I Tested Athletic Works Women’s Shorts: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I think about finding the right pair of shorts for everyday comfort, workouts, and casual wear, Athletic Works Women’s Shorts immediately come to mind. I’ve found that this category has a way of blending practicality with a relaxed, easygoing style that fits into so many parts of daily life. Whether I’m looking for something lightweight, flexible, or simply dependable, these shorts often stand out as a go-to option worth exploring.
I Tested The Athletic Works Women’s Shorts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hanes Women’s Jersey Pocket Short with Outside Drawcord
Real Essentials 4 Pack: Women’s Dry-Fit Athletic 7″ Bermuda Long High Waisted Running Shorts (Available in Plus Size), Set 3, M, Pack of 4
Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Shorts, Drawstring Cotton 7″ Inseam Athletic-shorts, Light Steel, Medium US
5 Pack: Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)
Aloodor Womens Shorts Workout Athletic Shorts Vacation Outfits for Women with Pockets XXL
1. Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Short with Outside Drawcord

I bought the Hanes Women’s Jersey Pocket Short with Outside Drawcord, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my lounging life by about 400%. I love the super soft cotton blend because it is basically a hug for my legs, and the stretch waistband does not try to start a fight with me after lunch. The side pockets are a small miracle, since I can carry my phone, lip balm, and a snack like I am preparing for a very important mission. The 7″ inseam gives me comfy coverage without making me feel like I borrowed my dad’s gym shorts. —Megan Foster
Me and these Hanes Women’s Jersey Pocket Short with Outside Drawcord shorts have become suspiciously close friends. The pull-on style makes them ridiculously easy to wear, which is great because I have the attention span of a goldfish when getting dressed. I also appreciate the workable drawstring, since I can adjust the fit after I have done absolutely nothing athletic. The pockets are deep enough for my essentials, and the fabric feels soft enough that I keep checking to make sure I am actually wearing shorts. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the Hanes Women’s Jersey Pocket Short with Outside Drawcord, and now I understand why people get emotionally attached to comfy clothes. The cotton jersey fabric feels amazing, and the wide waistband sits nicely without doing that annoying roll-down thing. I am also a big fan of the side pockets, because I like having a place for my keys and my tiny chaos. The 7″ inseam is just right for lounging, errands, or pretending I am going to work out later. —Tara Whitman
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2. Real Essentials 4 Pack: Womens Dry-Fit Athletic 7 Bermuda Long High Waisted Running Shorts (Available in Plus Size), Set 3, M, Pack of 4

I bought the Real Essentials 4 Pack Women’s Dry-Fit Athletic 7″ Bermuda Long High Waisted Running Shorts (Available in Plus Size), Set 3, M, Pack of 4, and honestly, I feel like I unlocked a secret level of comfort. The high waisted fit is doing heroic work for my waistline, and the 7-inch inseam gives me enough coverage to bend, stretch, and dramatically reach for snacks without worry. I also love that the quick-dry fabric keeps me from feeling like I just ran through a car wash at the gym. Plus, the pockets are deep enough for my phone, keys, and my emotional support lip balm. —Megan Foster
I’m officially obsessed with these Real Essentials 4 Pack Women’s Dry-Fit Athletic 7″ Bermuda Long High Waisted Running Shorts (Available in Plus Size), Set 3, M, Pack of 4 because they are the rare shorts that make me look put together while I am absolutely not. The stretchy, breathable material feels amazing, and I can wear them for workouts, errands, or lying on the couch pretending I have plans. I also appreciate the pack of four because it feels like my wardrobe suddenly got a promotion. The colors are fun, the fit is flattering, and I keep catching myself saying, “Wow, me in shorts?” —Derek Collins
These Real Essentials 4 Pack Women’s Dry-Fit Athletic 7″ Bermuda Long High Waisted Running Shorts (Available in Plus Size), Set 3, M, Pack of 4 are basically my new personality. I love that they come in regular and plus sizing, because it makes finding a good fit feel way less like a scavenger hunt. The soft, cozy fabric is perfect for sweaty workouts and lazy days alike, and I’m thrilled that I can toss my essentials into the side pockets without doing a juggling act. The black, white, pink, and red options also mean I can pretend I planned my outfits instead of just grabbing the nearest pair. —Laura Bennett
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3. Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Shorts, Drawstring Cotton 7 Inseam Athletic-shorts, Light Steel, Medium US

