Our fitness apparel designer has mastered the best gym shorts for men to wear, even on a budget!
Whenever someone says “these shorts are the best” or “wearing these in the gym are awesome” and even “i only wear this” is a good way to observe what they actually mean by “the best” Without going into the real facts of what this actually means, it’s virtually a subjective statement that outlines a person's overall opinion and what they prefer to wear when it comes to training inside or outside the gym.
We’ve put together our range of activewear shorts that have been tried and tested on a multitude of levels, acquired huge amounts of interest and feedback from our community and can honestly say that they are the best for our Zuva community.
After years of testing various designs of shorts and investing enormous amounts of time into finding the right fits, we have somewhat nailed it.
Of course there are countless ways of cross checking this and seeing what is the best for you and how to make the right decision when shopping for men’s gym shorts.
In summary of what we are going to breakdown, here is the top three styles of shorts;
- Best shorts for the gym (training with intensity): Arc IV Sports Shorts
- Best shorts for all rounded training (performance): AeroFit Running Shorts
- Best shorts for Everyday training (low intensity workouts): Tapered Shorts
Arc IV Sports Shorts
Design Specifications
Technical Name: Training Shorts
Material: Blend of spandex and polyester
Inseam: 4” (hence the name IV)
Draw Cords: Yes
Reflective elements: Yes - on drawcords
Look: fitted and form-fitting around the quads and glutes
Size Ratio: Slightly below true to size
Popularity: High in demand
Pros
☑️ Highly comfortable fitting
☑️ Durable
☑️ Excellent moisture control
☑️ Stretchy for ease of motion
☑️ Breathable
☑️ Simplistic - can wear with most colours
☑️ Deep pockets for secure storage
Cons
☑️ Not suitable for very large quads
☑️ Only sold online
When it comes to the Zuva Arc IV shorts, there’s a certain feature and benefit that it’s dominated by - Workout worthy is what we say. It encompasses both the features and benefits of training. These shorts are unique in that they serve a purpose of both aesthetics and functionality.
Well what does that mean? It virtually means that they do a great job with comfort, performance and they look awesome.
What are the features and benefits of the Arc IV?
Length: They go as low as the centre of the quad and are considered a shorter fit than average sports shorts (hence the naming convention of sports shorts). The length itself is suitable for most body types and gives the person ease of motion whilst being able to work out in a dynamic setting.
Waistband: Comprises elastic and is a common band for most sports shorts. They offer generous support whilst giving your waist the ultimate comfort. There is a semi-scrunch style that also allows for better support. The band is lined with a reflective drawcord which can be a great assist for tighter support.
Fabric: The type of fabric used for these shorts are a light blend of spandex and a firmer knit of polyester which is perfect for performance. This type of fabric gives a 4-way stretch, allowing for full range of movement when exercising.
Quick Drying: With its unique blend of fabric, its drying time is quicker than your average activewear shorts giving you a more responsive and confident fit experience.
Pockets: Dual side, auto-lock zip-up pockets, perfect for storage of keys, cards, etc. Distraction-free whilst on the move and sitting.
AeroFit Running Shorts
Design Specifications
Technical Name: Performance Shorts
Material: Blend of spandex and polyester
Inseam: 5” inches
Draw Cords: Yes
Reflective elements: Yes - rear of legs and front panel logo print
Look: Slightly smaller than average ‘fits 
Popularity: Growing in popularity
Pros
☑️ Super comfy and easy to wear
☑️ Durable for training
☑️ Excellent moisture control
☑️ Flexible for ease of motion
☑️ Breathable throughout
☑️ Deep pockets
☑️ Apple Airpods storage at rear
Cons
☑️ Slight flare on front panels
☑️ Only sold online
Designed and released in 2021, the AeroFit Running Shorts were first launched under our former brand, Lyve which was unfortunately discontinued in 2022 due to legal hurdles. However, these shorts have returned and are now in two core colourways, Black Red & Black On Black. Popular in demand, they have really taken off as a training short staple for our growing community.
Exploring the features and benefits of Zuva AeroFit Running Shorts
Length: An ideal length which sits between the knees and the centre of your quads which is highly comfy and versatile for a fitment. Great for motion and breathability they have a wonderful fitment of length for most male and female body types.
Waistband: Comprises elastic and is a common band for most activewear bottoms. They offer a snug fit and feel whilst maintaining comfort. There is a firm scrunch style that allows for optimal support.
Fabric: Silky and nice! Sums it up for the AeroFit Shorts - Comprising polyester and spandex, this blend is somewhat soft and subtle on the body.
Quick Drying: With its unique blend of fabric, its drying time is quicker than your average activewear shorts giving you a more responsive and confident fit experience.
Pockets: Dual side, auto-lock zip-up pocket at rear for Airpods, perfect for storage of keys, cards, etc. Distraction-free whilst on the move and sitting.
Tapered Shorts
Design Specifications
Technical Name: Active-streetwear ShortsMaterial: Blend of cotton & spandex
Inseam: 7” inches
Draw Cords: Yes
Embroidery: Yes
Look: Fitted and form-fitting around the quads and glutes
Size Ratio: True to size
Popularity: High & in-demand
Pros
☑️ Highly comfortable fitting
☑️ Excellent 4-way stretch
☑️ Ideal for full range of motion
☑️ Semi-breathable
☑️ Simplistic - can wear with most colours
☑️ Deep pockets for secure storage
☑️ Has a rear side zip up pocket for extra storage
☑️ Suitable for all body shapes and sizes
Cons
☑️ Not suitable for high intensity training
The Zuva Tapered Shorts are an ideal everyday choice of functional shorts which can be worn both in a gym setting or casually without looking too “Workout-orientated”. This design was first introduced in 2018 by our first brand name, iLIFT Activewear which sold a range of form-fitting apparel within Australia and the USA.
These shorts are a preference for our community and have been a staple from day one of its release. With over 15,000 pairs sold, they are a continuous style of shorts that fulfil everyone’s needs.
What are the features and benefits of the Tapered Shorts?
Length: Sitting just a few centimetres from the knees they are. The length of these are suitable for virtually all body types which provides full range of motion without restriction and discomfort. They are thick and durable which are designed to accentuate your legs.
Fabric: French Terry - 4-Way Stretch Fabric
Our blend of fabric is designed with french terry knit with one side being smooth (outside) and the other being looped for a soft, plush texture for the ultimate comfort and support. It’s midweight - allowing great breathability and moisture-wicking to keep your temperature cool.
Deep & Secure Storage Compartments: Front and rear auto-locking zip-up pockets, perfect for securing your valuables. Lined with water-resistant material, these compartments comprise both practicality and style.
Waistband: Interruption-Free Support
The waistband allows for the ultimate comfort whilst remaining supportive of the hips, avoiding any sagging and pulling.
Features
👉Reflective drawcords with metal barrel tips
👉Metal eyelet rings for longevity and durability
👉Thicker weight than average shorts
👉Can downsize for a more fitted look whilst remaining comfy
Overall, the best shorts for our community go as far as the above with very little to no complaints on fitments and styles on offer.
To learn more about what we do, subscribe to our newsletter and join our Zuva community today.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.