I've spent the last six years testing activewear, everything from marathon-specific singlets to strength training shorts that fall apart after ten wash cycles. Over the past month, I put Fabletics' The One Short through five weeks of my regular training rotation: strength days at the gym, HIIT classes, two yoga sessions a week, and a handful of easy treadmill runs.
Some of us on the MSA team focus on strength training, while others prefer HIIT, yoga, sports, or cardio. One thing we all agree on is that finding a pair of shorts that performs well across multiple activities isn't easy.
After comparing options for training sessions, casual wear, and everything in between, Fabletics' The One Short became the pair I reached for most often.
What stood out was its versatility. Instead of excelling in just one area, it performed consistently well across a wide range of activities. That's why it quickly became my top recommendation for anyone looking for a reliable do-it-all short.
How I Tested the Fabletics One Short
| What we tested | How we tested it | What we found |
| Odor resistance | Wore through back-to-back sessions on a hot day, morning Pilates into an afternoon run, no wash in between | Held up with no noticeable odor buildup |
| Quick-dry performance | 40-minute outdoor run in humid conditions | Dry in about 5 minutes post-run |
| Pocket security | Ran with phone in the zip pocket for 3 weeks straight | No bounce or shift during movement |
| Fit across activities | 5 weeks: strength training, HIIT, yoga, treadmill runs | Consistent, comfortable fit with no chafing |
| Swim performance | Worn in the pool | Quick-dry, held up well in water |
| Long-distance running | Treadmill sessions and 3-4 mile outdoor runs | Great for shorter runs; recommend the O2 Run Short for 10K+ |
My Favorite Fabletics One Short Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Fabric | Boundless, 72% Nylon / 28% Spandex |
| Key technologies | Quick-dry, 4-way stretch, anti-stink |
| Inseam options | 5-inch and 7-inch |
| Lining | Available lined (mesh liner) or unlined |
| Pockets | Hidden zip pocket plus external pockets |
| Waistband | Elastic with adjustable drawstring |
| Best for | Gym training, HIIT, yoga, swimming, sports, everyday wear |
The Boundless Fabric Is Lightweight, High-Stretch, and Quick-Dry
Fabletics The One Short is made from Boundless fabric, 72% Nylon and 28% Spandex, engineered to be lightweight, high-stretch, quick-dry, and odor-resistant. It's the fabric that kept me coming back to this pair over anything else in my rotation.
During testing, the fabric moved comfortably through strength training, HIIT workouts, yoga sessions, and recreational sports. It stretches naturally with the body through a full range of movement without feeling restrictive.
The quick-dry performance was especially noticeable after high-intensity workouts and warm-weather activities, while the anti-stink technology helped the shorts feel fresher throughout the day.
A Versatile Performance Short for Gym Training, Sports, and Everyday Wear
Fabletics The One Short is best suited for gym training, HIIT, yoga, swimming, sports, and everyday wear. Over five weeks of testing, it's the only pair I never had to swap out depending on what my day looked like.
That's what makes it a true do-it-all short. I stopped packing a separate gym bag short and an errands short. Same pair, morning lift to grocery run, no wardrobe change required.
Available in Both Lined and Unlined Versions
Fabletics The One Short comes in both lined and unlined versions. I tested both, lined for gym sessions and unlined for yoga and everyday wear, and the difference came down to personal preference more than performance.
The lined version features a breathable mesh liner for support, while the unlined version offers a minimal, clean feel. Both versions use the same Boundless fabric and include the same pocket design.
Having both options available makes it easy to choose the fit and feel that works best for your routine.
Two Inseam Lengths and a Streamlined Fit
Fabletics The One Short is available in 5-inch and 7-inch inseam lengths. I'm 5'6" and tested the 7-inch, which hit just above the knee and felt right for strength training days where I wanted more coverage.
The 5-inch inseam sits higher on the thigh, while the 7-inch inseam finishes above the knee. Our team appreciated having both options available since inseam preference often comes down to personal style, comfort, and height.
The fit is sleek and streamlined, remaining form-fitting without being restrictive and relaxed without being baggy. A small split seam adds ease of movement, helping the shorts stay comfortable during workouts and everyday activities alike.
Hidden Zip Pockets and an Adjustable Drawstring Add Practical Functionality
Fabletics The One Short delivers on functionality with hidden zip pockets and external pockets deep enough to secure a phone, keys, or cards during high-intensity movement. I ran with my phone in the zip pocket for three weeks straight and never had it bounce or shift, which is more than I can say for most running shorts I've tested.
The elastic waistband also includes an adjustable drawstring, allowing the fit to be tighter for training and relaxed for casual wear.
Together, these details make the shorts practical whether you're heading to the gym, running errands, or spending the day outdoors.
Are Fabletics The One Shorts Good for Running and Swimming?
Yes, but they're best suited for specific types of running.
I tested these across treadmill sessions and a few 3-to-4-mile outdoor runs, and they worked especially well for shorter distances. The lightweight construction and high-stretch fabric make movement feel natural and comfortable.
For longer distances, 10K or beyond, the Fabletics O2 Run Short is purpose-built for distance running, and that's what I'd reach for on longer training days.
They also perform well in the water. I wore a pair into the pool to test this specifically, and yes, Fabletics The One Short can be worn for swimming. The Boundless fabric is quick-dry and built to handle water, making it a solid choice for swim sessions and beach days.
Why Fabletics The One Short Earned Our Top Recommendation
After five weeks of testing across strength training, HIIT, yoga, sports, swimming, shorter runs, and everyday activities, Fabletics The One Short consistently ranked among my favorites.
Its combination of Boundless fabric, quick-dry performance, anti-stink technology, high-stretch comfort, hidden zip pockets, an adjustable drawstring, and both lined and unlined options creates a level of versatility that's difficult to find in a single product.
For anyone looking for a dependable do-it-all short that can move easily between workouts and daily life, Fabletics The One Short is the pair I'd recommend first.
Author Bio:
Jude Phillips is a fitness and activewear tester for My Subscription Addiction, where she covers performance apparel across strength training, running, and studio workouts. A former collegiate track athlete turned recreational triathlete, Jude has spent the past six years testing gear for fit, durability, and real-world performance.
