GROUP TEST SHORTS

Time to dust off the pins and get some air circulating

Arc’teryx Norvan 3 Shorts

£80|2-16|arcteryx.com|Tester Rachel F

These shorts are very light and well fitting. They don’t restrict movement and are lovely to run in. I found the sizing to be on the generous side (especially round the waist), although the draw cord lets you secure them in place well and the waistband is very comfortable and doesn’t rub. The inner lining is comfortable and the fabric stays dry even during high-intensity activity. There is also a useful zip pocket at the back, which is perfect for storing keys.

Compressport Performance Short

£50|XS-L|compressport.com|Tester Tina

Thin fabric, a really comfy loose fit and an internal brief make these brilliant for hot days on the trail. The length is longer than many shorts so there’s good coverage over your thighs if that’s what you prefer. The deep waistband sits nicely on the belly and there’s a zipped pocket at the back. Really nice to wear and a good price for the quality.

BAMBOOCLOTHING Enduro Side Pocket Sports Shorts

£38|8-16|bambooclothing.co.uk

Tester Lucy

These are definitely going to be a summer staple for me. I love the bright colours and they feel really comfortable to run in thanks to the soft and stretchy fabric. There are pockets with flaps over the top on each leg, which are great for holding cards, energy gels and a phone. To make them even better, I’d have liked an extra, more secure, zip pocket on the waistline for carrying keys.

Compressport Trail Racing Short

£70 | XS-L | compressport.com | Tester Geri

These shorts feel like they were tailor made for me. The fabric is ultra-thin and soft and I don’t get any chafing while running. They dry quickly too, which is always a bonus, and I love the wide waistband with integral pocket, for carrying gels or valuables. The only downside I can see is that they’re hand wash, but even that won’t stop me wearing them daily!

CommunityClothing Lightweight Sport Shorts

£49|8-20|communityclothing.co.uk

Tester Rachel I

Comunity Clothing seems to have achieved the holy trinity of using good quality plastic-free materials, employing skilled workers, and selling products at a fair price. These are good gym shorts but because they have no lining, and because they’re quite short, I wouldn’t wear them for running. A flattering cut, drawstring waist and one rear pocket make them great for general sports.

GorE R5 2-in-1 Light Shorts

£49.99 | 0-2 – 16-18 | gorewear.com | Tester Louise

These new-release shorts are super light – just 96g. The inner pants prevent chafing and the short length over the top works perfectly. The mesh sides give extra breathability and the wide waistband feels smooth and secure, with a drawstring should you need it. The zip pocket on the back has enough room for a phone or other valuables.

lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts 4”

£48|0-20|lululemon.co.uk|Tester Amelie

These are good for all sports. I’ve been running in them and wearing them for both cheerleading training and to dance in. The waistband is high and comfortable, and they don’t restrict any type of movement – even splits! They have an inner brief rather than an inner short, which I prefer, and the score reflects this. When you’re running in the wind, they flap a little so you might find them a tiny bit revealing. Very on trend.

On Movement Tights Short

€89.95|XS-XL|on.com|Tester Rachel F

The sizing is spot on and they are comfortable as well as breathable. They are high waisted and stay in place perfectly; the leg doesn’t ride up at all when running. The material is soft with no rubbing/pinching anywhere, and there are some discreet and useful pockets on the leg and in the waistband. I wasn’t sure if they wicked sweat as quickly as I’d like around the waist but other than that, I love them. Great purchase!

Montane Ineo Lite Shorts

£55|8-16|montane.com|Tester Lucy

True to size with an accommodating stretchy material, I like the flattering fit and flat-locked seams which prevent chafing. They are made with what’s called ‘Polygiene permanent odour control’, which is said to reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria. There’s a side pocket, which is great, but it sits a bit too low on the leg so I worried my phone might bounce out while I ran. An extra zip-up pocket on the waistline would have been a welcome addition.

Sloggi Go Allround Cycling Shorts

€29|One size|sloggishop.com|Tester Lucy

Made from modal and elastane, these shorts are super soft with a stretchy waistband. They come in one size which is said to ‘adapt to all body shapes’. They fit me well as a size 10 but a word of warning, they are a bit see-through when stretched, so choose your underwear wisely. They are really light and breathable, so are great for high-intensity bike sessions and strength and conditioning. And they’re so comfy I’d sleep in them!

NewBalance London Edition Race Day Split Short

£60 | XS-XL | newbalance.co.uk | Tester Tina

New Balance London Race Day kit is always stunning and these grey shorts with a pop of lime on the waistband look and feel great. They have an inner brief, rather than an inner short, so I spent a lot of time running in them wondering if anyone could see my butt. I’m not sure that they’re that well designed for longer races, as they only have the tiniest key drop pocket. In short, they’re divine to run in but a bit lacking on the functional side.

Tracksmith Strata Shorts

£140|XS-L| tracksmith.com|Tester Rachel F

These Strata shorts have been designed to be minimum weight; they cover your bottom, but only just. Hidden in the back is a very clever pocket, with space for five gels. I’ve never seen this before and liked how easy it was to use. These shorts feel beautiful, smooth and sleek and, no matter how much you sweat, they only take five minutes to dry out. In summary, they’re lovely but they’re very short and very pricey.