket. Tons of colors.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“The most comfortable/flattering shorts for running I’ve ever owned. They are nice and high waisted, but not tight. Love the little built-in pocket for my keys. Keep the good colors coming!”
“These shorts are super comfortable, come in so many colors, and are accurately sized. They held up great in the rain and weren’t see-through at all!”
HIGHLIGHTS: Thick, ribbed, super-supportive waistband. Interior stash pocket. Tons of colors.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“The most comfortable/flattering shorts for running I’ve ever owned. They are nice and high waisted, but not tight. Love the little built-in pocket for my keys. Keep the good colors coming!”
“These shorts are super comfortable, come in so many colors, and are accurately sized. They held up great in the rain and weren’t see-through at all!”
IMPACT LEVEL: Low to Medium
TOP FEATURES: Weather-ready fabrics, utility-style details, plenty of pockets.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Kayaking, Canoeing, Biking
TOP FEATURES: Weather-ready fabrics, utility-style details, plenty of pockets.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Kayaking, Canoeing, Biking
Crafted for coverage and outdoor days, these water-resistant and UPF-rated shorts are ready for every trek you take.
HIGHLIGHTS: Durable, water-resistant nylon. Utility pockets. Longline, high-coverage fit.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Functional and not too long, perfect for my curvy/athletic build. Hiked for a few hours and had no thigh chafing!”
“Perfect for summer, lightweight and quick drying. Staple for outdoor activities. I have 2 pairs and love them!”
HIGHLIGHTS: Durable, water-resistant nylon. Utility pockets. Longline, high-coverage fit.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“Functional and not too long, perfect for my curvy/athletic build. Hiked for a few hours and had no thigh chafing!”
“Perfect for summer, lightweight and quick drying. Staple for outdoor activities. I have 2 pairs and love them!”
Low impact and made for light activity, this short and sweet style offers a low-rise silhouette, lightweight feel, and 3-pocket detailing.
HIGHLIGHTS: Easy-layering silhouette with no built-in brief. Durable, water-resistant nylon. Stash pockets.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I wore these shorts on a hike this weekend and walked through wet leaves. These were perfect as they did not absorb any water and were so easy to clean!”
“I’ll be layering them with fitted yoga/bike shorts underneath.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Easy-layering silhouette with no built-in brief. Durable, water-resistant nylon. Stash pockets.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I wore these shorts on a hike this weekend and walked through wet leaves. These were perfect as they did not absorb any water and were so easy to clean!”
“I’ll be layering them with fitted yoga/bike shorts underneath.”
Designed for the journey, these adventure-ready cargo shorts offer a longer length just above the knee with a smocked waistband and cargo-inspired pockets.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of oversized utility pockets. Cool cargo silhouette. Durable, water-resistant nylon.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“These shorts are comfortable, excellent for hiking. They dry quickly, great for warm days, not see through.”
“I cannot wait to wear these shorts over leggings on my trip to Patagonia. I bought two pairs and am thrilled with the quality and pockets to store things while on the go.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of oversized utility pockets. Cool cargo silhouette. Durable, water-resistant nylon.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“These shorts are comfortable, excellent for hiking. They dry quickly, great for warm days, not see through.”
“I cannot wait to wear these shorts over leggings on my trip to Patagonia. I bought two pairs and am thrilled with the quality and pockets to store things while on the go.”
IMPACT LEVEL: Low to Medium
TOP FEATURES: Moves-with-you stretch, stay-put designs, comfortable compression.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Walking, Spinning, Golf, Barre
TOP FEATURES: Moves-with-you stretch, stay-put designs, comfortable compression.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Walking, Spinning, Golf, Barre
Highly compressive and cut in a micro silhouette, these brief shorts may offer minimal coverage, but they provide maximum low-impact support.
HIGHLIGHTS: Super compressive feel. Low-rise, micro silhouette. Interior stash pocket.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I LOVE the low rise !!! Nobody makes low rise tight shorts like these.”
“I live in a super hot climate and these briefs are simply the best for staying cool and avoiding weird tan lines. There's a hidden inner pocket for your keys which is amazing.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Super compressive feel. Low-rise, micro silhouette. Interior stash pocket.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I LOVE the low rise !!! Nobody makes low rise tight shorts like these.”
“I live in a super hot climate and these briefs are simply the best for staying cool and avoiding weird tan lines. There's a hidden inner pocket for your keys which is amazing.”
