Best Running Shorts for Women of 2025

Women’s running shorts come in all shapes and sizes to suit any body type or situation. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

When choosing the best running shorts for women, not all options are equal — especially when it comes to trail running, mountain running, and ultrarunning. Trail running and ultrarunning shorts must withstand the rigors of everything from mid-run alpine lake dips and wind-scoured mountain summits to being worn for 24 hours or longer during an ultra. And they can’t chafe either.

Synthetic and wool fabrics, flat seams, and storage capacity for fuel or your phone set the best women’s running shorts apart from their run-of-the-mill counterparts. Baggy or tight, short or long, low-rise or high-rise waistband — different shorts suit different body types, running gaits, and styles. The best shorts for you, as an individual, will be those that are most comfortable. While running shorts tend to run pretty pricey, there’s something here to suit all budgets.

Our favorite women’s running shorts are the Oiselle Roga Shorts, thanks to their comfort, performance, and overall value. The REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts are our favorite budget pick. If you like fitted shorts, we loved the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts and the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″.

Below is our roundup of our favorite shorts. To learn about what goes into great women’s running shorts or how to decide which shorts are right for you, jump down to our how-to-choose section and our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Lastly, check out our testing and methodology section if you’re curious about the paces we put these shorts through.

Best Running Shorts for Women

• Best Overall Running Shorts for Women: Oiselle Roga Shorts
• Best Budget Running Shorts for Women: REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts
• Best Fitted Running Shorts for Women: Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts
• Best Split Running Shorts for Women: Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts
• Best Running Shorts for Women With Storage: Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short
• Best Linerless Running Shorts for Women: Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”
• Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Women: Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short, lululemon Hotty Hot High Rise Lined Short 4″, Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″

Testing women’s running shorts on a trail run in Colorado. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Overall Running Shorts for Women: Oiselle Roga Shorts ($58)

Pros:

• Quick-drying and light
• Wide and comfortable waistband with a useful pocket
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Heavier items, such as a smartphone, will bounce in the pocket

The Oiselle Roga Shorts allow you to move freely while providing excellent protection from chafing. They’re light, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Plus, these shorts come with a functional waistband pocket and a form-fitting style.

These shorts provide the right level of breathability for even the hottest summer runs, yet they remain durable enough to withstand butt-sliding down scree fields. The brand put a lot of thought into the four-way stretch material in the paneling, and these shorts move with the body, whether going up big rock steps or flying down a steep trail.

A wide, compressive waistband fits comfortably around the middle of your waist, and an infinity drawstring prevents the dreaded muffin top while allowing you to adjust the waist to your needs. A mesh pocket running along the back of the waistband offers ample room to stuff those empty wrappers, though the pocket is not ideal for something as heavy as a smartphone. A phone will bounce unless you really cinch the cord.

You won’t even notice the perfectly sized built-in mesh liner. A V-shaped four-inch inseam remains longer at the inner thigh and tapers along the side, maximizing chafe protection while enhancing freedom of movement and style. The Roga shorts come in several different lengths. The classic Roga Shorts have a four-inch inseam, while other options range from under two inches to eight inches.

Inseam: 4 inches | Liner type: Brief

We named the Oiselle Featherweight Roga Shorts our top pick for women’s running shorts. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Budget Running Shorts for Women: REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts ($40)

Pros:

• Durable
• Inclusive sizing
• Loose and comfortable fit
• Great value

Cons:

• They may be too baggy for some
• Minimal storage

If you like loose-fitting, flowy shorts, the REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts are an excellent choice and a great value. There’s a lot to love about these running shorts. First and foremost, they’re extremely comfortable, featuring a wide waistband and light, stretchy material that breathes well. They have an overall loose fit, but the internal drawcord on the waistband ensures that you can tighten them down so they stay in place. The mesh liner is also breathable, quick-drying, and — best of all — doesn’t move or ride up.

These running shorts feature a recycled polyester and spandex blend that wicks sweat and dries quickly. Small details add up to put these shorts among our favorites: laser-cut perforations on the sides enhance ventilation, flat seams reduce the risk of chafing, and a small zippered side pocket can hold a car key or coffee money.

Unlike some of our other top picks, these running shorts don’t have extra storage pockets around the waistband, but that’s not a dealbreaker, given the overall feature set and price. Plus, we’ve put hundreds of miles on them, and all signs indicate they’ll last forever.

A couple of final points. We love the wide range of available sizes, from XS to 3X, that will fit waist sizes from 24.5 to 46.5 inches. Additionally, the fabric has a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, is bluesign-approved, and REI Co-op is a Climate Neutral Certified brand. Like we said, there’s plenty to love about these shorts!

Inseam: 4.5 inches | Liner type: Brief

Best Fitted Running Shorts for Women: Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short ($72)

Pros:

• Snug enough to feel supportive without squeezing
• Good coverage
• Stay put while running
• Deep side pockets hold a phone, fuel, and more

Cons:

• Fitted shorts are not for everyone

If you like fitted running shorts but prefer more coverage or chafing protection than many shorter fitted shorts provide, the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short are for you. These running shorts have a high waist that rises nearly to the belly button and a seven-inch inseam that reaches well past the inner thigh chafing zone. The shorts feature a bluesign-approved nylon and spandex fabric blend, and Janji donates 2% of every purchase to clean water projects. Additionally, Janji collaborates with artists from the areas where it’s donating funds to offer beautiful and fun limited-edition prints and patterns. Fair warning: You might end up with multiple pairs of Pace shorts!

In terms of comfort and performance, these shorts are thin enough to breathe well in hot weather and dry quickly while providing just enough compression to feel secure and supportive without squeezing around the thighs or waist. The leg openings feature a subtle silicone texture that holds the shorts in place and prevents them from riding up — yet the grippy material doesn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable, even in hot weather. In fact, it’s not really noticeable at all. Finally, an internal drawcord at the waist has an infinity design that won’t get tugged out in the washing machine.

We love shorts with pockets, and these have some great options. Two deep side pockets can hold a phone or multiple gels, and a secret internal mesh pocket is perfect for securely carrying identification or a credit card. On the back of the waistband, a pass-through pocket can hold additional snacks, or you can thread a shirt through it if you decide to peel layers.

We love these shorts for every type of run, from the 35-mile Ruby Crest Trail in eastern Nevada to track workouts during a road marathon buildup. We also love pairing them with a baggy T-shirt, crop top, or sports bra. And, after hundreds of miles of use over the past year, they’ve more than proven their durability.

Inseam: 7 inches | Liner type: None

The Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts come in fun colorways and are incredibly comfortable to wear. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Split Running Shorts for Women: Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts ($65)

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Convenient pockets for gels

Cons:

• Short inseam split shorts aren’t for everyone

It’s hard to argue with the Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts when looking for shorts that look and feel fast. The brand is a mainstay in track and road running, and these shorts have the feel of something straight out of that world. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With a three-inch inseam and a split-short design, these shorts are small and allow for a huge and unrestricted range of motion. The thin, jersey-knit liner is super soft, and it didn’t bunch up or cause any chafing, even during a 100-mile race. Our primary tester loved these shorts for marathon training, both on the track and the road, and deemed them excellent for trail running as well.

These shorts feature Tracksmith’s Bravio fabric, a blend of micro-polyester and elastane. The fabric is stretchy and soft; we found it moved well with the body during each stride. It is also lightweight, antimicrobial, and dries quickly, making it perfect for a mid-run dip in a river or lake on a mountain run.

While some of the other shorts in this guide have a lot of storage, these provide just enough for a few gels and other small items like keys or a credit card. The three internal pockets along the rear waistband hold snacks snugly against the body, preventing them from bouncing around.

Of all the shorts in this guide, these were on the shorter and smaller side of the range. Tracksmith clothing tends to run very small, so we recommend using Tracksmith’s sizing guide and sizing up if you’re unsure.

Inseam: 3 inches | Liner type: Brief

We loved the Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts for their lightweight breathability. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Running Shorts for Women With Storage: Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short ($60)

Pros:

• A no-bounce, built-in waistband can hold everything you need for a multi-hour outing

Cons:

• Shorts may flap up in the wind
• Long side split and short inseam
• Tight liner

The Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short can fit a full soft flask, smartphone, and a few gels in the waistband without any bounce or risk of things falling out. We have to admit that the storage capacity of these tiny split shorts is quite impressive. Ultimate Direction has essentially taken a pair of classic split shorts and a running belt and combined them into one. There is no need for a tedious belt that rides up your torso or threatens to fall to your feet. Built-in storage around the waistband means you can pack everything you need into your shorts for several hours of running and head down the trail.

