Best Tennis Shorts For Men: Styles That Stretch And Move On The Court

Forbes

16-07-2025

Your tennis shoes may be the most important piece of apparel on the court, but tennis shorts are a close second. Choosing the best tennis shorts for men means finding styles with the right fit and features that make you feel comfortable and confident, match after match. We spoke with experts and reviewed best-sellers before crowning the Adidas Tennis Pro Climacool Ergo Shorts as our top pick because they're stretchy, ultralight and stylish. But if they're not quite what you're looking for, there are several other men's tennis short recommendations worth shopping below.
Men's tennis shorts need to be lightweight and easy to wear for hours. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
To help you invest in a pair of the best men's tennis shorts, we did the research and spoke with apparel experts to learn more about what sets these shorts apart from other athletic shorts. Sure, one pair of tennis shorts looks a lot like the rest, but subtle differences can make one style better for you and your game. Let's take a look at the following pairs in depth to help you play in total comfort. Our Top Recommendations Best Tennis Shorts For Men Overall: Adidas Tennis Pro Climacool Ergo Shorts
Best Value Tennis Shorts For Men: Northyard Athletic Running Shorts
Best Compression Tennis Shorts For Men: Ten Thousand Interval Short
Best Ventilated Tennis Shorts For Men: Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short
Best Tennis Shorts For Men With Pockets : Under Armour Tech Shorts
Best Premium Tennis Shorts For Men: Vuori Men's Crosscourt Tennis Shorts
Adidas Adidas Tennis Pro Climacool Ergo Shorts
Inseam length: 7 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Liner: Yes | Pockets: Front
A pair of Adidas Tennis Pro Climacool Ergo Shorts would have looked right at home back in the John McEnroe era, and they'll look right at home on the court for many years to come. But don't let that timeless style fool you: These are very much modern tennis shorts. They're made with a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, which makes them highly stretchy and flexible, and they wick sweat and release heat, too. 'These shorts offer an ergonomic design, including ball pockets with a firm grip and a ventilated mesh gusset," says personal and celebrity wardrobe stylist Patrick Kenger. "They're a great go-to for those who compete frequently and highly value having a full range of motion.'
The sizing can be hit or miss with these shorts, so keep the tags on and try them out before you fully commit. Assuming your pair fits well, you'll appreciate the extra support from the liner, along with the fabric's stretch and wicking properties when the on-court action heats up.
Inseam length: 5, 7, 9 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Liner: Yes | Pockets: Front zippered, single back zippered
So, the classic white tennis short isn't your look. No problem: The Northyard Athletic Running Shorts come in 30 different colors. And don't worry about the 'running shorts' in the name: We checked, and these shorts are great for tennis, especially if you opt for the seven-inch inseam. They have an elastic waistband but also feature an adjustable drawstring, so you can cinch them on tight if you prefer a snug fit. The pockets are on the smaller side for storing tennis balls, but you can tuck one into each side pocket if need be, and stash a credit card or some cash in the zippered back pocket.
Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, these shorts are plenty flexible. And they're plenty breathable as well thanks to a series of ventilation holes along each leg. And finally, let's not overlook the fact that they're priced under $30, which makes them a total steal.
Inseam length: 5, 7, 9 inches | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Liner: Optional | Pockets: Front, stretch phone pocket on liner
The Interval Short from Ten Thousand features a snug compression liner that will provide all the support you need, even as you're running back and forth across the court. That liner also comes with a built-in phone pocket, which is a clever storage touch for when you're off the court. The shorts are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so they won't limit your range of motion even if you're as flexible as Djokovic. The side pockets are a bit snug for tennis balls, but they do fit, and there's even a small stash pocket that's perfect for a key fob.
I have a pair of these shorts and wear them all the time, from hikes to gym sessions, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. And yet, while looking into online reviews, I came across a few reports of stitching coming apart at the seams. That said, these reports were rare, and Ten Thousand's one-year warranty is a reliable guarantee that your clothing will last if you use it as intended.
Inseam length: 5, 7, 9 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Liner: Yes | Pockets: Front, zippered side
During an intense match, you can burn over 700 calories per hour. For most people, that means a lot of sweat to shed and just as much body heat to dissipate. Fortunately, the Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short can handle both these tasks thanks to its exceptionally breathable fabric and ventilated mesh that allows air to flow into and through the shorts. A mesh seam runs across the back of the shorts, so air that rises from below the waist keeps on traveling out, pulling some of your warmth away with it.
The shorts come in myriad colors and sizes, so most players will score a pair that fits well and looks great, but know that you may need to size up, as many people report these shorts run a bit small. Be sure to wash them on a gentle cycle—the liner fabric isn't quite as durable as the body fabric.
Amazon Under Armour Tech Shorts
Inseam length: 7 inches | Materials: Polyester | Liner: No | Pockets: Front
For the record, we know most tennis shorts for men have pockets—it just so happens that the pockets in the Under Armour Tech Shorts are praised by players as being great for tennis balls. They are deep and wide enough to easily drop in a ball, or to retrieve it quickly, so they won't slow down the action. Really, they're affordable and simple tennis shorts, which makes them ideal for novice players—those who may need an extra ball or two on hand.
