Best activewear: 6 of the best 2-in-1, chafe-free gym shorts to buy now

Two in one gym shorts

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Strong Women


Best activewear: 6 of the best 2-in-1, chafe-free gym shorts to buy now

By Chloe Gray

Updated 4 years ago

2-in-1 gym shorts to wear during summer runs or hot workouts.

If you’re anything like us, getting dressed for your workout in activewear that looks - and feels - good is the best way to get set up for a great workout. But as the warmer weather approaches, working out in the heat is hard enough without worrying about your legs burning in full-length leggings

Let that skin breathe, we say! Except, for some people, workout shorts can be a little tricky. Cycling shorts might be on trend, but they can so often ride up, leave you feeling too exposed or end up chafing.

That’s where 2-in-1 shorts come in. They offer the protection and compression of tight cycling shorts, but the layer on top offers comfort, breeze and modesty.

Sold? Here are our favourites to keep you comfortable during workouts. 

Black decathlon shorts

Kalenji Run Dry + shorts

Unlike most other 2-in-1 shorts, these have a thick waistband for extra support but the added benefit of an internal drawstring to make sure they fit perfectly.

Kalenji Run Dry + shorts, £14.99 

Shop now

pink Nike shorts

Nike Eclipse 2-in-1 shorts

Nike Eclipse 2-in-1 shorts, £39.95

Made from light, compression fabric underneath a meshed, breathable layer. But the best part about these materials are that they’re sustainable.

Shop Nike Eclipse 2-in-1 shorts, £44.95

Buy now

H&M black shorts

H&M double layered running shorts

These quick dry short shorts are perfect for very hot days. We love the retro shape and chic grey that matches virtually all of our sports bras.

H&M double layered running shorts, £14.99

Buy now

Nike plus black shorts

Nike Plus 2-in-1 shorts

Nike Plus 2-in-1 shorts, £30

A close-to-body fit, subtle striped waistband and Nike Dri-Fit Max material that wicks sweat fast? We’re impressed.

Shop Nike Plus 2-in-1 shorts, £31.95

Buy now

adidas black shorts

Adidas Detachable 2-in-1 shorts

Adidas takes 2-in-1 to the next level, allowing you to wear this pair three ways. A button hook attaches the loose, lightweight shorts layer over longer cycling tights so you can be ready for any activity. 

Shop Adidas detachable 2-in-1 shorts, £30

Buy now

best activewear decathlon 2-in-1 shorts

Domyos 2-in-1 Anti-Chafing shorts

These stylish shorts are made from a breathable material, have an elasticated waistband for extra comfort and provide great coverage no matter your workout. 

Shop Domyos 2-in-1 Anti-Chafing shorts, £14.99

Buy now


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