Activewear The 10 Best Yoga Shorts for Men of 2023 The Lululemon Pace Breaker Shorts will keep you cool and comfortable By Israel Fontoura Israel Fontoura Israel assisted in producing commerce content for Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind that helps consumers make informed decisions. Outside of work, he can be found exploring unfamiliar places or taking pictures of food. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 18, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Whether you’re working on your core strength or participating in a hot yoga session, the right pair of yoga shorts can make a huge difference in your workout. If you sweat a lot in your practice, look for shorts that are lightweight and absorbent. Another factor to consider is compression versus looseness. “They should be just tight enough to keep everything in its place but not so tight to restrict your range of motion or be uncomfortable in yoga postures,” says Jared Foote, a registered yoga teacher based in Koh Samui, Thailand. To compile our list, we put yoga shorts to the test in yoga, cardio, and strength training workouts as well as interviewed yoga instructors and read product reviews. We evaluated the yoga shorts for men based on material, fit, technical quality, moisture-wicking ability, and style. A certified yoga instructor from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy and how to evaluate yoga shorts for men. Here are the best yoga shorts for men on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Performance Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hot Yoga: Nike Yoga Dri-FIT Shorts at Dick's Jump to Review Best Compression: Alo Warrior Compression Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Comfort: Nike Infinalon Yoga Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Everyday Wear: Alo Triumph Short at Aloyoga.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Nike 2-in-1 Shorts at Nike.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Adidas Primeblue Yoga Shorts at Adidas.com Jump to Review Best for Agility: Manduka Agility Short at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Long: YOGA CROW Men's Swerve Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Lululemon Pace Breaker Short 5 Lululemon View On Lululemon Our Ratings Materials 5/5 Fit 5/5 Technical Quality 5/5 Moisture Wicking 5/5 Style 5/5 Pros Lightweight Moisture-wicking Variety of sizes and styles Cons Expensive Our best overall yoga shorts check all of our boxes—they're high-quality, extremely comfortable, lightweight, and stretchy, as one would expect from a brand famous for their superior leggings. We found they’re excellent for sweat-inducing workouts that require lots of movement which why we selected them as our best overall pick. Plus, the soft material doesn’t compromise their moisture-wicking ability. Other notable features include the zippered pockets, which work great to keep your belongings intact. What the Experts Say: “I look for shorts that fit perfectly around my waist so I don’t need to tie them. I look for the right length, not short shorts and not too long. I look for no zippers, and front pockets are a must. Also most importantly no underwear liners,” says Peter Bartesch, yoga teacher and fitness instructor based in the San Francisco Bay area. The shorts are linerless but they’re still constructed to support your body in every way. If you need more support, the gentle drawstring is comfortable and kept us from constantly having to adjust them. One of the standout features of these shorts is their stylish appearance, which made us feel confident when stepping outside or heading to the gym for a workout. Price at time of publication: $68 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseams: 5-, 7-, and 9- inch options Best Budget Amazon Essentials Men's Loose-Fit Performance Shorts, 2 Pack 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Materials 3/5 Fit 3/5 Technical Quality 3/5 Moisture Wicking 3/5 Style 3/5 Pros Lightweight Affordable Variety of colors Cons Runs slightly large A bit transparent These shorts are a good option for those looking for a no-frills, basic short. One of the great perks is that for the price of one, you get two pairs. The shorts are a good option for almost any workout, from weight lifting to cardio. But for yoga specifically, we found that they felt a little baggier than we would have liked—resembling basketball shorts. The material was a bit more mesh-like than we would prefer, and the shorts were fairly transparent—something to note if you plan to wear them at a studio or when running errands, and not just for a home workout. But this pair is still a great option if you're willing to sacrifice a little quality for a whole lot of affordability. Price at time of publication: $22 Key Specs:Material: Polyester | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 8 inches Best for Hot Yoga Nike Yoga Dri-FIT Shorts Nike View On Dick's View On Nike.com Pros Wide variety of sizes Moisture-wicking Comfortable Cons Expensive Slightly long Designed specifically for yoga, the Nike Yoga Dri-FIT is made with stretchy material that won't restrict your movement. They're lightweight and breathable, which allows for more airflow during hot yoga classes. And thanks to an adjustable drawstring, you can tailor them to fit your body so they won't slide up or down. The longer style that sits mid-thigh is also great for men who want a little more coverage. Other features include a small pocket on the right side of the shorts and deep pockets that can hold your phone, wallet, and keys. In addition to a versatile fit, Nike crafts these shorts with at least 75 percent recycled polyester fibers for a comfortable, flexible, and eco-friendly feel. Price at time of publication: $58 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S-4XL | Inseam: 9 inches The 18 