Best Women's Tennis Shorts of 2026

Our Pick: Original Penguin 2-in-1 Short

These 2-in-1 shorts from Original Penguin are an all-around great choice for the court. They have a comfortable waistband, lightweight feel and easy ball storage. We particularly liked the outer shell of the short because it felt light but not see through even in the white color. The woven fabric also has a "dressed up" look that suits match days as much as practice sessions. The curved side panels make it easy to tuck the ball underneath the tight and don't get in the way. There's also a drop-in pocket that fits a phone, or if you prefer, you could use the pocket for a tennis ball. For those who like leg grippers, the inner tights have them, and we like that these grippers aren't so tight that they're tugging at your skin. They hold just the right amount of tension to keep the shortie from riding.

Honorable Mention: Sofbella Women's Team Short

We can't get enough of Sofibella Team Shorts for their soft feel and easy fit. Like the Original Penguin shorts, they're 2-in-1 shorts with the inner shortie to provide ball storage. If you're a fan of the way knit jersey feels and drapes, these are the shorts for you. Like with other Sofibella items, the fabric feels soft to the touch. These shorts have a looser outer short for an overall relaxed fit. We love the comfort of these shorts for both on the court and off-court workouts.

Our Pick: adidas Club Shorts

adidas updated its Club Short style for 2025, and we're loving the improvements. The sides of the short are a bit longer than the previous version, which makes them more universal in their fit. There's plenty of storage options with the built-in tight and side pockets. Look for these in basic black and white year-round along with seasonal colors sprinkled throughout the year.

Honorable Mention: Under Armour Vanish Short

These shorts from Under Armor are great go-to shorts if you're looking for a pair that doesn't have the built-in compression. Although many players like tennis shorts to have the inner tights built-in, there's a fair share who like just the shell. The Vanish Shorts still give you a small pocket to stash an extra ball on the court.

Our Pick: Nike Attack Short

These shorts are on the longer side for athletic shorts, and we measured them at 4.75" in a size small. These shorts don't have built-in compression but do have side pockets for a ball. Although it would make them fit shorter, these shorts do have a waistband that folds down. We also like the affordable price and array of color options.

Our Pick: ON Court 2-in-1 Short

Several women's shorts have a built-in tight with a pocket (on the tight), but we liked the weight and feel of the ON Court 2-in-1 Shorts a lot. The inner shortie has just enough compression and the material is just the right thickness to provide good coverage without feeling too heavy. The side pocket on the inner shortie is great for a ball or your phone.

Honorable Mention: Nike Advantage Short

We love the relaxed outer short and breathable waistband of the Nike Advantage Short. These shorts also have the built-in tight with a side pocket for a ball or phone. Limited availability so far in 2026 makes them an honorable mention, but more colors and additional stock are expected.

Our Pick: Nike Ball Short

When we were picking the best ball short we were looking for two primary things: the right thickness and a pocket. Nike's ball short got both right. This shortie hits the right mark between providing good coverage and support while also being breathable enough to play in. For those confident players, these shorts could stand alone, but they're perfect to wear beneath dresses or anything else where you need a compression short. We also love that these ball shorts come in an array of colors.

Honorable Mention: Wilson Baseline Ball Short

If you want a ball short that has a high rise, the Wilson Baseline Ball Short is a great bet. These shorts are also a good weight that provides enough coverage and have a drop-in side pocket. They're only available in a couple of colors right now and have a shorter inseam than the Nike option.

Our Tennis Warehouse playtesters have spent thousands of hours on court, from training to coaching, to playing in tournaments. With all that time on the court, they've worn all sorts of shorts and tights. We took their feedback to compile our list of best women's tennis shorts. We're looking for easy ball storage and of course comfort.