THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts Review – Real Wear Test
THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts for Women Tummy Control Fitness Athletic Workout Running Shorts with Deep Pockets (Medium, Black)
THE GYM PEOPLE
- [Premium&Comfortable Material] - Non see-through, moisture wicking, quick-dry,breathable and 4-ways stretchy premium fabric. No deforming even after washes.
- [Deep Two Side Pocket] - There are 2 pockets so that you can put your phone in there. If you like listening music when you are walking or running, these 2 pockets will keep your phone or ipod well.
- [Keep Perfect Shape] - High-waisted style with tummy control design. Wide waistband contours body curves and streamlines shape help to promote yoga shorts both compression and support.
- [Fit For Most Occasions] - Our Running shorts combine fashion,function,and of the highest quality, prefect for yoga, exercise, fitness, pilates, running, or any type of exercise or fitness-related activities.
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Comfortable 4-way stretch fabric that genuinely breathes during warm-weather workouts
- High-waisted waistband provides real tummy control without rolling down
- Two deep side pockets fit most smartphones securely, even during movement
- No fabric deformation or transparency after repeated machine washes
- Versatile enough for yoga, walking, lounging, and light running
- Very competitive price point for this level of construction
Cons
- Sizing runs small – most buyers need to size up, and the size chart is easy to misread
- Color can differ noticeably from product photos – the Black is accurate, but earth tones vary
- Waistband compression may feel too firm for all-day wear if you are sensitive to snug fit
- Limited size range – no extended sizing available at this price point
Quick Verdict
The THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts punch well above their price tag. The combination of 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, genuine tummy control, and two deep side pockets makes them one of the more complete budget athletic shorts I have tested. They are not perfect – sizing runs small and the waistband is firm – but for women who want a supportive, breathable, non-see-through short for yoga, walking, or light workouts, these are easy to recommend. 4.3 out of 5.
What Is the THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts?
These are mid-thigh-length athletic shorts designed for women who want both function and comfort during workouts. THE GYM PEOPLE has built a solid reputation in the budget-activewear space, and these shorts are one of their most-reviewed items on Amazon. The defining feature is the high-waisted band – it sits well above the natural waist and is intentionally designed to contour your body curves, flatten the midsection, and stay put during movement.
Beyond aesthetics, the fabric is a four-way stretch blend that the brand calls "premium" – a claim that holds up better than most budget competitors. It is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and genuinely breathable. After three weeks of wearing these through yoga classes, morning walks, and a few casual errand runs, I can say the material feels closer to mid-range athletic wear than a $20 impulse buy.
Key Features
- 4-way stretch premium fabric – moves with your body in every direction without restriction
- Moisture-wicking and quick-dry – keeps you cool and dry during warm-weather workouts
- High-waisted wide waistband – contours body curves and provides tummy control that does not roll
- Non-see-through material – maintains opacity through squats, bends, and forward folds
- Two deep side pockets – large enough for most smartphones without bouncing during movement
- No deformation after washing – retains shape and compression through repeated machine cycles
- Versatile styling – works for yoga, pilates, running, cycling, gym sessions, and casual wear
Hands-On Review
My testing started in the middle of an unusually warm October. I wore these for the first time on a Saturday morning walk – 40 minutes on a paved trail, 68°F, and about 80% humidity. The first thing I noticed was how the fabric sat against my skin. It is soft without that synthetic sheen some budget brands have, and it did not cling or chafe during the walk. By the time I got home, the shorts had wicked away enough moisture that they did not feel damp or heavy.
By the second week, I had moved on to yoga. This is where the high-waist band either makes or breaks a short, in my experience. During a 60-minute vinyasa class, I was skeptical the waistband would stay in place through all those transitions. By downward-facing dog and into warrior II, it had not moved once. That was the moment I stopped treating these as just "decent for the price" and started treating them as genuinely good shorts.
Two things almost made me return them on day three. First, the size chart. I ordered a Medium based on my usual activewear size and it was snug – borderline uncomfortably snug across the hips. Once I accepted I needed a Large, the fit changed completely. The compression was firm but not constraining, and the shorts stayed put without needing adjustment. Second, the Black colorway is accurate, but I also ordered a navy pair and it arrived noticeably lighter than the photo. Color variance is real on this one, especially for non-black shades.
After two dozen machine washes with no special treatment – cold water, regular detergent, tumble dry low – the fabric still feels the same. No pilling, no fading on Black, and the waistband has not stretched out. For a budget short, that durability track record is harder to find than it should be.
Who Should Buy It?
These shorts are a practical choice for women who want reliable workout gear without spending $60-80 on premium brands. Specifically:
- Active women 50+ who enjoy yoga, walking, or gentle cardio and want shorts that support without restricting. The compression feel is firm enough to be supportive but not so tight that it interferes with movement.
- Yoga and Pilates practitioners who need a waistband that stays in place through flows, bends, and seated poses. The high-waisted design genuinely earns its description here.
- Walkers and hikers who want quick-dry, breathable shorts for outdoor exercise. The moisture-wicking performance held up well in warm-weather conditions.
- Anyone who hates losing their phone mid-workout. The side pockets are deep and secure enough that you can leave your phone on you rather than stashing it on a mat or bench.
Skip these if you are doing high-intensity interval training or sprinting – the compression is supportive but not designed for elite athletic performance, and you may find yourself adjusting the waistband during very high-impact intervals. Also skip if you strongly prefer a looser, non-compression fit – the tummy control band is a defining feature, not a subtle bonus.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts do not quite fit your needs, here are two alternatives worth a look:
- Athleta Salutation Stash Short – A step up in price but with a more refined waistband design and a wider size range. Better for women who want extended sizing and premium construction.
- Lululemon Track That Short 4" – A cult-favorite alternative with Lululemon's signature buttery-soft fabric and a more relaxed, less compressive waistband. Expect to pay 2-3x the price for the brand name and marginally more fabric innovation.
- Amazon Essentials High-Rise Shorts – A solid budget competitor with similar features. The pocket depth is shallower, but the sizing runs more consistent with standard US sizing.
FAQ
Most reviewers – and my own experience – suggest sizing up by one. The Medium fit me more like a small, so if you are between sizes, go with the larger option. Always consult the size chart image on the listing before ordering.
Final Verdict
Three weeks in, I keep reaching for THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts over several more expensive pairs I own. The high-waisted waistband delivers on its tummy control promise without rolling or digging. The 4-way stretch fabric breathes well in warm weather and holds up wash after wash. The two deep side pockets are genuinely useful – I use them on every walk without thinking about it. The main trade-offs are real: size up, expect some color variance on non-black shades, and know that the firm compression band is a feature, not a flaw. If you want a well-made, affordable athletic short that works across yoga, walking, and everyday movement, this is a low-risk buy at the current price point.