What are the best lightweight running shorts for summer workouts?
This page compares 14 lightweight running shorts with verified specifications and prices. Top options include REI Co-op Swiftland 2-in-1, Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts, Bandit Men's Vanisher Half Tights. Prices range from £15 to £178. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Material ⇅ | Length (inch) ⇅ | Waistband Style ⇅ | Pocket Count ⇅ | Lining ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ |
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REI Co-op Swiftland 2-in-1
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£38.51 ≈ | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex | 6 in | High-rise wide waistband | 5 | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex | 3.9 |
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These lightweight 2-in-1 running shorts combine breathable recycled nylon/spandex outer shorts with built-in 6 in stretch-grid liner shorts. They include five pockets, moisture-wicking fabric, a wide high-rise waistband, and chafe-free seams, making them well suited to trail running, fitness, and everyday workouts. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 3 in outer shorts and breathable 6 in liner use ultralightweight moisture-wicking fabric, while five pockets provide practical storage without needing a belt. |
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Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts
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£21.64 ≈ | 100% polyester | 5 in | Elastic waistband with internal drawstring | 3 | Mesh brief liner | 4.80 |
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These lightweight running shorts use 100% polyester fabric, a mesh brief liner, UPF 50+ protection, and three zippered pockets. They suit beginner runners and budget-conscious athletes who want secure storage for a phone, keys, or gels. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 5 in length, 4.80 oz measured weight, polyester fabric, and mesh brief liner provide a lightweight running design, while three zippered pockets securely carry essentials. |
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Bandit Men's Vanisher Half Tights
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£177.98 ≈ | 78% recycled polyester, 22% elastane | — | custom drawstring waistband | 7 | brief liner | — |
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The Vanisher Half Tights use lightweight compression fabric designed to hide sweat and disperse moisture. They include a brief liner, chafe-reducing gusseted crotch, GripDot hems, and seven pockets for phones and gels, making them suitable for racing, long runs, and serious training. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the lightweight 78% recycled polyester and 22% elastane fabric disperses moisture, while the brief liner, seven-pocket storage system, and sweat-proof phone pockets support long, hot runs without requiring extra layers.
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Janji AFO Middle Shorts
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£37.03 ≈ | 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane | 5 in | Perforated knit waistband with external drawcord | 2 | 94% polyester, 6% spandex brief liner | 3.7 oz |
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The Janji AFO Middle Shorts are lightweight, breathable running shorts with a fast-drying stretch-woven shell and moisture-wicking brief liner. They suit runners who prioritize comfort, airflow, and minimal carry, with two pockets including a secure rear zip pocket. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 3.7 oz shell is breathable and fast-drying, while the 5 in length, perforated waistband, and moisture-wicking brief liner help keep runs cool and comfortable. |
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Tracksmith Session Shorts
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£110.49 ≈ | 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex body fabric; 85% Nylon / 15% Elastane liner fabric | 5 in | Streamlined elastic waistband with internal drawstring | 4 | Italian-sourced 85% Nylon / 15% Elastane internal liner | — |
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The Tracksmith Session Shorts use a breathable, high-stretch knit with UPF 50+ protection and a silky-smooth internal liner. They have a relaxed standard fit, four pockets, and a 5 in inseam, making them suitable for everyday training and long runs. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts with a breathable 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex knit, moisture-wicking construction, UPF 50+ protection, and a lightweight 5 in design.
