Walk into any gym, anywhere in the world, and you will see a sea of them: baggy, billowing, mesh basketball shorts. They have been the default uniform for men since the 1990s. They hang loosely to the knees (or below), they absorb sweat like a sponge, and they flap around like a flag in a hurricane during box jumps.
Let’s be brutally honest for a second: the “gym short” is tired. While they are certainly functional in a basic sense—they cover your body—they are rarely great. They ride up during deadlifts, exposing things nobody asked to see. They offer zero muscle support. They get caught on barbells. And if you’ve ever gone for a long run in humid weather, you know the absolute nightmare that is inner-thigh chafing.
In 2026, your training has evolved. You’re tracking biometrics, you’re optimizing your macros, and you’re following elite programming. Why are you still training in the same gear you wore to middle school PE class? Whether you are looking to improve your aerodynamics, support your glutes, or just stop looking like you’re wearing a trash bag to the squat rack, there are superior options out there.
Why Your Gear Needs an Evolution
It’s time to upgrade your kit. Moving away from traditional shorts isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality. Modern fabric technology has far surpassed the capabilities of basic mesh, offering tools that actually help you recover faster and lift heavier. Here are the 5 best alternatives to traditional gym shorts that will change the way you train instantly.
1. Full-Length Performance Leggings
This is the new gold standard for the modern athlete. Swapping shorts for full-length leggings isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a legitimate performance hack.
When you wear loose shorts, there is a disconnect between your brain and your body. Excess fabric creates drag and distraction. In contrast, leggings provide proprioceptive feedback—the sensation of the fabric against your skin helps your brain map exactly where your limbs are in space. This leads to better form on squats and cleaner technique on Olympic lifts.
Beyond the mental aspect, there’s the hygiene factor. If you’re deadlifting, full-length leggings protect your shins from scraping against the knurling of the bar. If you’re on the floor doing burpees or stretching, they provide a barrier against whatever grime was left by the guy before you. If you are ready to trade the breeze for better blood flow and protection, a pair of dedicated fitness men’s leggings is the ultimate upgrade. They wick sweat faster than cotton and keep your muscles warm between sets, drastically reducing the risk of cooling down and pulling a muscle.
2. High-Compression Technical Tights
If you take your training seriously—we’re talking high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy compound lifting, or marathon training—you need more than just coverage. You need engineering.
Compression tights are a significant step above standard leggings. They provide graduated pressure, which means they are tighter at the ankle and gradually loosen toward the hip. This design helps fight gravity, pushing deoxygenated blood back up to the heart to be recharged.
But the biggest benefit for lifters is oscillation control. When your foot hits the pavement or you land a box jump, your muscles vibrate. Over time, this “jiggle” causes micro-tears and fatigue. Our Performance PRO Range is designed specifically to combat this. Utilizing high-GSM fabrics, they act like a supportive exosuit for your legs, locking your muscles in place. It’s not just clothing; it’s equipment that actively aids in your recovery while you’re still working out.
3. The 3/4 Length “Crop” Legging
Sometimes called “man-pris” (though we much prefer “three-quarter tights”), these are the perfect middle ground for the guy who runs hot but needs joint support.
The 3/4 cut typically ends just below the calf muscle. This is strategic. It keeps your knees and thighs warm and compressed—crucial for preventing injury in the complex knee joint—while leaving your lower leg and ankles exposed to the air. This ventilation makes a massive difference during high-heat cardio sessions or summer outdoor boot camps.
This style has long been a favorite among basketball players and soccer stars for a reason: it offers the agility and “naked” feel of shorts with the hamstring and quad support of tights. It’s the ultimate hybrid for agility training where footwork is key.
4. Solo Compression Shorts
Are you ready to truly show off the results of leg day? Solo compression shorts are exactly what they sound like—tight, supportive shorts worn without the baggy layer on top.
For years, men were conditioned to hide these underneath board shorts, creating a bulky, heat-trapping diaper effect. But confident lifters, sprinters, and triathletes are increasingly shedding the top layer. By removing the loose shorts, you eliminate all drag, friction, and snagging hazards.
This is arguably the most comfortable option for running, as there is absolutely zero fabric to rub against your inner thighs. The key here is quality. You cannot do this with cheap, thin underwear. You need purpose-built compression shorts with a high-quality, double-layered crotch or a modesty pad (a staple of Kapow’s designs) to ensure everything stays secure, opaque, and gym-appropriate.
5. The “Hybrid” Layer (Shorts-Over-Tights)
If you aren’t quite ready to reveal your glutes to the world, or if you simply prefer a more rugged aesthetic, the hybrid look is your gateway drug. This involves wearing your high-performance leggings as a base layer with a lightweight pair of athletic shorts on top.
This combination gives you the best of both worlds. You get the muscle support, sweat-wicking properties, and skin protection of leggings, combined with the modest silhouette and extra pockets of shorts.
It’s a functional look that has become the standard uniform for CrossFit boxes and garage gyms globally. It’s also the smartest choice for outdoor winter training—that extra layer of shorts traps heat around your core and glutes, keeping you warm when the temperature drops, while the leggings protect your extremities.
The Verdict
The era of the shapeless, sweat-soaked mesh shorts is ending. It served its purpose, but we have better technology now. Whether you go for the full-coverage, high-tech support of the Performance PRO Range, the agility of a 3/4 tight, or the rugged versatility of the hybrid look, moving away from traditional shorts means moving toward better workouts.
Stop fighting with your fabric. Stop adjusting your waistband after every set. Start training with purpose. Upgrade your gear, and the gains will follow.
