Finding the perfect pair of running shorts can be tricky. Running shorts offer us even more choices than running leggings<\/a> when it comes to fit, material, length and features. If you\u2019ve tried running in shorts before and found they rode up or you felt too self-conscious, you might have more luck with a different style.<\/p>\n We put our expert panel of testers to work. They\u2019ve tried out every different style and type to find the best shorts for women on the market right now.<\/p>\n Read on for our guide to how to find the perfect shorts, and our testers\u2019 reviews, or jump to them directly below:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The first port of call is deciding what kind of fit you want. There are generally two options in women\u2019s running shorts: skin-tight, like leggings, or loose, like jogging bottoms.<\/p>\n Skin-tight shorts usually offer more options in terms of leg length, while loose shorts tend to offer more features, such as interior liners. Other than that, fit is entirely down to personal choice and how they feel when you run.<\/p>\n The material your shorts are made out of will depend on the fit. Skin-tight shorts are usually a bit thicker, to keep any VPLs (or other visible bits) at bay. They usually have elastane or some other stretchy fabric, which keeps them in place and offers a more supportive fit. To find the right pair, you might want to consider opting for a similar material make-up to your favourite pair of running leggings.<\/p>\n Loose shorts often use lighter, softer fabric \u2013 which is especially important when it comes to chafing. They may be better for warmer runs as they offer more airflow, and are less heavy.<\/p>\n Running shorts tend to come in two different leg lengths: short (3-4 inches) and long (5-8 inches). Often this choice is based on personal style preference. It\u2019s important to also think about the dreaded chafe. Where the shorts sit on our thighs can make all the difference \u2013 think about where they might rub when you try them on.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n You might not have even considered this question when thinking about buying running shorts, but it can really affect how comfortable they are. Shorts with seams are usually more structured and may offer more support, which can be welcome when we feel as though we\u2019re baring all. However, seams can sometimes get in the way and may affect how the shorts fit, especially around the crotch and legs. Seamless shorts are again useful for preventing chafing, as there are no seams to rub against the legs.<\/p>\n Interior liners are more common in loose-fitting running shorts. They act as an in-built pair of underwear. Usually they\u2019re made of material that\u2019s designed to sit comfortably next to our most delicate parts, and normally they offer sweat-wicking properties. They\u2019re a really great option if you\u2019re never quite sure what underwear to wear for running. As they\u2019re sewn in, they also prevent friction between underwear and shorts, which reduces awkward bunching or rolling.<\/p>\n Tight-fitting running shorts sometimes offer leg grippers. They\u2019re a little rubber strip that sits around the bottom hem of the shorts, and stops the legs from rolling up. We think they\u2019re great for keeping everything where it\u2019s supposed to be, but some people find it annoying as they run, so best to try the shorts out for yourself and decide which you prefer.<\/p>\n We\u2019d be remiss if we didn\u2019t talk about pockets! For us, pockets are a must \u2013 especially on hot days, where we don\u2019t want to add an extra running belt layer. Both styles of running shorts often offer a pocket, and this is usually zipped and at the back, just like leggings.<\/p>\n The important thing is to check the size before you buy, as they are often smaller than their leggings counterparts. The other thing to think about is how heavy the pocket will be after you\u2019ve added your kit. Loose-fitting shorts may well sag or fall down if you\u2019ve got too much weight in there, so consider skin-tight leggings if you need to carry a lot.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Once you\u2019ve decided on your perfect shorts blueprint, it\u2019s time to shop. Here are our testers\u2019 all-time favourite shorts\u2026<\/p>\n The North Face Summit Pacesetter 3\u2033 shorts technical details<\/strong><\/p>\n Material: recycled polyester, polyester stretch woven with LIGHTRANGE\u2122, FlashDry\u2122 and Non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (Non-PFC DWR) finish. Image: Laura Fountain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n What our tester said<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of buzz about these shorts recently after Princess Kate wore them while doing the National Three Peaks Challenge last week. Now I\u2019m not royalty, but there\u2019s a lot to like about these shorts as a regular runner, too. For those, like me, who love a pocket or two, there\u2019s a mesh drop-in pocket that spans most of the waistband, making it ideal for storing gels and other small items. The remainder of the rear waistband is occupied by a secure zipped pocket, giving you virtually 360-degree storage around the waist. That zipped pocket was also large enough to accommodate my phone.