Train in Style: Why the My Principles Athletic Shorts Belong in Your Workout Wardrobe

Performance Shorts That Work as Hard as You Do

Finding the right pair of training shorts can make a real difference to how you feel during a workout. Too heavy and they slow you down. Too thin and they don't last. Too plain and, well, why bother?

The My Principles Logo Athletic Shorts are designed for people who take their training seriously but don't want to sacrifice style to do it. Built from a recycled performance fabric with two-way stretch and moisture-wicking technology, these shorts are made to move with you — whether you're in the gym, out for a run, or just heading somewhere comfortable.

This is Blog #2 in our series on My Principles core essentials. Where Blog #1 covered our Essential Fleece Joggers for everyday comfort, this one is all about performance — and what it looks like when lightweight function meets clean, minimal design.

The My Principles Athletic Shorts — lightweight, functional, and built for movement.

What Are the My Principles Athletic Shorts?

These are lightweight performance training shorts made from a premium blend of 95% recycled polyester and 5% spandex. The recycled polyester keeps the fabric light and breathable, while the spandex provides two-way stretch that allows a full range of motion without restriction.

They feature a minimalist My Principles logo, keeping the design clean and versatile. The white drawstring waistband is the one available colourway, giving the shorts a crisp, uncluttered look that pairs well with most training gear.

Available in sizes XS through 4XL, they're designed to work across a wide range of body types, for both men and women. All variants are priced at CAD $49.00.

Key Features

• 95% recycled polyester, 5% spandex — A performance-focused fabric blend that's light on the environment and light on your body. The recycled polyester reduces material waste while maintaining the durability and breathability you'd expect from a quality training short.
• Moisture-wicking technology — Pulls sweat away from the skin during training, keeping you drier and more comfortable through your session.
• Two-way stretch — Moves with your body in multiple directions, which matters when you're squatting, lunging, sprinting, or cycling. No pinching, no pulling.
• Three functional pockets — Two side pockets and one back pocket, all designed to actually hold things. Useful for a phone, keys, or small essentials during a run or gym session.
• Elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring — Keeps the shorts secure without digging in. The drawstring lets you customise the fit around your waist.
• Lightweight yet durable construction — These shorts are designed for regular, heavy use. The fabric is light enough to wear comfortably in warmer conditions but built to hold up over time.
• Minimalist My Principles logo — Subtle branding that adds identity without overpowering the design.

Performance fabric with moisture-wicking technology and a subtle branded detail.

Why Choose the My Principles Athletic Shorts?

There's no shortage of training shorts available, so what sets these apart?

The fabric choice is a good starting point. Using 95% recycled polyester is a meaningful decision — it performs comparably to virgin polyester in terms of durability and moisture management, while reducing the environmental footprint of the garment. If that matters to you as a buyer, it's worth knowing.

The two-way stretch is another practical differentiator. Many lightweight shorts offer stretch in one direction but feel tight when you move in others. The spandex blend here allows movement in multiple planes, which is particularly useful for activities like cycling, yoga, HIIT, or any training that involves varied ranges of motion.

The three-pocket configuration is more generous than you'll find on many comparable shorts. Having a dedicated back pocket alongside two side pockets gives you real storage options during a workout or run — without the shorts feeling loaded down.

And the design stays out of the way. The minimalist logo keeps the shorts looking clean, which means they transition naturally from a training environment to a casual one without looking out of place.

Who Are These Shorts For?

The My Principles Athletic Shorts are built for active people who want reliable performance gear without the bulk or the branding overload.

They're a particularly good fit for:

• Regular gym-goers looking for a lightweight short that handles high-intensity training comfortably.
• Runners who need moisture-wicking fabric and a secure waistband for longer distances.
• People who train across disciplines — these shorts work for weights, cardio, yoga, cycling, and outdoor sports.
• Anyone who values sustainable activewear and wants performance gear made with recycled materials.
• Men and women across a wide size range — XS to 4XL means these are genuinely inclusive in sizing.
• Anyone wanting gym-to-street versatility — the clean design means you're not restricted to the gym.

If you've been searching for lightweight gym shorts for men, women's performance training shorts, or recycled activewear shorts, these are worth a close look.

How to Get the Most from Your Athletic Shorts

These shorts don't require a complicated setup, but a few things are worth keeping in mind:

1. Size for your activity — If you're between sizes and do a lot of dynamic movement (cycling, CrossFit, yoga), consider sizing up slightly for additional comfort during wide-range movements.
2. Adjust the drawstring before your session — A secure waistband makes a real difference during running or jumping. Take a moment to set the fit before you start.
3. Use the pockets intentionally — The back pocket is well-suited for a key or small card during a run. Side pockets work well for a phone at the gym.
4. Care for the fabric correctly — Wash on a gentle or cool cycle and avoid fabric softeners, which can degrade moisture-wicking performance over time. Hang or tumble dry low.

Designed for unrestricted movement across a wide range of training activities.

What to Consider Before You Buy

• Size range — Available from XS to 4XL. These shorts are designed to be inclusive in sizing, which is something worth noting if you've struggled to find well-fitting activewear in the past.
• Single colourway — Currently available with a white drawstring. If you're looking for multiple colour options, this is worth factoring into your decision.
• Fabric weight — These are lightweight performance shorts. They're well-suited to warmer training environments and moderate temperatures. For colder outdoor conditions, you may want to layer.
• Fit style — The shorts are designed with an athletic fit. Check your usual activewear sizing before ordering, as performance fabrics can fit differently to standard garments.
• Intended use — These are performance-focused training shorts. While they work casually, they're optimised for active wear.

Benefits Summary

• Lightweight, breathable performance fabric
• 95% recycled polyester — a more sustainable fabric choice
• Two-way stretch for unrestricted movement in any direction
• Moisture-wicking technology to keep you drier during training
• Three functional pockets including a back pocket
• Elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
• Inclusive sizing from XS to 4XL
• Clean minimalist design suitable for gym and casual wear
• CAD $49.00 — accessible price point for a performance short

Add Them to Your Training Kit

If you're looking for a reliable, well-made training short that doesn't compromise on comfort, stretch, or sustainability, the My Principles Athletic Shorts are a straightforward choice.

Shop the My Principles Athletic Shorts →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the My Principles Athletic Shorts made from?

They're made from 95% recycled polyester and 5% spandex. The recycled polyester provides lightweight breathability and durability, while the spandex adds two-way stretch for comfortable movement during training.

Are these shorts suitable for running?

Yes. The moisture-wicking fabric, secure drawstring waistband, and lightweight construction make them well-suited to running. The back pocket is also useful for carrying a key or small card on longer runs.

Do the My Principles Athletic Shorts come in different colours?

Currently, the shorts are available with a white drawstring. Check the product page for any updates to available colour options.

What sizes are available?

The Athletic Shorts are available in sizes XS through 4XL, making them one of the more inclusive size ranges in the My Principles collection.

Are these shorts good for the gym?

Yes. The two-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, and lightweight construction make them practical for a wide range of gym activities including weights, cardio, and functional training.

How should I wash my athletic shorts?

We recommend washing on a cool or gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners as they can reduce the effectiveness of moisture-wicking fabrics over time. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry.

Are the pockets functional?

Yes. The shorts feature two side pockets and one back pocket, all designed for practical use during training or everyday wear.

Are these shorts unisex?

Yes. The My Principles Athletic Shorts are designed for both men and women, with sizing from XS to 4XL to suit a wide range of body types.