You don't need to spend a lot to find your favorite gym shorts. The pair you reach for all week should feel good, move with you and leave enough in your budget for a second pair.
For men's workout shorts under $30, our picks are The One Short for all-around wear and The O2 Run Short for extra airflow. New Fabletics VIP members get 2 shorts for $20, so you can try two favorites or double up on one you already love.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around Pick: The One Short. High-stretch Boundless fabric, quick drying and zip pockets.
- Best For Extra Airflow: The O2 Run Short. Mesh ventilation for sessions when you work up a sweat.
Best All-Around Pick: The One Short
If you're buying your first pair, start with The One Short. Its Boundless fabric has the stretch you want for squats and lunges, with quick drying for when the workout picks up.
Zip pockets give your keys and cards somewhere secure to go. It's an easy choice when your week includes a little of everything and you want a familiar pair for most of it.
The One Short 7in has a 4.7-star average from 4,700+ customer reviews.
Best For Extra Airflow: The O2 Run Short
If you tend to run hot, take a look at The O2 Run Short. Mesh panels bring ventilation to the design, alongside stretch and zip storage.
Airflow is the reason to choose it over a more basic training short. If you already have a gym pair you like, The O2 is worth considering as your second pair for sweatier sessions.
Find Your Fit: Length And Liner
The style is one choice. How much leg you show and what you wear underneath are two more. Once you've found a short you like, choose from the length and liner options offered for that style and color.
5-Inch Or 7-Inch Shorts?
Choose 5 inches for a shorter hem. Choose 7 inches for more coverage. Neither length is the default for everyone.
If you like a higher cut on the thigh, start with 5 inches. If you prefer a little more coverage, try 7. Your height and leg proportions affect where the hem lands, so check the inseam on a pair you already like.
The One Short and The O2 Run Short offer both lengths. Check the specific version when choosing your color and size.
Lined Or Unlined Shorts?
Lined shorts have a built-in inner layer. Unlined shorts let you choose your own.
If you like having your support layer built in, go lined. If you already have workout underwear or compression shorts you swear by, unlined makes sense. Try a squat and a lunge to check that both the waistband and inner layer feel comfortable.
Use our men's activewear size guide to find your size. For a closer look at which features matter for each workout, read our guide to workout shorts for running versus lifting.
What Should You Look For In Affordable Workout Shorts?
Start with fit. If the waistband digs in or the fabric pulls when you squat, keep looking. A pair you feel comfortable in will get more wear than one you bought only for the discount.
Then think about what you'll use. Zip pockets matter if you carry keys. Ventilation matters if you run hot. A built-in liner matters if you want that inner layer included. Pick for your routine and you won't need every feature in every pair.
Get 2 Shorts For $20 As A New VIP
New Fabletics VIP members get 2 shorts for $20 on eligible styles.
Try two styles or get your favorite in two colors. You could start with The One Short, then add The O2 Run Short for extra airflow. If you already know what fits, there's nothing wrong with buying another pair of it.
Choose two qualifying pairs and join VIP at checkout. See how Fabletics VIP membership works for billing, skipping and VIP Credit details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Good Men's Workout Shorts Under $30?
Yes. Our new VIP offer includes two eligible shorts for $20 before tax and shipping, with VIP enrollment. Start with The One Short or The O2 Run Short, then choose the fit you prefer. The introductory offer is separate from regular and non-member pricing.
What Should I Look For In Budget Workout Shorts?
Look for a comfortable waistband, room to move and fabric suited to sweaty sessions. Then choose the features you'll use, such as zip pockets, ventilation or a built-in liner. A short that fits your routine is a better buy than one you choose only because it's discounted.
Should I Get 5-Inch Or 7-Inch Workout Shorts?
Choose a 5-inch inseam for a shorter hem or a 7-inch inseam for more coverage. Both can work for training. Your height and leg proportions affect where the hem sits, so compare the inseam with a pair you already like and check the fit while moving.
Are Lined Or Unlined Shorts Better Value?
Choose lined shorts if you want the inner layer included. Choose unlined if you prefer to wear your own workout underwear or compression shorts. Neither is automatically better value. The useful choice is the one that works with how you already like to train.
How Many Pairs Of Workout Shorts Do I Need?
Start with enough pairs for the workouts you do between washes. Two pairs can cover two sessions before laundry day; a busier training schedule may call for more. You don't need a different style for every workout, so start with a fit you like and build from there.
Do I Have To Join VIP To Buy Fabletics Shorts?
No. You can buy our shorts at non-member prices without joining VIP. The introductory two-shorts offer requires VIP enrollment. Membership is recurring, with the option to skip the month or cancel anytime. Review the full membership terms before deciding which way to shop.
