How long are basketball shorts

Men’s Workout Shorts: How Long They Should Be Based on Activity

October 06, 2020

If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember gym shorts. Most guys had a pair or two of these nostalgic training shorts in their drawer, leftovers from high school or college, or maybe their team sport shorts from their days with their recreational soccer team. But like many things, specialization has entered the world of workout shorts. There are men’s workout shorts for just about every activity now, each sporting unique features to help optimize them for the task at hand, such as moisture wicking capabilities or reinforced drawstrings. 

There's a myriad of ways to stay active and stay in shape. Running and cycling can build your aerobic engine, while strength training, yoga, and high-intensity interval training can develop and tone your muscles and core, contributing to better posture and mechanics, plus helping your body with the effects of aging. Sports like basketball, soccer, or golf also offer great opportunities for friendly competition and socialization.  

Whatever sports you participate in, you want to be sure that you’ve got the right sportswear to make the most out of your efforts. Proper activewear will make it easier for you to move, and they’ll keep you comfortable and cool while you do so. 

When you’re putting together your sportswear ensemble, the training shorts you choose are an important part of the equation. 

As the old saying goes, “form follows function.” The cut of your men’s workout shorts, specifically how long your workout short inseam is, will depend a lot upon the requirements of the activity you’re pursuing and the specific sport. Let’s consider a few factors that go into determining how long your shorts should be, and why. 

• Workouts that require a consistent aerobic effort, like running or soccer, should be as light as possible, so longer inseam lengths can add weight and be a hindrance, which is why best sellers in this category are lightweight and moisture-wicking, also known as "dri fit. " 
• If your activity involves a lot of movement like yoga and crossfit, you’ll want shorts that provide coverage when you’re doing activities like squats and yoga poses. Compression shorts are best sellers here, both in men's training shorts and women's shorts and leggings, particularly because of the flexibility that most compression shorts and activewear has to offer.  
• If your idea of cross-training involves heading out with the boys after hitting the gym, choose shorts with conservative inseams that will look good when you pair them up with a casual polo or other pieces of outerwear. Even hoodies can look good with a pair of men's gym shorts with the right quality and style. 

Functionality is only part of the story when determining the right length for workout shorts. Different sports have different traditions and looks, so while there’s nothing to stop you from wearing basketball shorts to the golf links, you’ll find that actual golf shorts will function much more effectively in that environment. Let’s examine some common sports and see what lengths fit which activities best. 

Whether you’re a serious runner or a Sunday morning jogger, a good pair of men's running shorts can make a big difference. Running shorts are made from lightweight synthetic materials and often have specific design features, like hidden key pockets in the waistband and built-in liners that optimize their functionality and breathability. 

You’ll find a lot of variation in running short inseams, but if you’re serious about performance, shorter is better. 4 or 6-inch inseams offer plenty of freedom of movement and reduce the weight of your shorts so you can get the most out of your daily run. You can also go with longer inseams if you desire a little more modesty. An 8 or 10-inch inseam will give you extra coverage, which can be nice when the weather turns a bit colder, too. 

For the ultimate high-intensity workout, you don’t want shorts that will bog you down. But, if your shorts are too short, they might not provide the coverage you (and your fellow members) want. 

Slim-cut shorts made from high-performance fabrics are just the ticket for tackling your workout of the day. Our recommendation: go for a 10-inch inseam for cross-training shorts. That’s short enough that they won’t slow you down, but long enough for excellent coverage during your burpees, planks, and crunches. 

While women's yoga gear, particularly leggings, have a seemingly unlimited market, it’s tough to find well-cut yoga clothes if you’re a guy. So, the default is often to throw on whatever pair of jersey shorts and t-shirt you have handy. 

This is of course, not always ideal. Short running shorts may leave you a bit more exposed than you like when doing downward dog, while longer basketball shorts don’t offer all the freedom of movement you’d like. Your best bet is somewhere between the two extremes. Look for shorts with an 8 to 10-inch inseam, and be sure that they incorporate some spandex or other stretchy material so you can concentrate on moving smoothly into your pose, not how your shorts are clinging to you. Again, as mentioned, compression shorts are a pretty popular choice, especially for the big & tall yogis who may need a little extra cling. 

Basketball short lengths have seen more rises and falls than the stock market. Check out some old-school footage of Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlin and you may blush at their short sport shorts. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and baggy shorts hanging below the knee were the ideal of men's shorts, not only in men's sportswear, but even in cargo shorts and jeans! 

