5 Best Tennis Shorts for 2026

You’ll want shorts that move with you, wick sweat, and secure your phone and keys. Top picks include Women’s Active Yoga booty shorts for a snug, breathable fit; CRZ YOGA’s 2‑in‑1 high‑waist skirted shorts with a liner pocket; and three NORTHYARD men’s options offering 4‑way stretch, zippered pockets, UPF protection, and quick‑dry fabrics in 7″ and running styles. Each balances mobility, storage, and durability — keep going to learn which best fits your game and preferences.

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. Women’s Active Yoga & Workout Booty Shorts

   Best for Yoga

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   In case you want a pair of tennis shorts that double as gym and yoga wear, these Women’s Active Yoga & Workout Booty Shorts are a smart pick—stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric (75% polyester, 25% spandex) hugs your shape like a second skin while a fold-over waistband smooths your midsection for a streamlined look. You’ll get breathable, cool-to-touch comfort that moves with you for running, gym sessions, yoga, dance, or daily wear. The elastic closure keeps them secure, and they pair easily with any sports top. Machine wash cold (hand wash recommended); don’t bleach. Imported and ready for action.

   • Fabric / Material:75% Polyester, 25% Spandex
   • Stretch / Mobility:Stretch, second-skin fit
   • Moisture Management:Sweat-wicking, cool-to-touch
   • Closure / Waist adjustment:Elastic closure (fold-over waistband)
   • Pockets / Storage:No pockets mentioned
   • Intended Activity / Use:Running, gym, workout, yoga, dance, daily wear
   • Additional Feature:Fold-over waistband slimming
   • Additional Feature:Cool-to-touch fabric
   • Additional Feature:Machine wash cold

2. CRZ YOGA Women’s 2-in-1 High-Waist Athletic Shorts

   Best for Comfort

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   Should you want lightweight, no-fuss tennis shorts that combine a flowy outer skirt with a secure built-in liner, the CRZ YOGA 2‑in‑1 High‑Waist Athletic Shorts are a great pick for players who value comfort and storage. You’ll get a soft, weightless blend of 86% polyester and 14% elastane that’s slightly stretchy, quick-drying, moisture-wicking and cool-to-touch without that swish-swish noise. The high crossover waistband feels secure, the pull-on fit is easy, and the built-in liner includes a phone pocket while waistband pockets hold keys and cards. Machine washable and imported, they suit tennis, pickleball, running, workouts, or daily wear.

   • Fabric / Material:86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
   • Stretch / Mobility:Slightly stretchy, weightless
   • Moisture Management:Quick-drying, moisture-wicking
   • Closure / Waist adjustment:Pull-on (high crossover waistband)
   • Pockets / Storage:Liner phone pocket + waistband pockets (keys/cards)
   • Intended Activity / Use:Tennis, pickleball, running, workout, daily wear
   • Additional Feature:Built-in liner pocket
   • Additional Feature:Flowing outer layer
   • Additional Feature:Waistband phone/key pockets

3. NORTHYARD Men’s Quick-Dry Athletic Running & Workout Shorts

   Best for Runners

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   Should you want lightweight, secure shorts that keep your phone and keys safe during sprints or court drills, the NORTHYARD Men’s Quick-Dry Athletic Shorts are a smart pick thanks to three zippered pockets and deep pocket design. You’ll get a 90/10 polyester-elastane blend with 4-way stretch, abrasion resistance, quick-dry wicking, and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. The soft elastic waistband and drawstring lock in a stable fit for high-movement play. Side vents and mesh pocket lining enhance airflow, while reflective strips aid low-light visibility. Machine wash care and a contemporary cut make them versatile for year-round use.

