Do you know a great way to keep yourself motivated to hit the court and not miss a single tennis training session? Have a great pair of tennis shorts! Don’t laugh at me; I am serious. Just like having a cute workout set to hit the gym can boost your confidence, the best tennis shorts will have the same impact.
Not all of us will be the next Serena William or Rafael Nadal, but it wouldn’t hurt if we allow ourselves to play the part, am I right? The best shorts for tennis will make you feel very comfortable on the field and can also be a style statement.
In this guide, we have selected and reviewed the best tennis shorts in the market for both women and men. We made sure to include different models and brands for various categories of tennis players so that everyone can have at least an option.
Also, we made sure to include all the essential information that you should consider before choosing the right pair for you.
- Best Overall: Nike Court Dry 7 Inch Tennis Shorts
- Best for Men: Babolat Men`s Play Tennis Short
- Best for Women: NikeCourt Flex Women’s Tennis Shorts
- Best Budget: G Gradual Men’s 7 Inch Shorts
- Best with Liner: Adidas Women’s Tennis Shorts
- Best with Ball Pocket: Adidas Men’s Standard Tennis Shorts
- Best Long: Adidas Men’s Designed 2 Move
- Best 6 Inch Inseam: Fort Isle Men’s Running Shorts
- Also Consider: WILSON Competition 8in Men’s Tennis Shorts
Best Tennis Shorts Reviewed
To make the shopping experience easier for you, I have compiled a list of the best tennis shorts. I got you covered no matter what kind of style, design, material, or brand you are looking for.
Nike Court Dry 7 Inch Tennis Shorts are an all-time favorite, for sure, and they check all the right boxes. That’s why I decided to rate them as the best overall tennis shorts, and if you already own a pair, I just know you would agree with me.
These white tennis shorts are very comfortable, with an elastic waistband for a secure fit. They allow a lot of movement and stretching. Nike has used Drit-Fit technology to dry out sweat super fast. These shorts are made of 100% polyester, which means they are very breathable and allow ventilation, to help the players regulate their body temperature.
These Nike shorts have deep-sized pockets and a seven-inch seam length. They come in only two basic colors, black and white, and that’s their only downside, as you don’t have much choice when it comes to style.
Product Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Seam length: 7 inch
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Dry super quick
- Elastic waistband
- Deep pockets
Cons
- Come in only two colors
Babolat never disappoints, and these shorts are the proof. These shorts are so comfortable and come with an elastic drawstring waistband. Babolat Men’s play tennis shorts are made of polyester, flexible and water-resistant.
You will never have to worry about them ripping apart, as they are also tear-resistant. They are made with 360 – a motion design, which makes them perfect for the court because no matter how intensive your match is, these shorts will move along with you with full-range motions.
Their materials are breathable and allow ventilation, helping you to cool down. Babolat tennis shorts have a cool design, with contrasting colors on the waist, offering the customers a variety of choices.
Product Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Seam length: 6 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Very flexible
- Water-resistant
- Elastic drawstring waistband
- Selection of colors
Cons
- Thin material
Nike is once again on this list and this time for the best women’s tennis shorts with side pockets. These pairs of shorts are made for comfort and are highly flexible, moving with the player in every motion.
They have a pair of undershorts for more coverage that hugs tightly around the thigh area and can be very useful during the winter’s cold days. The shorts have two pockets and an elastic waistband.
NikeCourt Flex tennis shorts are made of polyester fabrics, which means they are breathable and allow ventilation. They come in a few colors, one being in bright pink, from which you can pick. These shorts are versatile; you can also use them for hiking or hitting the gym, not just on the tennis court.
Product Specs
- Material: 88% polyester
- Seam length: 9.5 inch
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable materials
- Great design
- Deep pockets
Cons
- Expensive price
If you are on a tight budget, I have the best recommendation for you, which will help you save some money without compromising quality. These are some of the best men’s tennis shorts with pockets.
G Gradual Men’s tennis shorts are an excellent choice to wear during your practices, as they are very comfortable and flexible. They are made of polyester mixed with mesh materials to make them lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry from the annoying sweet. These shorts have two deep zipped pockets, which help you safely store your extra tennis balls or other small personal things.
The 7-inch seam length offers more than enough coverage, with an elastic waistband and inner drawcord for a secure fit. You can use these shorts outside of the tennis court too, for running, cycling, playing basketball, or hitting the gym. They come in a wide selection of colors, giving you many choice options.
Product Specs
- Material: 95% polyester
- Seam length: 7 inch
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable materials
- Comfortable fit
- Deep pockets
- Wide selections of colors
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
These Adidas tennis shorts with liners were designed to make women’s players feel comfortable and confident on the court. They are made of recycled polyester materials, making them sustainable for the environment, thanks to Adidas’s admirable efforts to end plastic waste.
These shorts come in a regular fit, are comfortable, and can stretch enough to be very flexible. Adidas has used Aeroready technology for the ventilation system, making them very quick to dry from sweats so that the players can stay dry and cozy during the game. The shorts have two side pockets and come in different basic and bright colors.
