Best Striped Mens Athletic Shorts in 2026

You are mid-way through a heavy basketball drill or a long distance run when that sticky, heavy feeling of sweat-soaked fabric usually sets in. These Real Essentials mesh shorts are designed specifically to prevent that discomfort by utilizing a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that pulls dampness away from your skin. The 9-inch inseam offers a loose, stretchy fit that ensures you won't feel restricted during explosive lateral movements on the court or deep squats at the gym. I particularly like the inclusion of functional pockets for your essentials and the adjustable drawstring waist for a customized fit. Getting a five-pack of these means you can rotate through your gym rotation easily without constantly worrying about laundry day.

The lightweight, moisture-absorbing fabric feels instantly cool against your skin the moment you step onto the pitch. These adidas Tastigo 19 shorts are designed for athletes who need to stay dry during high-intensity drills or competitive matches. I found the regular fit to be the sweet spot for movement, offering enough room to sprint without feeling baggy or restrictive. The integrated drawcord allows for a precise, secure fit around the waist, which is essential when you're making sudden lateral cuts. It is also rewarding to know that these shorts are crafted with recycled content, aligning your performance gear with a commitment to reducing plastic waste. At a very accessible price point, they serve as a reliable staple for any soccer kit.

The adidas 3g Speed X Shorts are a top-tier choice for basketball players who demand a streamlined, performance-driven fit. During testing, the modern cut stood out immediately, sitting close to the body to prevent excess fabric from interfering with quick lateral movements on the court. The AEROREADY technology actually performs as promised, effectively absorbing moisture to keep you feeling dry even during high-intensity drills. Because the fabric is incredibly lightweight and breathable, you won't feel weighed down by sweat as the game progresses. Having front pockets is a thoughtful addition for quick storage between sets, making these versatile enough for both competitive play and casual gym sessions. They strike that perfect balance between technical athletic gear and everyday comfort.

Most gym-goers settle for heavy, sweat-soaked cotton that clings to the skin, but these adidas Designed 2 Move shorts offer a much smarter alternative for high-intensity sessions. I found the regular fit to be the sweet spot for movement, providing enough room to squat without feeling baggy or restrictive. The AEROREADY technology actually does its job, pulling moisture away so you aren't dealing with that uncomfortable dampness halfway through a workout. I also really appreciated the inclusion of side zip pockets. It is a small detail that makes a huge difference when you need to secure your essentials during a run. Plus, knowing they are crafted from Primeblue recycled ocean plastic makes the performance feel even better.

Can a simple pair of lounge shorts actually bridge the gap between gym readiness and weekend relaxation? These adidas 3-Stripes French terry shorts prove that you can have both without sacrificing style. The regular fit is the real hero here, hitting that sweet spot where it feels substantial without being overly baggy. I found the elastic waist and drawcord combo incredibly reliable for an adjustable, secure fit during movement. The slip-in pockets are perfectly placed for quick storage, and knowing the cotton supports sustainable farming adds a layer of satisfaction to the purchase.

Most athletic gear feels like a compromise between style and mobility, but these adidas Designed 2 Move shorts bridge that gap perfectly. The Pulse Blue colorway is striking, offering a fresh aesthetic that stands out during a workout or a casual weekend hang. I found that the classic three-stripe design keeps them looking timeless rather than trendy. At this price point, you are getting a reliable piece of performance apparel that doesn't feel flimsy. They are lightweight enough to prevent overheating during intense movement, yet sturdy enough to handle regular laundering. Whether you are hitting the gym or just lounging, these shorts provide a dependable fit that honors the brand's athletic heritage.

Pudolla’s 2-in-1 running shorts offer a high-performance solution for athletes seeking a blend of mobility and security at a competitive price point. After testing the Black Camo design, the standout feature is clearly the dual-layer construction. The breathable compression lining provides excellent support and chafe-free protection, which is vital during high-intensity training. The upgraded fabric feels surprisingly lightweight and soft against the skin, preventing that heavy, sweat-soaked feeling. I was particularly impressed by the pocket layout, as the dedicated phone pocket keeps your device stable while the zippered back pocket secures essentials like keys or cards. With an adjustable elastic waistband and internal drawcord, these shorts stay firmly in place whether you are hiking or hitting the gym.