Today, the consensus seems to have settled on around 11 inches for basketball shorts. Shorts that end just above the knee combine good coverage and freedom of movement. You’ll usually pair basketball shorts with compression underwear, so go for shorts without built-in liners. It's also worth it to look for a good drawstring with a solid end, as drawstrings are notorious for disappearing in the wash for men's shorts of any style!

Lightweight and breathable are the two key adjectives to look for when buying soccer shorts. You don’t want heavy fabrics and sweat holding you back when you’re sprinting for a through ball. 

When you’re going full-tilt on the pitch or sliding for a tackle, you want to be sure you stay covered down below. So, short inseams you’ll find with running shorts aren’t going to be ideal. Likewise, baggy basketball shorts are just going to slow you down. Over time, the ideal inseam length for soccer shorts has settled in at right around 7 inches, though you can find longer or shorter options if you do a little searching, especially among new arrivals as shorter shorts come back into style. 

Hiking shorts should combine coverage to protect your legs from sun and the occasional briar patch with a high degree of freedom of movement, especially if you’re tackling rough trails and the possibility of a little rock scrambling. Look for extras like durable fabrics and pockets when shopping for hiking shorts. Although cargo shorts have been the long-standing go-to for hiking, men's training shorts have come a long way and can offer comparable performance to that old pair of trusty camo cargo shorts at the bottom of your drawer.  

Many hiking-specific shorts offer optional lengths. Go with a shorter 8” inseam if you desire the most freedom of movement. If you want a little more coverage and skin protection, check out shorts with 10 or 12-inch inseams. 

Whether your idea of strength training is HIIT or pumping iron, the athletic shorts you wear should be able to let you move with comfort while still providing the coverage you need when you’re repping a set of squats. Since you’ll probably want to wear compression underwear underneath, shy away from shorts with built-in liners. 

Shop for shorts that are lightweight and breathable, plus with a touch of spandex to make it easy to move. Willy California’s 301 Workout Shorts are a great example. And the length? Go for an 8 or 10-inch inseam to hit the sweet spot. That allows for plenty of freedom of movement when the going gets tough. 

Not all cycling is done in skintight lycra. If you’re hitting the local bike path or double track, more conventional men's workout shorts are a good option. They’ll provide plenty of coverage and usually provide pockets to stash your keys and wallet. 

To get the right blend of function and utility, look for shorts with a 9-inch inseam, and shop for extras like a removable padded insert and zippered pockets, too. 

Golf shorts may not look much different than your standard casual shorts, but they’re designed to tackle some of the challenges a round of golf presents. Look for shorts that are cut with a 10-inch inseam, so they pair well with a polo.

How about some other specs and features? Good golf shorts should be made from synthetic blends that are moisture wicking and incorporate stretch into the fabric and waistband. Look for handy pockets for holding your scorecard, tees, and extra ball too. 

What about those days when you’ve got a busy schedule? Walk the dog, hit the gym, then stop at the local coffee shop — you probably don’t want to wear three different pairs of shorts.  

Your go-to should be a good pair of shorts with a 10-inch inseam, made from a synthetic blend, and incorporating some convenient pockets. Willy California’s best selling 303 Runaround Shorts are a great example. A good pair of gym shorts are often better for much more than just the gym!

As we’ve seen, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for the right style and right length of men's training shorts. 

High-quality men's athletic workout shorts are great for your time in the gym, but they’re also great for so many other activities. Cut to the right length, they’ll work great and look good, both in the gym and outside of it, and it'll be no wonder why they're a best seller. If paired with a sharp-looking top or even a nice t-shirt, you’ll find that what you thought were just another pair of men's training shorts can be an integral part of your wardrobe, both in the gym and beyond.

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How Long Your Athletic Shorts Should Be, Based On Your Sport

When it comes to shopping for athletic shorts, you might be searching for the quickest, most efficient way to get what you need and get to the gym real fast, no questions asked.

In your haste, you're most likely not weighing the benefits of lined vs. unlined or 7-inch vs. 11-inch inseams while you're shopping.

It used to be that "many brands only offered one length, which was usually a 7-inch [inseam]," Cassandra Campa, CEO and Founder of Next Level Wardrobe in New York City, says. "Fast forward and just about all men’s brands are now carrying a variety of lengths."

Why? It turns out that length actually matters in terms of where you’ll be wearing your shorts and what type of activity you intend to use them for.

This is exactly what to keep in mind while short shopping so you don’t need to worry about showing up on the golf course in a pair of shorts you’d wear on a basketball court.

