Color is one of the main features that most men are interested in when looking for the best athletic shorts for gym workouts. In fact, black athletic shorts are the most in-demand colors because it can easily be paired with any color of gym shirt or gym shoes. So, if you’re looking for the best black gym shorts, you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll show you some of the best athletic shorts that also come in black and several other neutral colors that will suit your taste.
Other than colors, there are a lot of things you need to consider when buying the best gym shorts for your workouts. Just like MMA shorts, gym shorts are meant to be light-weight, sweat-wicking, and form-fitting. Hence, most of them are made of materials such as nylon which is very flexible, quick-drying, and mildew resistant too. But some shorts are also lined with cotton to make them more comfortable and breathable.
It is quite difficult to choose the best materials for your workout. There’s a lot of things you need to consider to be able to find the best one for you. So, before we go to the actual review, here’s a quick list of the best black athletic shorts for men.
The Best Black Athletic Shorts for Men
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If you liked some nice black athletic shorts above, scroll down to find our detailed review of each.
YOGA CROW’s Men’s Black Athletic Shorts with Anti-Microbial Inner Liner
Brand: YOGA CROW
The YOGA CROW men’s shorts are multipurpose, for uses including yoga, workout, gym, and other activewear. The New York Magazine rated these shorts the best gym shorts for men!
According to customer reviews, the shorts have a staggering 4.5 star review.
The exceptional moisture-wicking, together with a 4-way stretch are the main characteristics that were kept in mind when these shorts were designed. The benefits of these features include ease in movement, making these shorts the best choice for any movement-related work. The fabric is a blend of lab-tested nylon & polyester, assuring you that this product is extremely durable! Why waste money repeatedly on another pair of replaceable shorts when you can buy the YOGA CROW Men’s Swerve Yoga, Workout, Gym, Cross Train, Active Shorts.
Designed especially for men, these shorts are lined with a non-abrasive non-restrictive boxer brief that assures both coverage and support! The ANTI-MICROBIAL technology keeps these shorts free of odor even after extreme sweating after a workout. The seams and waistband are also designed for flat for maximum comfort. The fabric is so soft and flexible yet it maintains structure so that they won’t bunch around your thighs after you invert or squat.
Pros:
- True to size: 88% of customers agree that the shorts correctly fit the promised size.
- Durable: The shorts do not change shape after washes and the fit does not loosen or shrink either.
- The inner liner helps increase comfort compared to other types of shorts, you won’t have to deal with buying separate liners anymore
- Comfortable elastic waistband: This not only helps the shorts fit better but also enables you to move comfortably without too much stress around your waist.
Cons:
- Heavy fabric: while it keeps them in place, heavy material might become a problem in certain workouts
- Pricey compared to other gym shorts:
- May not be the best in terms of fit for tall and slim people
Other Details:
These shorts are available in a variety of colors including Heather Grey, Heather Navy, Crow Black, Heather Green, Madrone and Light Grey. They also come in a varying range of sizes starting from Extra Small going up to XX-Large.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? Yes, 2 Pockets
- What is the length of the inseam? Roughly 7 inches, depending on the size
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? Nylon & Polyester fabric. Not thin and dries quickly but not immediately
- What size fits for which waist? SIZE (Waist): These shorts fit true to size NOT vanity sized such as your jeans would be. For the best fit, measure your waist around the area you wear your pants/shorts and refer to the below.
X-Small: 26 – 28
Small: 29 – 31
Medium: 32 – 34
Large: 35 – 37
XL: 37 – 39
XXL: 40 – 42
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Under Armour Men’s Raid Workout Gym Shorts
Brand: Under Armour
Do you work out outdoors, under the heat of the sun? Then Under Armour Men’s Raid 10-inch, workout gym shorts are made for you!
UPF 30 in this Heat Gear fabric actually protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays so you can have a worry-free workout session both indoors and outdoors.
The material is 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane, with minimal weight and a guarantee of softness and comfort.
The quick-drying material wicks sweat and are made of anti-odor technology, preventing odor-causing microbes from being formed.
Pros:
- True to size: 86% of customers say that these shorts fit exactly as mentioned.
- Comfortable: not too tight or loose, great fit
- Soft fabric
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Pockets are quite deep
- It May be too thin and stretchy for some people
Additional Details:
This Underamour shorts come in a variety of colors including a variety of black shades such as carbon black, heather black, graphite black, graphite blue-black, and pure black. Other colors include Midnight Navy, Royal, White, Versa Blue, Vapor Green, Pitch Gray, and Pure Navy among many others/
Another great offering from the brand is that this product is available in a great variety of sizes including X-Small, Small, Small Tall, Medium, Medium Tall, Large, Large Tall, X-Large, X-Large Tall, XX-Large, XX-Large Tall, 3X-Large, 3X-large Tall, 4X-Large, 4X-Large Tall.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? Zipper Pockets
- What is the length of the inseam? 9 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Waist elastic is with hidden drawstring for ideal fit
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? 95% polyester, 5% spandex. Quick drying
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HMIYA Men’s Casual Black Athletic Shorts with Zipper Pockets
Brand: HIMYA
The product is great for all-day comfort and a full range of motion because of its Loose Fit design.
The Lightweight, Quick-Dry fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable, while the side seam zipper pockets give plenty of options for secure storage.
The breathable side mesh panels of the HMIYA Sports shorts ensure you get extra ventilation and the inner draw-cord ensures a comfortable, worry-free fit, keeping shorts from sliding down.
Pros:
- Fit as expected,
- Zipper pockets provide hassle-free storage of objects like your phone eliminating any fear of dropping or losing.
- Not expensive, but high quality
Cons:
- No inner liner
Other Details:
The shorts are available in a variety of colors ranging from Army Green to black and varying shades of grey as well as navy blue, red, and indigo. It also comes in a range of sizes starting from small going up to 3X Large.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? Yes
- What is the length of the inseam? 9 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Since the waist varies with each size, check out the size chart here to better understand all the sizes.
- What is the fabric? While it is usually 100% Cotton, it varies with certain colors such as, Oxford Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; Granite Heather: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
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Champion Men’s 9″ Black Athletic Shorts with Pockets
Brand: Champion
Champion has been an authentic American sportswear brand since 1919. You can find their signature logo at the left hem of the shorts.
These shorts have an elastic waistband with an adjustable internal drawstring to make them fit best for your body.
Side pockets also add to the comfort of carrying your belongings while you work out. The main purpose of the cotton jersey is to keep you comfortable while exercising.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable, you can even sleep in them
- Don’t lose shape after washes
- 100% cotton
Cons:
- Waistband elastic may irritate sensitive skin
Other Details:
Another plus point with the Champion Jersey Shorts is that it is available in a variety of sizes going up to 4X Large. The colors available include, black, granite heather, navy, oxford grey, cargo olive, dark khaki, maroon, navy heather, surf the web, and ultra-marine.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? Yes, side pockets
- What is the length of the inseam? 10 inches
- What size fits for which waist? View a detailed size chart here to help you make a better and more suited choice for yourself.
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane. Dries really fast
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Roadbox Compression Shorts for Men
Brand: Roadbox
Roadbox is a 2018 brand that was found for the purpose of providing consumers with the perfect outdoor, fitness, and sportswear. The brand promises skin-friendly fabrics, fit tailoring, and perfect details.
The unique part about these compression shorts is that they fit like a second skin! Fabric is 88% polyester and 12% spandex. This helps sweat to dry quickly and gives the shorts super stretch, which makes them very light and provides comfort while wearing them.
The compression helps you work out more effectively and prevents any muscle-related injuries too.
The design of the Roadbox compression shorts also reduces friction between the skin and fabric, making the chance of any skin-related injuries also low. Great for running, basketball, and yoga.
Pros:
- Very light, will not make you feel weighed down.
- Excellent fit because it is skin-tight
Cons:
- May be too tight for some people.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? No
- What is the length of the inseam? 6.5-7.5 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Size chart available here
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? 88% polyester and 12% Spandex, quick drying and breathable
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HEAD Men’s Performance Black Athletic Shorts
Brand: HEAD
HEAD believes that an athlete is only as good as his gear. This is why one should never compromise when it comes to gym wear; HEAD promises that once you try their shorts, you will choose HEAD as your only product for gym wear. What makes these HEAD shorts special is that they are designed to keep you dry and sweat-free throughout your workout. This means that you will never have to slow down because of discomfort during exercise again!
Made with 100% performance polyester fabric for a breathable, lightweight, and durable finish.
Pros
- Very light, easy to roll up and pack for camping trips
- Dry very fast
Cons
- Pockets are small
- Size guide is a bit different than normal
- Colour Options: Stability Black Leather, Heather, Cool Grey Heather, Navy Heather
Additional Details: The shorts are available in a varying range of sizes including small, medium, large and extra-large.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? Yes
- What is the length of the inseam? 9-12 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Check out the detailed size chart for a better understanding
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? 100% polyester, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.