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Compression Alo Warrior Compression Shorts 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Materials 5/5 Fit 5/5 Technical Quality 5/5 Moisture Wicking 5/5 Style 5/5 Pros Super comfortable Contours to body Allows for mobility Cons Slightly long Only available in black If you're looking for a classic compression short, the ALO Warrior Compression Short features a sleek look that won't compromise comfort. Even though it contoured to our body, we didn’t feel restricted even while doing complicated poses. The shorts have a comfortable waistband with a hidden, adjustable drawstring to ensure a perfect fit every time. And despite the high level of compression thanks to the spandex blend material, we found that they didn't cause overheating or bunching. In public, you can either wear them alone or with shorts layered on top. Price at time of publication: $68 for Jet Black Key Specs:Material: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 8.5 inches Best for Comfort Nike Infinalon Yoga Dri-FIT Shorts Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comfortable Flexible Soft material Cons Only one pocket Some compression shorts are designed to give you a skin-tight feel, but these ones from Nike are made with ultra-soft material that makes them great for lounging or working out. While comfortable, they still feature enough compression to keep them from bunching or sliding around when you move. A secure elastic waistband with an internal drawcord also helps them stay in place. If you don't like to carry a bag, you need to note that the shorts only have one pocket so they're not great for storing essentials on your body. Thankfully, the lightweight material makes them easy to wear under other shorts if need be. Key Specs:Material: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam: 11 inches The 9 Best Sweatpants of 2023 Best for Everyday Wear Alo Triumph Short Courtesy: Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com Pros Zippered pockets Stylish Cons Slightly baggy Versatile and great for any body type, these ALO Triumph Shorts are a classic option for lounging, yoga, or your go-to gym workout. They're crafted with a medium-weight tri-blend rib which offers both comfort and breathability. But thanks to the drawstring waist and customized fit, they have a relaxed fit that doesn't look baggy. Two zippered pockets on the front of the shorts are great for holding a wallet, keys, and more. They also come in three neutral colors to fit your style preferences. Price at time of publication: $78 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, cotton, and rayon | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 8 inches Best Splurge Nike Men's 2-in-1 Shorts 5 Nike View On Nike.com Our Ratings Materials 5/5 Fit 5/5 Technical Quality 5/5 Moisture Wicking 5/5 Style 5/5 Pros Moisture-wicking Zippered pockets Stylish Cons Expensive Snug liner These multi-layer shorts combine the best of comfort and style. They include a compressive inner layer that feels smooth while offering moderate compression. Additionally, there's an outer layer that's loose, breathable, and looks more like classic gym shorts. A hidden pocket is helpful for holding small items. We found that they fit smoothly around the thigh area, and we appreciate the shorter style as it provides a full range of mobility. Crafted with Nike's Dri-FIT technology, they're also designed to keep you dry from your first pose to your last. Price at time of publication: $75 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S-4XL | Inseam: 7 inches 9 Best Yoga Blocks to Add Support to Your Practice Best Lightweight Adidas Primeblue Always Om Yoga Shorts 4.2 Adidas View On Adidas.com View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Materials 4/5 Fit 3/5 Technical Quality 5/5 Moisture Wicking 4/5 Style 4/5 Pros Breathable Allows for mobility Cons No pockets Slightly itchy With a loose fit and cut-outs on the bottom, these shorts are breathable and incredibly lightweight, making them great to wear for a variety of fitness activities, from yoga to striding on elliptical machines. We felt comfortable wearing them during our workout. Additionally, they're great for lounging thanks to the soft cotton and polyester blend material. The cotton also helps them absorb moisture during high-intensity workouts. The elastic waistband includes a drawcord that keeps them in place as you move. On the downside, we found that the fit was slightly baggy—making the cut-outs on the bottom look like wings instead of lying flat. Price at time of publication: $45 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, cotton | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 8 inches The 9 Best Yoga Pants for Men of 2023 for Comfort and Fit Best for Agility Manduka Agility Short Manduka View On Backcountry.com View On Manduka.com View On REI Pros Lightweight Stretchy material Cons Expensive The athletic fit of these shorts makes them great for any type of workout in addition to yoga, such as stability training on balance boards. Lightweight and moisture-wicking, they dry quickly and keep you cool as you move thanks to the breathable, polyester blend fabric. The waistband sits comfortably on your waistline so there's no need to constantly adjust during your practice. And while the four-way stretch material doesn't provide much compression, it keeps them stretchy and non-restrictive. Other notable features include a faux fly and secure pockets at the side seams. Price at time of publication: $65 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 9 inches 7 Best Workout Shorts That Look and Feel Amazing Best Long YOGA CROW Men's Swerve Shorts Amazon View On Amazon View On Yogacrow.com Pros Inner drawstring Doesn’t bunch up Cons Thicker material Loose pockets Breathable and flexible, these shorts allow free movement with ease thanks to the nylon and