When I first bought my running shorts online, I always wondered how they get that 3” measurement. I mean, surely it doesn’t mean that the whole length of the short measures 3 inches, that would be absurd. All running shorts should allow you to move freely — that’s a given. The best running shorts, however, should not only provide freedom of movement, but also keep moisture at a minimum to ward off chafing, and keep items like your phone, keys, and fuel secure without bouncing around. To get the inseam length of your running shorts, you’ll only need a tape measure (or any measuring device).

Compression shorts, on the other hand, do not have a cut. Therefore, exposing less skin. Your Height So I asked a friend who works at a running specialty store what that 3 inches mean and found out that the length you see in the description of running shorts is the inseam length. There are no storage options with the Heritage short, but their silky smooth feel makes them one of the most comfortable on test. There are eight sizing options, too, for those who prefer a precise, dialled-in fit. Read our full Nike Dri-FIT Heritage 10cm Short review RELATED CONTENT:

In This Section

A type of running shorts that features a lining (usually a compression short or net-type) inside and loose shorts on the outside.

The length of your running shorts depends on your preference. However, If you are new to running and are looking to play it safe when it comes to choosing the length of your running shorts, I recommend going for 4 inches for the women and 5 inches for the men. Then, hold one end of the measuring tape at the bottom of the crotch area and measure up to the end of the fabric.By the way, If you’re still looking for a running short here are a few that I have used and found great success with. RunHit Compression Shorts If you’re typically a large, go at least to a medium — maybe even a small. If you struggle to find running shorts with enough volume, these should work really well for you. Have you ever bought a running short online that looks perfect for a friend of yours but not to you? That’s because running shorts with the same inseam length doesn’t necessarily mean they end in the same area on your thigh.

Higher percentages of these flexible fabrics do have a downside — they tend to absorb and retain more moisture. Moisture-ridden fabric and poor fit are the top causes of chafing.We tested running shorts in a variety of environments; (photo/Eszter Horanyi) Why You Should Trust Us Most versatile. Offers a decent range of motion and breathability while still modest to run in public.

To find the best running shorts, we start with hours of online research. We attend trade shows such as The Running Event and Outdoor Retailer for newly released shorts, such as the S AXX Hightail, and keep our eye out for up-and-coming brands like Ten Thousand. I prefer shorts that have a blend of stretch fabrics such as spandex or elastane in them. This gives the shorts greater flexibility and mobility, ultimately limiting restriction. Why? It’s that perfect in-between length for most heights, so it's not too long and not too short. You can avoid excess fabric and the risk of showing too much leg. The 7-inch short usually hits above the knee. Now we know why running shorts are so short. They provide a freer range of motion and they are more breathable. If you need a closet staple or a “go anywhere” type of short, you’ll want to choose a 7-inch pair. “This length is the best selling length for many men’s performance brands,” Campa says.Table of the advantages of different running short length and what they are recommended for. How Running Short Length is Measured The 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Not once was the stretchy fabric confining. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive.