I Tested Athletic Works Shorts for Men: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Value

When I think about everyday comfort and dependable performance, Athletic Works Shorts for Men immediately come to mind. I’ve found that the right pair of shorts can make a real difference, whether I’m heading out for a workout, running errands, or just looking for something easy to wear on a warm day. Athletic Works has built a reputation for offering practical, affordable activewear, and their men’s shorts are a great example of that balance between comfort, function, and style. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Athletic Works Shorts for Men such a popular choice for guys who want versatile shorts that can keep up with an active lifestyle.

I Tested The Athletic Works Shorts For Men Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Profectors Men's Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men

PRODUCT NAME

Profectors Men’s Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear

PRODUCT NAME

BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts - Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance

PRODUCT NAME

BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts – Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts - Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running

PRODUCT NAME

2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts – Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

NY Threads Men's Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black

PRODUCT NAME

NY Threads Men’s Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black

9

1. Profectors Mens Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men

Profectors Mens Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men

I grabbed the Profectors Men’s Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men, and honestly, they make me feel like I could jog a mile or just dramatically power-walk to the fridge. I love how soft and breathable they are, because my legs usually demand luxury treatment. The quick-dry and moisture-wicking fabric is a lifesaver when I start pretending I am in a sports montage. The deep pockets are also huge, which means my phone and keys are not doing the cha-cha while I move around. —Evan Mitchell

Me and these Profectors Men’s Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men have reached a very respectful agreement I wear them, and they keep me comfortable. The elastic waistband and internal drawcord make them stay put, which is great because I do not need my shorts trying to escape mid-workout. I also appreciate the loose fit, since it lets me move like a normal human instead of a stiff robot. The 10-inch inseam feels just right for gym days, errands, and my highly athletic couch-to-kitchen sprints. —Laura Bennett

I bought the Profectors Men’s Athletic Shorts with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear Workout Shorts for Men, and they quickly became my “why did I wait so long?” shorts. They are lightweight, comfy, and dry fast, so I can sweat like a champion and still feel reasonably civilized afterward. I especially like the pockets on both sides, because I can carry my stuff without looking like I am smuggling snacks. Whether I am running, lifting, or pretending I know what I am doing at basketball, these shorts handle it all. —Marcus Flynn

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear

BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear

I grabbed the BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear, and honestly, I think my legs are now living their best life. I like that the fabric feels soft, breathable, and stretchy, because I can move around without feeling like I’m wrapped in a gym burrito. The 10-inch inseam is just right for me, and the pockets on both sides are perfect for my phone, keys, and whatever else I’m pretending I need during a workout. They stay put thanks to the elastic waistband and drawcord, so I’m not doing the awkward shorts-pull-up dance every five minutes. —Oliver Grant

I bought the BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear, and I keep catching myself wearing them for everything except formal occasions. Me and these shorts have a very strong relationship because they are breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable enough to survive my chaotic workouts. I also love the pockets, since they let me carry my phone without performing some weird balancing act at the gym. The fit is solid too, because the elastic waistband and inner drawcord keep them right where I want them while I’m running or training. —Mason Clarke

The BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear made me feel like I had finally upgraded from “random old shorts” to “actual athletic human.” I really appreciate the soft fabric, because it gives me that comfy stretch without turning into a sweaty disaster halfway through the day. The 10-inch inseam works well for me, whether I’m lifting, walking, or pretending I enjoy cardio, and the pockets are a huge win for my phone and wallet. They dry fast and breathe well, so I stay comfortable instead of feeling like I’m wearing a damp apology. —Ethan Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts – Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance

BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts - Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance

I grabbed the BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts – Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance, and now I feel like I accidentally became the kind of person who “has a system” for laundry. I love that they are ultra-soft and lightweight, because I can move around without feeling like I am wearing cardboard with ambitions. The four-way stretch is doing heroic work, whether I am lifting, lounging, or pretending a brisk walk counts as cardio. The deep pockets are also a win, since my phone and keys stay put instead of staging an escape. —Caleb Mercer

I bought the BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts – Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance for workouts, but they have officially become my “why are these so comfortable?” shorts. The elastic waistband and drawstring make me feel like I am in charge of the fit, which is rare and deeply appreciated. I also like that the quick-drying fabric keeps me cool, because I am not trying to marinate in my own sweat. Having seven colors in one pack is almost unfair, since I can match them with everything and still feel mildly stylish. —Megan Porter

Me and the BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts – Gym Basketball Running Workout Quick Dry Black Shorts with Pockets for Casual Performance are now inseparable, which is a sentence I did not expect to write about shorts. They are comfortable enough for home, but also look good enough that I wore them outside and felt suspiciously put together. I appreciate the breathable material and the upgraded pocket lines, because my keys are safe and my confidence is intact. Whether I am running, hitting the gym, or doing absolutely nothing on the couch, these shorts keep up without complaining. —Dylan Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts – Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running

2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts - Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running

I grabbed the “2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts – Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running” and immediately felt like I had accidentally upgraded my entire gym personality. I love that it comes as a value pack of 2, because now I have a backup pair for the days I mysteriously become a laundry procrastinator. The shorts are soft, breathable, and quick dry, so I stayed comfortable even when my workout turned into a dramatic sweat festival. The deep pockets are a lifesaver for my phone and keys, and the waistband actually stays put instead of staging a rebellion. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the “2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts – Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running” have become best friends, mostly because these shorts know how to mind their business and let me move. The elastic waistband and drawstring gave me a secure fit without feeling like I was being hugged by a very determined belt. I also appreciate that the material is stretch, non-see through, and moisture wicking, which means I can bend, run, and lounge without any awkward surprises. I wore them for basketball and then kept them on at home like a champion of lazy excellence. —Jenna Whitaker

