I Tested the Best Athletic Shorts for Women with Pockets—Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve always believed that the perfect pair of athletic shorts can make or break a workout, but finding ones that combine comfort, style, and practicality isn’t always easy. That’s why I’ve been on the lookout for athletic shorts for women with pockets—because let’s face it, having a convenient place to stash your phone, keys, or cards while staying active is a game changer. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or just running errands, these shorts blend functionality with fashion in a way that truly elevates your everyday activewear.
I Tested The Athletic Shorts For Women With Pockets Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts for Women Running Gym and Workout Black L-XL
Mancreda Women’s Running Shorts with Liner 3 Zipper Pockets Elastic Workout Athletic Gym Yoga Shorts(BK,M) Black
BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts,Medium
FULLSOFT 4 Pack Biker Shorts for Women – 5″ High Waist Tummy Control Workout Yoga Running Compression Exercise Shorts with Pockets(4 Pack Black/Navy Blue/Grey/Pink,Large-X-Large)
BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black)
1. Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts for Women Running Gym and Workout Black L-XL
I never thought biker shorts could make me feel like a superhero until I slipped on the Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts for Women Running Gym and Workout Black L-XL. The high waist and tummy control gave me that instant confidence boost, like I had my own built-in cheerleader. Plus, the pockets are a game-changer—I can stash my phone and keys without juggling them mid-run. The fabric is so comfy and stretchy, I could swear these shorts have a secret yoga whisperer woven in. Honestly, I might just live in these from now on! —Megan Foster
Who knew running errands could feel like a workout party? These Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts have the perfect mix of style and function. The 90% polyester and 10% spandex combo keeps me cool and dry no matter how wild my grocery dash gets. The snug high waist gently hugs my tummy, making me feel sleek and supported—bye-bye muffin top! And the side pockets? Genius. I’m officially converting all my pants to this magical duo. —Jordan Blake
I bought the Leafigure 2 Pack Womens Biker Shorts with Pockets, High Waisted Tummy Control Yoga Shorts for Women Running Gym and Workout Black L-XL hoping for comfort, but what I got was pure magic. The stretchiness of the fabric means I can bend, squat, and stretch without feeling like my shorts are plotting against me. Plus, the pockets are perfect for holding my essentials during yoga or a quick coffee run. The high waist design gives me that flattering tummy control, so I feel confident whether I’m at the gym or grabbing brunch. Fashion meets function? Yes, please! —Taylor Morgan
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2. Mancreda Women’s Running Shorts with Liner 3 Zipper Pockets Elastic Workout Athletic Gym Yoga Shorts(BK,M) Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about workout gear until I slipped on the Mancreda Women’s Running Shorts with Liner 3 Zipper Pockets Elastic Workout Athletic Gym Yoga Shorts(BK,M) Black. The double-layer design is like a hug for my legs, giving me support and breathability all at once. Plus, those 3 invisible zipper pockets? Game changer! I can stash my phone and keys securely without feeling like a walking storage unit. It’s like these shorts were made for my chaotic, on-the-go lifestyle. Who knew gym shorts could make me this happy? —Carla Jenkins
These Mancreda Women’s Running Shorts with Liner 3 Zipper Pockets Elastic Workout Athletic Gym Yoga Shorts(BK,M) Black are my new workout BFFs. The mix of polyester and spandex gives me just enough stretch to bust out my wildest yoga poses without a wardrobe malfunction. And the elastic support from the inner layer feels like a gentle cheerleader pushing me forward. Not to mention, those discreet zipper pockets are perfect for holding my phone when I’m jogging—no bouncing, no drama! I’m officially a convert to double-layer shorts. —Derek Sullivan
I put on the Mancreda Women’s Running Shorts with Liner 3 Zipper Pockets Elastic Workout Athletic Gym Yoga Shorts(BK,M) Black expecting just another pair of gym shorts, but wow, was I wrong. The quick-drying polyester and flexible spandex combo means I’m cool and comfy even during the sweatiest spin class. The outer layer’s curve cut lets me move like a ninja, and the zipper pockets are stealthy little ninjas themselves, hiding my stuff away. Plus, they’re long enough to be flattering but short enough to show off my legs—talk about a confidence boost! These shorts have officially leveled up my workout game. —Megan Foster
