Best Shorts for Hourglass Shape

Biker-style short with a wide waistband and 5-inch inseam. Available in Original and Curve Fit.

Watch out: Original Fit waistband rolls for pear shapes who size for their hips. Expensive relative to quality compared to Sweaty Betty. US-influenced sizing runs narrow for UK women.

Lightweight training short with inner brief. Four-way stretch recycled fabric, side pockets.

Watch out: Can feel loose and uncontoured on straight or athletic shapes. 7/8 length runs long for petite women — the biker short avoids this entirely.

Lightweight run shorts with high-rise waistband. Zipper pocket. Reflective detail.

Watch out: Align goes sheer in light colours and during sweaty activity. Wunder Train can be tight in the calf for muscular calves. Premium price makes sizing mistakes expensive.

Minimal coverage for maximum speed. Four-way stretch. Continuous drawcord.

Watch out: Align goes sheer in light colours and during sweaty activity. Wunder Train can be tight in the calf for muscular calves. Premium price makes sizing mistakes expensive.

Supportive compression with bum-sculpting seams. High-waisted. Sweat-wicking.

Watch out: 7/8 leggings run long for women under 5'4". Zero Gravity fabric loses compression faster than the Power fabric. Premium price with steep sales cycle.

Lightweight training shorts with built-in brief. Drawcord waist. Recycled materials.

Watch out: Can feel loose and uncontoured on straight or athletic shapes. 7/8 length runs long for petite women — the biker short avoids this entirely.

Relaxed-fit training short with elasticated waist and side pockets. Lightweight woven fabric.

Watch out: Less forgiving than Sweaty Betty for pear shapes at the hip. Techfit range runs quite firm — size up if you prefer medium compression.

Lightweight running short with built-in liner brief. Anti-odour HeatGear fabric, 3-inch inseam.

Watch out: Less fashion-forward aesthetic than UK-native brands. Rush range runs quite firm — size up if you prefer moderate compression over maximum.

Lightweight woven running shorts with liner brief. 3-inch inseam, side splits.

Watch out: Waistband rolling for pear shapes who size up for hip room. Hip and thigh pull in woven ranges for anyone with hips above 40". Not recommended for apple shapes in the Adapt range.

Castelli entry-level women cycling short. KISS Air2 chamois, elastic-free leg gripper, UPF 50.

Watch out: Sizing is notoriously difficult. No utility outside cycling. Not suitable for pear or plus shapes without significant sizing up.

Castelli's top women's cycling short. KISS3 chamois, Progetto X2 Air seat, Lycra Freedom fabric for unrestricted movement. Trusted by WorldTour athletes.

Watch out: Sizing is notoriously difficult. No utility outside cycling. Not suitable for pear or plus shapes without significant sizing up.

Assos's benchmark women's cycling shorts. The TRAIL chamois is engineered specifically for female anatomy. 6-panel construction, laser-cut leg grippers. Built for 4-6 hour rides.

Watch out: Very narrow cut across the board. Extremely expensive. Sizing is unforgiving. No value outside dedicated cycling.