The 30 best athletic shorts brands in 2026
Nike, A4 and Badger lead our ranking of 30 athletic shorts brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Athletic Shorts brands, ranked
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1
Nike
Blue Ribbon Sports was a sportswear company founded in 1964. After launching the Nike shoe brand, the company was rebranded as Nike in 1978. Its popularity exploded in the late 80s when it started acquiring numerous shoe companies and including a variety in its product line. In 1996, it opened a bar for extreme sports like mountain biking. Today, it is one of the most famous sports companies in the world.
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
A4
At A4 Apparels, one can order customized apparel for diversified needs. There are various segments to customize based on the sector of use, products, brands, etc. There are clothing solutions to cater to every need like corporate, parties, individuals, and various clothing types like t-shirts, shirts, fleece, hoodies, jackets, etc. You can also choose from several brand types and emboss your artwork on them. Their website provides brand size guides, artwork guides, standards, a gallery of work, and informative blog posts. They also offer clothing services like screen printing, embroidery, bespoke clothing, etc.
Website: a4apparel.co.uk |Brands like A4
Popularity 8.2/10
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3
Badger
Badger is a skincare line noted for being organic, natural, and safe. They researched which fruits, herbs, and oils promote skin health and repair damaged cells while staying away from elements that can irritate or hurt your body. Badger combines the force of nature with the science of skincare to create both effective and natural solutions. Their goods are unlike anything else on the market because of their special blend of components. Their products are made with honesty, care, and a genuine appreciation for the environment. They feel that your skin deserves the best, so they only use premium ingredients in their products.
Website: badgerbalm.com |Brands like Badger
Popularity 7.4/10
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4
adidas
Adi Dassler had the goal to provide athletes with only the best. In 1949, he registered a shoe that later became one of the precursors of modern Adidas shoes. In 1954, he introduced the screw-in studs for lightweight football boots that propelled the German football team to victory in the World Cup. Adidas became a household name and gained the trust of athletes. Today, Adidas enjoys global acclaim as it continues to provide premium-quality equipment.
Website: adidas.com |Brands like adidas
Popularity 7.4/10
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5
Under armour
When Kevin Plank, the University of Maryland football team captain, noticed his sweaty t-shirt, he realized that there had to be something better. He created a T-shirt that keeps one cool, dry, and light for extended periods. That was when Under Armour was conceptualized. Today, the brand is popular among athletes as it focuses not just on performance T-shirts but also lightweight shoes, digital health shoes, and more.
Website: underarmour.com |Brands like Under armour
Popularity 7.2/10
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6
Jordan
Jordan is a brand under Nike. They work in association with each other. Jordans are known for their shoes and the sports clothing line they curated for the best. An active lifestyle is not easy. The need for cloth ware and shoes that can help with the flow of regular life is essential, and Jordan provides that to the people. The brand is well known as a global brand, and its products are always top quality.
Website: jordan.com |Brands like Jordan
Popularity 7.0/10
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7
Russell Athletic
Russell Athletic was formed way back in the fields of America. Benjamin Russell founded the company in 1902. The factory started with only a few sewing machines on a small scale. They now manufacture and sell modern sportswear to the public. They are dedicated to their job and always try to bring the best of the best to their customers. Russell Athletic truly helps in mixing fashion with comfort. New products are added at regular intervals for both men and women.
Website: russellathletic.com |Brands like Russell Athletic
Popularity 6.8/10
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8
Sport-Tek
Sport-Tek offers great-performance clothing for any sport, at any time, and in any location. You may find Sport-Tek's revolutionary materials and patterns on team sidelines and on playing fields worldwide, from the court to the stands and everywhere in between. Their company, which began in 1988 as a small operation, has grown to become one of the world's largest providers of branded athletic apparel. Sport-Tek goods are made to keep players relaxed and focused on the game.
Website: sporttekusa.com |Brands like Sport-Tek
Popularity 6.0/10
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9
Champion
Champion Sports has been dedicated to the manufacture of high-quality equipment for sports, physical education, and fitness for over five decades. Established in 1961, the founders worked together to manage the business efficiently. While one took care of the product...
