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The Best Yoga Shorts for Men, Tested

It’s not a stretch to say it: shorts are the most important article of clothing for your practice.

collage of three yoga shorts Reigning Champ, Roark, Ten Thousand

By Tanner Bowden and Ben Emminger

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Yoga doesn’t call for a plethora of gear and equipment. Sure, you can upgrade your setup with worthwhile yoga blocks or grippy yoga socks, but the must-have items are kept to a minimum — in reality, all you need for an efficient flow is a trusty mat and well-fitting apparel.

But similar to differences in premium and shoddy yoga mats, having the right clothing for free-flowing progress is vital. Shorts designed for yoga practices have some key qualities that can turn any flow into a more enjoyable experience.

Products in the Guide

  • Vuori Kore Short

    BEST OVERALL YOGA SHORTS

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  • Lululemon Balancer Short 6-Inch Everlux

    BEST UPGRADE YOGA SHORTS

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  • Anthem Athletics Solstice Yoga Short

    BEST BUDGET YOGA SHORTS

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  • Alo Yoga 9-Inch Warrior Compression Short

    BEST COMPRESSION YOGA SHORTS

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  • Reigning Champ Lightweight 10-Inch Terry Shorts

    BEST YOGA SHORTS FOR LOUNGING

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  • Yoga Crow Swerve Short

    MOST FLEXIBLE YOGA SHORTS

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What to Look for in Yoga Shorts

Just as there’s specialized shorts for running and training, there’s plenty of shorts designed for the yoga mat. When looking for that perfect pair to complement your pranayama, consider the following factors.

Breathability and Moisture Management

While yoga can be an elegant workout, it can also be intense. Especially in specialized classes like hot yoga, you’re bound to work up a sweat, and that can lead to some uncomfortable vibes down yonder. Look for yoga shorts that are breathable and also offer some moisture-wicking capabilities. This can keep you cool, calm and collected as you switch from pose to pose.

Flexibility and Support

In yoga, you’re not going to be in a static position for long. To make your poses flow easier, you want a short that’s looser fitting than, say, your gym shorts. This can help keep your range of motion at peak levels while also providing enough coverage across your lower body.

Additionally, you want to feel supported in practice, so it can be wise to either search for yoga shorts with built-in liners, or pair your bottoms with a well-to-do pair of compression shorts. These base layers provide excellent coverage and a snug sense of stability across your muscles without overstepping on constriction.

Comfort

The last factor to consider when choosing yoga shorts is probably the most obvious. To achieve the proper mindset when practicing, you want to be comfortable, and bunched up shorts or ill-fitting bottoms aren’t the best for these needs. Pay close attention to size charts and fabrics to find the right pair that suits your taste. Whether you enjoy the mid-thigh lay of a shorter inseam or desire a longer short for added coverage, there’s a pair out there for everyone.

Lined vs. Unlined Yoga Shorts

The point of a liner is to keep everything in place so you’re not showing off too much thigh when getting into the thick of a flow. Many of the shorts in this roundup feature a built-in liner for premium comfort and coverage, but we’ve also included some linerless picks to suit all needs. We’re partial to the lined category for our taste, but there is something fun about pairing a well-built linerless short with your go-to compression short for an added zest of personalization. Whichever camp you stretch into, you’re sure to find a proper pair in this roundup.

How We Tested

Pros

  • Ultra-stretch fabric provides plenty of flexibility and feels soft on the skin

Cons

  • Pockets nearly extend to the bottom hem and can protrude at times
  • Materials: 46% Recycled Polyester, 44% Polyester, 10% Elastane
  • Inseam: 7.5”

Not too tight. Downright comfortable. A slew of colorways and inseams to choose from. What more could you want from the always-impressive Kore Short from Vuori? We found no snags across our yoga sessions in these shorts, and always appreciate the soft, lightweight coziness of the boxer-brief liner. These shorts even have convenient side pockets for storage in-between flows, but they are a little deep and can even poke out of the bottom hems if weighed down with a smartphone or other heavy essential.

