When the weather starts to get warm, many women will be looking to ditch the running tights for something a little more breathable. However, nothing will kill the buzz of your summer fitness escapades more than a garment that's soggy with sweat or prone to chafing and constant readjustment.
Whether you'd prefer a modest 7-inch length, a split design for bigger thighs, compression shorts that don't ride up, or a pair for marathons with gel or phone pockets, the online options are endless. Our nifty buying guide is here to help, plus we'll also share our top 10 picks from brands like Nike, Asics and Under Armour. We're sure to have a pair that will get you feeling comfortable and confident out there!
Quick List - Top Running Shorts for Women
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Table of Contents
First things first, let’s run through the buying guide! This will help you identify your perfect style of shorts, as well as their length, fit and materials before you hit that ‘add to cart’ button.
When comparing running shorts for women, there are 4 main styles of garment to consider. Here we'll take a look at which are best suited to who.
Often the choice of more serious runners, the front and back panel of split shorts are connected at the outer seam. This creates an upside-down V shape on the outer leg.
Not to be confused with V-notch shorts, crucially, this overlap allows for an extremely wide range of motion, hence why runners focused on performance prefer them.
Compression shorts are a great choice when it comes to preventing chafing. Their snug fit won't ride up and creates a barrier between the skin, protecting it from friction. Furthermore, they're often warmer and offer more support for the muscles, helping to fight fatigue and injury.
These styles can be worn on their own or underneath another pair of running shorts if you’re not keen on showing too much skin. Alternatively, you could go for a 2-in-1 compression pair that has a looser short sewn over the top.
Easily confused with split shorts (or the other way around!) the 'V-notch' style has a cut out panel on the outer seam that creates a little upside-down V. However, unlike split shorts, this comes from a split in the seam, not from the overlapping of panels.
These are a good choice for casual runners as they are looser than compression shorts, but less revealing than split styles. Plus, the cutout still allows for a wide range of motion.
Finally, if you fancy adding a little femininity to your running look, you could go for a skort. Skirt + short = skort, clever right? They're simply a fitness skirt with a pair of fitted shorts underneath, and though typically seen on tennis courts they can easily transfer to the track.
A lot of traditionalist runners may consider skorts a bit more fashion-focused than 'proper' performance-wear, but we say to hell with that if you want to go for it!
Remember that they are pretty much the same as compression shorts though, so if you don’t like the snugness of tighter shorts you may want to give them a miss.
The next factor to consider is how long you want your shorts to be. This comes down to how comfortable one feels in each, though different lengths do tend to be better for different types of running. When talking about the inches of shorts, we refer to the in-seam, so don’t worry, this isn’t their complete length!
Shorts with an inseam measurement of 3 inches or less are considered to be firmly in the 'short shorts' category. They're used by both serious long-distance and sprint runners due to the freedom of movement that they allow, and will make you feel as though you're barely wearing a thing!
This length is typically found in split shorts, although this is not always the case, particularly since the rise in popularity of compression shorts.
A nice middle ground between short and long shorts, a 5 to 7 inch option is best for those who want to retain a little modesty, but still want a good range of motion.
Shorts of these lengths are also capable of providing a tad more protection to your pins if you like mixing it up between the track and the trial, as your legs won’t be as exposed to getting scratched or bitten in the wilderness.
Generally favoured by trail runners due to their higher level of protection, these shorts offer the most coverage, and therefore lessen your chances of being attacked by bugs and brambles.
Moreover, these can be a good choice if you have struggled with some rubbing from medium length shorts as they tend to be a little baggier. Just be careful of their material (which we'll get into shortly), as they can very easily become sweaty in hotter weather.
There’s nothing more distracting than having to constantly readjust yourself mid-run, as well as the added fear of your shorts sliding down and revealing all. To save yourself the headache, make sure you pick up a pair of shorts with waistband features that keep these annoyances at bay.
High-waisted shorts are an easy way to go about this, as well as having the added benefit of keeping everything tucked in nice and snugly.
If you'd prefer to plump for a lower-slung waist but often find your shorts slipping, check that they have some form of drawstring. This way they can be tightened to your unique shape and stay where they should be.
Picking the right material depends on what you deem most important. While most activewear is generally made of synthetic fibres, there are some natural options in running shorts. Here we’ll take a look at what each brings to the table.
If you’d prefer a natural material, then cotton (or a cotton blend) is probably your best bet. Cotton shorts are smooth, soft and create almost no friction. Natural materials are also more sustainable and kinder to the environment, should this be important to you.
However, after heavy use in hot weather, the material will begin to break down, so they tend to have a shorter shelf life than their synthetic counterparts. Plus, they’re not as proficient at wicking moisture, which can lead to soggy jogs and potentially even exacerbate chafing.
Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, spandex and elastane are the most common choice of materials in the activewear world, and for good reason.
They're all extremely light, flexible, and stretchy, which allow for freer movement and that all-important breathability. They’re also moisture-wicking and therefore able to help manage discomfort and chafing.
Being a man-made material, the quality of synthetics can vary greatly, so it'll pay to read the reviews here.
Last up, additional features. Unfortunately, there isn't a garment that'll do the work for us yet, but there are some useful things to look out for.
As with women’s clothes in general, activewear doesn’t always grant us the luxury of pockets, even though they’re so useful! It's definitely worth checking if one or two are included, particularly if you use your phone to listen to music, or you want to store keys, gels or snacks.