The long side split allows for a full range of running motion. Our primary complaint with the shorts is the inseam length — 2.75 inches is pretty short for a long mountain outing or for someone who prefers longer shorts. Unfortunately, this is the only length option. We would love to see a longer inseam version in the future.

The shorts feature lightweight, quick-drying fabric that keeps you cool and dry on even the hottest days. However, they may flap up on windy mountain summits and bunch up on long, sweaty outings. The built-in mesh brief is highly breathable, although it is tighter than ideal.

These shorts are pretty low-rise, and the waistband must remain rather tight to keep everything in place. While the waistband is wide and extremely comfortable, this type of fit is not for everyone. Although we wish the inseam ran a bit longer and the liner was looser, our primary tester runs in these shorts almost as frequently as our overall top pick, the Oiselle Roga Shorts. While initially, many people don’t see the appeal of ditching the waistbelt for a pair of these shorts, it’s hard to go back once you do.

Inseam: 2.75 inches | Liner type: Brief

Best Linerless Running Shorts for Women: Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½” ($59)

Pros:

• Flexibility with underwear
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No side pockets

The Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½” are comfortable and versatile if you want a lightweight pair of shorts without a built-in liner. This liner-free short allows you to customize what you wear underneath, instead of having to deal with whatever liner comes built in. This is an excellent option for people who have issues with chafing with traditional liners. Also, given that it’s often the liner of shorts that wears out first, these shorts offer an extended lifespan over other options. We appreciated that we could wear these shorts multiple times between washes, with a fresh pair of underwear each run, and not have to worry about a liner getting dirty.

The material is a blend of 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex, and we found it to be lightweight and thin, allowing it to breathe well. We often swam in these shorts during or after a run, and the thin fabric dried quickly. The four-way stretch allowed for movement, and the extra length provided some additional coverage from the sun and protection from overgrown trails.

Given how thin this material feels, we are impressed with its durability. Even after many runs off-trail in terrain that will happily shred clothing, we’ve yet to damage these shorts. With a PFAS-free DWR treatment on the material, these shorts can repel a small amount of moisture. The waistband is wide enough to be comfortable, and we didn’t have any issues with the drawstring chafing.

While these shorts don’t have side pockets, they do have a single back pocket with a clasp to close it. You could carry small items in it, but these shorts are not meant for storage like the Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short reviewed above. We found them ideal for runs where we had a pack or waist belt, or multiday fastpacks when we wanted to change what we wore underneath them each day. It’s worth noting that these shorts are loose enough to wear comfortably over a pair of tights.

These shorts have a relatively baggy and long fit compared to many others in this guide, and some might feel like they flap around in the wind a bit. We appreciated the longer length and the fact that they didn’t necessarily read as running shorts, and you can use them in a variety of situations, including wearing them in more casual settings.

Inseam: 4.5 inches | Liner: None

Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Women: Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short ($78)

Pros:

• Incredibly light, quick-drying material
• Pockets, pockets, pockets!
• Very comfortable waistband

Cons:

• The brief liner rides up just a little bit

Janji seems to be on a roll right now with its women’s running apparel, and the Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short have quickly become one of our favorite go-to shorts for trail running. These light and breezy running shorts have a combination of standout features that add up to miles and miles of comfort. The nylon and elastane fabric is just the right balance of thin and breathable, yet durable, and abrasion-resistant if you lose your footing on the trail. The shorts’ fabric is also Oeko-Tex certified, meaning Janji tested it for harmful substances, and it has met a benchmark standard for textiles.

Perhaps the best part of these shorts is the waistband, which has a unique two-band design. There is an external band of gathered fabric containing the elastic drawcord, and an internal band that is soft and smooth, made of the same material as the liner. These two slightly offset bands give the fit and feel of a somewhat wider waistband and are incredibly comfortable. The shorts have a mid-rise cut and sit comfortably and securely between the hipbones and natural waist, staying in place once you adjust them to your preferred position. The waistband also has a drawcord if you want to cinch it down.