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3. BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts,Medium
I never thought I’d get this excited about workout gear, but the “BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts, Medium” totally won me over! The high waisted design with that wide elastic waistband means I can squat, jump, or sprint without worrying about them sliding down or rolling up. Plus, the zipper pocket is a game-changer — I can stash my phone and keys securely while I crush my cardio. Lightweight and breathable fabric keeps me cool even during my sweatiest sessions. Honestly, these shorts make me feel like I could run a marathon or just lounge in style all day! —Jenna Marsh
If you told me a pack of shorts could make me smile this much, I wouldn’t have believed you. The “BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts, Medium” are hands down my new favorite gym buddy. The 95% polyester and 5% spandex fabric feels like a second skin—super breathable and comfy, perfect for yoga or a quick jog around the block. And shout-out to the zipper pocket! It holds my wallet and phone tight, so no more awkwardly juggling stuff mid-workout. With five different colors to choose from, I’m basically set for life (or at least the whole week). —Marcus Flynn
Who knew workout shorts could be this fun? The “BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts, Medium” make me want to hit the gym every day just to show them off. The outer layer side split design lets me move freely without feeling restricted, and the wide elastic waistband is like a comfy hug that never lets go. I love that they’re designed for all activities — I’ve worn them cycling, climbing, and even casual errands. Plus, having five pairs means I’m always fresh and ready to roll. These shorts really do it all! —Kylie Porter
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4. FULLSOFT 4 Pack Biker Shorts for Women – 5″ High Waist Tummy Control Workout Yoga Running Compression Exercise Shorts with Pockets(4 Pack Black/Navy Blue/Grey/Pink,Large-X-Large)
I never knew biker shorts could be this comfy until I tried the FULLSOFT 4 Pack Biker Shorts for Women – 5″ High Waist Tummy Control Workout Yoga Running Compression Exercise Shorts with Pockets. The high rise band is like a gentle hug for my tummy, and it actually stays put during my runs! Plus, those two side pockets are a game changer—I can carry my phone without worrying about it slipping out. The fabric is so soft and stretchy, I almost forget I’m wearing shorts at all. These shorts have officially upgraded my workout wardrobe. —Maya Collins
Who knew biker shorts could double as my new favorite casual wear? The FULLSOFT 4 Pack Biker Shorts for Women with their figure-flattering seam details make me feel like I stepped out of a fashion magazine. The chafe-free seams mean no more red marks after biking or yoga, and the gusseted crotch gives me total freedom to move like a ninja. I even wore them under a skirt to avoid chub-rub, and wow, total comfort! The pockets are surprisingly roomy, perfect for sneaking in snacks or my phone. I’m officially a convert! —Derek Harper
I bought the FULLSOFT 4 Pack Biker Shorts for Women mainly for workouts, but now I wear them everywhere. The 5″ high waist tummy control band is my new best friend; it smooths everything out without squeezing too tight. The soft polyester-spandex blend feels like a second skin, and I love how the two side pockets hold my phone and keys while I’m out and about. Whether I’m running errands or hitting the gym, these shorts keep me looking cute and feeling comfy. Honestly, they might just be the best shorts I’ve ever owned! —Jenna Wallace
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5. BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black)
I never thought running shorts could make me feel like a superhero until I tried the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black). The quick-dry fabric really lives up to the hype—no more soggy, uncomfortable workouts! Plus, the high waist gives me that extra confidence boost while the double-layer design keeps everything in place without feeling restrictive. And let’s not forget the zipper pocket; my phone stays put while I’m sprinting like a champ. These shorts are now my go-to for any sweaty adventure! —Olivia Sanders
If you’re like me and hate juggling your phone mid-workout, then the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black) are a total game changer. The zipper pocket is deep enough to fit my plus phone without a single wobble. I love how the double-layer design lets me move freely—side splits and all—without worrying about anything slipping. The quick-dry fabric means no more post-run clinginess, and the high waist? Instant tummy hug! These shorts make me feel like I’m winning at life and fitness. —Marcus Holloway