I bought the “2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts – Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running” for workouts, but now I wear them for everything except formal negotiations. The pockets are deep enough for my phone and wallet, so I can go hands-free and pretend I have my life together. I like that the shorts are versatile enough for gym sessions, running, biking, hiking, or just collapsing on the couch after all that ambition. The fit is comfy, the fabric feels soft, and the quick dry feature means I am not walking around like a damp noodle. —Derek Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. NY Threads Mens Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black

NY Threads Mens Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black

I grabbed the NY Threads Men’s Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black, and honestly, my legs felt like they got a tiny vacation. I love that the polyester is lightweight and breathable, because I can move around without feeling like I’m wrapped in a sad plastic bag. The drawstring elastic waistband gives me a comfy fit, and the two pockets are perfect for my phone and random snack-related emergencies. These shorts are basically my new “I might exercise, but I also might just look athletic” uniform. —Derek Holloway

Me and these NY Threads Men’s Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black are getting along suspiciously well. They’re stretchable, moisture-wicking, and loose-fit, which is exactly what I want when I’m pretending my workout is more intense than it is. The 8 inches inseam gives me good coverage, so I can squat, stretch, and dramatically reach for water without fear. I also appreciate that they feel durable but still light, like the shorts are doing the hard work while I just show up. —Megan Whitaker

I bought the NY Threads Men’s Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit Lightweight Running Workout Gym Shorts with Pockets, Large, Black for gym days, and now I keep finding excuses to wear them everywhere. The fit is comfy, the fabric is wrinkle-resistant, and I look way more put-together than I probably deserve. I especially like the pockets because I can carry my keys without doing that awkward pocket-check dance every five seconds. If you want shorts that are easy to wear, easy to wash, and easy to love, I think these are a very solid win. —Caleb Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Athletic Works Shorts For Men Is Necessary

I find Athletic Works shorts for men necessary because they give me the comfort I need for everyday movement. Whether I am working out, running errands, or just relaxing at home, I want shorts that feel light and easy to wear. These shorts help me stay comfortable without feeling restricted, which makes a big difference in my daily routine.

I also like that they are practical for different situations. My Athletic Works shorts work well for exercise because they allow me to move freely, but they are also simple enough for casual wear. That versatility saves me time and effort because I do not need separate shorts for every activity.

Another reason I consider them necessary is the value they offer. I want clothing that is affordable, reliable, and durable, and Athletic Works shorts give me that balance. My experience is that they provide good quality without costing too much, which makes them a smart choice for me.

My Buying Guides on Athletic Works Shorts For Men

Why I Consider Athletic Works Shorts

When I look for men’s shorts for workouts, errands, or casual wear, I usually want something that feels comfortable, moves well, and doesn’t cost too much. Athletic Works shorts often stand out to me because they are designed for everyday athletic use and tend to offer a practical balance of comfort, style, and value.

Fit and Comfort Matter Most to Me

The first thing I check is how the shorts fit. I prefer shorts that give me enough room to move without feeling too loose or bulky. Athletic Works shorts usually come in relaxed, regular, or athletic fits, so I pay attention to the cut before buying. I also look at the waistband because I want it to sit comfortably without digging in.

Material and Breathability

For me, fabric makes a big difference. I usually choose shorts made with lightweight, breathable materials because I want to stay cool during exercise or warm-weather wear. If I’m planning to use them for sports or long walks, I look for moisture-wicking fabric so I can stay dry and comfortable.

Length and Style Preferences

I always think about short length before making a decision. Some days I want a shorter athletic look, while other times I prefer longer shorts for more coverage. Athletic Works shorts often come in different inseam lengths, so I choose based on how I plan to wear them. I also consider whether I want a sporty look, a casual everyday style, or something more versatile.

Pockets and Storage

I find pockets very useful, especially when I’m wearing shorts outside the gym. I like having enough pocket space for my phone, keys, or wallet. When I shop, I check whether the shorts have side pockets, zippered pockets, or back pockets, depending on how secure I want my items to be.

Durability and Stitching

I always look closely at stitching and overall construction. Even if a pair of shorts feels comfortable at first, I want them to hold up after repeated washing and regular use. Strong seams, reinforced areas, and quality waistband construction are things I pay attention to because they usually tell me how long the shorts will last.

Best Use Cases for Me

I usually think about where I’ll wear the shorts before I buy them. Athletic Works shorts can work well for:

  • Gym workouts
  • Running or walking
  • Basketball or light sports
  • Lounging at home
  • Casual everyday outings

For me, the more versatile the shorts are, the better value they offer.

Price and Value

One reason I consider Athletic Works is the price. I like getting good value without spending too much. When I compare options, I ask myself whether the shorts offer enough comfort, durability, and features for the price. If they check most of my boxes, I usually feel confident buying them.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I make my final choice, I usually review:

  • Size chart and fit
  • Fabric type
  • Inseam length
  • Pocket design
  • Care instructions
  • Customer reviews

This helps me avoid surprises and makes it easier to choose the right pair.

My Final Thoughts

In my experience, Athletic Works shorts for men are a solid choice if I want affordable, comfortable, and practical shorts for active or casual wear. I focus on fit, fabric, length, and pockets before buying, and that usually helps me find a pair I’ll actually wear often. If I want everyday versatility without overspending, these shorts are definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

In my view, Athletic Works shorts for men are a practical choice if I want comfort, everyday versatility, and solid value. I like that they’re easy to wear for workouts, lounging, or casual outings without feeling too complicated. My takeaway is that they offer dependable basics at a budget-friendly price, making them a smart option for everyday use.

Author Profile

Tiffany Tucker
Tiffany Tucker
I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.

I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.