It’s shorts season! I’m sharing my favorite Athleta running shorts that are comfortable, flattering, and are my go-to for running – and running after kids.
I have been a fan of Athleta for years and years. Whether it’s their super soft joggers or their supportive crops, I wear Athleta attire from season to season. Like Beautycounter, Athleta is a B Corporation that makes technical clothing that is comfortable and conscious of people and the planet.
I appreciate they they are inclusive all all body shapes, sizes and ages – creating activewear for every aspect of your life, from crow pose to the court, for running miles and for running around after the kids. And they feature models of all shapes as well.
Their high-quality, sweat-wicking fabrics can withstand sweaty workouts, long runs, and their casual wear is my favorite for running errands on end.
While I’m not doing much long-distance running these days, their running shorts for women are always what I grab for quick runs around the neighborhood and soccer games.
Since we’re in the dog days of summer, today’s post is dedicated to Athleta’s running shorts, which is what originally got me hooked on the brand years ago. I’m sharing a few of my personal favorite styles plus a few other popular picks.
Here are 5 pairs of shorts that you can take trail running, for a jog to the park, or slip on for hot summer day when you’re running out the door.
The Best Athleta Running Shorts
1. Run With It Short 4.5″
I reach for these shorts every week in the summer. They are probably my favorite workout shorts ever. I LOVE the high waistband and quick-drying fabric. I have them in the 4.5″ length and love that they offer good coverage while still being cute.
The wide elastic waistband is smoothing without being tight or uncomfortable – they stay in place, so I’m never fidgeting with them. They also have a zip pocket to keep hold of your keys – always appreciated! They don’t have this pretty purple color anymore, but I just ordered these in black.
Fabric:
- FEEL: recycled Featherweight Stretch™ fabric feels silky sleek and light as air
- QUICK-DRYING: dries in a flash for ultimate comfort when breaking a sweat
- SUSTAINABLE: made from recycled polyester, a material sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles that helps lessen our impact on the world
Inseam: 3.5 and 4.5 inches
2. Mesh Racer Run Short 4″
These are another favorite of mine. They are extremely breathable and have great range of motion. Bonus: they have not one, but two pockets! I really like the mesh edge at the bottom too – makes them extra cute. These are my favorite soccer shorts right now.
Fabric:
- FEEL: recycled Featherweight Stretch™ fabric feels silky sleek and light as air
- WATER-REPELLENT: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) fabric finish protects against light mists
Inseam: 3 and 4 inches
3. Hustle Short 3″
How fun is this print!? They have a drawstring band to tighten and are light as a feather. They come in both 3″ and 4.5″ so you can choose your length.
Fabric:
- FEEL: recycled Featherweight Stretch™ fabric feels silky sleek and light as air
- FAVE: laser-cut ventilation helps keep you cool
- BREATHABLE: airflow moves easily through the garment
- ABRASION-RESISTANT: resists snags and tears
- WRINKLE-RESISTANT: packable fabric that airs wrinkles out easily
Inseam: 3 and 4.5 inches
4. Interval Run Short (on sale!)
The shorts I’m wearing here are actually an older style (the side pocket is the best!), but the Interval Run Short is a close contender in terms of fit and style. These have a really thin waistband, so if you don’t like the thicker ones that are in style, you’ll love these.
Fabric:
- FEEL: recycled Featherweight Stretch™ fabric feels silky sleek and light as air
- FAVE: mesh ventilation helps keep you cool
- UPF 50+ for excellent sun protection
Inseam: 3 inches
5. Salutation Stash Pocket Short 5″
I personally haven’t gotten on the “bike short” train, but these come highly rated. I could see myself wearing these for summer Peloton rides – I may just have to give them a try!
Fabric:
- FEEL: Powervita™ fabric is buttery soft with support that feels like a gentle hug
- FAVE: side stash pockets to hold your essentials
- WICKING: pulls sweat away from the body to the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate faster
Inseam: 5 inches
Tell me: do you have a favorite pair of running shorts that I need to know about?
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Sarah says
Also love Athleta and only buy my swimsuits from them (they make two pieces you can actually SWIM laps in!). But – besides the biker shorts, do any of them have pockets for your phone that work for running? That is a must-have for me. I’ve discovered two I like, one more $ from brooks with a pocket in the back that does bounce a little, and one cheap amazon pair with a side leg phone pocket that I think is the winner!
https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/womens-5inch-chaser-running-shorts/221465.html – > I wear my normal / smaller size (small)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CV6Z616?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details -> I ended up buying a second pair in a medium and they fit much better
Kath Younger says
I use a spibelt over my ribs so this hasn’t been a consideration but I LOVE those Amazon ones. Might have to try!!
Some of the athleta ones have key / smaller pockets but none that can fit my phone and case comfortably.
Sarah says
Yea, I used to wear a belt around my hips / waist that would hold my phone, but I found that I loved the winter months when I could put the phone in a side pocket of leggings. So I wanted to find shorts that could do the same! Give the amazon ones a try – just size up if you fluctuate between two sizes (i am generally either a small or a medium, so I went with the medium). I have the grey and the rose pink – the rose is super cute!
Kath Younger says
I do use the side pocket in leggings so this will be great! Do the undershorts ride up at all? That’s my only hesitation
Sarah says
I wore them yesterday for the first time, and they did, but just a little – not enough to really bother me