For anyone who has ever walked around the gym in the days following a session with the shorts for bodybuilders , you know that your sweaty, ripped shorts take a beating. Even though they’re not doing the heavy lifting, your shorts still have to deal with rubbing and friction from resting and grabbing bars, salty sweat and chalk-caked hands being wiped on them, and all of the other rough stuff that goes with a high-intensity workout. It’s important to invest in a pair of durable shorts that can stand up to the abuse and keep you comfortable in the process.

The first thing to consider with bodybuilding-specific shorts is the fabric and material. The best ones are made from moisture-wicking materials to minimize sweat, and they’ll prevent any sweat that does occur from sticking to your skin and causing discomfort and chafing during workouts.

Comfort and Performance: The Ultimate Guide to Shorts for Bodybuilding Workouts

You’ll also want to make sure your shorts are designed with the crotch area in mind. You don’t want the leg opening to be too small or tight, as it will restrict movement and feel restrictive, while a too-large leg opening can get caught on your shoes and be uncomfortable. You may also want your shorts to have a liner or not, as some people prefer the added chafing protection a liner provides while others find it unnecessary and annoying.

The shorts we recommend here all have a 3-inch inseam that falls well above the knee to avoid bunching around the thighs or getting in the way of movements like box jumps and squats. They’re designed with a look that reflects the muscular and athletic nature of bodybuilding, and they come in a range of colors and lengths to suit your tastes.