The 26 best sports shorts brands
Gildan, Nike and adidas lead our ranking of 26 sports shorts brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Sports Shorts brands, ranked
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1
Gildan
DryBlend performance blanks and cotton basics, sold in bulk, make Gildan a teamwear staple.
Website: gildan.com |Brands like Gildan
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nike
Dry-FIT training shorts with mesh panels and drawstring waists suit gym and running sessions.
Top products: Dry Park III
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 6.9/10
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3
adidas
Aeroready training shorts, plus compression options, cover team and gym use.
Top products: Team Issue 3P
Website: adidas.com |Brands like adidas
Popularity 4.0/10
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4
Under armour
HeatGear compression and lightweight Tech Mesh fabrics dominate its training shorts.
Top products: HeatGear Long Compressionยท Tech Mesh
Website: underarmour.com |Brands like Under armour
Popularity 3.8/10
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5
Lululemon
Premium lightweight shorts in 5 and 7 inch lengths with sweat-wicking fabric.
Website: shop.lululemon.com |Brands like Lululemon
Popularity 3.6/10
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6
Sport-Tek
Sport-Tek's shorts are built for team orders, with a tear-resistant polyester mesh and reinforced side seams that hold up to frequent washing.
Website: sporttekusa.com |Brands like Sport-Tek
Popularity 2.3/10
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7
Fruit of the Loom
Multipack cotton basics give everyday athletic shorts a low-cost option.
Website: fruit.com |Brands like Fruit of the Loom
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
Peter Millar
Tailored golf shorts with luxury fabrics sit at a higher price point.
Website: petermillar.com |Brands like Peter Millar
Popularity 2.1/10
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9
Bella + Canvas
Bella + Canvas makes blank apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, polos, hoodies, fleece and tri-blend garments in popular colours. The blanks are sold to designers, manufacturers and screen printers who add their own graphics and text. Many people buy...
Website: bellacanvas.com |Brands like Bella + Canvas
Popularity 2.1/10
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10
Champion
Jersey gym shorts with 11-inch inseams and two pockets are a classic pick.
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Reebok
Fleece and embroidered logos give Reebok's training shorts a retro gym look.
Website: reebok.com |Brands like Reebok
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
FootJoy
FootJoy's golf shorts come in stretch twill with moisture control, sold alongside its golf shoes.
Website: footjoy.com |Brands like FootJoy
Popularity 1.7/10
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13
Hanes
Mesh sport shorts with pockets and 9-inch inseams are affordable gym basics.
Website: hanes.com |Brands like Hanes
Popularity 1.7/10
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14
Next Level
Cotton-poly blanks and triblends are popular with decorators for team and fan wear.
Website: nextlevel.ws |Brands like Next Level
Popularity 1.7/10
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15
Jordan
Jumpman-logo shorts and fleece carry basketball style into streetwear.
Website: jordan.com |Brands like Jordan
Popularity 1.7/10
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16
PUMA
Lightweight stretch woven shorts are popular with football and training teams.
Website: us.puma.com |Brands like PUMA
Popularity 1.6/10
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17
Columbia
Omni-Shade sun protection and Omni-Freeze cooling panels set its hiking shorts apart on rough trails and river crossings.
Popularity 1.6/10
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18
Travis Mathew
Relaxed golf and lifestyle shorts with a Southern California look suit work-to-weekend wear.
Website: travismathew.com |Brands like Travis Mathew
Popularity 1.6/10
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19
Pro Club
Heavyweight mesh basketball shorts run up to 5XL, suiting bigger builds.
Top products: Heavyweight Mesh Basketball Shorts
Website: shopproclub.com |Brands like Pro Club
Popularity 1.5/10
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20
Athleta
Women's training shorts and leggings focus on performance fabrics with a fitted feel.
Website: athleta.gap.com |Brands like Athleta
Popularity 1.4/10
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21
Callaway
Stretch golf shorts built for swing movement, with a clean course look.
Website: callawaygolf.com |Brands like Callaway
Popularity 1.3/10
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22
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...
Website: a4apparel.co.uk |Brands like A4
Popularity 1.3/10
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23
The North Face
Trail and climbing shorts with durable woven fabric suit rugged outdoor use.
Website: thenorthface.com |Brands like The North Face
Popularity 1.3/10
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24
Ralph Lauren
Polo-branded cotton and performance shorts lean toward preppy styling.
Website: ralphlauren.com |Brands like Ralph Lauren
Popularity 1.2/10
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25
Greg Norman
Golf shorts from the Greg Norman apparel line sit alongside its golf and lifestyle wear.