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EXEKE Men’s Quick Dry Black Athletic Shorts
Brand: EXEKE
EXEKE Quick Dry Shorts are specially built for comfort and versatility. The comfortable fabric with a loose fit is designed for easy motion even during the most intense workouts. Perfect for all workout-related activities including Running, Spinning, Training, Hiking, Rowing, Fitness, and other athletic activities.
Pros:
- Low price but high quality
- Fit and length as expected
Cons:
- Pockets quite flimsy
Additional Details:
These EXEKE shorts are available in a variety of color options including Army Green, Black, Grey, Khaki, Slate Blue, Blue. A greater advantage of this product is the range of sizes starting from extra small and going up to 3X-Large.
FAQs
- Do the shorts have pockets? 3 pockets: 2 convenient slash pockets, 1 zip-closure security rear pocket.
- What is the length of the inseam? 8 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Size chart available here
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? 91% polyester, 9% Spandex quick-drying fabric, quick sweat evaporation.
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Hifunk Mens Black Athletic Shorts for Gym and Workouts
Brand: Hifunk
Hifunk aims to make you fall in love with running and exercise. What is extremely unique about these shorts is the REFLECTIVE MARK—a Reflective logo, which can keep you safer at night when running. No more worrying when running in the dark!
It is made of a lightweight & quick drying ultra-durable fabric, built for the most intense workouts. The 4-way stretch construction moves better in every direction. Material wicks sweat & dries really fast. A Brief mesh liner on the inside prevents the skin from chafing, and also wicks away moisture fast, adding breathability.
The shorts also has an Inner drawcord that ensures a comfortable fit and keeps your shorts from sliding down while you work out making them comfortable, secure, and hassle-free. With 2 regular side pockets and a rear zip pocket, the Hifunk shorts are perfect for you to keep your essentials from falling off while you exercise.
Pros:
- Extremely light weight
- Perfect length: Not too short, not too long
- True to size: exactly as in the size chart
- Fully machine washable for easy care.
Cons:
- May not last very long
- Fabric very thin
- Back pocket position not practical
Additional Details: These shorts are available in colors including Black, Black/Navy, Grey, Green, Navy with sizes ranging from small to 3X large.
FAQs:
- Do the shorts have pockets? Yes
- What is the length of the inseam? 5 inches
- What size fits for which waist? Size chart available here
- What is the fabric? Is it quick drying? Nylon/Synthetic, quick-drying
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Now you know the best black athletic and gym shorts for men, now let’s give you a short history of gym shorts.
When did people start wearing gym shorts?
An interesting fact about shorts is that they were initially not considered comfortable clothing at all! How ironic. Before the 1930’s, shorts were actually just a piece of clothing that differentiated boys from adult men. When a boy would grow up and become a man, his shorts would become trousers. Soon, shorts became an outdoor activity attire and the mentality regarding shorts changed; now shorts were the classic running clothes, worn by men in Olympic Games as well as other outdoor sports.
The trend regarding active-wear shorts has also been very interesting since they were first worn as sportswear. Initially being knee length and high waisted, sportswear shorts became shorter and lighter with time until the late 1980s.
Demand for shorts as sportswear also skyrocketed in the 1970s after cities started hosting public running events which would have a huge participant turnover, like the London Marathon 1981 and New York City Marathon 1970. Previously, running was just an eccentric hobby that not many preferred to have. After the advent of these marathons, running became more common and running shorts became staple wear.
The boom of the “very short” shorts ended in 1988 when Micheal Jordan and Spike Lee wore long, baggy shorts in a television commercial. More NBA players followed, yet this change in trend did not wipe out the previous styles and instead added to the variety of designs and types.
Today, gym shorts are used as clothing for both in and out of gym activities, especially during the summer because gym shorts are designed for when the body is sweating.
What is the purpose of gym shorts?
Why invest in workout wear? Can’t normal casual clothing do the job? The answer is that gym shorts have multiple benefits over everyday clothing that can make the gym experience more effective and comfortable.
Aid in easy movement: the best gym shorts for men are designed to help you stretch and lift weights without discomfort that may include skin irritation and restricted movement if you don’t wear the right clothing.
Protection from injury: wearing clothes that don’t fit or stretch at the gym can actually cause damage to posture and muscle spasms. Remember that investing in a good pair of gym shorts can eliminate the possibility of such painful mishaps happening.
Help exercise: Did you know that certain shorts are designed to help you exercise more effectively, even if you have had an injury? These shorts are made from compression fabric that doesn’t only provide a great and comfortable fit but helps you recover easily too.