Furthermore, the waistband contains five internal pockets. Four pockets along the front are big enough for gels, chapstick, a credit card or identification card, or a key, and one of the front pockets has a key clip. The fifth pocket is centered on the back and is large enough for a couple more gels. Like the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts above, the back pocket can also carry a shirt if you thread it through the center stitch. This rear pocket, however, is not large enough for a smartphone.

Overall, these shorts are incredibly comfortable, with versatility for any distance. Their three-inch inseam feels long enough for good coverage, and they have a partial split-short design that allows freedom of movement without putting your butt cheeks on display. Speaking of butt cheeks, our primary tester noted that the brief liner rides up just a little bit, but needing to pick the occasional wedgie wasn’t enough to deter her from reaching for these shorts over and over again. That said, runners with different body types may or may not have the same experience.

Inseam: 3 inches | Liner: Brief

Alli Miles of iRunFar tests the Janji W’s 3″ Multi Shorts on the Santa Monica Mountain trails. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Women: lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″ ($68)

Pros:

• Comfortable waistband
• Light and breathable
• Inclusive sizing

Cons:

• Pricey
• Lacks standout features for trail running
• Not a true high-waist design

Another pair of running shorts that have remained in our testers’ rotation for over a year is the lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″. These shorts have an exceptionally comfortable waistband that sits flat across the front of the belly and gathered around the sides and back.

Although the waistband does a good job of staying in place, you can tighten an internal elastic band for a more secure fit around the waist. The design ensures the band won’t get tugged out in the washing machine. These shorts feature a roomy fit that allows for unrestricted movement, making them ideal for everyday running and strength training at the gym. The lightweight fabric is a blend of polyester and elastane, including some recycled polyester.

Although these shorts have “high-rise” in their name, they sit just above the hipbones rather than at the natural waist. If you’re looking for true high-waist running shorts, we recommend Janji’s W’s 7″ Pace Short above. Additionally, while these shorts are light and breathable, they don’t come with all the features we typically expect in modern trail running shorts — namely, a bunch of pockets.

They have a small zippered pocket that’s big enough for a card or key, and there’s a second internal stash pocket on the back, but it’s pretty small. That said, pockets aren’t important to everyone, especially those who frequently run with a belt or running vest. Nevertheless, considering the lack of features or fancy tech, these shorts have a high price tag.

Still, we keep reaching for these shorts because they’re comfortable and have an excellent style. They are holding up great after over a year of wear with hundreds of miles run. The liner is soft and smooth and has never chafed. We love the four-inch inseam for the trails, and these shorts are also available in a 2.5-inch inseam. Finally, we appreciate the range of sizes available, fitting waists measuring 21.5 to 43 inches.

Inseam: 4 inches | Liner: Brief

We love the waistband on the lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Women: Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″ ($89)

Pros:

• Perfect length
• Ample pockets
• Outside drawstring

Cons:

• Expensive

The Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″ have hovered on the border of being included in this guide for a while, but their previous four-inch length felt a little too short for many of our testers, especially those who deal with chafing on the inner legs. The new six-inch length, which we think feels shorter than most other six-inch shorts, provides enough material to help prevent skin rubbing against skin.

If you’re someone who prefers shorter, fitted shorts, these might not be the right choice for you, but we loved them. Our tester had an enthusiastic review: They’re brilliant and fabulous, and I hope they never change! She said the material is the perfect tightness to keep items in the pockets from bouncing around without feeling overly constrictive. The shorts feature a blend of Patagonia’s NetPlus nylon, which comes from recycled fishing nets, and spandex. It’s also treated with a HeiQ Mint wicking finish to help keep odors at bay.

We loved the pockets in these shorts, as they often negated the need for taking a running belt along on medium-length runs. Big side pockets securely hold a phone and other similarly sized items. We had no problem stuffing gels, waffles, and car keys in these pockets without them bouncing or feeling ungainly. A pocket centered on the back of the waistband is also big enough for a phone or more calories. Like many of Patagonia’s shorts and tights, the drawstring is on the outside to minimize the chance of chafing on the belly.

These shorts feature a narrower waistband in the front that rises higher in the back. This provides additional coverage for the back if you lean over to tie your shoes or pick something up. The narrowness in the front helps prevent bunching.