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Running

In general, the number one thing to consider is the type of workout you’re doing, and the shorter the short, the more fast-paced your activity should be, Campa explains.

So, for running, you want to avoid shorts that are really long because you will have a lot of extra fabric getting in the way of your distance.

“I recommend a 4-inch short for runners because they have less fabric that will get in the way of your workout and will keep you cool,” she says.

That said, don’t use these for all workouts.

“You definitely don’t want to be doing squats or CrossFit in these since they are shorter and you would risk a tear in the back or showing off more than what you would like,” Campa advises.

A 3-4-inch short for running has its perks: it’s great for reducing chafing and, with pockets, the lightweight fabric helps to stash any belongings, like keys and a phone.

“Brands like Nike and Lululemon carry these shorts and you can search for them by looking for 4-inch shorts in an online filter or asking in store,” she says.

Her top picks include Nike AeroSwift 2-in-1 and Adidas Supernova Shorts, both of which have liners.

Adidas Supernova Split Shorts

Now 12% Off

Shop at ADIDAS

Nike AeroSwift 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Now 13% Off

Shop at Nike

Lululemon Surge Short

Shop at Lululemon

Liner can be great for exercise, as it keeps your goods in place. A liner resembles a boxer brief compression short, so if your shorts ride up during your workout, you will see those shorts instead of your underwear, which is preferable.

Strength Training, Golf, and Casual Swimming

The 9-inch short used to be a very popular length, but as men got more comfortable wearing shorter lengths, the appeal started to die down, she explains.

“I recommend the 9-inch short for guys doing activities such as strength training and golf," Campa says. "Because you have a healthy amount of fabric on these shorts and they will hit right above the knee, you will have the most coverage with this length."

These shorts generally have the same perks of other shorts as well. They’re comfortable with lightweight fabric, sweat-wicking properties, and plenty of pockets for storage.

Lululemon T.H.E. Short

BUY IT HERE

Nike Elite Basketball Shorts

BUY IT HERE

ASICS Everyday Shorts

BUY IT HERE

She likes the Lululemon T.H.E Short with a liner and the Vuori Banks Short, which comes without a liner and works especially well for swimming.

Basketball and Lounging

You probably wear these shorts while on the basketball court or during Netflix binge-watching at home.

“The 11-inch short is more of a basketball short length," Campa says. "These are definitely the roomiest and most comfortable short of them all, so it is important for them to fit you properly at the waist to avoid a sloppy look. "

Unfortunately, there is a downside. They aren’t really made of true performance material, which means the fabric may not wick sweat, stretch effectively, or have the proper ventilation you’d need during a workout (so yes, it might get a bit steamy down there).

AE Varsity Basketball Short

Now 60% Off

Shop at American Eagle

Nike Dri-FIT Men's 11

Shop at Nike

Under Armour Basketball Shorts

BUY IT HERE

“Nike does the best version of these longer inseam shorts with plenty of colors to choose from and these usually come with no liner (since they are longer),” Campa says.

Any Activity

If you need a closet staple or a “go anywhere” type of short, you’ll want to choose a 7-inch pair. “This length is the best selling length for many men’s performance brands,” Campa says.

Why? It’s that perfect in-between length for most heights, so it's not too long and not too short. You can avoid excess fabric and the risk of showing too much leg. The 7-inch short usually hits above the knee.

“A 7-inch length is also the one short length that you will get the most wear out of, no matter what activity, so it is the highest ROI length. You can wear them for running errands, strength training, cardio, or even yoga,” she says.

Almost all brands carry this length so they’re really easy to find. “[Many brands] also feature comfortable and lightweight fabric, and it will wick your sweat at the same time,” she adds.

Lululemon Pace Breaker Short

BUY IT HERE

Nike Challenger Shorts

Shop at Nike

Patagonia Strider Running Shorts

Shop at Patagonia

She loves both the lined and unlined versions of the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short as well as the Ten Thousand Foundation Short, which comes with a liner.

It's up to you. Choose accordingly. That's the long and short of it.

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Isadora Baum

Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com. 

Slamdunk Journal :: Sports shorts: what to look for

Which sports shorts are right for you.

Which sports shorts are right for you.

What to look for when choosing shorts in the first place?

There are so many different options for shorts in the collections of sports brands today, so choosing at first can be difficult. The first thing to think about when choosing men's or women's shorts is the destination.

Most sports shorts for fitness are form-fitting. They are wrinkle-free and made with flat seams, which minimizes discomfort during training. These shorts are made from elastic and hypoallergenic synthetic materials.

