Do you want shorts that won’t ride up and give you a wedgie? Female runners know that finding a suitable pair of running shorts can be a real hassle. Here you will find the 6 best running shorts for women that are actually comfortable to wear. Every brand has its own materials and construction, and knowing your size can be tricky. That’s why we found the absolute best running shorts for women and used them to create this easy-to-use purchasing guide. This is your one-stop resource for finding what you need… quickly.

A Few Things to Consider

  • Style. There 3 main styles of women’s running shorts. First looser shorts with a slit at the side. Second tighter compression shorts, and third 2 in one style with a combination of both. If you’re prone to chafing you may prefer a long pair of compression shorts.
  • Length: Running shorts come in sizes from 2 inches to 7inch or right above the knee. You can measure your leg to see what size you would like best. I personally like 4 inches for running.
  • Construction. Your garment should be well constructed no matter what style you choose. Look for minimal seams to reduce the chance of chafing. Decide whether you want pockets and if so what size. Also, some running shorts come with an added brief, the ones listed below do not show a panty line and are wedgy proof.
  • Material. Exercise clothing comes in a variety of materials you should avoid cotton blends as it absorbs your sweat and will keep you wet, look for nylon and polyester. The best running shorts are made from moisture-wicking breathable material.

Top 10 Running Shorts for Women Comparison

ShortsMain FeaturesOur Score 
Top pickshorts rohillRonhill Women’s Infinity Marathon Twin Shorts
  • Large Pockets
  • Lightweight Material
4.6
4.6/5 Stars
nike womens shortsNike Women’s Dri-fit Tempo Track 3.5
  • Fabric is lightweight breathable
  • Internal draw cord for a personalized fit
4.6
4.6/5 Stars
cw-x shortsCW-X Women’s Muscle Support Endurance Pro
  • Very Supportive
  • Comfortable flat seams
  • Reduce swelling
4.6
4.6/5 Stars
running shortsCRZ YOGA Quick-Dry Loose Running Shorts 4″
  • Breezy lightweight material
  • Comfortable built in brief
  • Reflective strip
4.5
4.5/5 Stars
brooks shortsBrooks Women’s Chaser 7″
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Built in comfortable brief liner
  • Waist band stays in place
4.5
4.5/5 Stars
UA ShortsUnder Armour Women’s Fly By 2.0
  • Light and airy
  • Comfortable waist band
4.5
4.5/5 Stars

Top 3 Best Running Shorts for Women Reviews

The polyester/spandex fabric stretches all directions so they’re not restrictive. The inner short do not ride up at all so you’re always comfortable. These fit true to size. Also, they’re machine washable making them super easy to clean. The extra length is nice, too, because it gives extra coverage. Shorts have a relaxed fit and are a similar length to Bermuda shorts. They’ll serve you well running or in other activities.

The waistband is incredibly comfortable; it doesn’t ride up or chafes at all. The shorts stretch in every direction and are super light. I have always been impressed with Nike’s dry-fit material as they really do dry so fast. Wearing them feels like nothing at all. The brief is comfortable and doesn’t show a panty line and stays in place. The shorts are lower-waisted. One drawback is they do not have a pocket, so just keep that in mind if you need one.

Stabilyx Ventilator Shorts are constructed of typical fabrics (lycra and spandex) but you immediately notice that the garment consists of several panels of the fabric facing different directions. Even with their complex construction, these are still machine washable and easy to maintain. These are very well-constructed with flat seams. Compression gear is supposed to be tight; keep that in mind when choosing a size.

When trying these we find that those weird panels serve a bonafide purpose. They’re structured to support your muscles and joints. It’s a similar feeling as using tape for that purpose. The high waist gives support to our lower back and hips. The overall feeling is snug and quite comfortable. The mesh panels on the quads adequately ventilate. The extra support of the compression is a really nice touch for decreasing post-workout soreness. Stabilyx Ventilator Shorts by CW-X are what you want to wear during really hard workouts. They’re the perfect combination of support and comfort.

Published by Kelly

An experienced runner and an active mom, Kelly is the research expert behind runninggearlab.com When you don't find Kelly training for her next 10k or 5k race you'll find her reading reviews and testing the latest running watch.