Pros

  • Fast-drying Everlux fabric easily wicks sweat and provides a cool feeling inside

Cons

  • Price is steep, especially for a linerless short
  • Materials: Body: 79% Nylon, 21% Lycra Elastane
  • Inseam: 6”

Sweat marks be damned with these linerless beauties from Lululemon. We tested the 6-inch Balancer Short in a handful of hot yoga sessions and were surprised at how easily the Everlux fabric wicks away moisture yet still retains that cool interior feel. Plus, the elastic-free waistband lays cozily across your midsection, taking that bulky, bunched up fit out of the equation. If you can stomach paying over $80 for yoga shorts, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bottom that’s more comfortable and flexible than these ready-to-flow shorts.

man wearing yoga shortsAmazon

BEST BUDGET YOGA SHORTS

Anthem Athletics Solstice Yoga Short

Pros

  • Slim-fit, 100% Spandex profile hugs the thigh nicely without feeling too constrictive

Cons

  • Waistband is thicker than other options
  • Materials: 100% Performance Poly-Spandex
  • Inseam: 7”

Premium yoga apparel doesn’t need to cloud your mind with expensive price tags. Designed specifically for yoga practices, the Solstice Short from Anthem Athletics features a Spandex profile that moves easily with you as you transition into your favorite pose. We like that the Solstice is available in either 5- or 7-inch inseams for added variety, as well. While some might find the thicker waistband to be a distraction, these cost-effective bottoms are worth a test-run, or three.

Pros

  • Exceptional mobility that’s unhindered by excess fabric

Cons

  • Only available in a black colorway
  • Materials: High Stretch Nylon Jersey
  • Inseam: 9”

For athletes that favor a sleeker look for yoga, you cannot go wrong with the Warrior Compression Shorts from Alo Yoga. These bottoms boast a 9-inch inseam that provides plenty of coverage, and we also appreciate the comfortable waistband and easy-to-adjust drawstring. Plus, these yoga shorts are plenty mobile and showcase a fantastic range of motion despite the more constrictive silhouette. Unfortunately, though, you’ll need to readjust your wardrobe if you favor a vibrant color scheme. These compression shorts, as impressive as they may be, are only available in black.

Pros

  • 10-inch inseam provides premium coverage, especially for taller athletes

Cons

  • Lightweight terry material is cozy on the skin but lacks the flexibility of others in this roundup
  • Materials: 100% Cotton
  • Inseam: 10”

We love these shorts for slow-paced sessions on the mat and relaxing afternoons after training. The Lightweight Terry Shorts from Reigning Champ feature a 10-inch inseam that provides excellent coverage across the quads, even for athletes standing 6 feet and taller. Plus, the rib waistband sits comfortably across the midsection without losing its placement, so there’s no fear of losing your shorts mid-flow. Naturally, though, these sweat shorts do have a limit to their performance — terry fabric doesn’t have the same range of motion as other performance-laden profiles. For this reason, we recommend saving these shorts for yoga sessions where you know you won’t be stretching into your utmost limits.

Pros

  • Unique Nylon and Polyester Performance Blend seamlessly moves with you throughout your sessions

Cons

  • Excessive sweat can begin to weigh these yoga shorts down
  • Materials: Nylon/Polyester Blend
  • Inseam: 7″–8.25” (depending on size)

As the brand states, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill yoga shorts. The Swerve Short from Yoga Crow boasts a unique Nylon and Polyester Performance Blend that works with your sessions and moves effortlessly with each stretch. We also like the added antimicrobial treatment to the boxer-brief liner, allowing these shorts to be worn multiple times before a required wash. While they can begin to collect sweat, and thus weight, during more intense sessions, we never lose focus when in the flow state thanks to these ultra-flexible bottoms.