Every golfer who wants to stand out on the fairway and spark conversation at the 19th hole needs these Royal & Awesome Pars and Stripes shorts. They ditch the boring, plain khaki look for a bold, patriotic American flag design that actually feels functional rather than just a costume. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful design touches, like the dedicated tee loops and extra deep pockets that actually hold your gear. The cotton and spandex blend offers a soft touch with enough stretch to ensure your swing remains completely unrestricted. Plus, the inclusion of a complimentary golf tool and bottle opener is a genius move for anyone who treats the post-round social hour as seriously as the game itself.

The lightweight, high-grade elastic fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin from the very first wear. These JWJ 2-in-1 shorts are built for serious movement, utilizing a breathable, moisture-wicking material that stays dry even during intense gym sessions. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful pocket layout. The oblique side pockets follow your body's natural inertia, while the rear zipper pocket keeps your essentials secure. There is even a clever towel hook on the left rear to keep your hands free while training. Whether you are hitting the pavement for a run or playing a high-intensity game of basketball, the adjustable drawstring waistband ensures a perfect, non-restrictive fit that holds up through repeated washes without losing its shape.

Lazing on the sofa for a Sunday afternoon movie marathon requires a level of comfort that standard gym gear often misses. These adidas Originals shorts deliver exactly that through a soft French terry fabric that feels substantial yet breathable. The medium grey heather colorway keeps them looking sharp enough for a quick coffee run, while the regular fit strikes a perfect balance between being relaxed and staying structured. I particularly appreciated the front zip pockets, which provide much more security for your keys or phone than standard open pockets. With the adjustable drawcord at the waist, you can dial in the fit perfectly, making these a reliable staple for casual, everyday wear.

You are transitioning from a midday pool session to a casual boardwalk lunch without wanting to carry a change of clothes. These adidas 3-Stripes CLX shorts are built specifically for that kind of seamless movement. The PFC-free fabric dries incredibly fast, which prevents that heavy, soggy feeling after you climb out of the water. I really appreciate the inclusion of mesh inner briefs. They provide breathable coverage that feels much more secure than standard linerless options. The elastic waist and adjustable drawcord ensure a reliable fit, while the Primegreen recycled construction makes them a solid choice for environmentally conscious swimmers. They strike that perfect balance between classic athletic style and modern, functional performance.

Lacing up for a quick gym session or heading out for a casual weekend stroll becomes effortless with these classic tricot shorts. The iconic three-stripe aesthetic brings an immediate sense of athletic energy to your wardrobe, making them a reliable staple for anything from light training to lounging. I found the elastic waistband and integrated drawcord to be incredibly dependable, ensuring a secure fit that doesn't shift during movement. Having functional front pockets is a major plus for keeping small essentials close at hand without feeling bulky. At this price point, they deliver that unmistakable adidas quality and style that works just as well on the street as it does in the weight room.

After weeks of testing these in high-intensity interval training, the standout feature is clearly the thoughtful pocket architecture. Unlike standard gym gear, the oblique side pockets follow natural human movement, meaning your phone stays secure while you sprint. The high-grade elastic fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin, and the quick-drying, moisture-wicking material actually keeps up when you start to sweat heavily. I particularly appreciated the rear zipper pocket for small essentials and the clever towel hook on the left side, which is a total game-changer for gym sessions. The vibrant green color isn't just eye-catching. It feels energetic and holds its saturation well even after several washes. For under twenty dollars, these offer a level of functional detail usually reserved for much more expensive athletic brands.