Product Specs
- Material: 86% Polyester
- Seam length: 3 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Great ventilation system
- Comfortable and flexible
- Many color options
- Beautiful design
- Environmental sustainable
Cons
- Nothing, these are great
These Adidas tennis shorts with pockets are made for movement. These shorts are comfortable and flexible. They come in a regular fit, which keeps the perfect balance between loose and snug for an adjustable fit.
The shorts have a half- elastic waistband with inside drawcords. Adidas Men Standard tennis shorts are made of polyester and mesh materials to make them breathable and allow good ventilation. These materials are also recycled, made of Primagreen, as part of the Adidas sustainable sportswear series.
Product Specs
- Material: 86% polyester
- Seam length: 7 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Deep pockets
- Flexible and breathable
- Good ventilation
- Eco-friendly materials
Cons
- Not many color options
Yes, these are another Adidas pair of shorts! But these deserve to be rated as the best long tennis shorts because they simply check out all the right boxes. These Adidas shorts are a very comfortable choice to work out with.
They offer a lot of coverage and are flexible, which allows the players freedom of movement. The shorts are made from synthetics textile, with two side pockets and a regular fit. The short materials can absorb the sweat, so you don’t have to worry about staying dry.
If you are worried about style, I am happy to tell you that these shorts have a beautiful design and come in many different colors, so you don’t have to limit your options. Ah, they also are quite cheap, so you better take a look at them, they might be the ones you were looking for.
Product Specs
- Material: 100% textile synthetics
- Seam length: 10 inch
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- A lot of coverage
- Deep pocket with zips
- Absorb sweat
- Good price
- Many color choices
Cons
- Tight fit around the waist
If you desire to have a timeless classic style pair of shorts, then look no further. Fort Isle Men’s running shorts are comfortable, lightweight, and highly flexible. With a six-inch inseam, their design is exactly like the tennis shorts your favorite tennis stars wear. Or at least most of them.
They have a silky smooth build-in liner, so they fit just right and allow movement. These shorts also can absorb sweat, so you can stay dry no matter how hard you train. You can use them to play tennis, and in the gym or any outdoor activity you like.
Product Specs
- Material: 90% polyester
- Seam length: 6 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Classic sport style
- Breathable and lightweight
- Allow freedom of movement
- Absorb sweat
- Versatile
Cons
- Come only in dark basic colors
These Wilson shorts are an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for both comfort in the field and that classic sports style. These tennis shorts are made of polyester and mesh material, with an 8-inch inseam length.
They offer enough coverage, have a great fit, and are comfortable. One thing is for sure; you will not have any embarrassing incidents on the court with ripped shorts because these can stretch a lot with every motion you perform.
The nanoWIK Moisture Movement Technology used by the Wilson brand make them absorb sweat super fast, allowing you to stay dry all the time. The ventilation system is also great to help regulate the body temperature and allow airflow. Overall, these are one of the best men’s tennis shorts out there.
Product Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Seam length: 8 inch
- Pockets: Yes
- Mesh lining: Yes
Pros
- Absorb sweat fast
- Breathable
- Can stretch a lot
- Comfortable
Cons
- Thin materials
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shorts for Tennis
Picking up a pair of the best tennis shorts is not the same experience as purchasing a pair of ready-to-wear in your daily routine. Keep in mind that the shorts will stretch with every move on the court.
Tennis requires a lot of footwork, strength, and cardio exercise with high intensity, so your tennis shorts better keep up with all this movement to avoid discomfort or any kind of embarrassing episode.
You want your tennis shorts to be flexible, breathable, and provide comfort. So here are the main factors you need to consider before hitting the shop.
Material
Do we even need to explain why material is the most important thing to check out? You don’t want to waste your money in tennis shorts that aren’t cozy enough or make it harder to move.
Not long ago, most tennis shorts were made of cotton material, but they weren’t the most comfortable. This kind of material doesn’t do a great job at absorbing sweat, and in long matches, they tend to weigh more, making them feel heavy while wearing it.
Nowadays, cotton-made shorts are sold as “tennis classics.” Even though you can still find many options and styles made of this material, be aware of the downsides so you don’t regret what you spend your money at.
Currently, the majority of the brands use polyester and spandex to make the best tennis shorts. These materials are essentially the go-to for all kind of sports apparel, not just shorts because is very comfortable.
It is also lightweight, flexible, and highly durable. Tennis shorts made of these materials are also easier to clean, don’t hold wrinkles, and help the player stay dry and cool for a longer time since they are water-resistant. Spandex makes them more elastic, especially at the waistband, for extra comfort.
Overall, tennis shorts made of polyester and spandex are the best choice; when it comes to materials, just make sure that they are of high quality to avoid getting ripped too soon.
Pockets
Don’t make the common mistake of overlooking this one. I don’t think there is any other sport, besides tennis, where having high-quality pockets is an important factor in the game.
Nothing is more annoying than a tennis ball falling out of your pocket during a game and giving up a free point to your opponent. Especially if you are a beginner, you will need a second ball ready to go, just in case you toss up your serves. There is no shame in that; we’ve all been there, so make sure to go prepared for your own sake.