polyester blend fabric. They have a built-in mesh liner that offers support, and since they're thicker than some other options, they're great for anyone in need of strong compression. Anti-microbial technology also fights bacteria to keep them smelling fresh. The skin-tight design means you don't have to constantly adjust them since they don't fall down or bunch up. Plus, yogis love that these shorts are a little more conservative due to the longer inseam and above-the-knee length. Price at time of publication: $60 Key Specs:Material: Polyester, nylon | Sizes: XS-L | Inseam: 7 inches Final Verdict The best yoga shorts for men are breathable, stretchy, and comfortable, which is why we recommend the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short 9" Linerless (view at Lululemon). These shorts pair a classic look with an elevated feel, supporting your body with every movement and position. If you’re looking for compression, the sleek and supportive ALO Warrior Compression Shorts (view at Amazon) are a great option. They contour to the body without overheating and their soft material won’t bunch up. How We Rated the Yoga Shorts for Men 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best yoga shorts for men we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These yoga shorts for men are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great yoga shorts for men, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These yoga shorts for men are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend yoga shorts for men with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested the Yoga Shorts for Men To round up the best yoga shorts for men on the market, we tested five pairs of men’s yoga shorts to see how they performed in key areas including comfort, material, style, sweat-wicking ability, and compression. Over two weeks, we spent about an hour with each pair of shorts going through various workouts including cardio, yoga, and strength training. Before the workout, we noted each short’s fit and style, based on how it looked and felt. Throughout the test, our tester paid special attention to how each pair of shorts wicked moisture while exercising and how well they stretched to allow for comfortable movement during each yoga pose or exercise. We also rated each pair of shorts for “overall value,” a subjective score that weighs all the other attributes (material; fit; technical quality; moisture-wicking ability; and style) against the price of the shorts. If a pair of shorts scored highly on all attributes but was significantly more expensive than the other shorts we tested, we did not give it a perfect score of five out of five for overall value. Additionally, we consulted with these yoga instructors for their expert opinions: Jared Foote, MTS, CPFT, certified yoga instructor based in Koh Samui, Thailand Peter Bartesch, CPT, yoga teacher and fitness instructor based in the San Francisco Bay area Sam Gach, NASM-CPT, certified yoga instructor and fitness coach based in Los Angeles What to Look for in Yoga Shorts for Men Style Yoga can be done anywhere with minimal equipment, but a good pair of yoga shorts will make you feel and look your best during your practice. When it comes to style, the most important factors to look out for are length and compression. Some guys don’t mind knee-length shorts while others feel more comfortable with a higher seam. As for compression, some prefer to keep it loose while some like to keep everything in place. However long, short, loose, or tight you prefer, make sure to keep those in mind when shopping. Comfort Practicing yoga takes a lot of mental and physical focus and your shorts shouldn’t distract you. When shopping for yoga shorts, one thing to look for is liner vs linerless shorts. Liner is built-in underwear in shorts, but sometimes the liner can be itchy or snug, depending on the material. "I look for a combination of comfort, style, quality, and a good fit," says Sam Gach. "Personally, I like shorts that have a liner," he adds. Material Like all workouts, yoga can get sweaty—especially hot yoga. Choosing the right material for yoga shorts is as important as choosing the right one for workout underwear. Fabrics like polyester are likely to be comfortable and wick moisture while cotton will absorb it and might show sweat stains. Also, some materials are warmer than others, like nylon and spandex which are usually found in compression shorts. Frequently Asked Questions Are basketball shorts okay for yoga? Even though he doesn’t prefer it, Sam Gach says they're okay to use for your practice. “If basketball shorts float your boat and allow you to move well and feel good, then go for it.” Basketball shorts are looser and longer in length than traditional yoga shorts, and some men might be more comfortable in shorts that can be worn for multiple activities. How tight should yoga shorts be? “This comes down to personal preference. I believe people should wear what makes them feel good. Some people like them tight, some like them loose,” Gach says.Jared Foote notes that shorts should be just tight enough to keep everything in its place but not so tight that they restrict your range of motion when trying to do yoga postures. How short should yoga shorts be? The length of your shorts is completely up to your preference. Some men might prefer a shorter length to give their glutes and thighs room to breathe, especially during hot yoga. Length is not likely to affect your agility but shorter styles could be less distracting when holding a pose. Why Trust Verywell Fit Israel Fontoura is a writer specializing in health and passionate about fitness. He has researched and tested fitness apparel and is always on the lookout for the best products on the market and understands how they can make a difference in a workout. He received his master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit