Our favorite 7-inch inseam shorts for knee-length comfort

The top picks of the best 7-inch inseam shorts from our fitness experts for your next workout.

If you’re looking for the best gym shorts for men, 7-inch inseam shorts provide freedom to move with just a little exposure on the thigh. Not too long, or too short, they will sit just above the knee on most of us.

They’re the utility player of the shorts world, and often more practical and versatile than 3 inch shorts or 5 inch shorts, or longer fitting options that sit closer to the knee cap.

The 7-inch short (equivalent to around 18cm) refers to the length of the inseam and gives us the measurement that the shorts will fall down the inside leg. Usually, it falls 2-4 inches above the knee, giving that perfect in-between length for men of most heights. In general, 7-inch inseam shorts shorts are suitable for everything from shorter running distances, to outdoor strength workouts, gym work, CrossFit and yoga. 

What is the best 7-inch inseam short?

Based on our group test, I would place Lululemon’s License to Train Lined 7in Shorts right at the top of the pile. They have compression qualities yet still manage to be generally very comfortable. Not to mention the fact that they also come packed with features. 

Other 7-inch inseam short recommendations

Best for comfort	The Vuori Kore 7in Short’s simple blend of polyester and elastane combines in a fit that feels very comfortable, no matter the scenario. Their sweat-wicking abilities also ensure they don’t get clingy, even if you’re really pushing it in the gym.
Best for versatility	Fabletics The One 7in Shorts have been designed to tackle pretty much any workout you can think of – even swimming. So, if you want a pair of shorts that can do it all, these could be the ones for you.
Best for running	Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts are perfectly capable of serving you well in the gym, but they’re arguably best suited to being running shorts. Lightweight, nonrestrictive, robust. What more could you want?

1. Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Shorts 

Materials	Lycra™, Luxtreme™
Colors	6 available (variations of black, blue, grey and white)
Sizes	XS-3XL
Features	Inside or out draw-cord waistband; quick-drying mesh waistband; secure pockets; 2.5in split outer seam; abrasion resistant

Lululemon’s License to Train Lined 7in Shorts are heavy duty but highly comfortable. They’d work equally well out on a hiking trail as they would in the gym.

The Lycra™ / Luxtreme™ lining acts like a pair of compression tights while the outer layer feels soft to touch and well constructed. These shorts are packed with features, too, including a reversible draw-cord waistband, secret elasticated pocket and split outer seam, allowing for a good range of movement.

• Read our full Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Shorts review

2. Vuori Kore 7in Shorts 

Materials	Polyester, elastane
Colors	12 colors available
Sizes	XS-XXL
Features	Draw-cord; elasticated waistband; anti-odor; slash pockets; velcro-fastening pocket; boxer-brief liner

The Vuori Kore 7in Shorts have been designed with versatility in mind. They feature a classic athletic fit, falling just above the knee, as well as a built-in boxer-brief liner. 

Although not the lightest, the Vuori Kore 7in Shorts are extremely comfortable and the materials feel nice and soft. The inner liner particularly feels stretchy and the streamlined outer is still relaxed enough to feel comfortable whatever exercise you do. Meanwhile, the elasticated waistband feels secure and the shorts stay dry and light, even during intense cardio workouts. 

• Read our full Vuori Kore 7in Shorts review

3. Fabletics The One 7in Shorts

Materials	Nylon, spandex
Colors	7 color combinations available
Sizes	XS-4XL
Features	Anti-odor; zip pockets; hidden pockets; split outer seam; quick drying

The One Shorts from Fabletics are designed for versatile training – they’re even suitable for swimming. 

They feature an inner lining with a high-stretch fabric hidden by a soft, light outer. They’re sleek, streamlined and fit well, without being as tight as other shorts on test. I found the outer shorts to be stretchy and relaxed without being baggy.

Overall, I really liked the feel of these shorts – they’re comfortable, quick drying and well constructed and work well during gym workouts, as well as shorter outdoor runs, treadmill training and even swimming sessions.

• Read our full Fabletics The One 7in Shorts review

4. New Balance Fast Flight 2-in-1 7in Shorts 

Materials	Poly-woven shell, spandex inner
Colors	Black, Blue
Sizes	XXS to 5XL
Features	NB Dry fast-drying technology; hand pockets; inner drop-in pocket

The New Balance Fast Flight 2-in-1 7in Shorts are designed for men who want to mix workouts in the gym with running and everything in-between.

I felt that the inner spandex short provided good compression, while the top layer was thin and light and featured a woven design that helped keep me cool.

The material feels soft and the length is just right: resting a couple of inches above the knee and allowing plenty of flexibility. Fast-drying technology wicks away moisture and a split side hem avoids any quad restriction when running.

