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Top 4: best athletic shorts (May 2026)

15 May 2026 1 min read
Discover our ranking of the 4 best athletic shorts based on our tests.

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14

Essenclo

Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14

  • Comfortable, stretchy fit that kids actually like wearing for gymnastics and PE
  • Two full outfits (2 tops + 2 shorts) that hold up well after multiple washes
  • Good freedom of movement and stays in place during running, tumbling, and stretching
Overall, this Essenclo girls’ athletic set does what it’s supposed to do: it gives kids comfortable, stretchy outfits for gymnastics, cheer, PE, and general running around, without costing as much as big-name sports brands. My daughter likes the feel, the fit, and the look enough that she actually wears it regularly, which is the main test for me. After several washes, the fabric and colors are holding up well, and the shorts and tops still fit the same as day one.It’s not perfect. The material is fully synthetic, so if your kid hates that nylon/spandex feel, this won’t change their mind. The pattern is on the louder side, so if you only want plain, low-key outfits, you might want a different set. And the headband is more of a small extra than a real selling point. But for the price vs. what you get (two full outfits), I think it’s a solid buy for active kids from about 9–10 in this size range.I’d recommend this to parents who need practical, easy-care sportswear for kids doing gymnastics, cheer, dance, or regular PE – something you can throw in the wash often and not worry about. If you’re looking for ultra-premium fabrics, ultra-subtle designs, or competition-level gear, this isn’t that. But if you want reliable, comfy, kid-approved sports outfits that get used every week, this set does the job quite well.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#2
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-10

Essenclo

Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-10

  • Comfortable, stretchy fabric that kids can move and play in without complaints
  • 5-piece pack (2 tops, 2 shorts, 1 headband) offers strong value for the price
  • Stays in place reasonably well during gymnastics and other active sports
Overall, this Essenclo girls athletic set is a practical, no-drama option for kids who are constantly moving. The material is stretchy and comfortable, the fit is true to size, and the pieces stay in place during real activities like gymnastics and biking. It’s not high-end sports gear, but it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy either. For everyday use, it hits a good balance between comfort, performance, and price.Where it shines is the value: getting 2 tops, 2 shorts, and a headband in one pack makes life easier if your kid needs clean sports outfits several times a week. The fabric handles sweat reasonably well, dries fast enough, and so far has held up fine to multiple washes without losing shape or color. The design is simple and sporty, which is good if you want something that matches easily and doesn’t scream for attention.I’d recommend this set for parents who want reliable, comfortable sportswear for kids aged 7–8 that they won’t be scared to throw in the wash over and over. It’s great for gymnastics, cheer, volleyball, dance, or just active play. If you’re looking for thick, high-compression fabric or a big-brand logo feel, this won’t scratch that itch. But if you just want gear that works, fits well, and offers good value for money, this set is a solid choice.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-15

Essenclo

Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-15

  • Two full outfits (2 tops + 2 shorts) that are actually comfortable and usable
  • Fabric is stretchy, reasonably breathable, and holds shape after multiple washes
  • Good value for money compared to buying separate branded sports sets
Overall, this Essenclo girls athletic set is a solid, practical option if you need sportswear for a kid who’s always moving. The fit is genuinely athletic without being uncomfortable, the fabric stretches well, and it survives normal machine washing without turning into a saggy mess. My kid actually reaches for it on her own, which says more than any spec sheet. It’s not luxury gear, but for gymnastics, dance, cheer, biking, or just weekend play, it does the job without drama.It’s not flawless. The headband is pretty useless for real sport, and the overall feel is clearly synthetic, so if you’re hunting for soft cotton, this isn’t it. There are no extras like pockets or advanced ventilation panels. But for the price, getting two usable outfits that are comfortable, reasonably durable, and kid-approved is good value. If you want something that looks fun, handles sweat better than cotton, and doesn’t fall apart after a few washes, this set is worth a look. If you’re chasing top-tier performance or super minimalist designs, you’ll probably be happier with a bigger sports brand instead.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4 💰 Best price
Kids Football Training Shirts & Shorts, Socks, Guard Plates & Keychains - 2023/24 Home & Away Jerseys for Boys & Girls 7-Black Gold 10-11 Years

Sidesea

Kids Football Training Shirts & Shorts, Socks, Guard Plates & Keychains - 2023/24 Home & Away Jerseys for Boys & Girls 7-Black Gold 10-11 Years

  • Full kit (shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, keychain) for a low price
  • Lightweight, comfortable polyester fabric that’s fine for regular training
  • Looks like a proper football kit and kids seem to love wearing it
Overall, this Sidesea kids football kit is a solid budget option if you want a full set without paying official club prices. The shirt and shorts look good, feel light and comfortable, and handle regular training and park games without any major issues. The socks and shin guards are basic but usable, and the small keychain is a nice little bonus that kids seem to like. As long as you follow the washing advice (cold water, no tumble dryer), the colours and print hold up reasonably well.It’s not perfect: the fabric is on the thinner side, the print probably won’t survive years of rough washing, and the shin guards are more starter-level than serious protection. But at this price, expecting premium quality would be unrealistic. I see it as a practical, good-looking kit for kids who are still growing and just need something decent to run around in. The Amazon rating around 4.4/5 feels fair to me based on my experience.If you have a football-mad boy or girl who wants a proper-looking kit for training, school PE or weekend matches, and you don’t want to spend a fortune, this is a good option. If you’re after long-term durability, top-end comfort and high-protection gear for competitive league play, you should probably invest in a better-known sports brand and separate shin guards. For everyday use and tight budgets, though, this set gets the job done and offers good value for money.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Athletic shorts

Overall score Value for money Design Comfort Materials Durability Performance Presentation
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14
#1 Essenclo
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-10
#2 Essenclo
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 7-8 Set-15
#3 Essenclo
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Kids Football Training Shirts & Shorts, Socks, Guard Plates & Keychains - 2023/24 Home & Away Jerseys for Boys & Girls 7-Black Gold 10-11 Years
#4 Sidesea
Kids Football Training Shirts & Shorts,...
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best athletic shorts is the Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14 with a score of 8.6/10.

The cheapest athletic shorts in our comparison is the Kids Football Training Shirts & Shorts, Socks, Guard Plates & Keychains - 2023/24 Home & Away Jerseys for Boys & Girls 7-Black Gold 10-11 Years.

The most popular athletic shorts is the Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14 with 372 customer reviews.

To choose a athletic shorts, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 4 Athletic shorts to establish this ranking.
#1 Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14
Essenclo
Girls Clothing Athletic Sets Sleeveless Crop Tank Tops & Bike Shorts Cheer, Gymnastics, Volleyball Size 3-16 (5 Pcs) 9-10 Set-14
8.6/10 Best choice
See offer Amazon