Popularity 1.2/10
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26
Patagonia
Recycled-polyester trail shorts built for climbing and water, backed by repairs.
Website: patagonia.com |Brands like Patagonia
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | gildan.com | /GildanOnline | gildanonline | – | – |
| Nike | nike.com | – | – | – | – |
| adidas | adidas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Under armour | underarmour.com | /UnderArmour | underarmour | @UnderArmour | underarmour |
| Lululemon | shop.lululemon.com | /lululemon | lululemon | @lululemon | – |
| Sport-Tek | sporttekusa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Fruit of the Loom | fruit.com | /FruitoftheLoom | fruitoftheloom | @FruitOfTheLoom | fruitoftheloom |
| Peter Millar | petermillar.com | – | – | – | – |
| Bella + Canvas | bellacanvas.com | /bellaclothing | bellacanvas | @BellaCanvasLA | BELLA CANVAS |
Sports Shorts Buying Guide
Sports shorts are essential activewear for any athlete, whether for running, basketball, or football. Choosing the right sports shorts can significantly impact your performance and comfort during exercise. With a variety of brands, styles, and materials available, it can be challenging to determine which sports shorts best suits your needs.
In this buying guide, we'll explore the essential factors to consider when purchasing sports shorts, including fit, material, style, and additional features.
Fit
The fit of sports shorts is crucial for adequate support, freedom of movement, and comfort. Sports shorts should fit snugly but not be too tight or too loose. Here are some factors to consider when determining the correct fit for your sports shorts:
Length
The length of sports shorts can significantly impact your performance and comfort. Longer shorts tend to provide more moisture-wicking properties and chafe protection on your thighs. On the other hand, shorter shorts provide more freedom of movement and breathability in hot weather.
Waistband
The waistband of sports shorts should fit comfortably around your waist without slipping or causing discomfort. Elastic waistbands are the most common, but some sports shorts have a drawstring to adjust the fit. A drawstring can provide more customization, but be mindful of a drawstring that causes discomfort when tied too tightly.
Crotch Fit
The crotch area of sports shorts should fit comfortably without chafing or causing discomfort. Sports shorts with a built-in liner or compression shorts can provide additional support and prevent chafing.
Leg Openings
The leg openings of sports shorts should fit comfortably around your thighs without causing discomfort. A leg opening that is too tight can cause discomfort and restrict movement, while a loose leg opening can lead to chafing.
Material
The material of sports shorts can directly impact your comfort and performance. Here are some typical materials used for sports shorts:
Cotton
Cotton is a durable and breathable material, making it an excellent option for sports shorts. However, cotton is not moisture-wicking, meaning it can trap sweat and cause discomfort during intense exercise.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it a popular choice for sports shorts. Polyester can also be blended with other materials to enhance their properties.
Spandex/ Lycra
Spandex or Lycra is a stretchy material that allows for more freedom of movement and a better fit. Spandex or Lycra is commonly blended with other materials, such as polyester or nylon, to enhance their properties.
Style
The style of sports shorts is a matter of personal preference, but there are some standard styles available.
Running Shorts
Running shorts are typically shorter in length and provide more freedom of movement. Running shorts may also have additional features, such as built-in liner or pockets for storage.
Basketball Shorts
Basketball shorts tend to be longer in length and looser fitting. Basketball shorts may also have additional features, such as pockets or large logos or designs for team identification.
Compression Shorts
Compression shorts can be worn alone or as an underlayer for additional support and improved circulation. Compression shorts are form-fitting and compressive, providing muscle support during exercise.
Additional Features
Additional features of sports shorts can enhance their performance and functionality.
Pockets
Sports shorts with pockets can provide convenient storage for your phone, keys, or other items during exercise.
Built-in Liner
Sports shorts with a built-in liner can provide support and prevent chafing during exercise. Built-in liners are typically made of moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry and comfortable.
Moisture-wicking Properties
Sports shorts with moisture-wicking properties can help evaporate sweat and keep you dry and comfortable during exercise.
Reflective Details
Sports shorts with reflective details can provide additional visibility during low-light conditions, such as running at night or early morning.
Conclusion
Sports shorts are a critical piece of activewear, and choosing the right sports shorts can significantly impact your performance and comfort during exercise. Consider factors such as fit, material, style, and additional features when selecting sports shorts. With the vast availability of sports shorts on the market, finding the right sports shorts for your needs may require some trial and error, but investing in high-quality sports shorts can improve your athletic performance, comfort, and enjoyment of exercise.