That’s why you need tennis shorts with pockets for balls where you can store that second ball safely without getting in your way. Usually, shorts with deep pockets can store up to five balls or more, while an average depth pocket can hold up to two or three balls at max.
So when buying the best tennis shorts, always make sure to check on those pockets, because you will need them.
Inseam Length
The standard length of tennis shorts inseam is 8.5 inches and is measured inside the leg. Most advanced players stick to this standard and don’t go more than a 9-inch inseam length at most.
Usually, tennis shorts are just at the knee or above, but choosing what length you’ll keep it’s all about your own personal preferences.
The King of the clay, Nadal himself, is known for wearing shorter shorts, with an inseam of only seven inches long. Very short shorts are not unusual in tennis, since back in the day they were very popular among men players. Nowadays, though, things have changed as most brands offer even models with a three-quarter length, which are in high demand.
You have plenty of options to choose from, but make sure you pick the pair you feel most comfortable in. Keep in mind that you’ll be running on the court during the whole time, and you are going to deal with a lot of low balls and difficult angels, for which you need to be fast and flexible.
You need shorts that allow mobility and can stretch without ripping apart. I recommend you experiment a little with this until you find the right design for you, which will make you feel good and confident, cause I promise it will improve your performance.
Mesh Lining
Most brands mix mesh material with polyester during the manufacturing process to make the best tennis shorts. As you may have noticed, the mesh material is highly favored for all kinds of sports apparel, not just shorts.
That’s because of two main reasons; it’s breathable and very flexible. The mesh helps regulate body temperature, as it lets air circulate freely. It is also very good against body sweat because it helps to wick away the moisture and lets it dry faster. The knitted fabrics that mesh lining is made of can stretch widely and allow a lot of movement. It’s also incredibly lightweight; you won’t even feel like you are wearing it.
That’s why we recommend always going for tennis shorts with liner so that you can be more comfortable on the tennis court.
Fit & Style
When you are on the court, running around and doing all these complex movements, the last thing you want is a pair of shorts that are too tight or to lose. This is what nightmares are made of. Imagine the embarrassment if the shorts rip apart or just fall off your ankles as you hit the ball. It’s not the end of the world, but still… it’s not something we wish upon ourselves.
Before buying a new pair of tennis shorts, make sure they fit right and are comfortable. If it is possible, try them first. If you are buying online, make sure you know your size and check the store sizes.
Remember, different brands use different sizes, so that it might be confusing, but you can always ask the customer service first, so you’ll know exactly what you are getting.
Also, check the materials and qualities because brands produce shorts for different climates or allow more mobility. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Last but not least, style. Don’t neglect this one and wear whatever makes you feel confident. Look good, feel good, right? Yes, your tennis shorts should be comfortable, but there is no reason to compromise style. There are endless models and designs in the market, and you can rock whatever you like the most. Why not? You can even make a fashion statement on the court to make tennis even more fun.
Our Verdict
We rate Nike Court Dry 7-inch tennis shorts as our first choice for the best men’s tennis shorts. These are made of premium quality materials, which feel very comfortable, flexible, and lightweight on the body. They combine style and practicality while including many other important features tennis players need on the court.
For women players, we rate NikeCourt Flex Women’s tennis shorts as the first best choice. They are comfortable, versatile, and have a great design, which will make you feel and look your best during the time you spend on the court.
How We Chose the Best Tennis Shorts
With so many options in the market, it wasn’t easy to come up with the best recommendation for tennis shorts. That’s why we went through a long process of research and reviews to collect the data needed to curate this list. We made sure to include as many categories, styles, brands, and designs as possible so that everyone could find something they love.
The most important factors we considered when rating the best shorts for tennis were the quality of the fabric, fit, style, design, flexibility, and utility. We featured a variety of options for both women and men. Our descriptions and technical specifications will make it easier to find what you are looking for.
FAQs
Keep reading to find out how the tennis shorts are different and to find out more about the brand’s product line.
Q: What shorts are best for tennis?
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for. If you want something that looks classic and elegant, then we recommend Fort Isle Men’s Running Shorts. They have a six-inch inseam and are made of 90% polyester.
For those who want more of a modern style, we recommend Wilson Competition 8in Men’s Tennis Shorts. They have an eight-inch inseam and are made from 100% polyester.
Q: Can I use running shorts for tennis?
Yes, you can. The main difference between running shorts and tennis shorts is the length. Tennis shorts are usually a bit longer than running shorts. However, both types of shorts have similar features, such as being lightweight and breathable.
Q: How are tennis shorts different?
Tennis shorts are different from other types of shorts because they are designed to provide more comfort and flexibility. They are usually made from lightweight and breathable materials. In addition, they often have an inner lining to help wick away sweat.
Q: Do all tennis shorts have pockets?
No, not all tennis shorts have pockets. However, many of them do have at least one pocket. This is usually located on the back of the shorts. One of the best tennis shorts with pockets is the Adidas Men’s Standard Tennis Shorts. It has two side pockets to keep your tennis balls and one back pocket for your keys or phone.
