Pickleball Shorts That Won’t Split When You Smash

Pickleball just keeps getting bigger, doesn’t it? Anyone with knees that still work and a taste for paddle-based mayhem seems to find their way to the court.

As we dash around, pivot, and, let’s be honest, lose track of the score, one thing becomes obvious: bad shorts can wreck a great game. Pickleball shorts don’t get enough credit—they keep us cool, dry, and hopefully looking decent enough that our kids don’t pretend they don’t know us.

These shorts need to do more than look okay for a post-match coffee stop. They’ve got to work. The right pair lets us move freely, holds spare balls (plus maybe a sneaky snack), and doesn’t turn into a sticky mess after a sweaty rally. If our shorts ride up or chafe, we’re practicing patience, not our backhand.

When you’re picking pickleball shorts, focus on the material. Stretchy, light fabric matters, but so does breathability and not holding onto weird smells after one set. The fit is huge—no one wants a wardrobe fail mid-dink. And if you’re someone who actually uses pockets, don’t settle for tiny, useless ones. We tried a bunch on the court to find the best pickleball shorts for every kind of player.

Best Pickleball Shorts

Playing pickleball in jeans? That’s a nightmare. Let’s check out the best pickleball shorts so we can look sharp and stay comfy while chasing that little plastic ball.

maamgic Pickleball Athletic Shorts

If you want shorts that won’t slow you down, these hit a sweet spot between feather-light and actually useful.

Pros

• Extra-light feel lets us move without thinking
• Inner lining is soft, stretchy, and doesn’t cling
• Loads of zip pockets to stash our stuff

Cons

• Drawstring placement might bug the picky among us
• The M logo changes color, which is… distracting
• Too much slack on the drawcord if you wear it out

The first thing we noticed about these maamgic shorts? They’re crazy breezy. We barely notice them—almost like we showed up to the court in pajamas, but without the side-eye.

Those ventilated sides do their job, keeping things comfortable even after endless rallies. The lining is soft and flexible, not the scratchy stuff you usually get. Our thighs appreciated the support without feeling like sausages.

Finally, a pair of shorts with pockets that actually hold our phone, keys, and a snack bar. The zippered pockets in both layers seem like someone who actually carries stuff designed them.

On the downside, the drawcord is a bit much if you wear it outside—lots of extra slack flapping around. And the color-changing logo is fun, but we caught ourselves staring at it instead of paying attention to serves. Still, for the price and comfort, we keep reaching for these, whether it’s for pickleball or just jogging to the car.

NORTHYARD Pickleball Shorts

These NORTHYARD shorts work well for anyone who wants to stay cool, carry their stuff, and not look like they raided an ‘80s gym bag.

Pros

• Feels like we’re barely wearing shorts—perfect for hot weather
• Zipper pockets actually keep our keys and phone safe
• Drawstring waistband means no accidental mooning

Cons

• Zipper pockets are tight for big hands
• Reflective strips help at night, but not with our aim
• Fit can get a little snug after snack breaks

We’ve tried a lot of athletic shorts, but these NORTHYARD Pickleball Shorts caught us off guard in a good way. The fabric is super lightweight and keeps us cool, even during those marathon matches.

They wick away sweat fast, so we don’t leave the court looking like we just swam. The pockets are lifesavers—zip them up and nothing goes flying when you sprint. If you’ve got big hands, though, getting stuff in and out is a bit of a challenge.

They look great, especially with the reflective strips. You’ll stand out at the park, or at least avoid getting run over in the parking lot at dusk. The adjustable waistband is a real plus, especially for those of us who can’t resist a post-game snack.

If you care about comfort, breathability, and not losing your essentials, these are a solid pick.

Franklin Nite Runner Pickleball Shorts

If you hate sweaty legs and love big pockets, these shorts might be your new favorite.

Pros

• Light and breezy—just like our serves (on a good day)
• Two roomy side pockets that actually hold your phone and keys
• Odor resistance keeps teammates from running away

Cons

• Shrink a bit after a few washes, so maybe skip the dryer
• No back pocket if you need one
• Fit can feel snug if you’re between sizes

Once we slipped into these Franklin Nite Runner shorts, we felt ready for anything—doubles, singles, or just sprinting to the fridge. The fabric feels cool and stays dry, which is a lifesaver on hot days.

We liked the big side pockets. They fit our oversized phones and don’t flop around. The reflective logo is handy, especially if you’re jogging home at dusk and don’t want to be invisible.

These shorts shrink a little in the wash, so size up or avoid the hot dryer if you want a looser fit. There’s no back pocket, but honestly, we didn’t miss it. For pickleball, running, or just hanging out, these get the job done.