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Janji M's 7in Multi Short 2-in-1
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£32.50 ≈ | 80% nylon, 20% elastane | 7 in | fitted waistband | 7 | 94% polyester, 6% spandex performance brief liner | 6 oz |
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These lightweight 2-in-1 running shorts combine a breathable 4-way stretch nylon shell with an integrated moisture-wicking compression liner. Seven bounce-proof pockets provide extensive storage, making them well suited to runners who carry nutrition, keys, a phone, or other essentials. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 6 oz design uses micro-perforated, moisture-wicking fabric and a 7 in shell with an integrated compression liner for breathable, chafe-resistant coverage. |
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Baleaf 5in Running Athletic Shorts
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£23.73 ≈ | 100% polyester | 5 in | Internal drawstring waistband | 3 | Mesh brief liner | 4.80 |
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These lightweight running shorts use quick-drying 100% polyester fabric and include a mesh brief liner for support. Three zippered pockets provide secure storage, making them suitable for beginner runners, short runs, and everyday workouts. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 4.80 oz construction, 5 in length, quick-drying polyester, and mesh brief liner provide lightweight coverage and practical support, while three zippered pockets secure essentials. |
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Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts
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£16.31 ≈ | 100% recycled polyester shell; 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex liner | 6 in outer shell; 4 in liner | Flat soft-knit elastic waistband with internal drawcord | 4 | Boxer-brief liner | 4.30 |
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These lightweight, breathable 2-in-1 running shorts combine a 6 in woven shell with a supportive 4 in boxer-brief liner. Perforated side panels improve ventilation, while two liner pockets and two external hand pockets provide storage for everyday runs, gym workouts, and casual wear. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts with a lightweight 4.30 oz construction, breathable perforated panels, and a supportive 4 in liner designed to reduce chafing. |
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Vuori Kore Short
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£39.99 ≈ | 48% recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 10% elastane shell; 94% polyester, 6% elastane liner | 7 in | Elastic waistband with drawcord | 3 | Built-in breathable boxer-brief liner | 6.5 |
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The Vuori Kore Short is a quick-drying, four-way-stretch athletic short with a recycled-polyester shell and built-in boxer-brief liner. Its elastic drawcord waistband and two slash pockets plus a back pocket suit comfortable gym sessions, casual wear, and moderate-intensity activities. ★ Ideal forIt suits summer workouts with its 6.5 oz weight, quick-drying four-way-stretch fabric, breathable boxer-brief liner, and 7 in inseam, though it is better for moderate workouts than fast, high-intensity running. |
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Salomon Men's Cross 3in Shorts
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£14.82 ≈ | 100% polyester | 3 in | Internal waist adjustment | 1 | 100% polyester mesh inner brief | 3.1 oz |
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Lightweight, breathable running shorts with quick-drying AdvancedSkin ActiveDry fabric, a mesh inner, reflective details, and a zipped back pocket. The 3in inseam and regular fit suit runners who want cool, unrestricted movement during fast training sessions. ★ Ideal forThese shorts suit summer workouts because their 3in inseam, 88g weight, breathable mesh inner, and quick-drying 100% polyester construction help keep runs cool and lightweight.
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Montane Slipstream 7in Shorts
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£31.88 ≈ | 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane | 7in | Stretch waistband with internal drawcord | 1 | No | 2.82 |
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These lightweight trail-running shorts use breathable, quick-drying stretch polyester with a tailored fit and reflective details. The elasticated waistband has an internal drawcord, while the single rear YKK-zip pocket securely stores small essentials. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 7in Aeroflyte QD stretch-polyester design weighs just 2.82 oz, has no internal liner, and includes breathable construction, reflective details, and a secure rear zipped pocket.
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lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4in
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£43.01 ≈ | 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane; liner: 89% recycled polyester, 11% Lycra elastane | 4in | High-rise waistband with continuous drawcord | 2 | Built-in liner | — |
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These running shorts use lightweight, sweat-wicking, quick-drying Swift fabric with four-way stretch and mesh panels. They have a high-rise drawcord waistband, built-in liner, reflective details, and two pockets, making them suitable for running and other high-movement workouts. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 4in lightweight Swift fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, four-way stretch, and ventilated with mesh panels, while the built-in liner provides coverage during running.
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Nike Tempo
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£19.26 ≈ | 100% polyester | 3 in | Mid-rise elastic waistband with internal drawstring | 1 | Brief liner | — |
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Nike Tempo running shorts use lightweight, sweat-wicking polyester with mesh panels for ventilation. They have a 3 in inseam, brief lining, and a secure pocket for carrying a key or card, making them suitable for runners and summer training. ★ Ideal forThese shorts suit summer workouts because their lightweight polyester fabric, 3 in inseam, mesh ventilation panels, and brief liner provide breathability, mobility, sweat management, and coverage.
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REI Swiftland 2-in-1 Running Shorts
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£38.51 ≈ | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex | 3 in outer shorts, 6 in liner | High-rise wide waistband with internal drawcord | 5 | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex short tights | 3.9 |
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These lightweight 2-in-1 running shorts combine breathable recycled nylon-spandex fabric with built-in stretch short tights for chafe-resistant support. They suit runners who want secure storage, with five pockets including thigh pockets, waistband stash pockets, and a zippered back pocket. ★ Ideal forThey suit summer workouts because the 3 in outer shorts, 6 in breathable liner, 3.9 oz weight, moisture-wicking fabric, and five-pocket design provide airflow, low bulk, chafe protection, and convenient storage. |
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