Gym shorts are one of the best-selling products for activewear brands and gyms, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Small choices such as inseam, liner and fabric decide whether customers reorder. This guide walks through each choice for brands and gyms in the USA, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
1. Know who the shorts are for
| Customer | What they usually want |
|---|---|
| Lifters | Stretch, shorter inseam, room to squat |
| Runners | Very light fabric, split hem, liner, phone pocket |
| HIIT and CrossFit | Durable stretch fabric, 2-in-1 liner, secure pockets |
| Everyday and lifestyle | Sweat shorts or mesh shorts, longer inseam |
2. Choose the inseam
Inseam length is a style choice as much as a fit choice. Shorter inseams (around 5 inches) are popular for training and running; mid lengths (around 7 inches) suit most customers; longer inseams (around 9 inches) suit lifestyle and basketball-style shorts. Many brands offer two lengths in the same design.
3. Pick the fabric
- Four-way stretch polyester: light, quick drying and flexible. The most common choice.
- Nylon blends: softer and more durable, with a premium feel.
- Mesh: breathable and classic for basketball-style shorts.
- French terry or fleece: for sweat shorts and lifestyle wear.
Ask for fabric swatches and the GSM (weight) of each option. See our fabric GSM guide and fabric swatches.
4. Liner or no liner
A 2-in-1 short has an outer shell and a compression liner, which many runners and HIIT customers prefer. A brief liner is lighter. No liner suits lifters and customers who wear their own base layer. A phone pocket in the liner is a feature customers notice.
5. Pockets and waistband
Zip pockets keep keys and cards secure. Side pockets should be deep enough for a phone. For the waistband, choose between an elastic waist with drawcord, which fits more body shapes, and a flat waistband with a printed or woven logo, which looks more premium.
6. Branding
Heat transfer and screen print logos are the most common on gym shorts. Embroidery gives a raised, premium look on heavier fabrics. Finish the product with a woven or printed label, hang tag and branded polybag. See woven vs printed labels.
7. Sample, then order
Always approve a sample: check the squat test, pocket depth, liner comfort and waistband stretch. Pexton Apparel makes samples in about 8–10 days and bulk orders in about 10–12 days after approval, with a minimum of 30 pieces per design and sizes mixed. Use our sample approval checklist.
8. Price and margin
Liners, zip pockets and premium fabrics add cost. Decide your retail price first, then work back to the features you can afford. Read how to price your clothing brand.
See our gym shorts manufacturer page, the compression wear page, or send your design for a free quote.