A just-in style with the perfect femme finish, these shorts offer the comfortable compression you crave with a functional fit made for movement.
HIGHLIGHTS: Breathable soft-stretch fabrication. Ruffled waistband and elegant pointelle detailing.
WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY:
“I love that it’s such a femme take on a classic silhouette - the mid-rise waist is also a nice in-between for someone wanting to move away from high-waist but not quite ready to commit to low-rise.”
“CUTEST ever. Love that these feel really different but have that same stay-put quality of other FPM bike shorts.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Breathable soft-stretch fabrication. Ruffled waistband and elegant pointelle detailing.
WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY:
“I love that it’s such a femme take on a classic silhouette - the mid-rise waist is also a nice in-between for someone wanting to move away from high-waist but not quite ready to commit to low-rise.”
“CUTEST ever. Love that these feel really different but have that same stay-put quality of other FPM bike shorts.”
With super-soft stretch fabrication, a stay-put feel, and a just-right length, these bike shorts are the perfect companion for your most flexible moves.
HIGHLIGHTS: High-rise waist that stays in place as you move. Interior waistband stash pocket. Buttery-soft feel.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I was a little nervous wearing these for yoga because I normally wear leggings to yoga but they didn’t ride up and the length of them were perfect.”
“They’re breathable, comfortable, and fit perfectly without feeling compressive, while still offering great coverage and helping prevent camel toe. Definitely one of the most comfortable pairs I’ve owned.”
HIGHLIGHTS: High-rise waist that stays in place as you move. Interior waistband stash pocket. Buttery-soft feel.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
“I was a little nervous wearing these for yoga because I normally wear leggings to yoga but they didn’t ride up and the length of them were perfect.”
“They’re breathable, comfortable, and fit perfectly without feeling compressive, while still offering great coverage and helping prevent camel toe. Definitely one of the most comfortable pairs I’ve owned.”
However you move, we’ve got a short for that.
Explore all FP Movement shorts.
Workout Shorts Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I look for when choosing workout shorts?
A: Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with enough stretch for a full range of motion, a comfortable waistband, and the right length, rise, and coverage for your preferred activities.
Q: How should activewear shorts fit for different types of exercise?
A: For high-intensity workouts or running, a closer, secure fit helps prevent chafing, while yoga and Pilates often call for softer, more flexible styles that move with your body.
Q: Are certain fabrics better for sweaty workouts?
A: Synthetic performance blends like polyester and nylon dry faster and handle moisture better than cotton, so look for quick-dry, moisture-wicking materials for intense workout sessions.
Q: How do I care for activewear shorts to make them last?
A: Wash in cold water with similar colors, skip the fabric softener, and air dry when possible to protect the stretch and finish of performance fabrics.
Q: Can I wear workout shorts casually outside the gym?
A: Absolutely! Many of our styles feature pockets, unique seams, and prints that pair easily with camis, tops, and sneakers for a laid-back, off-duty look.
Q: What if I want more coverage during workouts?
A: For a higher coverage short, opt for a longer inseam, higher rise, or relaxed fit that won't ride up. Feel free to layer with an oversized tee or lightweight outerwear for added comfort.
A: Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with enough stretch for a full range of motion, a comfortable waistband, and the right length, rise, and coverage for your preferred activities.
Q: How should activewear shorts fit for different types of exercise?
A: For high-intensity workouts or running, a closer, secure fit helps prevent chafing, while yoga and Pilates often call for softer, more flexible styles that move with your body.
Q: Are certain fabrics better for sweaty workouts?
A: Synthetic performance blends like polyester and nylon dry faster and handle moisture better than cotton, so look for quick-dry, moisture-wicking materials for intense workout sessions.
Q: How do I care for activewear shorts to make them last?
A: Wash in cold water with similar colors, skip the fabric softener, and air dry when possible to protect the stretch and finish of performance fabrics.
Q: Can I wear workout shorts casually outside the gym?
A: Absolutely! Many of our styles feature pockets, unique seams, and prints that pair easily with camis, tops, and sneakers for a laid-back, off-duty look.
Q: What if I want more coverage during workouts?
A: For a higher coverage short, opt for a longer inseam, higher rise, or relaxed fit that won't ride up. Feel free to layer with an oversized tee or lightweight outerwear for added comfort.
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