A great pair of striped athletic shorts for women should do everything regular workout shorts do but with a little more personality. The stripe detail adds a visual element that makes the shorts look intentional and put together whether you are at the gym, on a run, at a yoga class, or just running errands in your activewear.
Striped shorts are also one of those rare athletic pieces that look just as good off the gym floor as they do on it. The sporty stripe detail has been a fashion trend for a few years now and it shows no sign of going away. You see it on women walking down the street, at coffee shops, at the park, and everywhere in between because it works for so many different situations.
In this guide we cover the top 9 best striped athletic shorts for women across every style, body type, and budget. We also include a full buying guide, styling tips, and all the answers you need to find your perfect pair. If you love building a great activewear and casual wardrobe, also check out our picks for the best Nike women's shoes to pair with your new shorts, our guide to the best oversized hoodies for women for layering, and our full collection of the best sunglasses for women to complete any athletic outfit.
1 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Everyday Workouts
The pair you reach for every single time you work out. That is what the best everyday striped athletic shorts for women should be. Reliable, comfortable, and good-looking enough that you never think twice about putting them on.
This pick has everything you want from an everyday workout short. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy so it moves with your body without restriction. The waistband is wide and secure and does not roll down when you squat, lunge, or bend over. The stripe detail runs cleanly down the side of the leg which makes them look longer and more streamlined than plain shorts.
They work for gym sessions, runs, cycling classes, HIIT workouts, and anything else you have planned. The moisture wicking fabric keeps you dry and comfortable from start to finish. These are the kind of shorts you wear until they fall apart and then immediately buy another pair. For the perfect workout shoe to go with them, see our best Nike women's court shoes guide.
2 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Running
Running shorts have very specific needs that regular workout shorts do not always meet. They need to be light enough that you barely feel them. They need to stay in place mile after mile without riding up or twisting. And they should not make noise when your legs move because that gets annoying very fast on a long run.
These striped athletic shorts for women are designed with runners in mind. The fabric is ultra-light and incredibly breathable so air flows freely and you stay cool even on hot outdoor runs. The built-in liner means you do not need to worry about what you wear underneath which is one less thing to think about before an early morning run.
The side stripe detail on these running shorts looks great in motion. It creates a visual line down the leg that looks fast and athletic. And when you are running past people on the street, looking the part is always a nice bonus on top of actually feeling good in what you are wearing.
3 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates put specific demands on your shorts that high impact workout shorts do not always handle well. You need fabric that moves and stretches in all directions without restriction. You need a waistband that stays up through every pose and position change. And you need shorts that do not become see through when you bend and stretch.
These striped athletic shorts for women are made from a four-way stretch fabric that moves exactly as your body moves in every direction. The high waist holds everything securely in place from downward dog to warrior pose without shifting or sliding down. The double layer construction means there is no transparency concern no matter how deep your stretch goes.
The subtle stripe detail on these yoga shorts is elegant rather than bold. It adds visual interest without being distracting in a class setting. They also look great for the walk to and from the studio which means you can wear them all day without feeling like you need to get changed before you do anything else.
4 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women with Pockets
Pockets in athletic shorts are genuinely life-changing. Once you have worked out in shorts with real functional pockets you will never want to go back to shorts without them. Being able to slip your phone, your keys, or some cash into your pocket without carrying a bag is one of those small things that makes your whole day easier.
These striped athletic shorts for women have deep side pockets that actually hold your phone without it bouncing around or falling out when you run or jump. The pockets are secure enough for high impact exercise which is not always the case with athletic shorts pockets. The stripe detail incorporates beautifully alongside the pocket openings so the overall look stays clean and streamlined.
They work for gym sessions, outdoor activities, running errands, casual summer days, and everything in between. The pockets make them so much more practical for real life use beyond just structured workout sessions. These are genuinely worth the slightly higher price that pocketed athletic shorts sometimes command.
5 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Casual Everyday Style
Not everyone wears athletic shorts purely for working out. Sometimes you just want a comfortable pair of shorts that look sporty and stylish for a regular day. The athleisure trend made this completely acceptable and honestly it is one of the best fashion shifts of recent years.
These striped athletic shorts for women are designed to look just as good off the gym floor as on it. The fabric has a slightly more polished look and feel than a pure performance short. The stripe runs cleanly down the side in a way that looks deliberate and fashion-forward rather than purely functional.
Wear them with a fitted white tank top and clean trainers for a crisp athleisure look. Or throw an oversized hoodie over them for a relaxed and cozy casual day outfit. They work for coffee runs, grocery shopping, casual meetups with friends, and any day when you want to be comfortable without giving up on looking good. For the perfect oversized layer on top, see our best oversized hoodies for women guide.
6 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Summer and Hot Weather
Working out in summer heat is a completely different experience from exercising in cooler temperatures. Your body heats up faster, you sweat more, and if your shorts are not truly breathable you feel absolutely terrible within minutes. The right pair of summer athletic shorts makes a genuinely significant difference.
