With 2024 coming to a close, let’s take a look at this year’s best shorts. Choosing a pair of shorts to play in seems simple, but with countless brands and tons of options to choose from, buying a pair of good tennis shorts is like trying to find a good show to watch on Netflix. The best tennis shorts can enhance your performance on the court, offer better comfort, revamp your style, and improve your overall enjoyment of the game. In this article, we’ll cover the best tennis shorts of 2024 and what to look for in a pair of shorts designed for tennis.
What to Look for in Tennis Shorts
Before we dive into the best shorts of the year, let’s go over what makes a good pair of tennis shorts, well, good! Not all shorts are designed for tennis. Here’s what to look for:
Material and Fabric: When shopping for a pair of tennis shorts, it is important to consider the quality and integrity of the shorts you are looking for. While looks are certainly important, a good pair of tennis shorts will vastly improve your performance on the court. For example, shorts made with moisture-wicking fabric tend to be more breathable, allowing players to play harder without worrying about discomfort. Nike Dri-FIT technology is a perfect example of this in practice. Lightweight fabrics, such as polyester, make for ideal court performance, enhancing comfort and overall feel. A good pair of shorts should last too. Durability is just as important as comfort and performance.
Fit and Comfort: If you like to stretch for each shot, consider buying a pair of shorts made with lycra/spandex. Shorts that offer a balanced blend of comfort and performance will go a long way. Additionally, make sure to buy the right size for you. It’s important you feel comfortable on the court, and that your performance isn’t diminished.
Pockets: Tennis shorts should be practical. Typically, tennis shorts have pockets on either side to accommodate right and left-handed players. These pockets should hold up to three tennis balls at a time. Women’s shorts often feature a built-in shortie where tennis balls can be stored during play.
Style and Aesthetics: While quality material is certainly an important aspect of good tennis shorts, your personal tastes are also important. When buying a new pair of shorts, choose the colors you love, and the styles you think are worth it. Do you!
Price and Value: Lastly, buying a pair of shorts shouldn’t break the bank. Tennis equipment can be expensive, so choose a pair that best suits your needs, style, and budget.
Best Tennis Shorts of 2024
High-End Options
- On Court Tennis Short: Breakout tennis brand On makes high-quality shoes and apparel that many professionals, such as Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek, have opted to wear over name brands such as Adidas and Nike. The On Court tennis shorts boast comfort and class, featuring side pockets for the men’s shorts and stretchy liners for the women’s shorts. The Swiss brand continues to steal the spotlight; these shorts are no exception.
Best for Performance
- Nike Advantage Dri-FIT Tennis Shorts: When it comes to performance, you can’t get much better than the Nike Advantage. These shorts feature Dri-FIT tech, drying your sweat faster so you can play harder and longer. The Men’s Advantage Shorts have pockets on either side, while the Women’s Advantage Shorts have drop-in pockets. The styles of these shorts are simple, but their comfort and performance are unmatched.
- Adidas Women’s Pro Aero.RDY Seersucker Tennis Shorts & Men’s Pro Ergo Tennis Shorts: A comfortable pair of shorts is essential to performing and moving well on the court. No one does it as well as Adidas with the Women’s Pro Aero.RDY Seersucker, boasting comfort and practicality. The shorts provide the wearer a tight fit around the waist and a looser fit around the legs, offering enhanced mobility. The Men’s Pro Ergo Shorts are an ideal choice for men who value ultimate performance. Short and lightweight, these shorts are designed to help you move freely. Plus, they offer supreme breathability, keeping you cool while you play.
Best for Style
- Wilson Women’s Bowery Court Tennis Shorts: Ideal for any match or practice session, the Wilson Bowery Tennis Shorts offer the perfect blend of practicality and style. Unlike many women’s shorts, these come with side pockets and an external drawcord for a more personalized fit. With a solid colorway, these shorts can match any shoes or top.
- Nike Mens Heritage 6-Inch Tennis Shorts: Hit the courts with a bold style. The Nike Heritage Tennis Shorts feature “Nike Court” in bold lettering and are made with comfortable cotton for a more relaxed fit.
Best for Budget (Shorts Under $50)
- Lotto Core Tennis Shorts: For those looking for budget-friendly shorts, Lotto has you covered. The men’s and women’s and Lotto Core Tennis shorts are made in a simple style, designed for affordable performance with no frills. With a variety of colors, these shorts are comfortable and (by far) the most affordable tennis shorts on the market. At just $25 a pair, these are easily some of the cheapest shorts you can buy. That said, Lotto continues to make their shorts with quality, sustainable materials.
- Ellesse Men’s Ormus 7 Inch Tennis Short & Women’s Chrissy Tennis Short: Last but not least, an ideal budget option for those looking for more affordable shorts comes from Ellesse. The Men’s Ormus 7 Inch Tennis Shorts are shorter, simpler, and performance-driven. With moisture-wicking technology and Active Stretch fabric, they are an ideal choice for high-level players who’d rather save some money on a quality pair of tennis shorts. Likewise, the Women’s Chrissy Tennis Short is an awesome choice for those who like to move on the court. Made to fit tight on the skin, these shorts offer unbeatable performance at a choice price point.
Optimize Your Performance and Your Style
This is your year to take your tennis game to the next level! You can’t play tennis without wearing shorts. I mean… you could but that might be a little awkward. Remember, the best tennis shorts of 2024 are those that meet your performance and personal needs on the court. While looking good on the court is important, feeling good is just as important.
Here at Tennis Express, we pride ourselves on providing customers with an unbeatable selection of tennis shorts and other items. As one of the biggest and most experienced tennis retailers in the world, we know a thing or two about tennis. Browse our amazing selection of shorts and more at TennisExpress.com!
