Running, gym, football or basketball: which sports shorts fit your sport?

The men's shorts on this page come mostly from adidas, Nike and Under Armour. Training shorts are the biggest group, followed by everyday, running, football and basketball shorts. The descriptions say what each pair is made for.

• Running: the adidas Adizero Essentials Running Shorts are slim-fit. The UA Vanish Elite 6" Shorts are built for training and running in a lightweight, quick-drying fabric.
• Gym: the adidas Train Essentials All Set Training Shorts have side slits and a soft doubleknit fabric with Aeroready.
• Football: the Nike Academy Dri-FIT Football Shorts are built for football training, with side mesh panelling and a slim fit.
• Basketball: the Nike DNA Dri-FIT Basketball Shorts and the Nike Icon Dri-FIT 8 Inch Basketball Shorts.
• Tennis: the NikeCourt Advantage shorts have pockets that securely store tennis balls.

What do 5", 7" and 9" mean on shorts?

The number is the length of the shorts in inches. Some brands put it in the name, as in the Nike Dri-FIT Form 7" Graphic Shorts or the adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Single Jersey Shorts 7-Inch. Some adidas styles put it in the size instead, so you pick a size such as M 5", M 7" or M 9". A lower number means shorter shorts.

Woven, jersey or fleece?

Woven shorts, such as the adidas Z.N.E. Woven Shorts, use a stretchy woven fabric that is easy to move in. Single jersey is described as lightweight. Fleece is the off-duty choice: the Nike Club Fleece JDI Shorts are knee-length with a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs.

If you want one pair for the gym, start with the adidas Train Essentials All Set Training Shorts. See also all shorts and Under Armour shorts.