These striped athletic shorts for women are made from an ultra-breathable lightweight fabric that lets maximum air circulation around your legs. The loose relaxed fit allows air to flow freely rather than trapping heat against your skin. The moisture wicking properties work overtime in summer heat to keep sweat moving away from your body as fast as possible.
The stripe detail looks especially vibrant and summery in brighter summer colors. These shorts are honestly fun to wear in the summer because they look good, they feel cool, and the bold stripe gives them a retro summer athletic energy that just fits the season perfectly. Pair them with one of the stylish tops from our best summer style guide for a complete warm weather athletic look.
7 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for Plus Size Fit
Finding striped athletic shorts for plus size women that fit beautifully and feel genuinely comfortable during a workout is something every active woman deserves without having to search for hours. This pick gets it right from the waistband all the way down to the hem.
The waistband is wide, supportive, and elasticated so it sits comfortably without digging in or rolling down during exercise. The thigh area has a generous cut that allows free movement without feeling tight or causing uncomfortable chafing. The length provides enough coverage to feel confident and comfortable during any type of workout.
The stripe runs down the outer leg in a way that is actually very flattering for fuller figures because it creates a long vertical line that makes the leg look more streamlined. This is one of those details that makes striped athletic shorts particularly good for plus size women who want both function and flattery in their workout wear. We also have a dedicated guide to the best shapewear for plus size women if you want extra support and smoothing underneath.
8 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women for a Retro Sport Look
The retro sport aesthetic is one of the biggest fashion trends right now and striped athletic shorts for women are right at the center of it. The classic side stripe has been a staple of athletic wear since the 1970s and 1980s and right now that vintage sports look is more popular than ever.
This pick leans fully into the retro sport aesthetic. The stripe is bold and high contrast in the way that classic athletic wear from that era always was. The cut is slightly looser and more relaxed than modern fitted performance shorts which adds to that authentic vintage feel. The fabric has enough weight to feel substantial without being heavy.
Style them with a fitted crop top and vintage-inspired trainers for a full retro sport look. Or pair them with an oversized team-style sweatshirt and high top sneakers for that classic 80s athletic vibe. This is genuinely one of the most fun and stylish ways to wear athletic shorts right now. Finish the look with our picks from the best retro oval sunglasses for women guide for the perfect vintage sport accessory.
9 Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women Overall Best Value
This is the pair that proves you do not need to spend a lot of money to get genuinely great striped athletic shorts for women. This value pick delivers everything you want in an athletic short at a price that makes buying two or three pairs at once a completely reasonable decision.
The fabric quality is impressive for the price. It is soft, stretchy, and moisture wicking so it performs well during actual workouts rather than just looking good hanging in your wardrobe. The stripe is clean and well-executed rather than looking cheap or poorly printed. The waistband is comfortable and secure. The fit is flattering in a relaxed and easy way that works for most body types.
These are the shorts you buy when you want something that just works without overthinking it. They are comfortable, they look great, they hold up well after many washes, and they come at a price that makes stocking up feel completely justified. Check out our top pick right now on Amazon here before your size sells out. Active women who find a great value athletic short tend to buy the same one in multiple colors and these ones deserve exactly that treatment.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women
Before you buy your next pair of striped athletic shorts, knowing what to look for makes the whole process much easier. Here are the five most important things to think about.
Running shorts need to be ultra-light with a built-in liner. Yoga shorts need four-way stretch and opacity. Gym shorts need moisture wicking and a secure waistband. Casual athleisure shorts need a more polished look. Knowing your main use case first narrows down the options immediately and means you end up with shorts that actually work for your life.
Polyester and nylon blends are the most popular for athletic shorts because they are lightweight, quick drying, and moisture wicking. A spandex blend adds the stretch you need for yoga and flexibility-based workouts. Avoid cotton for high impact exercise because it absorbs sweat and stays heavy and wet throughout your workout.
A wide high waistband gives the most support and stays in place best during exercise. A drawstring waistband lets you adjust the fit exactly to your body. A basic elasticated waistband is the most comfortable for casual wear but may not be secure enough for very high impact activities. The waistband makes or breaks a pair of athletic shorts so check it carefully before buying.
Side stripes that run vertically down the outer leg are the most flattering because they create a long line that makes the leg look leaner and more streamlined. Thin stripes look more subtle and elegant. Wide bold stripes look more retro and statement-making. Think about which aesthetic matches your personal style and the outfits you want to wear the shorts with.
Very short inseam shorts of two to three inches work best for running and high impact exercise where maximum leg freedom is important. Mid-length shorts of four to five inches are the most versatile for gym and casual wear. Longer shorts of six inches or more provide more coverage and work well for yoga, casual wear, and women who prefer more coverage during exercise.
Ready to grab your perfect pair of striped athletic shorts? Check out our best value pick on Amazon right now.
See Best Price on AmazonOverall Pros and Cons of Striped Athletic Shorts for Women
How to Style Striped Athletic Shorts for Women
One of the best things about striped athletic shorts for women is how many different ways you can wear them. The stripe detail gives you something to work with visually which makes styling them more interesting than plain shorts.
