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They’re practically designed to be drenched in dirt, grime, and sweat, so it may seem counterintuitive to invest in a pair — much less care about the small details like fit and fabric. But if you want to make the most out of your time spent exercising, it’s important to choose your shorts with care.
Bonobos’ activewear line, Good Sport, might have exactly what you’re looking for.
When Andy Dunn and Brian Spaly founded the Bonobos in 2007, they wanted to make the one thing they couldn’t find on the market: guy’s pants that weren’t too tight or too baggy. The duo introduced a curved waistband, medium rise, and trimmer cut through the thigh to create one of the best-fitting pants on the market today. Nearly a decade later, Bonobos applied its fit-first mentality to a pair of gym shorts called “Core Shorts.”
Unlike most gym shorts that have a nondescript “small,” “medium,” “large” sizing system, the Core Shorts use waist measurement sizes. Bonobos’ shorts should be the same size as the trousers you wear to work. Thanks to the their elastic waistband and four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, these shorts are fitted, but comfortable enough to do lunges, burpees, and sprints.
Fit aside, the Core Shorts boast other cool features that make them worth the steep $ 68-$ 88 price tag. There’s a discreet zippered pocket and interior catch to stow your phone and keys. The subtle reflective paneling is perfect for anyone who wants to squeeze in an outdoor run after the sun has set for the today. They look nice, too.
The guys of Insider Picks have tried their fair share of workout clothes, and these shorts are quickly becoming a new favorite. Here’s what they had to say:
Breton Fischetti, senior commerce director:
In my mind, Bonobos is a pants company that started making shirts, but now that I’ve had the chance to try their Core Shorts I realize that they’ve done a lot of growing up since I first heard of them.
These are fully fledged performance shorts. While I would prefer a little shorter length, they have the right weight and fit. These shorts will not look out of place around town or at the gym, and they’ve got all of the functionality you want without any needless pockets or features. At $ 78, you can definitely find cheaper shorts, but if you are the kind of person who already wears Nike or Lululemon, these shorts would fit right in with the rest of your workout gear.
Brandt Ranj, associate commerce editor:
I don’t exercise a whole lot, so while I can’t say I’ve put them through their full paces, Bonobos’ shorts will be near the top of my rotation when I finally get around to restarting my CouchTo5K regimen. They’re short without being too short, tight without being uncomfortable, and have pockets (although I probably won’t run with anything in them). I usually like running in baggy basketball shorts, but this pair is beginning to show me the benefits of trying a nicer option.
Spencer Lambert, commerce intern:
I tried out the navy Core Shorts and was an instant fan. Not only did they have the minimalist look I prefer in gym clothes, they also had my two necessary features for gym shorts. First, a brief liner is a must-have because it cuts down on laundry for the week, which you can’t put a price on (well, maybe you can).
The other feature that sells me on a good pair of gym shorts is slim pockets. Gym shorts with large pockets tend to leave your iPod flying around or falling out when you try more active movements. This Bonobos pair has slim enough pockets that the movement was minimal and I could exercise freely without concern. After a few wears, the Core Shorts earned a definite place in my gym bag by checking all the boxes in comfort, style, and functionality.
Bonobos’ Good Sport Core Shorts retail for $ 68-$ 88 a pair and are available in three colors. You can pick up a lined or unlined pair depending on your preference.
