The Best Running Shorts for Women

Why is it so hard to find a good pair of running shorts?

I can run in almost any tank or short sleeve shirt, and I don’t have too much difficulty finding good tights for running. But shorts. . . .short are difficult! You have to think about inner thigh chafing; you want pockets (sometimes multiple ones); something that’s quick-drying for those hot, humid summer months; and waistband needs to be comfortable and not dig into your waist or fold over on itself.

Over my years upon years of running, I’ve tried A LOT of shorts. Various brands and styles, everything from $60 down to $10 ones, long ones, short ones, tight ones, and loose fitting ones. Time and time again, these three pairs of shorts are the ones I wear as soon as they are clean again. The are comfortable, flattering, practical, and have those extra things that make them worth every penny.

So here they are, my top 3 all-time favorite running shorts.

Oiselle Rogas
In my opinion, the Oiselle Rogas are one of THE best shorts out there. I’ve owned four pairs of the Roga over the years, and they never disappoint.

They have everything that is necessary in a pair of shorts: a wide waistband with a drawstring, so if you are in between sizes, you can customize the size for yourself. They have a zippered pocket (now placed on the middle of your back as it used to be on your right butt cheek), the material is lightweight and it has a 4-way stretch, so they are perfect for everything from running to hiking to weight lifting.

Specs:
Inseam options: 1.75 inch, 4 inches, 6 inches
Pockets: one zippered pocket on the center back
Drawstring: yes

Lululemon Speed Up Shorts
Cute + functional always wins in my book, and the Lululemon Speed Up shorts nail it on the head.

As with the Oiselle Roga shorts, I have owned several pairs of these shorts over the years. Even after hundreds of wears, they still look brand new.

The Speed Up shorts also have all of the essentials: a zippered pocket plus one in the waistband, a drawstring in the waistband that is also wide and very comfortable, and the material is also very lightweight and quick-to-dry. The one thing that this pair has on the other two is that I think it is the cutest of all of them. The cut is very flattering, and I’ve never seen anyone not look good in these shorts. Ha!

Specs:
Inseam options: 2.5 inches, 4 inches
Pockets: one zippered pocket on center back, one in the front waistband
Drawstring: yes

Brooks Chaser Short
This pair of shorts is one I am newest too, but I am a fan already. The material is really lightweight, the waistband is not bulky, and there are side slits for full range of motion when you are running.

The one slight drawback for some people might be the missing drawstring in the waistband especially in you are in between sizes. They also do no have a larger zippered pocket to store that you would need on the run, but there are two pockets in the waistband and one of the pockets is sweat resistant.

I love that they have so many inseam options, so no matter what length you prefer, there’s something for everyone.

Specs:
Inseam options: 3 inch, 5 inch, 7 inch
Pockets: two in the front waistband
Drawstring: none

In many ways all three pairs have their similarities in that they are all semi-fitted, designed to be worn as a lower-rise, and all have a brief liner (And let it be known that I never wear underwear in my running shorts. Sorry if that’s TMI.) I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. They are all worth every penny, and I have recommended them time and time again.

Runner Ups:
Rabbit – Catch Me If You Can Shorts
Lululemon – Hotty Hot Shorts 2.5 inch | Hotty Hot Shorts 4 inch
Oiselle – OG Distance Shorts

Tell me in the comments what your favorite pair of running shorts is, and if there are any others I need to try.