To Line or not To Line: When Do Shorts Need a Compression Lining?

Spring is fast approaching, and warmer weather follows on its heels. Soon, it’ll be time to pack up your sweaters, coats, and warm pants and break out your polos, T-shirts, and shorts. With those shorts comes a question, though: When do you wear compression-lined shorts, and when do you opt for an unlined pair?

No need to worry; we’ve got you covered.

Compression-Lined Shorts 

Compression-lined shorts are a great option for lots of different situations. Going for a run? The fitted inner layer of lined shorts helps prevent chafing — nobody wants raw thighs — and it works to keep the family jewels secure. Plus, running isn’t the only activity where chafing prevention and a secure fit come in handy. Biking, hiking, and high-intensity workouts can all benefit from shorts with a good inner lining. Whether you’re jogging along trails, pedaling down the road, or sprinting up your driveway, lined shorts are an excellent choice.

With the hot months of the year on the horizon, you’ll be grateful for a pair of lined shorts. That might seem counterintuitive — wouldn’t lined shorts be twice as thick as unlined, since they have twice the number of layers? But in truth, lined shorts are generally designed to be thinner than their unlined counterparts. That makes them the perfect choice for a hot, sunny day. And not only are they thin, but that inner lining is also usually moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry. With lined shorts, you can avoid excessive sweat down under.

Speaking of hot, sunny days, warm weather means more opportunities for swimming. Lined shorts double well for swim trunks. They can eliminate the need for extra layers, as well as extra luggage. If you’re traveling light, and you need a pair of workout shorts as well as swim trunks, lined shorts are your two-in-one solution. Hit the gym and then go for a swim without ever needing to change your clothes; it’s that easy. This trick can come in handy anywhere, from the hotel gym and pool to a hiking trip where you need to pack light.

That liner can act as a helpful modesty layer, too. It’ll aid in keeping things safely covered up during intense workout sessions or big movements, and sometimes, you just need to sit down on the bench without worrying about who might be saying hello. It’s a good way to avoid flashing your friends mid-lunge. That extra security will make you wish you could go back in time and give your grandfather some compression-lined shorts to protect yourself from grandpa’s unfortunate commando couch slips.

Unlined Shorts 

As great as lined shorts are, sometimes unlined shorts are simply the right choice for the activity at hand. While lined shorts can help prevent chafing, the liner may not fit quite as snugly as a pair of compression shorts. If you have a pair of compression shorts you love, they’ll fit easily under some quality unlined shorts. This gives you another option for activities such as running, biking, hiking, and even swimming without fear of chafing and jostling. Unlined shorts are great for the gym as well — with or without those compression shorts, depending on your preference.

The thicker material of unlined shorts means they stand up well to wear, as well as fitting in better in casual, non-exercise-related situations than lined shorts do (since lined shorts tend to look more specifically like gym clothes). Their single layer also makes unlined shorts breathable. They’re versatile; you can wear them to the gym, pair them with a T-shirt for your most casual out-and-about look, or even dress some of them up a little with a polo. They’ll take you from the gym to the brewery to a casual dinner. Unlined shorts are the multipurpose tool of warm-weather bottoms. 

And of course, unlined shorts are perfect for anyone who simply doesn't like built-in layers.

A Bonus Option: Joggers

Sadly for those stuck in the cold, winter weather is still lingering in some places. But never fear — there are options to protect your precious lower limbs from the chill. Joggers are the perfect cool-weather alternative to shorts for both outdoor exercise activities (such as running and biking) and gym workouts. Plus, if you want to be warm while you travel but prefer shorts in the gym, you can always wear joggers over your shorts as an outer layer, then strip them off once you’re indoors.

Joggers are great to wear during warmups and recovery, as well as for low-intensity workouts, stretching, and yoga. Comfortable and warm, they’ll help keep your muscles limber without feeling too bulky. And like unlined shorts, joggers are great for casual, non-exercise wear. You can pull them on to head to the grocery store, meet up with friends at a bar, or go on a date to the local taco truck.

A Source for All Your Bottoms

Whether you need some new shorts for the incoming summer season or you’ve worn out your old joggers, whatever your clothing needs, we’ve got just the thing for you: good-looking, high-performing shorts (lined and unlined) and joggers to keep you happy and comfortable, no matter the weather or situation.

Our products make great athletic wear, but they’re perfect for everyday life, too. Throw on a pair of lined shorts for when you need to vacuum the house or work in the yard. When you’re ready to chill out and go commando, our unlined shorts are incredibly comfortable (who doesn’t love to do this?). Or, when you are wearing underwear and need to dash out of the house for something, pull the unlined shorts on for an easy, perfect outfit. Pair them with your favorite compression shorts for a workout. And our joggers can do it all, too — they’re the cold-weather tradeout that will keep you comfortable year-round. They can be house sweats, gym pants, and your errand outfit, while still making you look clean and professional.

Whatever bottoms your closet is missing, we’ve got you covered.