Pros

  • Performance-woven fabric easily wicks away moisture for sweat-free practice

Cons

  • Internal drawstring can feel uncomfortable for some, especially when knotted
  • Materials: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
  • Inseam: 7”

It’s tough to feel uncomfortable in these impressive shorts from Alo Yoga. Not only is the performance-woven fabric light and airy, but the moisture-wicking nature of the textile is prime for keeping your lower body sweat free. We also enjoy the lay-flat waistband that keeps these shorts upright without any experienced ride-up or jostling. Sure, the internal drawcord can begin to rub on some athletes, especially when tied in a knot, but if you’re looking to keep your sessions as featherweight and breathable as possible, look no further.

mens yoga shortsRhone

BEST LINERLESS YOGA SHORTS

Rhone 7-Inch Mako Tech Short — Unlined

Pros

  • Gusseted seams promote better mobility

Cons

  • DWR finish can help deter sweat, but limits breathability in the long run
  • Materials: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
  • Inseam: 7”

While many of the included yoga shorts in this list feature a lined silhouette, there’s still something to be said about linerless options, and in our opinion, the best of the bunch is Rhone’s 7-Inch Mako Tech Short. We particularly enjoy these shorts in outdoor yoga sessions, in part due to the DWR finish that promotes water resistance. Convenient storage features like a mesh media pocket on the right leg and zippered stash pocket on the left also allow us to easily tote our small essentials around in-between routines. Just be mindful of that previously-mentioned DWR finish. It can be great for keeping moisture out, but isn’t the most breathable feature.

Pros

  • Elastic melange waistband feels like it’s barely there

Cons

  • 10-inch inseam might be too long for some athletes
  • Materials: 87% Recycled Polyester, 13% Elastane
  • Inseam: 10”

For maximum short coverage, you want to look at longer inseams that sit just above or directly at the knee. The Super Mojo IIs from Prana feature a whopping 10-inch inseam that provides plenty of lightweight, durable coverage, albeit in a linerless silhouette. The recycled Polyester blend is plenty comfortable, but the real calling card is the Super Mojo II’s drawcord-free, elastic melange waistband. This support system sits plush against the skin and practically disappears when in a flow. Is a long short for everyone? No, but if this is your desired style, look no further.

Pros

  • Relaxed fit is great for range of motion and effortless transitions

Cons

  • DWR finish can make for sweatier conditions during hot yoga sessions
  • Materials: Repreve Recycled Polyester
  • Inseam: 8”

When you wear these premium Serrano 2.0 Shorts from Roark, you’ll need to look down every once in a while to reassure yourself that you’re fully clothed. Seriously, we love the lightweight nature of the Repreve recycled polyester, and the relaxed fit pairs perfectly to the four-way stretch for ample range of motion. Be cautious, however, in wearing these during hot yoga sessions. We found that the DWR finish, while excellent for other disciplines like trail running, can leave your nether regions sweating more often than not. The airy, relaxed fit can help subside some of the moisture, but it’s not an absolute fix.

Pros

  • 124 GSM weight shell is very lightweight for running, yoga and cardio enthusiasts

Cons

  • Those wanting a longer inseam should look elsewhere
  • Materials: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex
  • Inseam: 7” (other inseam lengths available)

If you want to wear your yoga shorts beyond the mat, we recommend these Session Shorts from Ten Thousand. A companion to the brand’s Interval Shorts, one of our favorite silhouettes for in-gym workouts, these bottoms boast a featherweight 124 GSM outer shell and can come equipped with or without a liner. Plus, the waistband is perforated to add some breathability to the already airy build. Unfortunately, those wanting extended coverage may be left with little options. The Session Short is only available in 5- and 7-inch cuts.

Pros

  • Zippered slant pockets keep your essentials stored safely

Cons

  • Solotex Mesh isn’t as flexible as other, lighter fabrics in this guide
  • Materials: 100% Polyester
  • Inseam: 6”

Naturally, shorts can set off your outfit whether taking on a new pose or strolling to a new eatery with friends. These 6-inch Solotex Mesh shorts can be prime for either occasion thanks to their impressive colorways and cozy, stylish performance fabric. We also appreciate Reigning Champ’s inclusion of zippers at the side pockets, which helps keep our valuables safe and secure during warrior pose and errand running alike. While the Solotex Mesh is stretchy enough for wear in yoga, though, it does have a limit, so those wanting a bottom that can facilitate deep stretches and unlimited range of motion may want to choose a more dedicated silhouette for practice.

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