NORTHYARD Athletic Pickleball Shorts

If you want shorts that move with you and don’t make you feel like you’re boiling, these are worth a look.

Pros

• Stays cool and dries fast after a sweaty match
• Deep zipper pockets keep your stuff safe
• Stretchy waistband lets us eat that extra hotdog without regret

Cons

• Runs small—might need to shuffle sizes
• Thinner fabric can feel a bit too airy
• No belt loops, though honestly, we don’t miss them

Pulling these on before our last game felt like gearing up in something made for movement and humidity. The 4-way stretch let us lunge and sprint without feeling pinched.

No one wants a wedgie mid-volley, so we’re grateful for the drawstring and flat seams. We crammed our phone and keys into the zippered pockets, ran around for hours, and nothing fell out. That’s a win.

The fabric is so light it’s almost like wearing a breeze, which is great for summer but takes getting used to if you like a heavier feel. Sizing is a bit tricky, so going up one size might save you from feeling like you borrowed a kid’s shorts. For casual games or errands, these do the trick and make us look a bit more athletic—even if we’re just in it for the snacks.

NIMOJIRO 2-in-1 Pickleball Shorts

If you want shorts that do everything but play the match for you, these are a solid pick.

Pros

• Super comfy, like gym-approved pajamas
• Inner compression layer keeps things in place
• Breathable and stays fresh, even after sweaty games

Cons

• Sizing is unpredictable (like a game of bingo)
• Fabric isn’t the stretchiest
• Compression liner can feel a bit roomy

After running, lunging, and chasing balls in the NIMOJIRO shorts, we almost forgot we had them on—don’t worry, we checked. The two-in-one design is a real standout, keeping us cool and supported.

There’s a snug pocket for keys or snacks (yes, snacks count). Adjusting the drawstring is easy, so no awkward “shorts shuffle” between points. The fabric fights off sweat and odor, and we left the court smelling more like victory than a gym bag.

Sizing can be a guessing game, so double-check the guide unless you want your shorts to double as a tent. Still, the comfort makes up for it, and they survived the washing machine without drama. For everyday pickleball and gym antics, these are a great grab—if you get the fit right.

BALENNZ Athletic Shorts

When we’re after decently priced shorts that actually make us want to play pickleball, BALENNZ shorts keep things simple and easy.

Pros

• The soft material keeps us comfy, even after we run around like we’re being chased by bees.
• Deep pockets easily hold phones or pickleballs—no more awkward hand juggling.
• Drawstring and elastic waistband work together to keep them up, even during wild rallies.

Cons

• The length is a bit much if you like showing off knees (or just want something shorter).
• Fit feels tight around the thighs, whether or not we’ve skipped leg day.
• Material is lightweight—great for breathability, but almost feels like swim trunks.

When we pull these on for a match, the softness and stretchiness stand out right away.

Chasing a tricky shot feels easy since the waistband doesn’t pinch.

Pockets are deep enough for keys, a phone, and even a spare pickleball.

No more desperate pocket shuffles.

We did wish for a little less length, but if longer shorts are your thing, these will work.

The waistband sits snug without squeezing, and the drawstring adds extra security when the game heats up.

The light material is awesome for breathability, though we sometimes worry about a breeze catching us off guard.

Sizing can be tricky, especially in the thigh area.

Check the size chart—maybe even order up if you’re between sizes.

For the price, these shorts are definitely worth a shot.

But if we wake up feeling modest, we’ll probably save them for the court, not for errands.

FireSwan Flowy Pickleball Shorts

If you want to look cute, stay comfy, and avoid wardrobe malfunctions while swinging a paddle, these are honestly worth a try.

Pros

• Incredibly soft—feels like we stole clouds for our legs.
• The high-rise V-waist makes us feel sporty and a bit more put together.
• Secret inner shorts save us from accidental flashes.

Cons

• Sizing is questionable—ordering feels like a game of roulette.
• Only one side pocket, so we end up fighting for phone space.
• Returning the wrong size can sting the wallet.

Trying on the FireSwan Flowy Pickleball Shorts feels like slipping into pajamas, but somehow we look gym-ready.

The inner layer actually stays put, even during our most questionable lunges.

That’s a miracle for modesty.

The fabric is so soft and light, we almost forget we’re not just lounging at home.

We appreciate how these shorts give our waists a little “snatched” look (as the teens say).

The V-cross waistband adds a flattering touch, especially if post-game snacks are involved.

The outer layer floats nicely, covering the snug inner shorts, so nothing rides up too high.

