Lined or Unlined Gym Shorts, Which Should You Buy First?

Check what is actually inside

“Lined” describes an inner garment, but not one fixed shape. Nike distinguishes brief-style liners from longer compression-style versions. Check the inside photos and description before choosing how much coverage you want. Nike’s liner guide

The illustration shows a brief liner beside a linerless shell. A longer inner short is another option: Brooks specifies a 7-inch outer short and a 5-inch, sweat-wicking boxer-brief liner for its Journey 2-in-1. That is why the outer inseam alone cannot tell you where the inner hem will sit. Brooks Journey construction

Choose convenience or a separate inner layer

Start with the arrangement you would actually want to wear.

• Try lined first if you want the shorts and underwear together. Make comfortable liner fit a condition of buying, rather than accepting a tight inner layer because the waist fits.
• Try unlined first if you already have comfortable workout underwear, want to change the inner layer independently, or plan to wear tights underneath.
• For mixed gym and everyday use, compare both while sitting and walking as well as exercising. Choose the combination you would keep wearing after leaving the gym.

Running does not automatically mean lined. For example, lululemon describes its Pace Breaker Linerless 5-inch as a running and training short with lightweight, quick-drying stretch fabric and rear mesh ventilation. Unlined does not automatically mean a thick everyday shell, either. lululemon’s specifications

For hot sessions, compare the complete outfit, including whatever goes underneath. Removing an attached liner and adding separate underwear is not simply removing a layer.

Decide what goes underneath before buying

An underwear-style liner can already do that job; Nike says its lined running shorts do not require separate underwear. Check the particular garment’s description rather than treating every piece of fabric called a lining as an underwear replacement. Nike’s explanation

For unlined shorts, start with your existing workout underwear. If you need a pair, look for moisture-wicking sports underwear in a cut you find comfortable. REI recommends synthetic or wool fabrics over slow-drying cotton for sweaty activity. This is a supporting purchase for the outfit, not a reason to replace underwear that already works. REI’s clothing guidance

If you want full-length coverage instead, the next decision is the tights themselves. Read the nylon versus polyester leggings guide before choosing that layer.

Let movement make the final decision

REI notes that runners differ in their preference for built-in briefs, and that seams and poor fit can cause rubbing. A liner label is no comfort guarantee. Use these checks to compare your shortlisted pairs. REI’s fit guidance

• Check the listing. Confirm liner shape, available inner and outer lengths, size measurements and return conditions.
• Move in the combination. Follow the retailer’s hygiene rules, then squat, lunge, sit and walk. Check the waistband, crotch and inner hems for pulling or bunching.
• Check coverage. Look in a mirror while bending and sitting. Decide whether the openings and any visible inner layer suit you.
• Reject a mismatch. If the shell fits but the liner pinches or rides up, compare another cut or an unlined version instead of assuming a larger size will fix both layers.

Buying mainly for cycling? A cycling chamois is a padded insert for saddle contact, a different feature from an ordinary gym liner. REI explains the distinction. If that is what you need, continue with bib versus waist cycling shorts.