   • Fabric / Material:90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
   • Stretch / Mobility:4-way stretch
   • Moisture Management:Quick-dry, moisture-wicking
   • Closure / Waist adjustment:Elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
   • Pockets / Storage:Three zippered pockets (two side, one back)
   • Intended Activity / Use:Running, gym, basketball, tennis, outdoor sports, everyday wear
   • Additional Feature:Three zippered pockets
   • Additional Feature:Reflective front/back strips
   • Additional Feature:Side ventilation vents

4. NORTHYARD Men’s 7″ Athletic Gym Shorts with Zippers

   Best for Everyday Wear

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   Should you want breathable, flexible shorts that keep precious items secure, the NORTHYARD Men’s 7″ athletic shorts are a smart pick—built from 4-way stretch terry (82% polyester, 18% elastane) for cooling, moisture-wicking comfort and zipper pockets with cloth-covered pulls so your phone and keys won’t scratch or slip out. You get a 7″ inseam that sits above the knee, a regular relaxed fit, and an elastic waistband with drawstring for easy adjustment. Zippered side pockets include a reflective strip for low-light visibility. They’re machine washable, imported, and suit running, training, tennis, hiking, travel, or lounging.

   • Fabric / Material:82% Polyester, 18% Elastane (knitted terry)
   • Stretch / Mobility:4-way stretch (flexible)
   • Moisture Management:Moisture-wicking, cooling
   • Closure / Waist adjustment:Elastic waistband with drawstring
   • Pockets / Storage:Zipper pockets on both sides
   • Intended Activity / Use:Jogging, running, workout, training, tennis, hiking, travel, casual
   • Additional Feature:7″ inseam above-knee
   • Additional Feature:Zipper pocket cloth cover
   • Additional Feature:Terry 4-way stretch fabric

5. NORTHYARD Men’s Quick-Dry Athletic Running Shorts

   Best for Sun Protection

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   Should you want lightweight, breathable shorts that keep your valuables secure during quick court sprints, the NORTHYARD Men’s Quick-Dry Athletic Running Shorts are a smart pick — their UPF 50+ fabric and quick-dry, 4-way stretch blend give you sun protection and full mobility, while zippered side pockets and a soft elastic waistband with drawstring hold everything in place. You’ll appreciate the 90% polyester/10% elastane build, flatlock seams to reduce chafe, and mesh pocket cloth for breathability. They dry fast, wick moisture, and resist abrasion. With deep zip pockets and machine-wash convenience, they’re versatile for tennis, running, gym, and travel.

   • Fabric / Material:90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
   • Stretch / Mobility:4-way stretch
   • Moisture Management:Quick-drying, moisture-wicking
   • Closure / Waist adjustment:Soft elastic waistband with built-in adjustable drawstring
   • Pockets / Storage:Two side zipper pockets
   • Intended Activity / Use:Running, workout, gym, basketball, tennis, hiking, travel, everyday wear
   • Additional Feature:UPF 50+ protection
   • Additional Feature:Unlined lightweight design
   • Additional Feature:Deep side zipper pockets

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tennis Shorts

Whenever you’re picking tennis shorts, focus on fabric and breathability so you stay cool and comfortable during long matches. Make sure the fit and mobility let you move freely, the waistband and closure feel secure, and pocket placement keeps balls and keys from bouncing out. Also check moisture-management performance to wick sweat and dry fast so your shorts don’t weigh you down.

Fabric And Breathability

Because your performance hinges on staying dry and mobile, pick fabrics that wick moisture, dry fast, and breathe well. Choose synthetic blends like polyester/spandex or poly/elastane to pull sweat away from your skin and speed evaporation during long matches. Favor lightweight, open weaves plus mesh-lined pockets or vents to increase airflow and prevent overheating in intense rallies. Look for 4-way stretch or about 5–15% elastane so fabric recovers shape after lunges and sprints. Prioritize odor-control or quick-dry finishes and flatlock seams to cut chafing and bacterial buildup. Should you play outside, opt for UPF-rated materials that block UV without sacrificing breathability. These fabric details keep you comfortable, fresh, and focused on the court.