Website: championsports.com |Brands like Champion
Popularity 5.8/10
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10
Karrimor
Karrimor is meant for the people who love the great outdoors. It is not advised to go on an adventure without equipment. If you are someone who is an active person who likes to live in the outside world, then...
Website: karrimor.com |Brands like Karrimor
Popularity 5.6/10
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11
Badger Sport
Founder sport Group makes top-quality, authentic apparel perfect for all sports. Its Chroma Gear provides unlimited sports fit options and easy designing options that are fully customizable with different colors and no backorders. Its five days and two days tech...
Website: foundersport.com |Brands like Badger Sport
Popularity 5.6/10
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12
Pro Club
PROCLUB goods are for the discriminating guy who wants excellence in his life. From their superior fabric to our inventive patterns and designs, what sets them apart is that they go beyond simply providing the finest in class items. PROCLUB...
Website: shopproclub.com |Brands like Pro Club
Popularity 5.2/10
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13
Gymshark
It is your duty to keep your body healthy, no matter how you do it. Gymshark helps you find the best fit to sweat in. No matter which exercises you do or what sport you follow, the company has one...
Website: gymshark.com |Brands like Gymshark
Popularity 3.7/10
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14
Blank
Blank is an e-commerce firm that sells more extraordinary, low-cost bicycles. They sell everything from ordinary bikes to mountain bikes and even electric bikes. The best thing is that they offer excellent value for money. The primary focus is straightforward:...
Website: blankbike.com |Brands like Blank
Popularity 3.6/10
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15
Splendid
Casual is the new chic' is reflected through the Splendid clothing collection. The brand designs clothing, accessories for men, women, and kids. They have given casual wear a new form which you can wear anywhere. Top-notch fabrics ensure soft-to-skin clothing,...
Website: splendid.com |Brands like Splendid
Popularity 3.5/10
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16
Everlast
Everlast was established in 1910 in the wake of the boxing community. They make boxing equipment for the professional and the aspiring boxers. They also keep a thorough record of all the prominent matches that are going on and have...
Website: teameverlast.everlast.com |Brands like Everlast
Popularity 3.0/10
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17
Extreme
Since 2002, Extreme LED, a small family-run firm located in Canada, has been designing and producing premium-quality LED goods. Their client assistance is unpaired, and they deliver great-quality things at a great price. The most excellent LEDs in the world...
Website: extremeledlightbars.com |Brands like Extreme
Popularity 3.0/10
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18
Hollister
Hollister delivers all the hottest trends to your home. Shop the newest in men's and women's fashion, including exclusive pieces exclusively available on them, from shirts and jeans to hoodies and more. It provides everything you need to feel carefree...
Website: hollisterco.com |Brands like Hollister
Popularity 2.8/10
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19
TRAX
TRAX is a brand that manufactures wires that connects two bicycles in such a way that one bicycle tows the other so that both the riders can enjoy a ride together irrespective of the riders’ skills. The wire can be...
Website: traxmtb.com |Brands like TRAX
Popularity 2.8/10
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20
Machine
For all sportspeople, athletes, and fitness freaks, Machine fitness presents an extensive line of activewear for both men and women. It promotes agility and sportiness to train excessively with the apparel created with innovations, designed with versatility and flexibility, and...
Website: machinefitness.com |Brands like Machine
Popularity 2.7/10
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21
FILA
Fitness, work, and professionalism is all that one can discover at Fila! Discover all their premium apparel collections at sensible rates on their website or store outlets. Celebrating its 110th anniversary, the brand has collaborated with prominent fashion brands releasing...
Website: fila.com |Brands like FILA
Popularity 2.4/10
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22
B&C
BC Surf & Sport began in Florida over three decades ago by a group of surfers, snowboarders, and skaters. Since 1977, it has been involved in producing goods for surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and similar activities. Its products are designed to...
