Good activewear is light, quick-drying and cut to move, so it stays comfortable through a workout, a run or a long hike. This guide compares NY Threads athletic shorts, running shorts, hiking pants, tanks, UPF polos and running shoes, explains fit and care, and lists the best activewear under $45.
What are the best athletic shorts for men?
The best athletic shorts for men are light, quick-drying and long enough to move without riding up, with a secure waist and pockets for a phone or keys. NY Threads men’s mesh athletic shorts are 100% polyester with an 8-inch inseam, a drawstring waist and two pockets, in sizes S to 3XL.
| Shorts | Fabric | Inseam and features | Sizes | Packs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s mesh athletic shorts | 100% polyester | 8 inch, drawstring, 2 pockets | S to 3XL | 1, 2, 3 or 5 |
| Women’s high waisted running shorts | 92% polyester, 8% spandex | 3 inch, built-in mesh liner, dolphin hem | M to XL | 1 |
| Women’s quick-dry hiking shorts | 94% polyester, 6% spandex, UPF 50+ | 7 inch, zipper pockets | S to XXL | 1 |
| Boys’ athletic shorts | 52% cotton, 46% polyester, 2% spandex | Elastic waist, inner drawstring, 2 pockets | XS to XL | 5 |
For the men’s shorts, a Medium fits a 33–36 inch waist. See every activewear chart in the size guide.
What is the best activewear under $45?
Good activewear under $45 should wick sweat, dry fast and survive frequent washing. Every activewear piece in this guide costs under $45: men’s athletic shorts are $24.99 or $34.99 for a 3-pack, UPF polos start at $24.99, women’s running shorts are $30.99, running shoes $37.99 and women’s hiking pants $43.99.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s mesh athletic shorts | Gym and running (3-pack: $34.99) | $24.99 |
| Men’s 4-way stretch golf polo, UPF 70+ | Golf and sunny days (3-pack: $31.99) | $24.99 |
| Men’s pique performance polo, UPF 50+ | Long days outside (3-pack: $34.99) | $26.99 |
| Men’s racerback tank tops, 3-pack | Lifting and training | $26.99 |
| Women’s high waisted running shorts | Running, built-in liner | $30.99 |
| Boys’ athletic shorts, 5-pack | School sports and play | $33.99 |
| Men’s air mesh running shoes | Gym, walking, casual runs | $37.99 |
| Women’s quick-dry hiking shorts | Trails, kayaking, UPF 50+ | $41.99 |
| Women’s UPF 50+ hiking pants | Trails, water resistant | $43.99 |
Standard shipping is free on every order with no minimum, and unused, unworn items with tags can be returned within 60 days of delivery. Some sizes of the running shorts and tank tops are low in stock.
Do you wear underwear with lined running shorts?
Most runners wear lined shorts without underwear, because the built-in mesh liner already gives support and an extra layer of fabric can rub and cause chafing. If you prefer extra coverage, choose thin, moisture-wicking underwear. NY Threads women’s running shorts have a built-in mesh liner, a high-rise waist and a 3-inch inseam.
The women’s high waisted running shorts are a 92% polyester, 8% spandex woven stretch with a dolphin hem, in pastel purple, white and black. A Medium fits a 29–30 inch waist.
How should running shoes fit?
Running shoes should hold your heel without slipping, feel snug but not tight across the middle of your foot, and leave a little room in front of your toes so they do not hit the end on downhills. Try shoes on later in the day, with the socks you run in. NY Threads running shoes come in US sizes 8 to 13.
The men’s air mesh running shoes have a breathable mesh and synthetic upper, adjustable laces and a cushioned dual-layer sole. They are lightweight training shoes for the gym, walking and casual runs, with a clean look for everyday wear. US size 10 measures 10.5 inches heel to toe; the full chart is in the size guide.
How long do running shoes last?
Most running shoes last about 400 to 500 miles before the cushioning wears out. Replace them sooner if the outsole is worn through to the foam, the midsole feels flat or creased, the heel feels loose, or your legs feel sorer after runs. Rotating two pairs and cleaning them gently helps them last longer.
“As a general rule, you should consider changing your running shoes between every 400 to 500 miles.”
To clean NY Threads running shoes, remove the insoles, scrub gently with mild detergent and cold water, rinse and air dry.
What should you wear for hiking?