Buying these felt like a bit of a gamble.

Sizing is a toss-up, and everyone in our group swapped at least once before finding the right fit.

Only one pocket means some of us end up awkwardly holding keys.

Returning the wrong size hurts a bit, since we had to pay shipping.

Still, after figuring out sizing, these quickly became our go-to for pickleball, dog walks, or even quick coffee runs.

Stelle Pickleball Skort with Pockets

Grab this skirt if you want to play a mean game of pickleball and not worry about flashing the whole court.

Pros

• Stretchy and soft for all sorts of wild moves.
• Deep pockets that can actually fit a phone (or snacks, let’s be honest).
• Waistband stays put—no awkward tugging mid-swing.

Cons

• Sometimes the shorts ride up more than we’d like.
• Fit runs snug, so size up if you’re between sizes.
• Not for you if you just don’t like skirts for sports.

Right out of the package, we noticed how soft and thick the fabric felt—like real sports gear, not a costume.

Pulling the skort on was quick, and the waistband stayed put, even during some questionable lunges.

Built-in shorts are a win for modesty on windy days.

We loved not having to mess with extra layers.

Those roomy pockets easily held a few balls, plus a key or phone.

Our only gripe? The shorts sometimes creep up during fast sprints.

That’s pretty normal for this style, though.

Sizing runs snug, so if you’re between options, go bigger for comfort.

This Stelle Pickleball Skort works great for the court and even for errands—if you remember to brush out the tennis balls first.

NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Quick Dry Shorts

These shorts make running for a pickleball shot feel almost as easy as running to the fridge for snacks.

Pros

• Light and breezy, so we don’t turn into a human puddle.
• Zippered pockets keep our keys (and dignity) safe.
• Waistband stays put, even during our “signature” lunges.

Cons

• The white pair is a little see-through—oops!
• Fit runs large, so we might be swimming in them.
• Fabric could be thicker for more coverage.

Sliding into these NORTHYARD shorts, we felt like we could play an extra game just for fun.

The mesh fabric lets the air flow, so we’re not drenched by the end.

The waistband actually holds up to all the jumping and questionable dance moves we bring to the court.

Zippered pockets are a real bonus.

Our phones, keys, and secret energy bars stayed put, even during wild saves.

Anyone who’s tired of chasing after dropped stuff will like this detail.

Watch out for the white version—unless you want to start a new trend, stick to darker colors for public games.

Sizing is generous, so maybe order one size down unless you like the “parachute” look.

These shorts are great for pickleball and just about anything else where you want to stay cool, comfy, and ready for action.

BEATNIK Orion Pickleball Shorts

We’d grab these shorts if we want to stop losing balls in the gym and start winning points on the pickleball court.

Pros

• The deep pockets are pickleball-approved—no runaway balls.
• Super comfy waistband keeps its cool, even when we don’t.
• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat under control.

Cons

• We wish there were more color choices for the truly bold among us.
• The fit might feel roomy if you prefer a snug style.
• Only available for men, so we can’t share with everyone.

There’s nothing like reaching for a shot and feeling your shorts move with you instead of against you.

The BEATNIK Orion Pickleball Shorts gave us way more freedom of movement than we expected, even in heated games.

We barely noticed them, except when we dumped out all the balls and snacks from those gloriously deep pockets.

We put them through drills and matches, and they kept us cooler than our game face.

The material dries fast, so we didn’t end up looking like we just finished a swim workout.

Some of us who love a tighter fit thought the shorts were a bit relaxed.

If you want to match your squad in neon pink, look elsewhere—color choices are pretty limited.

These shorts let us focus less on fussing with gear and more on making that killer cross-court shot.

Buying Guide

Shopping for pickleball shorts isn’t rocket science, but I’ve learned a few tips can really save us from regret—and chafing.

Let’s talk fit first. We need shorts that stay put when we dash for a wild return.

If they’re too tight, we end up waddling. Too loose? Well, nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction.

I always check for a comfortable waistband that doesn’t try to cut me in half.

Fabric totally matters. I look for breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight materials.

Cotton just gets soggy. Polyester or spandex blends usually keep things dry and light, even when we’re melting in 95-degree heat.

Here’s a handy cheat sheet:

Feature	Why It Matters
Stretch	Lets us move freely
Pockets	Perfect for snacks (or balls)
Liner	Stops surprise updrafts
Quick-dry	No more swampy shorts
Length	Not too short, not too long

If you sweat a lot (hey, it happens), look for mesh panels or built-in ventilation.

And honestly, style counts too. We want to play well, but who doesn’t want to look ready for coffee after—without changing in the parking lot?