The 6 Best Workout Shorts for Women of 2026, Tested By Editors and Stylists

Reported by Women's Health Magazine.

Workout shorts sound simple — two leg holes and a waistband — but anyone who has dealt with a pair that rides up mid-squat, soaks through in hot yoga, or leaves everything on display during a deadlift knows the stakes are higher than they look. According to Women's Health Magazine, the best pairs of 2026 were put through actual sweat sessions by editors and stylists, and the results are worth knowing before you spend another $60 on the wrong pair.

For low-impact days — think Pilates, walking, yoga — the Gym People High Waist Short delivers a buttery-soft polyester-spandex blend with four-way stretch, zero bulk from its multiple pockets, and opacity that holds up through every forward fold. Style contributor Lily Wohlner praised the compression around the midsection for a smoothing, lifting effect that typical biker shorts miss. Fair warning: the moisture-wicking underperforms in heated classes, and it's not structured enough for running or burpees. For high-mileage runners, the lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Short is the undisputed favorite. Associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian has logged hundreds of miles in it; stylist Rose Lauture swears by the shorter 2.5-inch inseam for maximum airflow. Both testers flagged its near-instant dry time and a secure, no-ride-up fit as the real selling points — and the built-in panty liner is the kind of detail you only appreciate once you've needed it.

When Coverage and Compression Actually Matter

Trail runners and outdoor athletes should look at the Arc'teryx Norvan Short — 100% polyester, antimicrobial built-in brief, a zippered back pocket for gels or keys, and a reflective logo for low-light visibility. Lauture called it surprisingly comfortable despite its low-rise cut. The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short earns points for UV protection, inclusive sizing up to 4XL, and a high-waisted fit that stylist Kristen Saladino described as secure without restrictive — though the limited colorway is a genuine miss. If flowy is your thing without the exposure risk, the Alo Match Point Short threads that needle: woven fabric, a thick elastic waistband with a contouring effect, and a built-in brief that means no second-guessing when the wind picks up. Just size down — it runs large. For workouts that demand real compression and real pocket space, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive Run Short (sizes XXS–6XL) holds everything in place — your body, your phone, your keys — without the waistband rolling south mid-squat.

The right pair of shorts is not a luxury — it's the difference between a workout you power through and one you spend adjusting.

Read the original at Women's Health Magazine.