For hiking, wear quick-drying synthetic layers instead of cotton, sun protection on exposed skin, and pants or shorts with secure pockets. Bring a warm layer and a waterproof shell for changing weather. NY Threads women’s hiking pants and shorts are 94% polyester, 6% spandex with UPF 50+, which blocks at least 98% of the sun’s rays.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate.” The women’s hiking pants are water resistant with an articulated knee, a drawstring waist and zippered side pockets, in sizes XS to XXL with a 30-inch inseam. The quick-dry hiking shorts have a 7-inch inseam and zipper pockets for your phone and keys.
What should you wear when running in the cold?
When running in the cold, dress in thin layers: a synthetic base layer that pulls sweat away, an insulating layer such as fleece, and a windproof outer layer. Avoid cotton next to your skin because it stays wet. Cover your hands and ears, and expect to warm up, so dress slightly cooler than feels comfortable at the start.
Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine advises a thin synthetic first layer, fleece or wool for insulation, and a waterproof, breathable outer layer (Exercising outdoors in winter). The men’s thermal underwear set is a polyester-spandex base layer for cold runs. See our layering guide for more.
What is a UPF polo shirt, and is it good for golf?
A UPF polo is a polo shirt made from fabric rated for ultraviolet protection, so it shields the skin it covers from the sun. It suits golf because it also wicks sweat and stretches with your swing. NY Threads golf polos are UPF 70+ with 4-way stretch, and the pique performance polos are UPF 50+.
| Polo | Fabric | Sun protection | Sizes | Packs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s 4-way stretch golf polo | 100% polyester, moisture wicking | UPF 70+ | S to 3XL | 1 or 3 |
| Men’s pique performance polo | 100% polyester pique, fade resistant | UPF 50+ | S to 3XL | 1 or 3 |
How do you wash activewear?
Wash activewear cold with similar colors and tumble dry low or hang dry, because heat breaks down stretch fibers and fabric softener blocks moisture wicking. Do not bleach performance fabrics, and wash sweaty gear soon after a workout. Clean running shoes by hand rather than in the washing machine. Always follow the care label.
| Item | Wash | Dry | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s athletic shorts | Machine wash cold with like colors | – | Chlorine bleach, dry cleaning |
| Women’s running shorts | Machine wash cold | Tumble dry low | Bleach, ironing, dry cleaning |
| Hiking pants and shorts | Machine wash on low | Tumble dry low | Bleach |
| Mesh tank tops | Wash cold with similar colors | Hang dry | – |
| Golf and performance polos | Machine wash cold | Tumble dry (performance polo: low) | – |
| Running shoes | Hand clean, mild detergent, cold water | Air dry | Machine washing |
Activewear FAQs
Where can I buy athletic shorts?
You can buy athletic shorts at sporting goods stores and online. NY Threads sells online at nythreads.com, the NY Threads store for the United States, and through the NY Threads brand store on Amazon. NY Threads men’s mesh athletic shorts cost $24.99, or $34.99 for a 3-pack. Browse all active shorts, with free standard shipping on every order.
What are good boys’ athletic shorts?
Good boys’ athletic shorts are soft, stretchy and stay up through a game. NY Threads boys’ athletic shorts come in a pack of 5 for $33.99, in 52% cotton, 46% polyester and 2% spandex, with an elastic waist, inner drawstring and two pockets, in sizes XS to XL.
What are good fitness gifts under $40?
Useful fitness gifts under $40 from NY Threads include a 3-pack of athletic shorts ($34.99), a 3-pack of racerback tank tops ($26.99), a UPF 70+ golf polo ($24.99) or air mesh running shoes ($37.99). Unused items with tags can be returned within 60 days of delivery.
Are running shoes good for walking?
Yes. Cushioned, breathable running shoes are comfortable for walking, and many people wear them for both. The NY Threads air mesh running shoes are designed to go from the gym to the street, with a cushioned dual-layer sole and a breathable mesh upper.
Is NY Threads activewear OEKO-TEX certified?
Yes. NY Threads athletic shorts, running shorts, hiking pants and shorts, tank tops, golf and performance polos, boys’ shorts and running shoes are OEKO-TEX® certified, so their materials are tested for harmful substances.
Our methodology
Every fabric, inseam, size and care instruction below comes from the NY Threads product specification for that item. Shoe mileage guidance comes from ASICS, sun protection facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation and cold-weather advice from Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine. We checked 10 NY Threads product specifications on November 11, 2026 for this guide, and we update it when a product, size chart or care label changes.
Sources
Shop men’s activewear, active shorts, performance polos and sneakers, or read about NY Threads. Standard shipping is free on every order with no minimum, and unused, unworn items with tags can be returned within 60 days of delivery. Questions? Contact us.
More buying, fit and care advice: browse all NY Threads product guides.