Why settle for heavy, sweat-soaked fabric when you can train in something that actually breathes? These COOFANDY mesh shorts are a total game-changer for high-intensity sessions like bodybuilding or heavy squats. The stretch mesh fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin, but the real winner is the quick-dry technology that pulls moisture away the moment you start breaking a sweat. I found the elastic waistband and internal drawstring combo provides a really secure, customizable fit that stays put during explosive movements. Whether you are hitting the gym or just lounging during vacation, the two side seam pockets are perfect for keeping small essentials close. They transition easily from a heavy lifting session to casual everyday wear without looking out of place.

The soft, breathable touch of cotton meets high-performance engineering the moment you pull these on. These adidas Essentials shorts are built for the long haul, designed to transition from a morning workout to a relaxed afternoon without feeling heavy or restrictive. The regular fit provides plenty of room for movement, which is essential if you're active throughout the day. I particularly value the AEROREADY technology. It works effectively to absorb moisture, keeping you dry even when things heat up. With an adjustable drawcord waist for a custom fit and practical side pockets for your essentials, they strike a perfect balance between athletic utility and casual comfort. Plus, knowing the cotton is sourced through sustainable farming makes wearing them feel even better.

HEALONG Basketball Athletic Shorts deliver a nostalgic 90s aesthetic paired with serious performance capabilities. I was immediately struck by the thoughtful construction, specifically the double-layer mesh fabric that stays opaque even during high-intensity movements. The four-way stretch material combined with a ribbed, drawstring waistband ensures these shorts stay securely in place whether you are sprinting on the court or just lounging at home. The moisture-wicking inner lining is a game-changer for staying dry during heavy training sessions. I also found the deep side pockets to be incredibly practical, as they actually hold a smartphone securely without the risk of it sliding out during a workout. These are versatile, fashionable, and built for actual movement.

Chafing and constant readjustment during intense workouts are the primary enemies of a productive gym session, and these LRD 2-in-1 shorts are engineered to eliminate those distractions. The built-in compression liner is a massive upgrade over standard boxer briefs, providing a soft, breathable, and supportive fit that keeps everything in place without irritation. I found the 7-inch inseam hits that sweet spot for versatility, offering enough coverage for golf or fishing while maintaining a full range of motion for basketball or running. The lightweight polyester outer shell features 4-way stretch and quick-dry technology, making them ideal for high-intensity movement. Plus, the storage is actually thoughtful. The extra deep front pockets keep your phone secure, while the zippered back pocket ensures your wallet stays safe during heavy lifting.

It is easy to assume that budget-friendly athletic gear will fall short during a heavy training session, but these Soothfeel shorts actually deliver on their performance promises. The 7-inch inseam and split hem design provide a level of agility that is essential when you are transitioning from running to boxing or tennis. I was particularly impressed by the storage utility. The deep side zipper pocket keeps a phone secure, while the two front pockets are deep enough for essentials like a wallet. The fabric is incredibly lightweight and breathes well, wicking sweat away to prevent that heavy, damp feeling mid-workout. Plus, the adjustable drawstring allows you to tuck the cord inside if you prefer a cleaner, less bulky look around the waist.

Every gym-goer needs a reliable pair of go-to shorts that won't weigh them down during a heavy session. These adidas Essentials 3-Stripe Shorts deliver exactly that with a lightweight feel that makes them perfect for high-intensity training or just lounging around the house. The regular fit provides enough room for movement without feeling baggy, while the elastic waist and integrated drawcord ensure they stay securely in place when you're on the move. I particularly like the inclusion of front pockets for quick storage, and the 10-inch inseam offers a classic, comfortable coverage level. At this price point, they are an absolute staple for anyone building a functional athletic wardrobe.

Excessive heat buildup during high-intensity training is the primary enemy of any serious athlete, and these Nike Dry Hertha II shorts are designed to fight back. The thin, breathable material feels incredibly lightweight against the skin, which is essential when you are pushing through a heavy session. I particularly noticed the mesh speed stripes along the sides. They provide excellent ventilation exactly where you need it most to stay cool. Keep in mind that these feature a slim fit that sits quite snug against the legs, so you might want to consider sizing up for a more comfortable feel. Since they lack pockets, they are a streamlined, distraction-free choice specifically for football players who need to focus on movement without extra bulk getting in the way.