Barjneel 2 Pack Mens Gym Basketball Shorts - Athletic Black Workout Quick Dry Shorts with Pockets for Casual Running

Why these shorts caught my attention

I’m always hunting for gym shorts that can pull double duty: comfortable enough for a lift or run, but presentable and practical for everything between. The Barjneel gym shorts tick many of those boxes on paper—a two-pack of lightweight polyester shorts with a wide elastic waistband, drawstring, and deep pockets—so I wore them for a couple of weeks across workouts, errands, and lazy Sundays to see if they deliver.

Fit and first impressions

Out of the bag, the fabric is smooth with a soft hand feel and a fairly matte finish. They’re lightweight without feeling flimsy. On me, the fit lands in that sweet spot between athletic and relaxed: not clingy, not baggy. They sit at a natural waist and fall a few inches above the knee, which is a versatile length for training and casual wear. I didn’t need to cinch the drawstring much thanks to the wide elastic waistband; once adjusted, they stay put during movement without digging in.

One note from unboxing: there was a light factory smell on my pair. A single cold wash took care of it. After several cycles, they kept their shape with no noticeable shrinkage (as expected from polyester) and minimal wrinkling.

Fabric and breathability

The polyester blend here is tuned for everyday training: it’s soft against the skin, quick-drying, and breathable enough for a spin class or a hot-weather walk. During cardio sessions, the material wicked sweat reliably and didn’t cling or feel swampy. These aren’t ultra-perforated race shorts, but the airflow is good for general use.

Opacity is solid in the darker colorways I tested (black and dark grey). The fabric has enough stretch to move with you through squats and lunges without feeling restrictive. If you prefer compressive support, you’ll likely still want a separate base layer—these shorts are unstructured and prioritize comfort over compression.

Waistband and mobility

The waistband is a highlight. It’s wide, evenly tensioned, and the drawstring allows for easy tweaks mid-session. The rise is slightly higher than some basketball shorts, which I found helped prevent slipping during sprints and box jumps. The cut through the seat and thighs offers room to move without ballooning. I never felt the hems catch on my knees or ride up uncomfortably; they stayed quiet and out of the way, even during multi-directional work like agility drills or a pick-up game.

Pockets and carry

Pockets can make or break training shorts. These are deep—deep enough to swallow a large smartphone without it peeking out the top. For walking, lifting, or lounging, they’re great; the phone sits low and secure. That said, there are no zippers or internal sleeves, so during bounding movements or running, heavy items can bounce. If you need absolute security for keys or a card while running, consider a belt or use machine pockets at the gym. For everyday carry, these pockets hit the mark and add a ton of utility.

Performance across activities

• Strength training: Comfortable and unobtrusive. The fabric stretches adequately for deep squats and hip hinges, and the waistband remains stable under a belt or during bracing.
• Cardio/running: Lightweight and breathable with decent moisture control. On longer runs, the lack of zip pockets is the only real gripe. For treadmill sessions or shorter outdoor runs where you’re not carrying much, they’re perfectly fine.
• Court sports: The cut works well for lateral movement, and the shorts don’t flap excessively. The pockets are less relevant on court, but they don’t get in the way.
• Casual wear: This is where the two-pack shines. The clean lines and subdued colors make them easy to pair with tees or hoodies for errands or travel. They look like standard athletic shorts, not pajamas.

Durability and care

After multiple washes, stitching remained clean, and I didn’t notice seam puckering or loose threads. The fabric hasn’t pilled yet, even after some rougher contact with a barbell knurl and high-friction machine seats. I washed cold and tumbled low; they come out nearly dry thanks to the quick-dry fabric, and they air-dry fast when hung. For longevity, I’d avoid high heat drying, as with any polyester.

Comfort details that matter

Several small choices add up:
- The fabric is smooth enough to prevent chafing on inner thighs during longer sessions.
- They’re not heavy, which keeps them comfortable in warm weather.
- The waistband’s elasticity feels consistent—no hot spots or rolling.

I didn’t experience static issues, and the shorts remained quiet (no swooshing) during movement, which is nice if you’re sensitive to fabric noise.

Sizing and who they’re for

These run true to size in my experience. If you’re between sizes or prefer a closer training fit, you could size down; for a relaxed lounge fit, size up. The cut accommodates a range of body types thanks to the forgiving waistband and room in the thighs. Taller folks who prefer a knee-length short might find these a touch short; for most average heights, they land at a modern, functional length that favors movement.

Where they fall short

• No secure storage: Deep is good, zipped is better for running. A small zip pocket would make these more versatile for endurance workouts.
• Average “premium” feel: The fabric is comfortable, but if you’re accustomed to top-shelf, ultra-techy blends from flagship performance brands, these feel more everyday-athletic than luxury.
• Limited reflectivity/visibility features: Not an issue indoors, but night runners won’t find reflective elements here.
• Initial odor: Mine had a mild factory smell out of the bag (gone after one wash). Not uncommon, but worth noting.

None of these are deal-breakers for the intended use, but they’re the trade-offs to keep in mind.

Value and the two-pack proposition

The two-pack is a core part of the appeal. You’re essentially getting a rotation-ready pair of training shorts at a price that undercuts many single-shorts options from bigger brands. For anyone building a basic workout wardrobe or replacing worn-out basketball shorts, this is a cost-effective upgrade that doesn’t feel like a compromise in comfort or functionality.

Who will appreciate these most

• Gym-goers who want reliable, comfortable shorts for lifting and machines.
• Casual runners and class-goers who don’t need secure pockets mid-workout.
• Anyone looking for simple, breathable lounge and errand shorts that won’t look sloppy.
• Budget-minded buyers who want two practical pairs without paying premium-brand prices.

If you need compression liners, waterproof storage, or specialized race-day features, you’ll be better served by niche running shorts. But for daily training and casual wear, these hit a very practical middle ground.

The bottom line

The Barjneel gym shorts deliver on the fundamentals: comfortable fit, breathable quick-dry fabric, a stable waistband, and genuinely useful deep pockets. They move well, wash well, and transition cleanly from gym to everyday wear. While they lack some of the specialty touches—zippered pockets, reflective trim, luxe fabric hand—they make a strong case as a dependable, budget-friendly staple, especially given the two-pack.

Recommendation: I recommend these shorts for anyone seeking versatile, comfortable training gear without overspending. They’re not premium or specialized, but they check the boxes that matter most day-to-day—fit, breathability, practicality—and they do it consistently across workouts and casual use.