Unfortunately, like many products from the brand, these shorts are quite expensive. That said, we’ve found that Patagonia’s products are durable and provide years of service. Patagonia is also a company committed to the environment, and these shorts come from a Fair Trade Certified factory. The company is also a member of the 1% for the Planet program, donating a portion of its profits to environmental causes. These are shorts that you can feel good about wearing.

The long-legged counterpart to these shorts, the Patagonia Women’s Endless Run 7/8 Tights,  are featured in our Best Women’s Running Tights guide, and we love them for many of the same reasons we love these shorts.

Inseam: 6 inches | Liner: None

Comparing the Best Running Shorts for Women

Buying Advice: How to Choose Running Shorts for Women

Running shorts can make or break your outing. Ill-fitting or poorly made shorts can lead to chafing, inner thigh rubbing, or force you to constantly tug and adjust your shorts on the move. Unlike men’s running shorts, the best running shorts for women seem to have few commonalities.

Some women prefer a fitted style, such as the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″, while others gravitate toward loose-fitting options, like the REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts. Some prefer their shorts at the hips, while others opt for a high-rise fit. Some want shorts with liners, while others prefer liner-free options like the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”.

Finding the best shorts depends on your body type and personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to try a few styles to see what fits, stays put, feels good, and, most importantly, doesn’t chafe.

Style

The style of trail running and ultrarunning shorts varies as much as the terrain runners cover. While Courtney Dauwalter won the Western States 100 wearing her signature long, baggy, basketball-style shorts, Clare Gallagher won the race in her typical fitted shorts the following year.

While we did not test any classic 2.5-inch fitted shorts or standard pocketless three-inch split shorts, we did test several pairs of two-in-one compression shorts with split shorts on top, although none made the cut for this guide. Our primary complaint with that style of shorts is that they feel bulky. Additionally, the compression shorts often feel like an afterthought, usually rolling up the leg and negating their purpose of providing inner thigh protection.

As phones have grown larger, pockets have grown accordingly. While you can carry a phone in a pack or belt, sometimes it’s nice to drop it into a shorts pocket and forget about it until you need it on the trail. Shorts like the Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short, Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short, and Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″ will carry a modern phone and much more without uncomfortable bouncing.

Short, long, loose, or fitted, the best running shorts are ultimately a matter of personal preference. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Material

The best running shorts for women pack a lot of benefits into a blend of a few fabrics. They are quick-drying and moisture-wicking, yet also durable and sometimes water-repellent. Many of the shorts in this guide, including the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”, have a DWR coating to give them some weather resistance. The best fabrics can withstand a hard fall, sliding down scree or snow, or bushwhacking through a willow grove.

Creating a durable yet breathable material raises the price of trail running shorts compared to their road running counterparts. Textiles made from polyester and elastane, with four-way stretch, DWR coatings, and other advanced material technology are preferable for wicking away moisture, preventing odor, and withstanding wear and tear.

The shorts with the most high-tech fabric for breathability and wicking that we tested were the Oiselle Roga Shorts. If you’re looking for a budget option, the REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts are great for only $40.

Inseam Length

Shorter inseams tend to provide the best range of motion, while shorts with longer inseams offer more protection from chafing and the elements. Ultimately, when choosing between a short and long inseam, try each to see which length feels most comfortable on your body.

If you like split shorts with a short inseam, try the Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts, which have a 3-inch inseam, or the Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short, which has a 2.5-inch inseam. If you like a bit more coverage, we found that the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½” fit comfortably and protected us from the sun and trailside bushes. We love the new longer inseam of the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″.

Long, short, tight, or loose, there are shorts out there for any runner. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Loose Versus Fitted Shorts

The choice between loose split shorts and form-fitting shorts is mainly a style preference, although some women find that one type provides more protection against chafing than the other. Loose shorts with slits up the sides may provide a greater range of motion than those without splits. Splits come in quarter, half, and three-quarters lengths, so you can choose the amount of freedom you want.

The higher the split rises, the wider the panels of the shorts open up, allowing your legs to move freely. Scalloped and contoured hems, as well as V-shaped shorts, also allow for increased mobility and are less likely to flap in the breeze on a blustery day. If you’re looking for a split short with a ton of storage capacity as a bonus, try the Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short. We also love the Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts for their comfortable liner and loose, flowy fit.