Made from 100% polyester, the shorts are lightweight and flexible, but they don't have a liner, which may be a pro or a con depending on your preferred style. In all fairness, you can get some quality boxer briefs or compression shorts with the money you're savings on these shorts anyway.
Vuori Clothing
Inseam length: 7 inches | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Liner: No | Pockets: Front
If you want a pair of tennis shorts that feel good and look sharp, consider the Vuori Crosscourt Tennis Shorts. Yes, they cost nearly $100, but they're truly eye-catching on the court, the docks or as you stroll through town. Made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, they stretch well and breathe even better, so it's not all about looks here—they're still performance apparel. They have side slash pockets that can accommodate tennis balls as well as a zippered pocket for your keys, or some cash or a card.
With more than 100 reviews and counting, the shorts currently have a 4.6/5-star rating on Vuori's site. The one complaint we did find several times was that they have a more snug fit than many traditional, baggy tennis shorts, which some players don't like. Others will appreciate the slender fit—it's a matter of preference.
The Forbes Vetted team has years of experience covering technical apparel for different activities, from leggings for women to work pants for men to running shoes. We bring that same experience and expertise to this guide for men in need of comfortable, supportive tennis shorts. This guide was written by Forbes Vetted gear and tech staff writer Steven John , who has more than 13 years of experience as a journalist. He regularly tests performance apparel for the gym, the trail and beyond, and his knowledge of fits and fabrics made it that much easier to assess shorts for this guide.
who has more than 13 years of experience as a journalist. He regularly tests performance apparel for the gym, the trail and beyond, and his knowledge of fits and fabrics made it that much easier to assess shorts for this guide. This article was edited by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has over six years of experience testing and evaluating apparel. He spends hundreds of hours each year in running shorts, swimming shorts and general athletic shorts, and can speak to the qualities men look for in a decent tennis short.
We also consulted experts for this guide. They include: Patrick Kenger, a personal and celebrity wardrobe stylist and the founder of Pivot Image Consulting; and Melissa Battifarano, the creative director and VP of design of her personal apparel brand.
This story is regularly updated to ensure our recommendations remain relevant, and that all pricing and information is accurate. It was first published in July 2025. We considered the types of materials that make up the best tennis shorts. 'You want to look for a a lightweight stretch-woven fabric with technological features such as anti-UV, cooling, wicking and anti-odor,' says Battifarano. Many of the best tennis shorts are made from a blend of polyester and elastic material.
We considered the cut and design of tennis shorts and looked for pairs that were praised for their performance. 'Remember that this is not a pair of shorts that you'll just be sitting around in, so get a size that allows you to bend, squat and dive for a ball without discomfort,' says Kenger. Any pair that seemed to limit motion, we cut from the list.
We looked for shorts with features an actual tennis player would use, like pockets deep enough for tennis balls, waistbands that ensured a secure fit and plenty of ventilation.
We also leaned into reviews from verified buyers, noting repeated praise and flagging repeated complaints. We cross-referenced those top-rated options against input from our experts and were then able to choose tennis shorts for each established category.
When the time comes to invest in tennis shorts, we recommend paying close attention to each pair's main features, such as material, length and fit, brand reputation and value.
Kenger recommends materials with 'four-way stretch,' which means the shorts will move in just about any direction no matter how they're pulled, thereby letting your legs move freely. The materials used to make tennis shorts play a greater role than that, though. 'Avoidance of overheating is key," he adds. "Stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics are best, particularly those with mesh panels or ventilation zones. Avoid anything with too many embellishments.' Features
Look for tennis shorts that will help you on the court. That means plenty of support (unless you prefer to play without a liner), deep ball pockets, a secure waist and ventilation patches. Tennis shorts won't come with as many features as, say, a pair of cargo shorts, but there are a few basic features you should look out for. Fit
'Tennis shorts should have a slim fit but not be tight, which frequently means a seven- to nine-inch inseam,' says Kenger. Any shorter, and the pockets won't really hold tennis balls; any longer, and you risk limiting your range of motion. Also make sure the waistband is snug but not overly tight. Kenger recommends, 'a waistband with wide elastic and a drawcord.' Style
Obviously, athletic apparel is designed for substance over style, but let's not pretend tennis isn't about looks. Even if you're just playing a casual match at the club, it's quite likely people will be watching you, so you might as well look good while you're out there. 'Brands seem to be leaning away from the flashy colors and loud graphics from a few years ago,' says Battifarano. Consider reaching for more muted styles to match the times.
Can You Play Tennis In Running Shorts?
Yes, and you can run in tennis shorts while you're at it, but in both cases, it's best to use 'proper' attire for each scenario. Tennis shorts usually come with features like deep pockets that hold tennis balls and slightly longer inseams that improve range of motion. Keep in mind that some courts and clubs enforce a dress code that states what you can and can't wear.
Spandex, Lycra and elastane are more or less the same material under different brand names. They are synthetic fabrics known for their ability to stretch and return to their originals shape, and they're good at wicking away moisture and releasing body heat.
What Is The Best Tennis Short Inseam Length?
While most male players settle on an inseam length between seven and nine inches, some prefer an even shorter five- or six-inch inseam. The only issues with shorter inseams is smaller pockets that can't hold tennis balls, and a bit less coverage than you may be comfortable with.