Another smart feature to look out for is reflective strips, which provide enhanced safety at night. We would still recommend you wear additional fluorescent clothing too though, just to be safe!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nike Nike Pro Flex | ![]() | An All-Round Fantastic Pair of Running Shorts | |
2 | Asics Women's Brief Woven Short | ![]() | Ultimate Comfort, Support and Protection | |
3 | Under Armour Speedpocket Shorts | ![]() | A Perfect Short for the Casual Runners | |
4 | Nike Air Shorts | ![]() | Comfy Shorts That Could Make It Into Your Everyday Wardrobe | |
5 | Baleaf Active Athletic Skort | ![]() | Who Said You Can't Look Feminine While You Work Out? | |
6 | TCA Perform 2-in-1 Running Shorts | ![]() | A 2-In-1 Short From a New Kid on the Sportswear Block | |
7 | Naviskin Women's 7" Active Shorts | ![]() | Long Shorts for a Little Protection in the Wild | |
8 | R Runvel Running Shorts | ![]() | Brilliant High-Waisted Shorts | |
9 | EXIU Loose Cotton Running Shorts | ![]() | Roll Back the Years With a Retro Vibe | |
10 | Sweaty Betty Power Shorts | ![]() | Get Sweaty With These Multi-Sport Essentials |
Whether you're an avid marathon runner or new to the game, these shorts are great for everyone. They're simply designed with a minimalist look and reflective logo, and the style has become a go-to for runners of all ages.
These shorts are as great running on the track as they are running errands, and combine a tight, stretchy compression layer with a loose outer layer. The sweat-wicking design and mesh panels keep you cool and dry throughout your workout. These are pretty much the perfect running shorts, and that's why they take our top spot!
Looking for exceptional comfort, support, protection, and breathability all in one pair of shorts? Here you have them. These 5.5-inch shorts from Asics will have you breezing through the miles in style.
They're made from a polyester blend with a drawcord waistband so you'll be able to get the exact fit you want. On top of this, they have reflective strips at the back for added safety if you're partial to a nighttime jog.
These shorts are great on many accounts, but the first thing we want to pick up on is their excellent pockets that'll keep everything locked in and secure. Whether it's the zip at the back or the little key pocket at the front, you never have to worry about them breaking your stride.
These shorts are super lightweight, and while that might not make you run faster, it makes you run more comfortably, for sure! Despite their slight construction, they're also ultra-durable and are ideal for those that like a comfortable jog a couple of times a week.
Our first product from the monolith Nike, these v-notch shorts are loved by many runners around the world due to their forgiving stretchy fabric and fantastic waistband that'll stay put when you've got the drawcord to your desired tightness. They're that comfortable that many women have taken them up as their everyday shorts, too!
Made from polyester, you'll have no worries that they'll keep you dry and cool no matter the weather. They also have pockets on the sides that give a little extra storage should you require it.
Looking for a feminine look while you're running? Baleaf have you covered with this cute skort. It comes in a wide range of colours including neutral black, white and dark blue, but we've gone for this electric pink, because we feel if you're going to make a statement, do it!
Both layers are breathable and moisture-wicking, plus they have a drawcord that allows for comfortable personalised sizing. One addition we loved was the cable hole in the pocket, which lets your headphones reach your ears without getting in the way.
This 2-in-1 style has become understandably more popular over the years, as you're given freedom of movement without worrying about the world seeing every contour. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon, this pair is making all the right noises when it comes to women's running shorts.
While TCA are relatively new to the world of sportswear, they've made steady progress with appearances on Sky Sports and Men's Health to name just a few, and even have their own 'Quickdry' fabric for reassurance.
Longer shorts are few and far between for women, but we like this offering from Naviskin. They're 7 inches so should keep you nice and covered, while still offering enough range of motion to complete casual jogs, particularly if you like to do so in the wild.
They're breathable, soft and moisture-wicking so you shouldn't have any problems with maintaining heat when the hot weather appears. Our only downside is that the pockets are like ordinary pockets, with no zip, so they may not be secure enough for some during your run.
Capable of being a supportive under-layer or working efficiently on their own, these compression shorts are a best seller on Amazon. They're high-waisted so you never have to fear for re-adjustment, and it also helps to keep everything tucked in.
Our only quibble is that there's no mention of exactly how long the inseam is, and while they look long on the model, this could vary for each person. It could be a bit of a gamble, but at under £15, it might be worth it!
If you're in the hunt for some 70s-inspired running fashion (bang on trend, by the way) then these split shorts could be right up your street. They come in over 10 different colours, so you could stick to neutral or go for something bold – hot pink, anyone?
These are made from a cotton blend for lusciously soft comfort, however, they do have the issue of not being as long-lasting, though they're less than a fiver! Furthermore, the sizing can be a little off, so be sure to read the comments and reviews to see what other users have found works best.
Getting the ball rolling are these lightweight compression shorts from Sweaty Betty. The London-based company have been in the activewear business for over 15 years, and they aim to "inspire women to find empowerment through fitness".
They're made from a sweat-wicking, quick-drying polyamide (nylon) that is functional and comfortable. Unfortunately, the major drawback with these shorts is the high price tag.
Some runners like to escape to the hills, some prefer the Sunday park run, and others find comfort in the steady thrum of a treadmill – whichever gets you going, we've got a few bonus articles we think are worth a glance if you love to run.
We'd say the most important factor of running gear is that you feel supported and confident, especially if you're new to it all. The perfect running shorts have a vital role to play in this, ensuring that they do their part so all you have to focus on is getting yourself in the best shape possible. Hopefully, this list will help you find your ideal running partner!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Nike|Nike Pro Flex
No. 2: Asics|Women's Brief Woven Short
No. 3: Under Armour|Speedpocket Shorts
No. 4: Nike|Air Shorts
No. 5: Baleaf|Active Athletic Skort
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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