Under Armour Women’s Tech Play Up Shorts – lightweight running gym shorts with open-hand pockets
Product description
What these shorts are for
Under Armour’s Women’s Tech Play Up Shorts are a pair of ladies’ running and gym shorts built around the basics that matter mid-session: soft feel, breathability and quick sweat management. On paper, the “tech” here is less about fancy features and more about the fabric doing the job—wicking moisture away and drying fast—so you’re not stuck feeling clammy once you’ve warmed up.
They also lean into everyday practicality with open-hand pockets and a shaped hem designed to give you a better range of motion. If you want something you can wear for training, studio classes, or even just a light run, these are the kind of shorts you’d reach for repeatedly.
Key takeaways (the good stuff)
The standout points are pretty clear from the materials and build.
The fabric is described as soft and lightweight knit, with comfort and breathability at the centre. That’s the sort of setup that usually works well when you’re moving often—warm days, steady cardio, or sessions where you’ll sweat and want the fabric to keep up.
There’s also moisture wicking and fast drying. Again, that matters if you train back-to-back, hate lingering dampness after workouts, or just want the shorts to feel fresher for longer.
Then there’s the shaped hem, which is intended to be more flattering and to help with range of motion. It’s a small design choice, but it can make a noticeable difference when you’re stretching, lunging, or running.
What you’ll notice in use
In practice, these shorts are likely to feel light rather than bulky. The exposed elastic waistband with an updated wordmark is low-rise, so you’ll want to be comfortable with that cut.
The open-hand pockets are the practical bit most people look for when they don’t want to carry a phone in a different bag. For a quick gym trip or a short run, having somewhere simple to stash small essentials can be a big deal.
One thing to keep in mind: the low-rise style won’t suit everyone. If you prefer a higher waistband for coverage during running or you’re particular about how shorts sit while moving, you may find this cut either feels great—or you’ll spend the whole workout adjusting.
Key specifications
- Material: soft, lightweight knit fabric (exact composition not provided)
- Fabric performance: wicks sweat and dries fast
- Rise/waistband: low-rise with exposed elastic waistband
- Storage: open hand pockets
- Fit design: shaped hem for more flattering fit and better range of motion
- Colour/design focus: Black
- Intended use (as described): running and gym shorts
Who it suits (and when it makes sense)
It makes sense if you want breathable, fast-drying gym and running shorts with pockets and a shape that’s meant to move with you. The combination of moisture wicking and quick drying is particularly relevant if you sweat more than average, train in warmer conditions, or you’re the kind of person who goes from gym to errands without wanting damp fabric lingering.
If you care about day-to-day comfort, the lightweight knit is a good direction—especially compared to thicker, less breathable shorts that can feel heavy once you’ve warmed up.
Who should skip it
It might not be a great match if you’re chasing a high-waist, more secure fit for running. The low-rise waistband is a clear limitation for people who prefer more coverage and less movement at the waistline.
Also, if you need fully enclosed pockets for safer storage while running, open-hand pockets may feel less secure than alternatives with zips or tighter construction. This isn’t necessarily wrong—just worth factoring in depending on what you carry.
Is it worth it?
Worth considering if you prioritise comfort, breathability and fast-drying performance, and you like the idea of open-hand pockets for quick training sessions. These shorts look well matched to women who want lightweight gym and running wear that’s practical rather than fussy.
You may want to skip them if low-rise fit isn’t your thing, or if you need more secure pocketing for moving at speed. In general, they come across as a solid “get the basics right” option for training and everyday use, rather than something aimed at maximising technical performance beyond sweat management and comfort.
Mini FAQ
Are the pockets suitable for carrying a phone?
They’re open-hand pockets, so they’re best thought of for small essentials. Whether a phone stays secure will depend on your phone size and how fast you run.
Do these shorts dry quickly after a workout?
The fabric is described as wicking sweat and drying really fast, so quick drying is part of the design intention.
Are they aimed at running or just gym use?
They’re described as ladies running shorts and gym shorts, with features like shaped hem and range of motion pointing towards movement.
What does “low-rise” mean for fit?
Low-rise means the waistband sits lower on the hips. If you prefer higher coverage, this style may not feel right.
What colour are they?
They’re listed in Black.