Hanes Mens Jersey Cotton With Pocket Workout-and-training-shorts, Charcoal Heather, 3X-Large US

What stood out right away

The first thing I noticed about the Hanes jersey shorts is that they behave exactly like a favorite T‑shirt turned into a pair of shorts. Soft, uncomplicated, and ready the moment you take them out of a drawer. No zippers, no belt loops, nothing rigid—just a cotton‑rich knit, a forgiving waistband, and two side pockets. I tried the Charcoal Heather color in a 3X-Large, which reads as a versatile mid‑gray and pairs with pretty much anything.

Fit and comfort

These are relaxed, truly. The cut is generous through the seat and thigh with a straight, slightly wider leg opening, which gives them a breezy, easy‑on feel. The 7.5-inch inseam hit me just around the knee—your mileage will vary with height—but the overall vibe is casual and loose. If you prefer a trim or athletic silhouette, these probably won’t be your favorite; the leg opening is not tapered, and from some angles they can look a bit flared. For lounging, yard work, or strolling to the mailbox, I appreciated the extra room because nothing pinched, tugged, or crept.

The waistband is a win. It’s soft elastic that holds without digging, and the internal drawstring lets you dial in the fit. I like that the drawstring hides inside and doesn’t flap around. Once adjusted, the waist stayed put—even with keys and a phone in the pockets—without requiring constant re‑tying.

Fabric and breathability

The cotton‑rich jersey feels like it was cut from a substantial tee: smooth, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. It’s not a performance knit that wicks like a technical short, and it will get damp if you sweat heavily. That said, for everyday wear, light workouts, woodworking in a warm garage, or an evening walk, it stayed comfortable and never felt plasticky. The fabric has enough weight to hang well and avoid being see‑through, but not so much that it traps heat. It’s a good middle ground for spring through fall, and a solid sleep short year‑round.

Pockets and practicality

There are two side‑seam pockets and no back pocket. The side pockets are cut vertically and are reasonably deep for hands, a wallet, or medium‑sized phones. With a larger smartphone, they’re fine for walking or sitting upright, but if you slouch on a couch or hop into a low car seat, the phone can creep toward the opening. There’s no zip or flap to secure anything, so I wouldn’t trust these pockets for a run or bike ride. For day‑to‑day around the house, quick errands, or hauling small tools in the yard, they’re exactly what you want—simple and unobtrusive.

Movement and light training

I tested these during light stretching, some bodyweight exercises, and a basic weekend routine—think squats, lunges, and a short walk. The shorts moved freely with no binding at the knee and no cling when I got warm. Because the leg opening is roomy, there’s no snagging on high knee lifts or awkward stickiness. For yoga or physical therapy sessions where flexibility matters more than speed, the fit is friendly. For more intense workouts—running, HIIT, anything involving quick changes of direction—these aren’t ideal: there’s no lining, no compression, and nothing to secure small items.

Durability and care

After repeated washes, the jersey fabric kept its shape and softness. I laundered cold and tumbled low; shrinkage was minimal, color stayed consistent, and the waistband elasticity didn’t relax. Expect a bit of lint in the dryer the first couple of cycles—typical for cotton blends—and an occasional stray thread inside a pocket, but the seams and hems held up without puckering. If you hang dry, they’ll last even longer, though cotton jersey does take a touch more time to dry than synthetics.

The lack of hardware pays dividends here: no zippers to fail, no snaps to pop, and nothing that rusts or creaks. This is a “wash, wear, repeat” piece that thrives on low maintenance.

Style notes

Charcoal Heather is a smart choice if you want one pair that goes with everything. It reads casual but not sloppy, and it hides dust and lint better than solid black. The silhouette is unmistakably relaxed. Paired with a tee or hoodie, it looks at home on a Saturday. It won’t pass for tailored shorts, and it’s not trying to. If you prefer structure—sharper lines, narrower legs—look elsewhere. If you prioritize comfort and a forgiving fit, the aesthetic reinforces the purpose.

Sizing tips

• If you’re between sizes and prefer a neater look, consider sizing down; the drawstring can fine‑tune the waist.
• If you want maximum ease for sleep or lounging, stick to your usual size; the extra room is part of the charm.
• The 7.5-inch inseam will wear differently by height: above the knee if you’re taller, closer to or slightly below the knee if you’re shorter, especially in larger sizes where the rise and leg width are more generous.

Where these shorts shine

• Lounging and sleep: Soft waistband, no rigid parts, breathable jersey.
• Yard work and tinkering: Easy to move in, pockets for small tools or a phone.
• Light training: Stretching, yoga, PT, or a casual walk.
• Travel comfort: Packs small, doubles as sleepwear, and the charcoal color disguises wrinkles.

Where they fall short

• High‑intensity workouts: No secure pockets, no liner, and the relaxed cut can feel floppy at speed.
• Pocket security: Fine for everyday carry; not ideal for keeping large items safe while moving or sitting at odd angles.
• Polished looks: The wide leg opening and soft drape lean casual and can read a little shapeless.

Alternatives to consider

If you’re chasing performance—moisture management, zip pockets, a liner—look to lightweight synthetic training shorts. If you want a cleaner silhouette for casual wear, a cotton twill with a tailored leg and back pocket will dress up more easily. But those options usually give up the T‑shirt comfort and easywash nature that make these appealing.

The bottom line

The Hanes jersey shorts are the definition of uncomplicated comfort. They prioritize softness, breathability, and freedom of movement over structure and features, and they’re better for the everyday moments most of us spend at home than for performance or polish. After wearing and washing them repeatedly, I came to rely on them the way you rely on a go‑to tee: you reach for them because you don’t have to think about them.

Recommendation: I recommend these shorts for anyone who values comfort, simplicity, and a budget‑friendly price for lounging, sleep, yard work, and light activity. The relaxed fit, soft waistband, and easy‑care fabric make them a dependable daily driver. If you need secure storage, a trimmer silhouette, or training‑grade performance, you’ll want a different tool for the job. But for the tasks these shorts are built for, they do the job quietly and well.