10 Best Yoga Shorts for Men

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When it comes to what we want from yoga attire, a lot of it depends on personal preference. Some of us are strictly yoga pants people, whereas others swear by birthday suit sessions. You might prefer an inner liner to keep everything secure, while others let things flow in more ways than one. But ultimately, the best yoga shorts for men ensure that you’re not distracted from your practice by pinching or chafing.

We asked teachers and students who practice on the regular which brands and styles of yoga shorts for men they rely on class after class. Their responses allowed a lot of room for preferences—desired length, liner or not, and a need for pockets. But the one thing these shorts share in common is that they deliver comfort, whether you’re wearing them as you move on the mat or through everyday life.

Essentials • 5-inch inseam• 86% polyester | 14% Spandex• Zippered pocket

Over the decades, I’ve tried every kind of short for yoga class: board shorts, tights, basketball shorts, gym shorts, and more. A few years ago, Ten Thousand came out with the Session Short. It has a five-inch inseam with a light and comfortable liner. I reach for it before every yoga class, especially hot yoga. The waistband is minimal and doesn’t bunch up when I’m in a forward fold or side bend, unlike other shorts I’ve worn. The liner stays in place and doesn’t ride up. There’s also a hidden zipper pocket on one side, which means my hands and legs don’t get caught on external pockets. —Mike Aidala, yoga teacher, performance coach, and world record weight lifter

$68 at Tent Thousand

Essentials• 5-inch inseam• 88% recycled polyester | 12% Spandex• Comes in colors and patterns

Yoga Crow is a small company that makes awesome shorts for men—particularly their Flow Short. I wear them for yoga, swimming, and just chilling out in the house. —Adam Husler, London-based yoga teacher and trainer and co-host of the Honestly Unbalanced podcast

This short is serious about the word “flow.” The lightweight polyester is like wearing air, and the liner hugs you in all the right places, creating an uber-comfortable experience. It comes in plain colors as well. —Alex Tzelnic, yoga student, mindfulness director, and elementary school physical education teacher

$66 at Amazon

Essentials• 5-inch inseam• “Light-as-air” material• Quick-drying

Whether I’m doing yoga, going to the beach, or taking a stroll through the city, the five-inch Adapt running short is definitely my go-to. It’s super lightweight and has a liner. When I travel, it usually ends up being a two- to three-month long stint, so I have to consider my luggage space, weight, ease of washing, and speed of drying. These are the only shorts that I take with me. Functional and stylish. 10/10. Would recommend to a friend. —Hiro Landazuri, yoga teacher and creator of Body Smart Yoga

$68 at alo yoga

Essentials• 5-inch inseam• 86% recycled polyester | 14% elastane• Zippered pocket

Lulu’s five-inch shorts are very comfortable for short people, like me, who have a thick booty. I prefer linerless shorts because the lined ones tend to ride up on legs with bigger thighs. —Jack Workman, San Francisco-based yoga teacher

$68 at Lululemon

Essentials• 6-inch inseam• 80% nylon | 20% elastane• Elastic-free waistband

For a slightly longer short than the Breaker (above), the six-inch inseam and Everlux fabric on the Balancer Short make it the most comfortable thing I’ve worn this summer. There’s nothing better than shorts that can take me from my morning meditation to chasing after my toddler to a yoga session to a run or swim. —Alex Tzelnic

$88 at Lululemon

Essentials• 7- and 9-inch inseam• “Performance-woven fabric”• Moisture-wicking

A slightly longer option than the Adapt (above), the Repetition Short is super stretchy, lightweight, linerless, and available in both a seven- and a nine-inch inseam. —Alex Tzelnic

$68 at alo yoga

Essentials• 7-inch inseam• 90% nylon | 10% spandex• 4-way stretch

In my opinion, Outdoor Voices has some of the hippest and comfiest men’s stretchy shorts on the market. These are my faves and I wore them in my YJ shoot last year. I love their color options and they have inclusive size options for those blessed with ample butt and thighs. (Outdoor Voices is also releasing the RecTrek in a five-inch inseam, for those who prefer even more freedom of movement.) —Jack Workman

$78 at REI

Essentials• 9-inch inseam• 91% polyester | 9% elastane• Moisture-wicking

For a budget-friendly option, Decathlon’s Lightweight Yoga Short has been a surprise. It’s a longer short that flows with you and won’t chafe or restrict, regardless of the pose.—Alex Tzelnic

$29.99 at Decathlon

Essentials• 9-inch inseam• 86% recycled polyester | 14% spandex• 4-way stretch

For the most affordable and maybe even the most comfortable yoga shorts, you can’t go wrong with the All In Motion brand from Target. These are perfect for restorative yoga or yoga in rooms that aren’t heated. So many colors and size options! —Jack Workman

$22 at Target

Essentials• 5- and 7-inch inseam• 86% polyester | 14% elastane• 4-way stretch

I’ve got to give it up for another short made for running that excels on the yoga mat. The Session Short from Tracksmith comes in a five- and seven-inch option. The seven-inch is my go-to and the lightweight, four-way stretch is unparalleled. Built-in UV protection, breathability, and an antimicrobial liner makes these are ideal for sweaty workouts.—Alex Tzelnic

$68 at Tracksmith

About Our Contributor

Alex Tzelnic is a writer, PE teacher, and Mindfulness Director in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has an MA in Mindfulness Studies from Lesley University and has written about the intersection of education, mindfulness, and movement for publications including Tricycle Magazine, Slate, The Daily Beast, and Inverse. You can find him on social media @atz840.