The Women's Shorts collection at Alcis covers running, training, gym and everyday styles, in slim and regular fits, built from polyester, polyester-lycra and cotton-blend fabrics. Some pairs are cut for movement, running shorts with a lightweight feel, training shorts with a soft-touch, anti-static fabric that resists cling through squats and lunges. Others work just as well for a walk, errands or a casual day out, in solid colours and prints across sizes XS to 2XL.

Shorts for running, training and everyday movement

A short built for a 10K run isn't doing the same job as one you'd wear to walk the dog or run errands. Running-focused styles, like the Run Pro Mileage Shorts, are cut light and close to reduce drag over distance. Training and gym shorts prioritize a secure, comfortable fit through squats, lunges and general movement, which is where anti-static, soft-touch fabrics matter more than they would for a casual walk.

Everyday styles trade some of that performance construction for a fit and fabric that feels comfortable off the clock, solid colours or a subtle print, a fabric that doesn't need much thought before you put it on. What works depends on the activity, the fit you prefer, the fabric, the weather and your own comfort preference. A pair built for high-impact running won't necessarily be the most comfortable choice for a long walk, and a relaxed everyday short isn't built for interval training.

Finding the right fit

The collection runs primarily in slim and regular fits. Slim-fit shorts sit closer to the body through the hip and thigh, which many women prefer for running and training since there's less fabric movement. Regular-fit shorts give a bit more room through the leg and waist, closer to how you'd want a short to feel for everyday wear or lower-intensity activity.

Beyond fit, 3 things affect comfort the most: waist construction, leg opening and overall length. A waistband that sits securely without digging in matters more during training than it does on a walk. A leg opening cut for movement means the fabric won't ride up during squats or a run. Length is a personal call, some women prefer more coverage for training, others prefer a shorter cut for running. A good fit lets you move freely without the fabric riding up or feeling loose enough to shift around.

Choosing shorts by activity

None of these are hard rules. Plenty of training shorts double as running shorts, and several everyday styles hold up fine for a workout. The table is a starting point, not a strict category.

Fabric and features that matter

Nearly every pair in the collection uses polyester, often blended with lycra for stretch on training and running styles. A smaller number of everyday shorts use a cotton blend for a softer, more casual feel. Select training and running styles use Drytech+ fabric, built to help sweat evaporate faster, and some training shorts carry an anti-static, soft-touch finish that reduces fabric cling during movement. There's also a train-all-day line made with more sustainable materials.

Not every short in the collection has every feature. A basic solid short won't necessarily have the same fabric treatment as a dedicated high-impact running short, and it's worth checking the individual product page for the specific fabric and finish before you buy. In general, lighter polyester blends breathe better and dry faster, while cotton blends feel softer but hold onto moisture longer, which matters more for training than for everyday wear.

Running shorts vs training shorts

Running-specific shorts, including the high-impact performance styles in the collection, prioritize a lightweight build and a fit designed to move with a running stride rather than sit still. Training shorts, like the TrainCurves and Comfi Move styles, are built more around general gym movement, squats, lunges and everyday training, with a secure fit that holds through a full workout.

Neither is technically better. The right choice depends on what you're doing. Someone training 3 or 4 days a week in the gym will likely get more use out of a training-focused short, while a regular runner will notice the difference in a lighter, running-specific build.

From workout to everyday wear

Some shorts in the collection move easily from a workout into the rest of the day. A pair like the Downtown Sports Shorts or On The Move Shorts works for a walk, a casual outing or running errands, not just a training session. Pair them with a fitted women's sports T-shirt for a simple everyday outfit, or with a women's sports bra for a straightforward gym or studio look.

Not every short is meant to cross over this way. A high-impact running short is built for running, not for a weekend brunch, and a booty-style training short like the Corelift is designed for the gym rather than daily wear. The practical difference usually comes down to fit and fabric: closer, performance-built cuts stay in the gym or on the run, while regular-fit, solid or printed styles move more easily into everyday life.

How to choose the right pair

Start with where you'll actually wear them most. If it's running, look at fit and fabric weight first. If it's the gym, prioritize a secure waistband and a leg opening that won't ride up. If it's everyday wear, comfort and how the pair fits into the rest of your wardrobe probably matter more than performance fabric.

From there, length and fabric feel are usually the deciding factors. If you're building out a full activewear rotation, it's worth browsing the wider women's bottomwear range alongside shorts, since leggings and joggers cover the days and activities where shorts aren't the right call.

The Alcis women's shorts edit

The collection spans running, training, gym and everyday shorts in slim and regular fits, with sizes from XS to 2XL. Fabrics run from polyester and polyester-lycra blends to cotton blends, with anti-static, soft-touch and Drytech+ options on select training and running styles. Colours include solid basics like black, navy and grey alongside brighter shades and prints, so there's a practical starting point whether you're training, running or just need a comfortable pair of shorts for the day.

FAQs

What type of shorts are best for workouts? Training and gym shorts with a secure, anti-static fabric and a slim or regular fit tend to work best for squats, lunges and general gym movement.

How should women's workout shorts fit? They should sit securely at the waist and move with you through the leg opening, without riding up or feeling loose enough to shift during exercise.

What should I look for in running shorts? A lightweight fabric, a close or slim fit, and a leg opening that won't cause chafing over longer distances.

Are training shorts suitable for everyday wear? Some are. Regular-fit, solid-coloured training shorts often work fine for errands or a casual day, while high-impact running styles are better kept for workouts.

Which fabric is comfortable for activewear shorts? Polyester and polyester-lycra blends are the most common in the collection and suit training and running, while cotton blends feel softer for lower-intensity, everyday use.

How do I choose between running and gym shorts? Think about what you do most. Frequent runners usually prefer a lighter, closer running-specific fit, while regular gym-goers tend to prefer a training short built for squats and lunges.

Do the shorts come with performance features like moisture control? Some do. Select training and running styles use Drytech+ fabric for faster sweat evaporation, but not every pair in the collection has this feature, so it's worth checking the individual product page.