The New Balance Fast Flight has been replaced by the R.W.Tech 2-in-1 Shorts

• Read our full New Balance Fast Flight 7in 2-in-1 Shorts review

5. Gym+Coffee Daybreak 7in Shorts

Materials	95% polyester, 5% spandex
Colors	Marble Grey, Oat Latte
Sizes	S to XXL
Features	Lightweight; quick-dry fabric; side pockets; interior drawcord

A versatile pair of shorts that look great, but style is paired with substance in the form of ultra-lightweight design, quick-drying fabric and complete freedom of movement. Two deep side pockets add to the practicality, and the stretchy polyester/spandex construction provides complete freedom of movement.

As with all Gym+Coffee kit, there’s a genuine commitment to sustainability, with the brand shaping its Net Zero strategy.

• Read our full Gym + Coffee Daybreak 7in Shorts review

6. Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts

Materials	Inner nylon and elastane, outer polyester
Colors	Black, Blue
Sizes	S to XL
Features	Iso-Chill mesh compression shorts; 5in outer short inseam; 4-way stretch construction; hidden pocket

The Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts from Under Armour are a great choice for running, CrossFit or gym workouts. The 7in inners offer compression support and skin cooling benefits, while the shorter 5in outer shorts are well fitted but with plenty of room to move, thanks to the large seam split.

There aren’t any pockets in the outer shorts, which adds to the fitted style, but there is a hidden one in the liner that is large enough for a phone. The inner lining shorts sit around 4in above the knee but this works well for running, because there’s no restriction around the lower quads.

Overall the Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts are lightweight but strong, stretchy and robust.

The UA Iso-Chill Shorts have now been replaced by the UA Launch Elite 2-in-1 Shorts

• Read our full Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts review

7. MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic 7in Training Shorts

Materials	Polyester
Colors	Black; Carbon; True Blue; Wine
Sizes	XXS to 3XL
Features	Side seam pockets; draw-cord waistband

The MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic Training Shorts are designed for weightlifting sessions, but can double-up for CrossFit and cardio work.

There’s a noticeable lack of bulk despite two decent sized pockets. The outer material feels soft and of high quality, and there’s no inner lining which helps them feel lighter and slightly looser. However, there’s no split in the inseam, so the shorts can tighten a fraction around the thigh. That said, it’s only just noticeable when training legs or running – and I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they’re uncomfortable.

• Read our full MyProtein Repeat MP Graphic 7in Training Shorts review

Benefits of 7-inch inseam gym shorts:

If you’re still wondering why 7-inch inseam shorts are such a popular choice for the gym, here are some quick perks:

• Fall 2-4 inches above the knee 
• Allow for flexible movement 
• Not too tight or too loose 
• Comfortable material 
• Quick dry, and moisture-wicking technology
• Versatility for cardio, strength and sports

What Are 7-inch Shorts?

Men’s gym shorts are categorized by their length – common types are 3-inch, 5-inch and 7-inch shorts. But what is each length for? What are the benefits and limitations of each size? What does this measurement mean and why are 7-inch inseam shorts a popular choice for workouts?

Put simply, a short with a 7-inch inseam (equivalent to around 18cm) means the length of the fabric down the inner thigh is 7 inches long. Most casual shorts will be around a 9-inch inseam and sit just on the knee. So a 7-inch inseam short will sit a couple of inches above the knee for a flattering look, but also for ease of movement when exercising. It will give you more coverage and protection than a 3-inch or 5-inch short.

So 7-inch inseam shorts are the utility players of the shorts world, providing freedom to move with just a little exposure on the thigh. Not too long, or too short, they will sit just above the knee on most of us. They are often more practical and versatile than 3-inch or 5-inch shorts, or longer fitting options that sit closer to the knee cap.

While 3-inch shorts and 5-inch shorts are popular with runners, unless they have a split seam they tend to ride up the leg. This can get distracting at best, and downright uncomfortable and irritating at worst. 7-inch inseam shorts however, give you the best of both worlds. They are light and breathable enough to keep you cool, and give you better coverage and protection. They’re also cut generously enough to allow freedom of movement without riding up your legs.

There are some design differences between 7-inch inseam shorts though. The most significant being the fit, the length of split seam if they have one and the inclusion of a liner short. Get the fit right for your activity and you’ll benefit from better movement, flexibility, support and comfort. A short split seam will improve flexibility further.

Most shorts will feature an integral liner, though this can sometimes be longer than the short inseam. Often made of a high-stretch fabric such as Lycra, it will add support, breathability and often compression benefits. The extra length and slightly more relaxed fit means there’s more room to incorporate pockets and zips. That makes 7-inch shorts ideal for longer workouts and for wearing all day.

Attention to details like that, and to comfort and maneuverability, makes the best 7-inch inseam shorts useful for all sorts of workouts. Wear them in the gym or outdoors for cardio and strength sessions, or for running any distance.