Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts, (002) Black / / Black, Medium

Why these shorts keep getting picked from the drawer

I’ve been testing the Under Armour Play Up shorts in black (Youth Medium), putting them through the same cycle most kids’ gear faces: soccer practice, PE, backyard sprints, playground time, and plenty of laundry. They’ve become a repeat pick, not because they’re flashy, but because they nail the basics—comfort, breathability, and freedom to move—without fuss.

Design and materials

The fabric is a soft, lightweight knit with a smooth hand, the kind that doesn’t swish loudly or feel plasticky. It’s breathable and does a solid job pulling sweat off the skin during hot practices. The mid-rise waistband is an exposed elastic band with an Under Armour wordmark; it’s wide enough to sit flat without digging and feels surprisingly soft against the skin.

A shaped hem gives the legs a slight scooped curve, which isn’t just for looks—it reduces binding at the outer thigh during lateral moves. The inseam measures true at roughly 2.5 inches on my pair, which keeps the overall profile light and sport-ready. There’s no built-in brief or liner, which will be either a pro or a con depending on preference (more on that below).

Two open hand pockets are a practical touch you don’t always see in girls’ athletic shorts. They’re not zippered, but they’re deep enough for a house key, hair ties, or a small snack. A smartphone is a stretch, and I wouldn’t recommend pocketing one for activity anyway.

Fit and comfort

On a youth Medium, the fit reads as relaxed in the legs with a comfortable mid-rise. The waistband has ample stretch and returns to shape after wear; it doesn’t roll or twist. The interior is tag-free against the back, so there’s nothing scratchy at the waistline. Seams are flat enough that we didn’t run into chafing, even during longer runs and agility drills.

Because the inseam is on the short side, coverage is athletic-first rather than school-dress-code friendly. For sports, the length works: it stays out of the way of knees and doesn’t catch on thighs during cuts or sprints. For tumbling, cartwheels, or higher-intensity training where modesty is a priority, pairing these with compression shorts underneath is a simple solution, especially given the unlined interior.

On-field performance

Breathability is the headline here. In mid-summer sessions, the shorts stayed airy and didn’t cling once we were warmed up. The moisture-wicking is effective; sweat doesn’t bead on the surface or sit in the fabric for long. After a hard practice, they dried on a hook in about half an hour in a well-ventilated room—quick enough to be wearable again the same day if needed.

Range of motion is excellent. The shaped hem pays off during lateral shuffles and pivots, and the knit’s bit of give keeps the fabric from pulling tight over the thighs. There’s no internal brief to add structure, which, in this case, contributes to that loose, easy feel. We didn’t experience riding up during runs, though during deep squats or full sprints, an unlined short like this can shift a little more than a lined alternative. It’s a tradeoff between breezy comfort and hold—you’ll know which side your athlete prefers after a single practice.

Practical touches

• Pockets: Surprisingly useful. They hold small essentials walking to practice, then sit flat during activity. No zipper means they’re not secure for valuables, but for day-to-day convenience they’re great.
• Waistband: Comfortable, soft, and not overly compressive. Branding is present but not loud on the black colorway.
• Fabric feel: Soft inside and out, no stiffness straight out of the package. It stays soft after washes.

Durability and care

After multiple wash-and-dry cycles (cold wash, low tumble), the fabric has held its shape with no noticeable shrinkage. The black color remains saturated and hasn’t shown dye bleed onto lighter items. I haven’t seen pilling on high-friction zones like the seat or outer thighs, which is often where budget knits fall apart first. Stitching is tidy with reinforced ends at the pockets and hem; nothing has unraveled.

The waistband continues to rebound well. That’s often the first place youth shorts fail—elastic that surrenders and starts to wave. No issues here yet. As always, if you want maximum lifespan, line drying is gentler, but the shorts tolerate the dryer fine.

Sizing guidance

Under Armour’s Youth Medium typically targets the 10–12 range, and on my tester that’s accurate: the waist fit with a bit of breathing room, and the leg opening is comfortably relaxed. If you’re between sizes or your athlete runs slim through the waist, consider the smaller size for a truer fit, especially since there’s no internal drawcord to cinch. If you prefer more coverage in the leg, sizing up will add some length but will also loosen the waist further—so compression shorts underneath might be the better route.

Where they shine

• Hot-weather practices, PE, and weekend play. These are “forget-you’re-wearing-them” shorts—light, airy, and non-distracting.
• Kids who dislike built-in liners. The unlined design keeps things simple and comfortable for those who find liners itchy or restrictive.
• Everyday versatility. They transition easily from sport to lounge without feeling too technical or too casual.

What could be better

• No liner means some athletes may want an extra layer for coverage or security during high-impact movement. Not a flaw, but a design choice to note.
• Pockets don’t secure small items during activity. Zip or envelope pockets would be nice for a house key during runs.
• Inseam is short. Great for sport, but worth checking your school’s dress code if you plan to use these beyond athletics.

Comparisons and context

Compared with lined competitors (think Nike Tempo or Adidas AEROREADY styles), the Play Up’s unlined construction feels breezier and less restrictive, with fewer places that can chafe. Those alternatives, however, offer a bit more structure and coverage during sprinting or high-knee drills. If your athlete wants a one-and-done short that doesn’t require an added layer, a lined model may be preferable. If the priority is lightweight comfort and heat management, these stand out.

Against other unlined shorts, the Play Up fabric feels notably softer, with a waistband that’s more comfortable against the skin than many generic options. The shaped hem also helps range of motion, something straight-hem shorts often miss.

Tips to get the most out of them

• Pair with compression shorts for tumbling, track starts, or if your athlete prefers extra coverage.
• Wash cold and tumble dry low (or hang dry) to preserve the knit and waistband elasticity.
• If you’re between sizes, prioritize waist fit over leg length; the relaxed cut already provides generous room through the thigh.

The bottom line

The Play Up shorts get the essentials right: soft, breathable fabric; a comfortable waistband; practical pockets; and a cut that moves with kids rather than against them. They dry quickly after sweat-heavy sessions, hold up to repeated laundering, and don’t introduce fussy features kids typically complain about. The lack of a built-in liner will split preferences, but it also makes these more versatile—wear them alone for maximum airflow or pair with compression shorts when more coverage is wanted.

Recommendation: I recommend the Play Up shorts for youth athletes who value lightweight comfort and freedom of movement, especially in warm conditions. They’re a reliable, easy-wearing option for soccer practice, PE, and everyday play. If you need a built-in liner or longer inseam, look to a lined model or plan to add a base layer; otherwise, these are an excellent, low-maintenance choice that punches above their price in comfort and durability.