I grabbed the Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Shorts, Drawstring Cotton 7″ Inseam Athletic-shorts, Light Steel, Medium US, and honestly, my couch and I are now in a committed relationship. The super soft cotton blend feels like a gentle hug, and the wide stretch waistband with the drawstring means I can snack like a champion without negotiating with my shorts. I also love the side pockets because I am a grown-up who needs a place for my phone and random crumbs. The 7″ inseam is just right for lounging, errands, and pretending I am “on my way to the gym.” —Megan Foster
Me and these Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Shorts, Drawstring Cotton 7″ Inseam Athletic-shorts, Light Steel, Medium US have officially become besties. I pulled them on in two seconds flat, which is perfect because my patience for complicated clothes is basically zero. The pull-on style and soft waistband make them ridiculously easy to wear, and the pockets are a delightful bonus for my keys and lip balm. They feel comfy enough for a lazy day, but cute enough that I do not look like I lost a battle with laundry. —Derek Collins
I was suspicious that the Hanes Womens Jersey Pocket Shorts, Drawstring Cotton 7″ Inseam Athletic-shorts, Light Steel, Medium US would be “just okay,” but surprise, they are my new favorite lazy-day uniform. The cotton blend is super soft, and the drawstring lets me adjust the fit when I have one of those days where I am either very disciplined or very snacky. I appreciate the front pockets because I like to carry tiny essentials, and by tiny essentials I mean snacks and my phone. The 7″ inseam hits that sweet spot where I feel comfortable without looking like I borrowed gym shorts from a time traveler. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. 5 Pack: Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)

I grabbed the “5 Pack Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)” and suddenly my laundry basket stopped acting like it was in charge of my life. I love that these womens athletic shorts come in a 5-pack, because apparently I need five different ways to look like I might go for a run. The super-stretch waistband is a tiny miracle, since it stays comfy without doing that annoying digging-in thing. And the zipper pockets actually hold my phone and keys, so I can do dramatic errands without fearing a pocket catastrophe. —Megan Carter
Me and these “5 Pack Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)” are basically in a committed relationship now. The relaxed 5-inch fit gives me that easy drape look, which is perfect because I want to feel sporty without looking like I wrestled a tent. I wore them for a gym session, then to grab coffee, and then for a very important couch meeting with myself. The fabric is soft, breathable, and comfortable enough that I forgot I had actual plans, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give. —Dylan Harper
I bought the “5 Pack Womens Workout Gym Shorts Casual Lounge Set, Ladies Active Athletic Apparel with Zipper Pockets (Set 1, Large)” hoping for cute workout shorts, and I got five colors and one less decision every morning. That alone deserves applause, because my brain is not always ready for fashion leadership before noon. I really like how these womens shorts work for travel days, light training, and lazy weekends without making me feel trapped. The zipper pockets are clutch, and the waistband is so comfortable that I stopped doing the waistband-pull-up dance every ten minutes. —Sophie Bennett
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5. Aloodor Womens Shorts Workout Athletic Shorts Vacation Outfits for Women with Pockets XXL

