The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Womens Lacrosse Shorts in 2023The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Womens Lacrosse Shorts in 2023
Focus on Breathability and Ventilation When Choosing Women’s Lacrosse Shorts
When shopping for women’s lacrosse shorts, one of the most important factors to consider is breathability and ventilation. The best lacrosse shorts will be made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for ample airflow to keep you cool and comfortable on the field. Synthetic materials like polyester and spandex blends are great options, as they wick moisture away from the skin while also providing stretch for full range of motion.
Moisture-wicking performance fabrics with mesh ventilation panels are ideal for lacrosse shorts. Strategically placed mesh panels along the sides and inseams of shorts will provide extra ventilation to let hot air escape and cool air in. This airflow is crucial for staying cool, dry, and avoiding overheating during intense lacrosse games and practices. Breathable shorts also help reduce irritation, chafing, and discomfort that can come from sweatbuildup.
Look for lacrosse shorts made with moisture-wicking technology like Nike’s Dri-FIT or Under Armour’s HeatGear when possible. These advanced fabrics are designed to draw sweat away from the body and towards the outer layer of the shorts to keep you dry. The ventilation and air permeability offered by performance fabrics provide much better breathability than typical cotton shorts. Proper airflow is key to keeping muscles fresh and reducing fatigue during competition.
Comfort features like gusseted crotches, strategic seam placement, and flatlock stitching also optimize breathability in lacrosse shorts. A gusseted crotch eliminates inner thigh seams that can cause chafing and irritation during constant motion. Seamless constructions further reduce abrasion in high friction areas. Flatlock stitching places seams on the inside of shorts to prevent chafing and maximize next-to-skin comfort.
When trying on different pairs, do some lunges, squats, and twists to ensure ample stretch and range of motion. The best women’s lacrosse shorts will offer exceptional ventilation to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable all game long. Breathable performance fabrics and smart design features are key for optimal airflow and sweat wicking.
Prioritize Mobility and Range of Motion in Women’s Lacrosse Shorts
When selecting women’s lacrosse shorts, it’s crucial to prioritize unrestricted mobility and full range of motion. The constant sprinting, cutting, dodging and rapid changes in direction involved in lacrosse demand shorts that offer maximum flexibility and freedom of movement.
Look for shorts made with stretch woven fabrics that contain some spandex or elastane. Quality lacrosse shorts will stretch and recover well to accommodate your dynamic movements on the field. The shorts shouldn’t restrict your stride length, impede twisting motions or create resistance when transitioning between lacrosse positions and techniques.
Stretchy yet supportive fabrics like spandex, lycra and elastane blends allow a full range of motion for cradling, scooping, passing and shooting. The four-way stretch offered by performance fabrics provides flexibility while also offering compression to enhance athletic performance. Optimal stretch enables you to move naturally without your shorts binding, bunching or ballooning out.
An athletic cut with a shorter inseam is ideal for avoiding tightness and restriction during intense gameplay. Longer baggy shorts can get in the way, while shorter lengths allow maximum mobility and prevent tangled legs. Look for a 5-7 inch inseam for the best freedom of movement and coverage. Consider features like side slits and notched hems to further improve range of motion.
Gusseted crotch panels eliminate inner thigh seams to prevent chafing and discomfort during constant motion. Strategically placed seams that curve and move with your body also enhance uninhibited mobility. See if inner waistbands have silicone grippers to prevent rolling or sliding around.
The best women’s lacrosse shorts will be flexible, lightweight and streamlined. Prioritize unrestricted movement in all directions – side to side, front to back, up and down, and in rotation/twisting. Test shorts by mimicking lacrosse moves to ensure they offer the mobility and motion you need to control the field.
Choose Lacrosse Shorts with Built-In Padding for Protection
When playing such a high-intensity, contact sport like lacrosse, having proper protective padding built into your shorts is extremely important. Lacrosse involves a lot of physicality, checks, and collisions on the field that can easily lead to bruises and abrasions on the hips, thighs, and tailbone if you aren’t equipped with the right gear.
