One night, while browsing for cheap workout wear on Amazon, I stumbled across some yoga shorts that everyone and their mother just seemed to love. People were obsessing over the tummy control top, the pockets, and the quality for the price. Many claimed that they loved the shorts so much that they immediately bought another pair.
The unique length reminded me of the cute bike short trend that all the models are wearing these days, plus they have over 1,200 5-star ratings. Amazon's best-selling leggings have done me well in the past, so I knew I had to give these a try.
The Baleaf High Waist Yoga Workout Shorts only cost me $16 (another pro!) and they come in an assortment of colors from basic black, to bright coral, to lapis blue. If you're not into the capri/longer short look, they also have a 5-inch version that are still high-waisted. Here's what I thought about the shorts.
BALEAF 8" High Waist Workout Yoga Shorts
They're moisture-wicking, breathable, and totally opaque
You know that uncomfortable sticky feeling you get after an intense workout? Yeah, these yoga shorts don't come with that due to their moisture-wicking properties. I took a dance class and light jog in the park in them and knew I was sweating (my back told me so), but my legs felt totally fine and almost untouched.
In terms of coverage, the black pair was totally opaque. Other users share the same experience: "Fabric was a good thickness, not at all see through," says one user. "Passed the squat test (not see-through when squatting)," writes another.
Experts have another tip when it comes to testing opacity before heading out the door: "Try to bend over in front of a mirror, but if you can't, bend your knee deeply to see if you can see the skin through it," says Lexie Sachs, Associate Director of the Textile Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. This tip works for leggings, too.
They feature a high-rise, wide waistband
One of my favorite things about these workout shorts is the fact that they have a tummy control top. I might be on the smaller side, but as a girl who loves to eat, I never go a day without forming some sort of food belly. While I wouldn't consider these shorts tummy-sucking shapewear, they do a pretty good job of smoothing out all types of bellies according to some reviewers.
"I love that the waist goes above my belly button and holds in all of my muffin top and belly bulge," says a reviewer who describes herself as 5'10 at about 205 pounds. "I almost never find myself adjusting and pulling them back up."
They don't bunch or ride up during workouts
When I wore these yoga shorts to my ballet class, I didn't notice any discomfort from the shorts riding up while performing different stretches, barre exercises, or extensive movements across the floor. That's thanks to the shorts gusseted crotch, a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric at the crotch.
"If you’re going to wear tight-fitting bottoms during a workout, a gusset is necessary to prevent them from riding up," Sachs says. "Leggings or tight shorts that aren’t for working out may have a straight seam where the fabric meets, but if there’s a lot of movement then there’s a good chance you’ll have uncomfortable wedgies wearing them!"
They prevent thigh chafing
In terms of thigh chafing, I definitely would recommend going for the 8-inch pair if you want to avoid rubbing. It's also important to note that they make great fashion slip shorts for wearing under flowy skirts or short dresses.
Many reviewers agree. "The shorts are soft and very stretchy, and as an added bonus they helped ... protect my thick thighs from chafing under the dress," says one user.
They have pockets!
Anything with pockets instantly become a closet fave of mine, but what's extra cool about these pockets is that they kept my iPhone 8 Plus (one of the biggest phones out there) nice and secure. When I took a light jog around the park, I actually almost forgot my phone was in my pocket because it would just never budge.
Amazon reviewers say other phones like Galaxy and LG slide perfectly in as well. And get this: the shorts even feature a hidden pocket at the top. "It will easily fit keys, chapstick, and a roll of doggy waste bags," says one user.
Are these best-selling yoga shorts worth the hype?
I don't know about you, but when I find workout wear that I get excited about, I get even more motivated to work out — and these shorts do just that. Plus, it's kind of cool being one of the few in a class rocking longer shorts: it's kind of trendy in my opinion! They also feature a simple design that looks high-quality and can really go with any sports top or shoes. I haven't experienced any wear or tear after throwing them in the wash. So yes, I'd say they're 100% worth it.
For can't-miss news, expert beauty advice, genius home solutions, delicious recipes, and lots more, sign up for the Good Housekeeping newsletter.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