<\/p>\n The fabric is lightweight and well ventilated, helping to maximise cooling on warmer runs, and there\u2019s a built-in brief underneath that provides coverage without feeling overly tight.<\/p>\n They were comfortable to run in, and all my essentials stayed securely in place throughout. I would have liked a loop or strap on the back for carrying a T-shirt or lightweight layer. Overall, though, they\u2019re a practical and comfortable option for training and racing alike.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Gymshark Running 2-in-1 shorts technical details<\/strong><\/p>\n Material: 78% nylon, 22 elastane (inner short), 87% recycled polyester, 13% elastane (outer short). What our tester said<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThese shorts were clearly made with comfort in mind. You get the best of both worlds: the snug inner short allows the sweat-wicking tech to keep you dry, while the outer short is lightweight and breathable. The shorts sit high-waisted for added comfort, and they also have a reliable drawcord for an even more secure fit. You can count on these to stay put while running, and I noticed that they stopped chafing thanks to the inner lining. Great quality and stylish \u2013 I highly recommend them!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n lululemon Hotty Hot shorts technical details<\/strong><\/p>\n Material: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane (body), 89% polyester, 11% Lycra elastane (liner) What our tester said<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThese shorts are iconic for a reason! I have been living in them ever since they arrived and can\u2019t get over how comfortable they are. It feels like you\u2019re not wearing anything! The inner liner is soft and fits well, so no need for pants. Nothing rode up or chafed as I ran, and they\u2019re really flattering too. I love that they have a zipped pocket, but it\u2019s only really big enough for a key or a gel, which was the only minus. That being said, it\u2019s rare to have a pocket at all in lightweight shorts like these so I\u2019m not too mad about it!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Material: Main fabric: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane. Lining: 86% polyester, 14% elastane What our tester said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI was really impressed by the Oner AirMove\u2122 Lined Shorts 2\u201d. They\u2019re made from the same buttery soft material as the matching jacket<\/a>, with none of that plasticky feel you sometimes get in running gear. I love that they\u2019re lined with internal knickers too; it gives that extra bit of security and peace of mind when you\u2019re out running.<\/p>\n The fabric is ultra-lightweight with plenty of stretch, so you don\u2019t have to keep adjusting them as you move. The elasticated mid-rise waistband and internal drawcord help them fit perfectly and stay put, even on longer runs. They come in seven colours, from classic neutrals to bold, poppy neons, which adds a bit of fun to your running kit. The brighter shades are especially great for the darker months when you want a touch of visibility without resorting to a clunky high-vis layer.<\/p>\nHow to choose the perfect pair of women\u2019s running shorts<\/h2>\n
Fit<\/h3>\n
Material<\/h3>\n
Leg length<\/h3>\n
Seams vs seamless<\/h3>\n
What are interior liners?<\/h3>\n
Do I need leg grippers?<\/h3>\n
Pockets<\/h3>\n
Our pick of the best women\u2019s running shorts<\/h2>\n
Best for royalty: The North Face Summit Pacesetter 3\u2033 Shorts
(as worn by Kate Middleton!)<\/h3>\n
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Special features: water-repellent & reflective
RRP: \u00a365<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.womensrunning.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-North-Face-Summit-Pacesette-322-shorts-as-seen-on-Kate-Middleton-414x365.jpg\"\/)
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.womensrunning.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-North-Face-Summit-Pacesette-322-shorts-as-seen-on-Kate-Middleton-414x365.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest value: Gymshark 2-in-1 Running Shorts<\/h3>\n
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Special features: inner and outer short
RRP: \u00a335<\/p>\nBest shorter length: lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Short 4\u2033<\/h3>\n
Sizes: UK4 \u2013 UK24
Special features: small zipped pocket in leg, stash pocket in liner
RRP: \u00a348<\/p>\nBest investment shorts: Oner AirMove\u2122 Lined Shorts<\/h3>\n
![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn.affilizz.com\/__s__\/images\/contents\/69022db8c262d4812382eda5\/1db1473c-223f-4d60-a8ec-3de7a6096ebd.jpeg\"\/)
![\"Product](\"https:\/\/cdn.affilizz.com\/__s__\/images\/contents\/69022db8c262d4812382eda5\/1db1473c-223f-4d60-a8ec-3de7a6096ebd.jpeg\")
from \u00a350.00 at Oner Active Global<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/affilizz-rendering-component>Oner AirMove\u2122 Lined Shorts 2\u2033 technical details<\/strong><\/p>\n
Sizes: XS-XXL
Special features: Internal knickers, available in two lengths for different coverage options
RRP: \u00a350<\/p>\n