Chafing can happen from your legs rubbing together or from short objects that create hot spots. These rabbit spots usually occur on the inner thighs, the edges of the liner, or the edges of the waistband. Many shorts, especially tight styles, are made with bound or flatlock seams, which are intended to hold pieces of fabric together for a slight feel. No pair is oxygen-free—body condition, distance, and sweat rate all affect results.
Pockets—really practical
The need for packs will depend on what type of running you do. If you’re doing speed work, having a pair of shorts without pockets (or one small pocket with a key zip) will suffice. For long road runs or trail runs, pockets can make or break running shorts. Loose shorts will usually have one or two small pockets, but not big enough for the phone, which is fine, as the phone in loose shorts is always bumpy.
All the grippy running shorts we tested had at least two side pockets. Full disclosure: I don’t buy bike-style shorts that don’t have at least side pockets. I don’t care if I use them to run, relax, or go to yoga—I want those pockets. The side pull pockets should fit the current iPhone (I tested it with an iPhone 16 with an OtterBox case and popsocket attached), and, with moderate to high pressure, the phone shouldn’t jump or fall. Other pockets include belt pockets on the back, usually for gels/oils, keys, or lip balm. Sometimes these back pockets fit a phone, but I found it difficult to get them in and out while working, compared to side pull pockets.
Fabric and breathability
Most running shorts are made of lightweight, breathable fabric that provides some stretch. This can be recycled polyester or a nylon-spandex-elastane blend. For fitted shorts, the fabric must retain its compression even after washing (it is always air-dried to maintain this compression). High compression shorts tend to use slightly thicker fabric, which is a bonus for durability but can feel hotter and less breathable in high temperatures.
You will find that some pears dry out quickly, while others wick away moisture. Quick-dry pairs use fabric that wicks away moisture quickly when wet/wet, while moisture-wicking shorts help wick sweat away from the body and move it to the outer layer of the garment, so your shorts don’t get stuck or prone to chafing.
Size range and equal coverage
Sizing for women’s running shorts can vary from brand to brand, but we’ve found the ones we’ve tested to be accurate. Bottom line, I’m an honest person, and every pair we tested fit perfectly without trying it on beforehand. That said, be sure to check the sizing chart just in case, and read reviews to see if the shorts are true to size. Some brands have extended sizing, such as Nike (up to XXL, with plus size options up to 4X), and Janji, Oiselle, and Gnara, with sizes that say they fit at least a 42-inch waist and 52-inch hips.
Price and value
High-end street shorts are around $70, with some pairs costing more in the mid-$80s and some budget options closer to $30 a pair. If you need more features like pockets and silicone grippers, you’ll be looking at a higher-priced pair. If you need something simple without all the extra features, an affordable pair will suffice.
I have found that the higher priced bottoms earn their price over the long term and throughout many seasons of use due to their durability.