Website: bcsurf.com |Brands like B&C
Popularity 2.2/10
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23
MAM
Mam goods are for babies' well-being, health, and safety. They are a luxury baby product maker specializing in child care and attention with items that blend function, design, and high product-safety requirements. Pacifiers from their collection promote good dental development...
Website: mambaby.com |Brands like MAM
Popularity 2.2/10
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24
SikSilk
Siksilk is a fashion brand that has designed its products by making a mix-up of sportswear and street style. The categories include t-shirts, shorts, joggers, trousers, footwear, etc. they make the fashion for everyone, men, women, and kids. The designs...
Website: siksilk.com |Brands like SikSilk
Popularity 2.2/10
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25
Volcom
Venture and wander are synonymous with Volcom as it offers the best of best in jackets for a perfect skate and surf experience. The latest Arthur Longo collection is ideal for the hills and off with a set of Gore-Tex...
Website: volcom.com |Brands like Volcom
Popularity 2.1/10
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26
Lonsdale
Lonsdale is the premier brand in the United Kingdom for greater boxing and MMA clothes, footwear, and accessories. Whether you're a professional boxer or want to look beautiful, Lonsdale has a functional fashion that will give you an advantage in...
Website: lonsdale.com |Brands like Lonsdale
Popularity 2.1/10
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27
Kappa
Kappa's concept is based on the idea that you should assess its goods not for how they are created but for how they make you feel when you wear them. It thinks that excellent style is an attitude, a way...
Website: kappa-usa.com |Brands like Kappa
Popularity 1.9/10
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28
Russell
Russell has quite a rich history. The company was founded on the playing fields of America. If you have an athletic lifestyle and want to keep living like that, you need proper clothes for your active living. Russell Athletic was...
Website: russellathletic.com |Brands like Russell
Popularity 1.9/10
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29
Ovation
Ovation has been in the business for the last 30 years, and they have been manufacturing rugged, high-performance video surveillance products. The company sells its products to professionals, and the military and the police use them. The company does not...
Website: ovation.co.uk |Brands like Ovation
Popularity 1.9/10
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30
Colosseum
Colosseum brings the style outdoors. The active lifestyle is enthralling, and you can draw out your true colors with the help of an outfit that fits your living style. Colosseum can be branded as a clothing and lifestyle brand because...
Website: colosseumusa.com |Brands like Colosseum
Popularity 1.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | nike.com | – | – | – | – |
| A4 | a4apparel.co.uk | /A4Apparel | a4apparel_garment_printers | @a4apparel | A4 Apparel |
| Badger | badgerbalm.com | /badgerbalm | badgerbalm | @badgerbalmusa | – |
| adidas | adidas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Under armour | underarmour.com | /UnderArmour | underarmour | @UnderArmour | underarmour |
| Jordan | jordan.com | – | – | – | – |
| Russell Athletic | russellathletic.com | /RussellAthletic | russellathletic | @russellathletic | RussellAthletic |
| Sport-Tek | sporttekusa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Champion | championsports.com | /championsportsequipment | rhinoskin_ | @championsportse | UCBtARrBJm4hyQDfmf2TB3wA |
| Karrimor | karrimor.com | – | – | – | – |
Athletic Shorts Buying Guide
Athletic shorts are an essential clothing item for anyone who likes to workout or play sports. These shorts not only provide comfort but also allow for ease of movement, which is crucial when participating in physical activities. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right athletic shorts can be overwhelming. In this buying guide, we will discuss the essential factors that one should consider before purchasing athletic shorts.
1. Fabric
The fabric of athletic shorts is a critical factor as it affects both the comfort and durability of the shorts. Most athletic shorts are made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, or spandex, as they are breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. These fabrics are ideal for strenuous activities as they keep the sweat away from the skin, thereby preventing skin irritation and increasing comfort levels.
While synthetic fabrics are popular, some athletes prefer natural fabrics such as cotton and bamboo. These fabrics are soft and comfortable, but they tend to be heavier and do not wick sweat as effectively as synthetic fabrics. Additionally, cotton and bamboo tend to retain moisture, making them less suitable for high-intensity workouts.
