Even though leggings get workout love year-round [1], it's tempting to seek out a little less fabric when temperatures rise. And, while there are plenty of moisture-wicking tops and bottoms [2] of all lengths, it's also hard to beat shorts in the heat.
Since summer's in full swing, and our fitness plans have us both indoors and out, we found the best athletic shorts in stock at Old Navy from slim-fitting ones for bikes to roomer cargo picks for hikes. A key difference in these styles is the length, so we've rounded up the 14 best pairs from shortest to longest ahead to make shopping for your favourite fit even easier.
Old Navy Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
These short Old Navy Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts -- 3-inch inseam [4] ($15) have a built-in liner and are a great choice for long runs in humid weather.
Old Navy High-Waisted 2-in-1 StretchTech Run Shorts + Biker Shorts
Pick a pair of Old Navy High-Waisted 2-in-1 StretchTech Run Shorts + Biker Shorts -- 3-inch inseam [5] ($20-$27, originally $27) for outdoor bootcamps this summer.
Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Performance Shorts
These stretchy Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Performance Shorts -- 3.5-inch inseam [6] ($19, originally $25) can be worn to workout or just to lounge instead.
Old Navy Mid-Rise StretchTech Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
If you prefer a lower rise, choose the Old Navy Mid-Rise StretchTech Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts -- 4-inch inseam [7] ($20) which come in four solid colours and two patterns including this speckled one.
Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Shorts
These sunny yellow Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Shorts -- 4-inch inseam [8] ($22, originally $25) make you a sure spot when exercising outdoors (but there's also bright blue, neon pink, and a vibrant floral, too).
Old Navy Foldover-Waist Lightweight French Terry Yoga Shorts
Grab a pair of Old Navy Foldover-Waist Lightweight French Terry Yoga Shorts -- 4-inch inseam [9] ($18, originally $20) for your next studio yoga flow, or even workouts right at home.
Old Navy High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Utility Shorts
Yes, these are fleece but the Old Navy High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Utility Shorts -- 4.5-inch inseam [10] ($15, originally $27) are lightweight and breathable for summertime walks as well.
Old Navy Breathe ON Utility-Pocket Shorts
Pack a pair of Old Navy Breathe ON Utility-Pocket Shorts -- 4.5-inch inseam [11] ($22, originally $25) for a hiking trip, and wear the moisture-wicking shorts while exploring closer to home, too.
Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Performance Utility Cargo Shorts
These Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Performance Utility Cargo Shorts -- 5-inch inseam [12] ($30) are a slightly longer, loose short with several shopper reviews noting how quickly they dry after getting wet (without wrinkling either).
Old Navy Mid-Rise StretchTech Shorts
Between this navy palm print and the black-and-white stripe, we're torn on which pair of Old Navy Mid-Rise StretchTech Shorts -- 5-inch inseam [13] ($15-$25, originally $25) we want to wear to exercise and afterwards, too.
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts
You can fit your phone snugly in the side pockets on these shorter Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts -- 6-inch inseam [14] ($13-$27, originally $27) on bike rides this summer.
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts
These super-soft Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Biker Shorts -- 8-inch inseam [15] ($13-$27, originally $27) are a solid choice for Pilates or barre — and they come in 15 different colours, too.
Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Compression Biker Shorts
If you prefer shorts with added compression, choose these black Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Compression Biker Shorts -- 8-inch inseam [16] ($15-$20, originally $20) (or pick a pattern on sale).
Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Biker Shorts (2-Pack)
Or, get two pairs of medium-compression bottoms with the Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Biker Shorts 2-Pack -- 8-inch inseam [17] ($35).