Fit And Mobility

Move freely and trust your shorts to stay put—fit and mobility determine whether your game feels fluid or restricted. You want a slightly tapered cut that isn’t tight, paired with a flexible waistband so serves, volleys, and lunges feel natural. Prioritize fabrics with true 4-way stretch or polyester/spandex blends (around 10–25% spandex) so the material follows hip and thigh movement without binding. Match inseam to your play: 3–5″ for maximum leg mobility and quick direction changes, 6–9″ for more coverage with a bit less high-kick clearance. Inspect construction—flatlock or reinforced seams and a gusseted crotch cut down on chafing and seam stress during lateral bursts. Finally, test fit through squats, lunges, and sprint starts to confirm security and comfort.

Waistband And Closure

Although it’s easy to overlook, the waistband and closure determine how secure and comfortable your shorts feel during sprints, lunges, and serves—so pick a style that matches your needs: elastic for quick on/off, drawstrings for fine-tuned security, or a high-rise crossover for extra coverage. Choose a wide or fold-over band (2–3 inches) to spread pressure, reduce digging, and stay smooth during lateral movement. Prefer closures that allow micro-adjustments—internal drawcords or external strings—so you can tighten without cutting circulation. Verify the waistband’s stretch and recovery so it won’t sag after repeated wears and washes. Finally, consider integrated features like a discreet loop or pocket for keys/phone to keep essentials secure without adding bulk.

Pocket Placement And Security

While you’re sprinting to the net or chasing a wide return, pocket placement and security matter as much as fit—side or rear openings aligned with your natural hand position let you grab balls and small items without breaking stride, while zippers, snap closures, or deep mouths keep them from bouncing out during cuts. Place pockets at the sides or slightly rear-angled so depth and angle reduce ejection during forward motion. Avoid shallow or forward-facing openings that risk loss. Built-in internal pockets or mesh-lined phone sleeves in the waistband or liner stabilize electronics and cut bulk that shifts weight or chafes. Finally, check placement against your racket swing and hip rotation so pockets don’t interfere with stroke mechanics or flap during matches.

Moisture Management Performance

Almost always, the fabric’s moisture management will determine how comfortable your shorts feel on the court—pick blends like polyester/elastane or polyamide mixes that wick sweat off your skin and spread it for quicker evaporation. You’ll want quick-dry ratings or descriptions; materials that dry within minutes keep you comfortable through long matches and cut chafing from prolonged dampness. Check for breathable features—mesh-lined pockets, side vents, or lightweight knit—that enhance airflow and speed evaporation. Stretchy performance blends with elastane let you move freely, and flatlock seams reduce friction and irritation whenever fabric’s wet. Also consider cooling or “cool-to-touch” finishes that lower perceived temperature while preserving moisture transport during high-intensity play. Prioritize these elements for consistent on-court comfort.

Durability And Seams

Good moisture management keeps you dry, but durability and seam construction determine how long those shorts will perform match after match. You should pick shorts with reinforced or flatlock seams that lie flat against your skin to cut chafing during repeated lateral movement. Check for double-stitched or bar-tacked stress points at the crotch and pocket openings so sprinting and quick direction changes don’t split fabric. Favor blends high in nylon or polyester with added elastane — they resist abrasion and keep shape better than cotton after many washes. Inspect seam placement and panel construction: minimal vertical seams and gussets spread tension evenly and reduce seam failure. Finally, tight, even stitch density (a high stitches-per-inch count) signals stronger construction.

Visibility And Sun Protection

Because you’ll often play in strong sun or low light, pick shorts that bolster both visibility and UV protection so you stay safe and comfortable on court. Choose high-visibility color panels or reflective strips placed front, back, and sides so teammates and opponents can spot you from any angle during dawn, dusk, or indoor shifts. Favor fabrics with UPF 30–50+ to shield exposed hips and upper thighs from UVA/UVB during long outdoor matches. Light-colored, moisture-wicking, breathable materials reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, keeping you cooler on hot days. Pair shorts with a brimmed hat or UV-protective layers whenever you’ll be out for hours. Check coverage length to prevent sunburn where shorts meet your skin.