Fitted shorts are often stretchy and have compression construction for a snug fit. This style is very popular within elite road and track running circles and also makes its way into the trail and ultra world. Fitted running shorts often incorporate storage down the sides of the legs and in the waistband, as with the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short and the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″. Additionally, many trail and ultrarunners find that fitted shorts chafe less than looser shorts with a liner.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of confidence. Do your shorts make you feel strong and capable? If not, consider trying something else. As one of our testers’ college teammates used to say before every race, “Look good, feel good.”

Some brands make a running shirt with a shorts liner underneath. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Waistband

Waistband width plays a significant role in determining the comfort, fit, and security of your shorts. Thinner waistbands offer a more minimal option and less coverage. In comparison, wider waistbands tend to give a more flattering silhouette that conforms to your profile and doesn’t dig into your waist or squeeze a sometimes-sensitive lower abdomen.

We loved the wide waistband of the Oiselle Roga Shorts and the double-waistband of the Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short, which were both comfortable and easy to cinch down.

Most shorts have a drawcord or infinity band that allows you to adjust the fit, which is especially important if you’ve loaded up the pockets. We love how the REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts hang loosely off the waist, but you can still tighten the drawstring.

Storage

The variety of storage options in women’s running shorts ranges from none to basically everything you need for a run lasting a couple of hours. To decide which design works best for you, consider what other storage you prefer to bring on a run. If you wear a hydration pack or belt, the pockets in your shorts may be less important, and you might be happy with the single-pocket Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”. However, in most cases, we love having a little storage in the waistband to carry identification or even a phone.

If you wear a waist belt or running vest, waistband storage is less important. You can learn more about these options in our Best Running Belts and Best Running Vests guides. However, you may be able to replace the need for a belt or vest with the right pair of shorts. If you’re a handheld kind of gal, you may want to optimize shorts storage to carry your calories and layers. The pass-through pocket of the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts allows you to store a shirt if you need to take layers off during a run.

If you opt for higher-capacity storage options, test the shorts yourself to ensure they don’t fall down, bounce, add weight in cumbersome areas, or limit your range of motion. The Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short had the most storage of all the shorts we tested and, impressively, did not bounce or slide down at all. We were also impressed with the cargo that the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″ could carry without bouncing or slipping.

iRunFar’s Alli Miles tests a pair of Janji shorts on sunny California trails. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Liner Versus No Liner

Most loose-fitting women’s running shorts include a liner. There are two types of liners to choose from: a liner brief, similar to underwear, or two-in-one shorts with an inner liner that resembles a pair of compression shorts. Our testing team has yet to find a pair of the latter they like, but perhaps you will have better luck! Two-in-one shorts are also heavier — you’re effectively wearing twice as many pairs of shorts — and they tend to trap moisture.

Liner briefs are lightweight and breathable. However, not all liner briefs are created equal. Rough seams or liners that are too tight can cause irritation, wedgies, and chafing. A mesh or moisture-wicking fabric maximizes breathability, keeping you dry and comfortable. Our favorite liners were in the Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts and lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″.

If you don’t want a liner in your shorts to customize what you wear underneath, consider the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”, which feature a lightweight and durable outer material that you can pair with nearly any type of underwear. They are also easy to pair with a set of tights for cold-weather running.

Reflectivity

While reflectivity has grown ubiquitous among road running shorts, the need to be seen in the dark by oncoming cars is less imperative in trail running. Some shorts we tested, like the Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short, contained small reflective elements, which are a nice bonus but unnecessary unless you plan on doing a lot of training on the roads.

iRunFar’s Alli Miles tests a pair of shorts in the Colorado desert. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Why You Should Trust Us

We began this guide by researching women’s running shorts from the most trusted brands in running, premier outdoor brands, and major companies in the women’s running category. We also extensively polled the large iRunFar team and friends to determine which women’s running shorts they preferred and disliked. That narrowed our choices to about two dozen shorts, which we took to the field for a season of testing.

Since that initial round of testing, the iRunFar team has continued to test new and updated women’s running shorts as they become available on the market. We also keep the original models in this guide in our rotation to perform ongoing durability testing.

In the running world, brands often discontinue or update product models while new ones frequently come to market. At the same time, we at iRunFar often use our top picks in our daily running. Sometimes, that continued use uncovers product failures.