For a classic athletic look, pair your striped shorts with a fitted moisture wicking tank top or sports bra in a matching or complementary color. Add your best training shoes and you have a clean, intentional workout outfit that looks put together rather than thrown together. Check out our best Nike women's shoes guide for the perfect trainers to complete this look.
For an athleisure street style look, wear your striped shorts with an oversized graphic tee or a vintage-style sweatshirt. Tuck the front of the tee in slightly to show the waistband of the shorts. Add clean white sneakers and a baseball cap and you have a genuinely stylish casual outfit that takes about thirty seconds to put together. Layer our picks from the best oversized hoodies for women guide over the top on cooler days.
For a summer beach and active look, pair your striped athletic shorts with a cropped sports top and slides or sandals. This works perfectly for beach volleyball, outdoor fitness classes, park workouts, and any warm weather active occasion where you want to look sporty and put together at the same time. Add a pair from our best oval polarized sunglasses guide to protect your eyes in style.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Striped Athletic Shorts
- Wash athletic shorts in cold water on a gentle cycle to protect the fabric, the stripe print, and the elasticity in the waistband from breaking down too quickly.
- Turn your striped shorts inside out before washing to protect the stripe print from fading. This is especially important for bold or high contrast stripe designs.
- Never put athletic shorts in the dryer if you can avoid it. Heat breaks down the spandex and elastane fibers that give performance shorts their stretch and shape. Air dry instead.
- Do not use fabric softener on performance athletic shorts. Fabric softener coats the moisture wicking fibers and reduces their ability to pull sweat away from your skin over time.
- Wash athletic shorts after every wear especially if you have sweated in them. Leaving sweat in the fabric causes odor buildup that becomes very hard to remove over time.
- Store athletic shorts folded rather than stuffed into a drawer. This keeps the waistband in shape and prevents the fabric from developing permanent creases.
- When you find a pair of striped athletic shorts you love, buy them in multiple colors immediately. Popular athletic shorts styles often sell out or get discontinued and you do not want to miss your chance.
FAQ: Best Striped Athletic Shorts for Women
Striped athletic shorts have a stripe detail, usually running down the outer side of the leg, that makes them more visually interesting and stylish than plain athletic shorts. The stripe is usually a contrasting color to the main fabric. Beyond the aesthetic difference, they function exactly the same as regular athletic shorts with the same performance fabrics and features.
Yes, the vertical side stripe is actually one of the most flattering design elements in athletic wear. A stripe that runs vertically down the outer leg creates a long visual line that makes the leg look leaner and more streamlined. This effect works for most body types and is one of the reasons striped athletic shorts are so popular with women of all shapes and sizes.
For high performance workouts, a polyester and spandex blend is the best choice because it is lightweight, moisture wicking, quick drying, and has the stretch needed for exercise. For casual athleisure wear, a cotton blend can work well. Avoid pure cotton for intense workouts as it holds sweat and becomes heavy and uncomfortable during exercise.
Absolutely yes. The athleisure trend has made athletic shorts completely acceptable for everyday casual wear. Striped athletic shorts look particularly good for casual styling because the stripe gives them a fashion element beyond pure sportswear. Pair them with an oversized top, a hoodie, or a casual button-down and they work beautifully for everyday life.
Choose a longer inseam of four inches or more as shorter inseams ride up most easily. Biker-style compression shorts almost never ride up. A fitted rather than very loose cut tends to stay in place better. Anti-chafe products on inner thighs also help significantly with riding up during exercise and walking.
For a workout look, a fitted sports bra or moisture wicking tank top works best. For an athleisure casual look, an oversized tee, a cropped sweatshirt, or an open button-down shirt looks great. Keep the top relatively simple so that the stripe detail on the shorts can be the visual focus of the outfit.
Yes, striped athletic shorts are very much in style right now. The retro sport aesthetic is one of the biggest fashion trends and side stripe athletic wear is central to that look. Beyond the trend, the side stripe is a classic athletic design detail that has been popular since the 1970s and shows no sign of going completely out of fashion anytime soon.
Athletic shorts should feel comfortable and allow full freedom of movement without feeling restrictive. The waistband should sit securely without digging in or rolling down during exercise. The leg opening should not be so tight that it cuts into your thigh or so loose that the shorts flap around excessively. When in doubt, size up rather than down for athletic shorts.
Amazon has one of the largest selections of striped athletic shorts for women at every price point with fast delivery and easy returns. You can find our best value pick directly on Amazon here. For premium options, brands like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and Gymshark all have excellent striped athletic shorts collections worth exploring.
Final Thoughts
The best striped athletic shorts for women are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move whether you are at the gym, on a run, at a yoga class, or just going about your regular summer day in style.
The side stripe detail is more than just a fashion choice. It is flattering, it is timeless in the world of athletic wear, and it gives your workout outfit a visual interest that plain shorts simply cannot match. Once you find a pair of striped athletic shorts you love you will understand exactly why so many women own several pairs.
Start with our best value pick and grab it right now on Amazon here before your size sells out. And do not forget to complete your active wardrobe with our picks for the best Nike women's shoes, the best oversized hoodies for women, and the best shapewear for women to build a complete and confident active wardrobe this season.
