When you’re charging through a few miles, the last thing you want to do is to have to pull your shorts down because the legs constantly ride up to crotch-level...or dig the fabric out of your derriere because the material is sliding up your butt crack. (And then do that over and over again…)
Can you say distraction? If you’re doing speed-work training for a race, you definitely don’t want to slow down to tug your shorts down. If you’re going on a light and breezy five miler, you don’t want the disturbance of ill-fitting shorts; your workout was supposed to be fun and stress-relieving, after all. And if you’re planning on hitting the weight room after hopping off the treadmill, wardrobe malfunctions can easily crush your motivation.
Finding the right shorts to exercise in is a big deal—it can actually make or break your workout. That’s why we consulted four on-top-of-their-game trainers for their favorite picks for shorts that won’t ride up when you get moving. They considered everything that matters when making their choices, including material, fit, and waistband. Some have built-in undies that up the comfort level (and, hey, convenience, too), while others are made out of a compression-style material. Considering the sheer number of workout shorts our experts own—they’ve tried everything—you can be sure that they know their stuff.
Want to get right to the goods? Check out these eight must-haves. Then slip on a pair and get to it. You were born to own this workout.
BCG Women’s Laser Cut Running Short
“They are comfortable, don’t ride up, and sit in the right place on my hips,” says celebrity fitness trainer Erin Oprea, author of The 4 x 4 Diet. Oprea, who owns about 60 pairs of workout shorts, also likes how the underwear aren’t too loose or too tight—and don’t travel anywhere they shouldn’t.
Buy it: $15, academy.com
Oakley Women’s Crunch & Burn 2.0 Training Shorts
“Thanks to the pull-on waistband, they stay on and feel very secure on your hips,” says Monika Franeczek, personal trainer and business director at Chitown Trainer. She adds that her clients especially love wearing them while doing sprints—and the shorts can even stand up to high-knee drills without moving.
Buy it: starting at $35, amazon.com
Related: This Is How The Fittest People On Earth REALLY Work Out
Nike Tempo Shorts
These are also great for their stay-put built-in underwear, says Oprea. The Dri-Fit material and side mesh panels also keep you cool and comfortable throughout the sweatiest of runs. You’ll also love the built-in key pocket to stash your music. One tip: “I roll the waistband for the perfect length,” says Oprea.
Buy it: $30, ladyfootlocker.com
Blast fat & work your butt with this circuit workout:
Athleta Stealth Shortie
The high rise makes these compression shorts. If you’re intermixing your running with HIIT, these stay on even while doing burpees, says Franeczek. “The short hugs the body, and because they’re high waisted, I feel comfortable pairing them with a sports bra,” she says. Bonus: The smoothing waistband won’t create any awkward bulges.
Buy it: $59, athleta.com
Related: 'I Did 30 Burpees Every Day For 15 Days—Here’s What Happened'
Athleta Ready Set Go Short
Another Athleta pick, Dallas-based personal trainer Jessica Davis loves these because of the lightweight material, multiple lengths available, and the wide waistband that keeps them from twisting around so they stay comfortable at all times. Plus, she adds, Athleta has an awesome return policy—if you're not satisfied post-sweat, you can bring these shorts back—so why not try them out?
Buy it: $49, athleta.com
(Dance your way fit with High-Intensity Dance Cardio, the first-ever socanomics DVD!)
Lululemon Speed Short
These make Franeczek’s short list because they’re made with an extremely light fabric and thin liner that keeps them in place, making them perfect for long distance running and other cardio workouts, she says. The zippered back pocket fits her keys, cards, and other essentials, and they come in 16 super-cute colors.
Buy it: $58, lululemon.com
Adidas Ultra Energy Short
Designed with a baggier shell with a tight short lining, they don’t move, which is why Melody Scharff, a personal trainer at the Fhitting Room in New York City, loves them. With a three-inch inseam, “these are pretty short, but since the lining stays put, I feel great doing HIIT in them,” she says.
Buy it: $60, backcountry.com
Related: 5 Women Share Exactly How They Totally Transformed Their Butts
Nike Pro
At three inches, these show off just the right amount of leg. Davis admits to owning 20 different pairs of these because the fabric is minimal and tight (they have a compression fit) to keep everything in, especially while ripping out leg exercises. “It’s tight enough that it also holds its shape for a long time without wearing down,” she says.
Buy it: $28, nike.com
