NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Shorts Polyester Blend

Some workout shorts keep things simple, while others add storage and details for outdoor training. NORTHYARD’s athletic shorts take the more feature-focused route, pairing three zippered pockets with a lightweight, unlined design for running, gym sessions, and court sports. The listed fabric blend includes stretch, and the waistband has a drawstring for adjusting the fit. One tradeoff is worth noting up front: there’s no built-in liner, so these won’t feel like lined running shorts.

Best use cases

These shorts are designed for activities where you want to move freely and keep small essentials close. For a run, the zippered pockets can hold a phone, keys, or cards without leaving them loose in a regular open pocket. At the gym, the elastic waistband and drawstring give you a way to adjust the fit, while side vents are intended to let more air through during harder sessions. The product description also lists basketball, tennis, hiking, walking, and casual wear among the intended uses.

The range includes 5", 7", and 9" inseams, so you can choose the listed length that matches your preferred coverage. It also comes in sizes XS–4XL, though the description doesn’t provide garment measurements or a size chart. If fit is a priority, use the seller’s sizing information rather than assuming your usual size will feel the same. You’ll appreciate it if you want pockets that close securely and shorts that aren’t built around a liner.

Product specs

The fabric is listed as 90% polyester and 10% elastane, with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a lightweight, breathable feel. The shorts are unlined and have a mid-rise, flat-front design, an elastic waistband, and a built-in drawstring. Three zippered pockets are specified: two deep side pockets and one back pocket. Their interiors are described as mesh-lined, and the zipper pulls are designed for easier access.

Other listed details include UPF 50+ sun protection, a water-resistant coating, abrasion resistance, flatlock seams, reflective strips on the front and back, and breathable side vents. Machine washing is listed as suitable. These are product-description claims, not independent test results, on the spec sheet, there’s useful detail about construction, but no performance measurements for drying time or water resistance.

Where it shines

The pocket setup is the clearest practical difference from basic athletic shorts with open pockets. Picture finishing a run and sitting down with your phone still zipped away, rather than checking whether it has slipped out. Reflective strips may also be useful for early-morning or evening workouts, while the side vents and stretch fabric are aimed at active movement. So, are these a substitute for highly specialized running gear? The listing supports a broad mix of sports and everyday wear, but doesn’t establish that they’re tailored to a particular discipline or weather condition.

The unlined construction also gives you more control over what you wear underneath, but it means anyone who wants built-in support will need to look for a lined alternative. It may not suit you if you prefer shorts with an integrated liner or need detailed fit measurements before choosing a size. Compared with a more basic pair, the zipped storage and reflective details are the main reasons to consider this design, if you don’t need those features, simpler shorts may be enough.

Final verdict

Choose the NORTHYARD shorts if secure pockets, an adjustable waist, and a choice of inseam are useful for your mix of workouts and everyday activity. The range of listed uses makes them a flexible option for running, gym training, or court sports, without making them sound purpose-built for just one. Skip them if a built-in liner is essential, or if you need verified performance figures that aren’t included in the product details. Before ordering, match your preferred inseam and size to the available listing information.