It is easy to pick shorts by length the way you pick them for the weekend: whatever looks right in the mirror. For training, the inseam matters more than that. It decides how the shorts behave when you squat, sprint or sit on a bench between sets.
Our men’s shorts come in three inseams: 5, 7 and 9 inches. Our women’s shorts come in 3 and 6 inches. Here is how to choose.
What inseam actually measures
The inseam is the length of the inside leg seam, from the crotch to the hem. It is not the total length of the shorts. That means two people in the same size and inseam will see the hem land in slightly different places, depending on their height and the length of their thigh.
As a rough guide on an average build, a 5 inch inseam sits around mid-thigh, a 7 inch inseam a few inches above the knee, and a 9 inch inseam just above it.
Matching the inseam to the session
5 inch (men) or 3 inch (women). Best for running, sprint work and anything with a high knee drive. There is less fabric to catch, and nothing bunches when your stride opens up. The trade-off is less coverage on a bench or in a deep stretch.
7 inch (men) or 6 inch (women). The all-rounder. Long enough for squats, lunges and floor work without riding up, short enough to run in. If you only own one pair, this is the one we would point you to.
9 inch (men). Good for lifting days and for anyone who prefers more coverage. In a deep squat, the hem stays well clear of the knee. It also layers neatly over a compression short if you like a base layer underneath.
Fit checks before you commit
Try new shorts with a deep bodyweight squat and a high knee. Watch for three things:
- The hem should not ride more than an inch or so up your thigh.
- The leg opening should not grip. If it does, you need either a size up or a longer inseam with a wider leg.
- The waistband should stay flat. If it rolls when you bend, size down.
Most of our shorts are cut in AirKnit or CoreFlex. AirKnit is lighter and dries faster on hot days. CoreFlex has more stretch for lifting and mobility. The 9 inch utility short is a stretch canvas, made as much for the walk to the gym as for the session.
If you are between sizes, the size guide has waist and hip measurements for every size, and your first exchange is free if the fit is not right.