NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Shorts, 7-Inch Inseam

The three zip pockets are the standout here: they give you separate places for a phone, keys, and cards while keeping your hands free during a run or workout.

The fabric is a 90% polyester and 10% elastane blend with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a quick-dry design. That combination is aimed at staying comfortable through active sessions, rather than serving as a lined, all-in-one running short.

These shorts are unlined and come in 5", 7", and 9" inseam options. Pick the length that matches how much coverage you prefer, the product listing also gives sizes from XS to 4XL.

Technical details

NORTHYARD describes the fabric as lightweight, breathable, and abrasion-resistant, with a water-resistant coating and UPF 50+ sun protection. Those are useful features for outdoor workouts, but the listing doesn't explain how the sun protection or water resistance is assessed. Treat them as added features, not a substitute for sun protection or rain gear when conditions call for it.

The shorts have a relaxed athletic fit, a mid-rise, and an elastic waistband with a built-in drawstring. Flatlock seams are intended to reduce chafing, while side vents add airflow. Reflective strips on the front and back can help you be more visible in low light, though they aren't a replacement for dedicated visibility gear.

Getting the most from it

The three pockets consist of two deep side pockets and one back pocket, all with zippers. Their mesh-lined interiors are designed to keep the pocket area breathable, and larger zipper pulls are intended to be easier to handle during movement. For a practical example, you could zip your phone into a side pocket and your key into the back pocket before heading out for a jog, rather than carrying them in your hands.

The design is listed for running, gym workouts, basketball, tennis, hiking, and everyday casual wear. It makes sense if you want one pair of unlined athletic shorts with zipped storage for a mix of activities. Compared with basic pull-on shorts that leave pockets open, the zippers offer a more secure way to carry small essentials. The trade-off is that anyone who wants built-in liner support will need a different style.

Usage tips

Use the drawstring to fine-tune the waistband, especially when carrying a phone or keys. Choose among the 5", 7", and 9" inseams based on your preferred coverage and movement: a shorter cut may feel less restrictive for training, while a longer one provides more coverage. The listing recommends selecting the right size for comfort, but it doesn't provide garment measurements here, so fit expectations may depend on your usual sizing.

Machine washing is listed as suitable. Since no care temperature or drying instructions are provided, follow the garment label rather than assuming a specific wash or heat setting. The fabric is described as quick-drying, but that doesn't establish how fast it will dry in every climate.

Before you decide

Are the shorts lined? No. The listing describes them as unlined, so they don't include a built-in liner.

How many pockets are there? Three zippered pockets: two side pockets and one back pocket.

What inseam lengths are available? The listing gives 5", 7", and 9" options. Without having tried it, fit and comfort are best judged against your preferred coverage and the sizing information available when choosing.

When it makes sense

Not the best choice if you specifically want lined shorts, or if you need detailed garment measurements before choosing a size. For someone who prefers an unlined fit, wants zippered storage, and plans to rotate between workouts and casual wear, the combination of pocket security, stretch fabric, and several inseam choices is the main reason to consider this pair.