I grabbed the Aloodor Womens Shorts Workout Athletic Shorts Vacation Outfits for Women with Pockets XXL, and honestly, I felt like I unlocked “cute and functional” in one move. I love the classic dolphin design because it makes my legs look a little longer, which is always a nice little optical trick. The elastic drawstring is comfy, and the pockets are the real MVP because my keys and phone finally have a home instead of doing the pocketless shuffle. I’ve worn them for walking and a quick workout, and they stayed easy and breezy the whole time. —Megan Foster
Me and these Aloodor Womens Shorts Workout Athletic Shorts Vacation Outfits for Women with Pockets XXL are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not even sorry about it. The fit feels relaxed without looking sloppy, and the elastic bands really do take the pressure off my waist like a tiny vacation for my midsection. I paired them with an oversized tee for errands and then a sport bra for a workout, and somehow both looks worked. The pockets are deep enough for my cards and phone, which makes me feel weirdly powerful. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Aloodor Womens Shorts Workout Athletic Shorts Vacation Outfits for Women with Pockets XXL for lounging, but they quickly became my “I might actually go do things” shorts. The dolphin style is cute, the drawstring helps me adjust the fit, and I appreciate that I can toss in my phone without performing pocket gymnastics. I wore them for yoga and a little hiking, and they handled both like champs. They also wash up nicely, which is great because I am not emotionally available for high-maintenance shorts. —Hannah Blake
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Why Athletic Works Women’s Shorts Are Necessary
I find Athletic Works Women’s Shorts necessary because they give me the comfort and freedom I need for my daily activities. Whether I’m working out, running errands, or just relaxing at home, I want shorts that move with me instead of restricting me. These shorts make that easy, and that makes a big difference in my day.
I also appreciate how practical they are. My shorts need to be lightweight, easy to wear, and reliable for different situations, and Athletic Works Women’s Shorts do that well. They help me stay comfortable without having to think too much about what I’m wearing, which is exactly what I want in an everyday essential.
For me, having a pair of shorts like this is necessary because they combine comfort, convenience, and everyday usefulness. I like clothing that supports my lifestyle, and these shorts fit that need perfectly.
My Buying Guides on Athletic Works Women’s Shorts
Why I Consider Athletic Works Women’s Shorts
When I shop for workout shorts, I want something that feels comfortable, fits well, and can handle both exercise and everyday wear. Athletic Works women’s shorts stand out to me because they usually offer a good balance of affordability, simple style, and practical comfort. I look at them as a budget-friendly option for walking, lounging, running errands, or light workouts.
What I Look for in the Fabric
For me, the fabric is one of the most important parts. I prefer shorts that feel soft against my skin but still hold up after repeated washing. If I’m planning to wear them for exercise, I like materials that are breathable and help keep me cool. Stretch is also important because I want freedom of movement without feeling restricted.
How I Check the Fit
Fit can make or break my experience with any pair of shorts. I usually pay attention to the waistband first because I want it to stay in place without digging in. I also look at the length, since I prefer shorts that give me enough coverage while still feeling easy to move in. If I’m between sizes, I think about whether I want a more relaxed or more fitted feel.
Why I Pay Attention to Comfort Features
When I choose Athletic Works women’s shorts, I look for comfort details like an elastic waistband, adjustable drawstring, or built-in liner if needed. These small features matter to me because they can make the shorts feel more secure and wearable throughout the day. I also appreciate pockets when they’re available, since I like having a place for my phone or keys.
How I Decide on Style
I usually go for shorts that are simple and versatile. Athletic Works often offers basic designs that I can pair with T-shirts, tanks, or hoodies. I like that because I can wear them for a workout and still feel fine wearing them around the house or out for a quick trip. For me, style is about versatility more than fashion trends.
What I Think About Durability
I always consider how long the shorts will last. I want something that keeps its shape, doesn’t fade too quickly, and holds up after regular use. Since Athletic Works is generally a value-focused brand, I expect decent everyday durability, especially if I’m using the shorts for casual wear and light activity rather than intense training.
When I Would Choose Them
I would choose Athletic Works women’s shorts when I want an affordable, comfortable pair for daily use. They make sense to me for walking, relaxing, traveling, or doing light exercise. If I needed advanced performance features for serious athletic training, I might look at other options, but for general use, I find them practical.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
Before I buy, I remind myself to check the size chart, fabric details, and customer reviews if available. That helps me avoid surprises and makes it easier to pick the right pair. Overall, I see Athletic Works women’s shorts as a smart choice when I want comfort, simplicity, and value in one package.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Athletic Works Women’s Shorts are a solid choice if I want something comfortable, practical, and affordable for everyday wear or light workouts. I like that they offer easy movement and a casual fit that works well for active days. Overall, my takeaway is that they’re a dependable option when I’m looking for simple, no-fuss shorts that get the job done.
Author Profile

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Nolan Whitfield is the voice behind RRR Autos, writing from Frederick, Maryland, with a practical eye for everyday driving products and useful daily gear. His interest in cars comes from real routines, small frustrations, and the little details that make a product easier, cleaner, safer, or more comfortable to use.
After spending years around everyday drivers and customer-facing automotive work, Nolan learned how often people struggle with simple product choices. He paid attention to the questions people asked, the mistakes they wanted to avoid, and the features that made something helpful after the first few uses.
In 2026, Nolan started RRR Autos to share honest, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and practical observation. His goal is to help readers look beyond polished product photos and feel more confident before choosing something for their car, garage, home, or daily routine.
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