Women's Health March 3, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock Your Best Workout Yet: The 6 Game-Changing Women’s Shorts Editors Swear By in 2026

Ever wondered if running shorts can actually feel like an extension of your own skin—light, breathable, yet tough enough to keep up with your miles and then some? Well, Lululemon’s latest fave among WH editors might just be that rare gem we all chase after. I mean, Addison Aloian, our associate health & fitness editor, hadn’t bought running shorts in ages—until she picked these up for the scorching runs. What grabbed her? A featherweight blend of polyester and elastane that’s as airy as a morning breeze and oh-so-colorful to boot. And those tiny side pockets? Perfect for stashing keys without the bulky pocket shuffle.

Fast forward, and she’s clocked hundreds of miles wearing these shorts that don’t just perform but flex their versatility—from yoga mats to grocery runs without ever chafing or shifting uncomfortably. The four-inch inseam offers coverage and confidence—no cheeky mishaps here. Stylist Rose Lauture digs the shorter 2.5-inch inseam for an ultra-ventilated feel, paired with built-in panty liners to keep everything exactly where it belongs. And the kicker? These shorts dry so fast, you’re ready to hit the shower without that sticky, post-run cling. Curious to see why these might just replace every other short in your rotation?

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So many WH editors love this short from Lululemon, especially for running. “I hadn’t bought a pair of running shorts in years, but given that I’ve taken up running as a hobby, I knew I needed some for moving in hot weather,” says associate health & fitness editor Addison Aloian. This extremely lightweight short, made from polyester and elastane, stood out to her because it’s light and airy and comes in a ton of colors. Plus, there’s a little side pocket where you can store your keys while logging miles.

Fast forward to today, she has logged hundreds of miles in this short and says it’s her all-time favorite pair for hitting the pavement. But, she also loves its versatility because she can wear it paired with a big sweatshirt for running errands, to a yoga class, or during her weekly strength training sessions. It never chafes or rubs against her legs, even when things start to get sweaty. Plus, she says the four-inch inseam offers excellent coverage so her cheeks are fully covered while she’s out and about. “They never ride up or move around, which is hard to find in a running short,” she says.

Stylist Rose Lauture is also a mega fan of this short, but she actually prefers the shorter, 2.5-inch inseam option—it’s the shortest option on this list—for its super airy feel. Despite the shorter inseam, she never feels exposed, but opt for the longer pair if you want to feel more covered. However, both shorts have a built-in panty liner for added coverage, so you never have to worry about anything slipping out (IYKYK).

Both testers commented on how quickly this short dries. After a run, Aloian says there were some sweaty spots, but they were completely dry by the time she was ready to shower