The ideal shorts for basketball opposite - as loose and light as possible. It is from this simple element of a sports wardrobe that the maneuverability of an athlete when dribbling depends. Too tight or form-fitting may restrict the movement of the leg muscles, which is not acceptable for the player.

Both men's and women's basketball shorts have the same cut: narrow elasticated waist with wide legs. Unlike fitness shorts, they don't have to be too short and don't have pockets. The optimal length is just below the knee. So the fabric covers the heated ligaments and joints of the legs, protecting them from sudden cooling. When choosing basketball shorts, it is permissible to take a model one size larger, which cannot be done when choosing tight and even more so compression underwear.

Material matters: what else to look for when choosing?

When choosing shorts and sportswear, we often come across a lot of obscure names: Dri-FIT, StayWarm, HyperCool and others. All this is the name of materials production technologies.

Most modern sports shorts are made from high-tech synthetic fibers. And these innovative materials have many significant advantages over natural fabrics, such as those that absorb sweat well, stick to the body and become heavier because of this, causing discomfort.

Modern synthetic materials such as polyester, microfiber, elastane, viscose and others are lighter and more comfortable for sports. In addition, they provide better breathability, maintain the temperature of muscles and ligaments, and accelerate the evaporation of sweat, which ensures comfort during training. An important advantage is that modern sports synthetics have high strength, retain color and good condition after many washes, and clothes made from such materials do not stretch, shrink or change shape, which is also an argument in its favor.

How to choose basketball shorts for children?

The choice of sportswear for children is practically no different from the choice of clothing for adults, but there are a few nuances that are worth paying attention to.

The first one is hypoallergenic. Children's skin is more sensitive to materials. Natural fabrics can cause allergies with prolonged and intense contact. The form of modern synthetic materials does not cause such an unpleasant reaction of the body.

The second important quality is softness. Things should be pleasant to the touch and should not rub or cause irritation during prolonged intense contact. Properly sized synthetic shorts for basketball or fitness are devoid of such unpleasant disadvantages.

The most popular materials for children's sports shorts are false mesh, microfiber and polyester fiber based fabrics.

When choosing a material, cut and manufacturer, remember that shorts, like sportswear, are not only an element of style, but also an important part of a comfortable, enjoyable and productive workout.

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How to choose the right basketball shorts?

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Basketball is an active and exciting game. It is played not only by professionals, but also by amateur teams in the yards, in schools in physical education classes, in sports sections. How comfortable and safe the game will be for each participant depends on the quality of the form. Last but not least is the choice of basketball shorts. This piece of equipment should be comfortable, not restricting movement, but also recognizable. Let's figure out what to look for when buying shorts.

Basic shape characteristics

• Material

Basketball shorts are made from soft synthetic fabrics. They are elastic, durable, resistant to repeated washings. Special synthetics pass air and water vapor well, providing natural ventilation and maintaining the athlete's body temperature at a comfortable level.

• Length

Shorts must reach the knee or be slightly longer. These pants do not ride up while running and jumping and protect the athlete's legs from abrasions during a fall. Shorts below the knee have a more aesthetic appearance than short models.

• Size

Basketball uniform is 1 size larger than casual wear. It should fit freely to the body without constriction and restriction of movement. In a spacious form, it is more convenient to drive the ball through the legs, to lunge and jerk. To keep the shorts from falling off, a wide elastic band is inserted into the waistband.

• Fit

New uniforms must be tried on before the start of the match. Shorts must be loose around the entire perimeter. It is important that they do not ride up during active running, do not rub at the seams and do not slip. Put on your uniform and do a few game maneuvers, or better, do a workout to evaluate the fit of the clothes.

• Lining

Basketball models are the only ones without special lining. To protect muscles from hypothermia, professional athletes use elastic underpants. They fit snugly to the body, have almost no seams and do not rub, unlike the lining. Special underwear removes moisture from the skin and retains muscle warmth.

Fabrics for basketball shorts

• FALSE MESH

Special sports fabric FALSE NET has a fine mesh structure. The cells are oval, made with a protective weave. A distinctive feature of the fabric is its ability to transmit moisture and air vapor, so the mesh is used as ventilation inserts in the side seams of shorts. The material is soft, very elastic, durable, resistant to wear. Machine washable.

• OLIMP

Fine mesh fabric, round mesh. OLYMP inserts provide good ventilation and make the shape comfortable for intensive training and matches.

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