Nike W NP 365 Short 5in (Women’s) – breathable regular-fit running shorts

The essentials

Nike’s W NP 365 Short 5in is a women’s short designed for everyday movement where you want freedom, not fuss. On paper it’s a regular fit with breathable fabric and an elasticated waistband finished with a drawcord (lanyard). That combination is the kind of practical detail you notice quickly when you’re moving around for training, commuting, or just doing your usual day.

The look is kept simple: black with white contrast, so it tends to slot neatly into an existing workout wardrobe. The fabric blend is 83% polyester and 17% elastane, which suggests a balance between lightweight, durable feel and stretch for comfortable wear.

It’s not positioned as a technical “everything-bag” performance piece, but for the middle-of-the-road athlete who wants something reliable, it can make a lot of sense.

Key features that actually matter

There are three bits of design here that tend to make or break a short like this.

First, the breathable fabric. If you’ve ever ended up with shorts that feel damp too quickly, you’ll appreciate why this is listed up front. It’s aimed at staying comfortable during movement, rather than being a heavy, fashion-only layer.

Second, the elastic waistband with lanyard. For women’s running and training shorts, waistband fit is often where comfort lives or dies. An elastic waistband helps keep things in place as you move, and the drawcord gives you a bit of adjustment if your fit preference is tighter or looser.

Third, the 5in length. A shorter cut can be great for warm weather and freedom of motion, but it’s also the type of length some people simply won’t like—especially if you prefer more coverage for everyday wear.

What to know about the fit

It’s a regular fit, so you shouldn’t expect it to hug the body like a compression short. That generally makes it easier to wear across different body types and reduces the risk of “too tight” discomfort.

The elastic waistband plus lanyard should help dial in comfort. Still, keep expectations realistic: if you’re between sizes or you prefer a very specific rise/fit, you may want to double-check the size you go for, because the listed fit is regular rather than tailored.

It makes sense if you want a straightforward training short that won’t fight you during movement.

Where it shines (and where it may fall short)

Where it shines is in its everyday versatility. Breathability, stretch fabric (thanks to elastane), and an adjustable waistband are the ingredients you look for when you want one pair of shorts that can cover more than one use.

A common limitation to bear in mind: “regular fit” and “5in length” are a specific style. It may not suit you if you strongly prefer longer coverage, a more fitted silhouette, or very minimal feel.

Also, because the information provided is focused on comfort elements (breathability, waistband, fabric blend) rather than advanced technical performance details, it may not be the best match if you’re specifically trying to “max out” for high-intensity sessions that demand more specialised features.

Usage tips

If you’re using these for everyday training, try them on and adjust the lanyard so the waistband feels secure when you move. A practical test is to do a quick sequence of walking and light jogging in-store or at home—if the waistband shifts while you’re in motion, you’ll feel it straight away.

For a simple micro-routine: pair the black shorts with a breathable tee, then do a short warm-up walk before heading into intervals. The breathable fabric is the sort of feature that tends to show up most when your body temperature starts rising.

Mini FAQ

Is it good for hot weather?

The breathable fabric points in that direction, but it will still depend on how you feel during exercise and your overall outfit.

What’s the waistband like?

It uses an elastic waistband with a lanyard for adjustment, which should help you fine-tune the fit.

How stretchy is it?

With 17% elastane, it should have some stretch for comfort and movement, rather than feeling rigid.

What style length is it?

It’s listed as 5in, so it’s on the shorter side—worth considering if you prefer more coverage.

Buying verdict

When it makes sense

It’s a solid pick if you want women’s Nike shorts with a regular fit, breathable fabric, and an adjustable elastic waistband for everyday training or active wear. The polyester/elastane blend also fits the “comfortable and movable” brief.

It may not suit you if

You may want to skip it if you don’t like 5in shorter lengths, prefer a more fitted/compression-style short, or you’re shopping for highly specialised performance features beyond breathable comfort and basic adjustability.

Before buying, it’s worth checking the size you choose carefully—regular fit plus drawcord can help, but your preference for coverage and silhouette still matters a lot.