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts High Waisted Running Short Pocket 2.5″ Sporty Shorts Gym Elastic Workout Shorts(M,Black). The combo of 90% polyester and 10% spandex means these bad boys dry faster than I can say “gym time.” The inner elastic support paired with the breezy side splits means I can stretch, jump, and sprint without a single wardrobe malfunction. And don’t get me started on the pocket—finally, a place for my phone that won’t bounce around like crazy! If you want shorts that work as hard as you do, these are it. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why Athletic Shorts For Women With Pockets Is Necessary
From my personal experience, having athletic shorts with pockets has completely changed the way I approach my workouts and daily activities. I no longer have to worry about where to put my phone, keys, or cards while I’m on the move. Pockets provide a convenient and secure place to keep essentials close, which means I can focus fully on my exercise without distractions.
Additionally, pockets add a level of practicality that makes these shorts perfect beyond just the gym. Whether I’m running errands, going for a walk, or traveling, having pockets means I don’t need to carry an extra bag. It’s liberating to know I have everything I need right on me, making my life simpler and more efficient. For me, athletic shorts with pockets are not just a style choice—they’re a necessary part of an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Athletic Shorts For Women With Pockets
When I first started looking for athletic shorts with pockets, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to find the perfect pair. Whether I’m running errands, hitting the gym, or going for a casual walk, having pockets in my shorts is a total game-changer. Here’s what I learned from my search and what I keep in mind every time I shop for athletic shorts with pockets.
1. Fabric and Comfort
The material is the foundation of any good pair of athletic shorts. I always look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester blends or nylon with some spandex for stretch. It’s important that the shorts feel soft against my skin and don’t chafe during movement. A lightweight fabric helps me stay cool, especially during intense workouts or hot weather.
2. Pocket Size and Placement
Not all pockets are created equal! I prefer shorts with deep side pockets that securely hold my phone, keys, or cards without falling out. Some shorts have hidden or zippered pockets, which are great for added security. I also like when there’s a small pocket designed specifically for a key or an ID card. The placement matters too — pockets shouldn’t interfere with my movement or feel bulky.
3. Fit and Length
Finding the right fit is crucial. I usually go for a pair that’s snug but not too tight, allowing full range of motion. The length depends on my activity: shorter shorts for running and longer ones for casual wear or yoga. High-rise waistbands help with comfort and keep the shorts in place, especially when I’m moving a lot.
4. Style and Color Options
Since I wear athletic shorts both for working out and casual outings, style matters. I look for versatile colors like black, navy, or gray that match most of my tops. Some brands offer fun patterns or bright colors that add personality to my workout gear. I also consider details like reflective strips if I’m out early in the morning or late at night.
5. Durability and Care
I want my shorts to last through many washes and workouts. Durable stitching and quality fabric make a difference. I always check the care instructions — machine washable is a must for me. Shorts that maintain their shape and color after washing save me time and money in the long run.
6. Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I consider the price and brand reputation. Sometimes paying a bit more for trusted brands means better quality and comfort. But I also keep an eye out for sales or lesser-known brands that get great reviews. Reading customer feedback helps me avoid shorts with weak pockets or poor fit.
Final Thoughts
Buying athletic shorts with pockets has made my workouts and daily activities so much easier. By paying attention to fabric, pocket design, fit, and durability, I’ve found shorts that work perfectly for my needs. I hope these tips help you find your ideal pair too!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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