With all this — product discontinuations, product introductions, and product failures — we regularly update our buyer’s guides based on past and ongoing testing. Often, the majority of our product recommendations remain the same when we update a buyer’s guide. However, when we discover a piece of gear or apparel that we absolutely love, we want you to know about it.

There is an endless variety of shorts that will appeal to different types of people and runners. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Shorts for Women

What shorts are best for trail running?

Women’s trail running and ultrarunning shorts differ from road running shorts in two key ways: storage and durability. On the roads, runners might get away with thinner materials and no pockets.

However, you may find that barely-there shorts don’t provide the chafing protection, storage options, or weather protection you want on super long runs and mountain days. The Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts can easily exist in both worlds with their shorter inseam but higher durability.

While women’s trail running and ultrarunning shorts come in loose and fitted varieties, both tend to have at least one or two pockets for holding calories or a phone. Some, such as the Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short, can hold everything you need for several hours on the trail. The Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″ also offer a lot of storage. With trail running shorts, you’re also more likely to see higher-tech fabrics like ripstop or other materials built to withstand the elements, bushwhacking through vegetation, and sliding down rocks. Some shorts, like the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”, will also have a DWR coating.

A durable waistband or drawstring is more important on the trails to prevent loaded-down shorts from slipping or bouncing. The double waistband of the Janji W’s 3″ Multi Short was comfortable and kept the shorts in place. The fast-drying fabric helps prevent chafing and odor, keeping you comfortable after afternoon monsoons or on high-humidity days.

Because trail running and ultrarunning typically take place away from cars, reflective elements are less common on trail running shorts than on road running shorts. However, a few of the shorts we tested have reflective accents in key spots.

Women’s trail running shorts come in a variety of styles, and most have at least one pocket. Photo: iRunFar/Alli Hartz

What shorts are best for ultrarunning?

Ultrarunning inherently means long days moving outside, so ultrarunners often choose super-comfortable shorts that are unlikely to chafe over many hours. Shorts made from quick-drying fabric, such as the Oiselle Roga Shorts, are a great option. Our team also liked the fitted Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short, which has several good storage pockets, a high-waist fit that doesn’t squeeze the lower abdomen, and enough coverage to prevent inner-thigh chafing.

Finally, while it remains a matter of personal preference, some ultrarunners prefer heavy-duty shorts with more storage capacity to complement the rest of their kit, such as a pack or handheld bottle, while others don’t want to carry anything in the pocket of their shorts and enjoy something more simple like the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”. Try a few different options to discover what styles and inseam lengths work best for you.

Are running shorts gender-specific?

Yes. Brands design women’s running shorts to fit the unique anatomy of women’s waists, hips, and thighs. They also tend to have a shorter inseam. The liner design in women’s shorts also tends to be tailored to female physiology. Women may find men’s shorts too tight on the hips and too baggy in the crotch. Many of the shorts in this guide, including the Janji Multi Short and Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts, have an equivalent option for men.

The rabbit Leggy Smashems 5″ (front) and Oiselle Roga Shorts (back) are two different shorts styles that work well. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

What do runners wear under their shorts?

This totally depends on the style of running shorts. Like almost all options in this guide, shorts with a built-in liner negate the need for additional underwear. In fact, wearing another pair of underwear increases the likelihood of chafing.

While some women wear underwear under fitted shorts, most do not. Fitted shorts, like the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short, should provide a secure fit that acts like boxer briefs. If you wear shorts without a liner, like our favorite, the Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 4½”, opt for performance underwear made of wool or synthetic materials that will wick moisture.

How do I prevent chafing from my running shorts?

Finding the correct size and style of shorts is the best way to prevent chafing. All modern running shorts liners utilize synthetic or natural fiber materials, which excel at moisture transfer and rapid drying. Various factors can cause chafing, including shorts that are too big or too small, rough seams, fitted shorts that slide up your thighs, or waistbands that bunch.

To be safe, apply an anti-chafe product between your thighs, the back of the waistband, and any other areas that may be prone to chafing. Some runners who experience thigh chafing fare better with longer, fitted shorts, such as the Janji W’s 7″ Pace Short or Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – 6″.

Shorts should offer a full range of motion, allowing you to move unencumbered. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Call for Comments

• Do you have any experience with the shorts in this guide?
• What is your most important element in a great pair of running shorts?
• Tell us about your favorite pair that we might have missed so that we can test it.