Group of women running in shorts and crop tops

Anti-chafe activewear shorts

your summer training essential

Moving in summer feels different. The sun’s up earlier, outfits are lighter and you sweat more. And warmer weather calls for a different approach to your activewear.

Summer sessions feel better in shorts that keep you cool, dry and ready to move. We’re here to help you avoid the dreaded chafe, heavy fabrics and the mid-workout regret that comes from wearing the wrong gear.

Shorts are your summer training essential, and we’ve got styles that do it all. From trail runs to heavy lifts to beach walks, these are the ones that work with you.

Women wearing Nimble In Motion and In Tempo activewear running outdoors together

Why chafing happens (and how to stop it)

Chafing happens when friction, sweat and heat gang up on your skin. Summer sessions mean all three are in full force. The fix? Shorts built with the right fabric, fit and features to keep you comfortable from start to finish.

Your anti-chafe essentials: fabric, construction and fit.

The right fabric keeps you cool and draws moisture away from your skin to stay dry. Fabric that’s constructed with smooth, flat seams that don’t rub. Style matters; look for the length that feels right for your body, whether that’s slightly longer for extra coverage or shorter for freedom of movement.

The right length for your training

Length is important, especially when you’re trying to avoid chafing. Choose a length that works for your body and how you move. 

Shorter shorts: coverage that’s just right 

Our 10cm In Tempo Run Shorts give your legs room to breathe without sacrificing coverage. Built for performance without the rub for your long run go-tos or when you’re out walking on a hot day. Pop your essentials in the two secure pockets, and feel confident you won’t be held back by mid-workout adjusting.

Longer shorts: maximum coverage, zero restriction

Want more length in your shorts? The 14cm In Tempo Short offers extra coverage without feeling restricted. Perfect for high-impact training, outdoor runs, long bike rides. Their extra length offers maximum protection from chafing, plus three pockets to hold everything you need while you’re out and about. And if you’ve got long legs? Lucky you. This 14cm length finally gives you meaningful coverage.

Why our shorts stay put

A hem stitched to stay put is part of every pair of Nimble run shorts. Activewear hems designed to stay in place through every movement are a non-negotiable in the quest for a chafe-free summer. No rolling, no riding up, no mid-run adjustments.

Choose your length based on your activity and coverage preference. Both work. Both last. Both keep you comfortable when temperatures rise. Once you’ve nailed your ideal length, the next step is fabric, because not all materials handle summer heat the same way.

Fabric that handles summer sweat

Summer training means more sweat. It’s unavoidable but it doesn’t need to hold you back. Sweaty workouts need fabric that moves with you, keeps you cool and dries fast. The kind that makes hot-weather sessions feel easier.

Our MoveLite fabric is designed for comfort that lasts all day. Featured in our Essential Short, this fabric is lightweight, breathable and soft against your skin. It’s the same smooth, high-performance material used in our activewear leggings and active wear pants.

You also need support that stays strong through every rep. Enter our CompressLuxe Eco fabric. Firm where it counts, flexible where it matters, this fabric defines our In Tempo shorts range. Cool to the touch, even when you’re working hard, it’s sustainably made and built for HIIT, running and everything in between.

Both fabrics reduce friction and keep you comfortable when the temperature rises. Sweat happens, but these high-performance fabrics can handle it.

Features that make the difference

Anti-chafe shorts aren't just about fabric. It's the details that count.

High-waisted fit

Shorts that stay in place with no rolling or riding up. Avoid distracting mid-workout adjustments. You’re not stopping to pull them down during your run. They’re not bunching around your waist during burpees. The band sits firm and stays there, so you can focus on your training, instead of thinking about your shorts.

Perfect for: High-impact training, running, HIIT classes where constant movement means heat, sweat and friction. We’ve got you covered. 

Flat-lock seams

Seams that are smooth against your skin to prevent irritation. No bulky stitching - the seams lie flat, they’re not raised. They won't rub during long runs or chafe during repetitive movements.

This matters when you're logging kilometres or powering through circuits. Less friction means more comfort. More comfort means you can train harder, longer and without discomfort. 

Four-way stretch

Feel the freedom of movement through every rep without restriction. Through squats, lunges, burpees and deep stretches, your shorts move with you, not against you. The fabric flexes in every direction, so nothing holds you back when you're working hard.

A full range of motion, every time.

Quick-dry technology

Sweat’s part of the process, but your shorts should still feel good. Our shorts are made from breathable, quick-recovery fabric that keeps you feeling fresh through every session. You can move, stretch and train without fabric clinging or causing discomfort, then head straight to coffee feeling just as good as when you started. Or layer up post-workout without that cold, damp feeling against your skin.

How to choose your perfect pair

If you’re a runner: Choose our 10cm or 14cm In Tempo Run Shorts with fabric that keeps you dry and secure storage for your gels, phone and keys on long runs.

When you’re HIIT training: Compression shorts in CompressLuxe™ Eco are your go-to. Supportive, squat-proof and designed to stay put through every movement.

Your everyday wear: Pick In Motion Side Pocket Shorts in MoveLite™ fabric. Soft, stretchy and comfortable enough to wear all day.

For maximum coverage: Reach for 14cm length shorts offer the most protection from chafing while still giving you full range of movement.

Built for heat, made to move

Chafing shouldn’t be part of your summer training routine. The right sports shorts for women are the difference between a great session and an uncomfortable one.

Built with anti-chafe fabrics, smooth seams and movement in mind. Our women’s training shorts handle summer heat, tough workouts and everyday wear without missing a beat.

Shop anti-chafe shorts running shorts for women. Your summer training, sorted.