2. Fit
The fit of the athletic shorts is another crucial factor to consider. The shorts should fit well and allow free movement without being too tight or too loose. If the shorts are too tight, they can restrict movement, cause skin irritation, and increase discomfort. On the other hand, if the shorts are too loose, they can cause chafing and fall off during workouts.
Most athletic shorts come in three basic fit types: slim fit, regular fit, and relaxed fit. Slim fit shorts are snug around the thighs and hips and are ideal for runners and cyclists. Regular fit shorts are looser than slim fit shorts and allow for more movement. Relaxed fit shorts are the loosest of the three and are ideal for activities such as weightlifting and yoga.
3. Length
The length of the athletic shorts is another factor to consider. The length of the shorts can affect mobility and comfort levels. Most athletic shorts come in three lengths: short, medium, and long. Short shorts are great for activities such as running and track events. Medium-length shorts are suitable for activities such as basketball and tennis, while long shorts are ideal for weightlifting and yoga.
Additionally, some athletes prefer shorts with compression liners, which provide a snug fit and offer support during high-intensity workouts. Compression liners can also prevent chafing, as they reduce the friction between the shorts and the skin.
4. Waistband
The waistband of the shorts is another essential factor to consider. The waistband should fit snugly and provide support during workouts. Most athletic shorts come with an elastic waistband, which offers a comfortable and secure fit. Some shorts also come with an additional drawstring, which allows for further adjustability and prevents the shorts from slipping down during workouts.
5. Pockets
While pockets may not seem like a crucial factor to consider, they are essential for some athletes. Pockets can come in handy for storing keys, phones, and other small items during workouts. Some shorts come with zippered pockets, which ensure that the items stay secure during workouts. However, pockets can add weight to the shorts, which can affect mobility and comfort levels. Therefore, athletes who prefer shorts without pockets may need to carry items separately in a workout bag.
6. Brand
Lastly, the brand of the athletic shorts is another factor to consider. Some brands are highly specialized and cater to specific types of athletes, while others offer general-purpose shorts that cater to a broad range of activities. Additionally, some brands offer additional features such as UV protection, reflective detailing, and antimicrobial properties. It is essential to research the brand and read reviews before making a purchase.
Conclusion
When purchasing athletic shorts, it is essential to consider factors such as fabric, fit, length, waistband, pockets, and brand. These factors can affect comfort, mobility, and durability. With the right pair of athletic shorts, athletes can perform at their best and enjoy their workouts or sports activities without any discomfort or restrictions.
7. Activity Type
The type of activity that you intend to do in your athletic shorts is also a crucial factor to consider. Different activities require different types of athletic shorts to ensure maximum comfort and performance. For example, running shorts tend to have a shorter length and a tighter fit for comfort and ease of movement. They also tend to have a moisture-wicking fabric and a compression liner for support. Basketball shorts, on the other hand, are usually looser and longer for better coverage and freedom of movement. They also tend to have a more durable fabric that can withstand the rigors of the game.
8. Climate
The climate in which you intend to wear your athletic shorts is another factor to consider. If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may want to opt for shorts made of moisture-wicking fabrics that are light and breathable. These fabrics will keep you cool and dry during your workout. On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to opt for thicker shorts made of insulating fabrics that provide warmth during your workout.
9. Budget
The price of athletic shorts can vary greatly depending on the brand, fabric, and features. It is essential to have a budget in mind before making a purchase. While cheaper athletic shorts may seem like a good bargain, they may not offer the same level of comfort and durability as more expensive shorts. It is important to strike a balance between price and quality to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing the right athletic shorts can make a significant difference in comfort and performance during physical activities. By considering factors such as activity type, climate, budget, fabric, fit, length, waistband, pockets, and brand, you can choose the perfect pair of athletic shorts that meet your needs and preferences. Don't be afraid to try out different brands and styles until you find the perfect pair that provides the best comfort and support for your workouts.