Look for women’s lacrosse shorts that have built-in foam, compression or removable pad pockets to help protect your body from impact. Padding in the hip and tailbone region helps cushion blows from inadvertent checks, hard falls, and contact with field turf. Integrated foam pads add a layer of shock absorption right where you need it most when battling for ground balls or taking a tough shot.
High-quality pads maintain their protective qualities even after repeated high-impact collisions. They should retain their thickness without flattening out too quickly. Multi-layered padding with ventilation often performs better than single sheets of foam. Removable pads allow you to customize thickness and increase protection on vulnerable areas.
Moisture-wicking spandex blends with four-way stretch are ideal for compression shorts linings. Compression fits tightly to support muscles and joints while also keeping pads secure in place. Make sure padded liners don’t restrict mobility or make shorts too hot, however. The ideal combo provides padding for protection along with breathability.
Padding placed strategically along the sides of shorts can also protect muscles from bruising during checks. Contoured hip and thigh pads allow a full range of motion while shielding vulnerable leg muscles. Protecting your lower body against checks, cuts, and falls will give you the confidence to play more fearlessly out on the field.
Look for Antimicrobial Properties in Women’s Lacrosse Shorts
When playing lacrosse, sweating is inevitable, which can lead to unpleasant odors building up in your clothing over time. Seeking out women’s lacrosse shorts with antimicrobial properties is a great way to combat odor issues.
Antimicrobial shorts utilize silver ion or other bacteria-fighting technologies to help reduce the growth of odor-causing microbes within the fabric. The antimicrobial treatment prevents the rapid buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew that leads to foul stenches permeating your gear.
Silver ions bind to the cell walls of microbes and rupture them. This disruption inactivates odor-causing bacteria so they can’t multiply and thrive within the fabric’s fibers. Other natural antimicrobials like chitosan from shellfish shells may also be used. The antimicrobial effects remain even after repeated washings.
Moisture wicking performance fabrics like polyester infused with antimicrobial silver ions provide the ideal combination. The moisture wicking action eliminates the damp, humid conditions that bacteria needs to rapidly reproduce. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial additive prevents microbial populations from getting out of control.
Bacteria-treated fabrics help lacrosse shorts stay fresher for longer between washes. You can feel confident knowing your gear won’t end up smelling like a locker room after just a few uses. Seek out shorts advertised as having odor control, odor resistance, or antimicrobial properties for optimal performance.
Opt for Quick-Dry, Moisture-Wicking Fabrics in Lacrosse Shorts
When shopping for women’s lacrosse shorts, it’s important to look for styles made with quick-drying, moisture-wicking technical fabrics. The constant motion and athletic exertion of lacrosse leads to profuse sweating, so having shorts that can effectively manage that moisture is key.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon that wick moisture away from the skin perform much better than standard cotton shorts. Hydrophilic fibers pull sweat away from the body into the outer layers of the shorts where it can quickly evaporate. This keeps you dry and prevents damp, swampy shorts.
Mesh ventilation zones, strategic seam placement, and other design elements also aid quick drying performance. Unimpeded airflow circulates through the shorts to speed up moisture evaporation. Breathable mesh panels allow hot, humid air to escape.
Look for moisture-wicking technology like Nike’s Dri-FIT, Under Armour’s HeatGear or Adidas’ Climalite in the product details. These types of performance fabrics are engineered to optimize sweat wicking and ventilation. The advanced textile construction enhances air circulation and rapid drying.
Avoid heavier cotton blends that absorb and hold onto moisture. Damp shorts chafe, weigh you down, and don’t allow proper cooling airflow. Lightweight, breathable fabrics with moisture management will keep you cool, dry and comfortable all game long while avoiding chills from soaked shorts after the final whistle blows.
Choose the Right Inseam Length for Your Height
When shopping for women’s lacrosse shorts, considering the right inseam length for your height is an important factor for both comfort and optimal performance. The inseam measurement determines how much of your thigh is covered by the shorts.
For shorter players under 5’4″, a 3-4 inch inseam hits around mid-thigh for great mobility. Average height players from 5’4″-5’8″ tend to prefer a 5-6 inch inseam hitting just above the knee. Taller athletes over 5’8″ often opt for a 7-8 inch length coming to the kneecap for a bit more coverage.
A shorter inseam allows for greater ease of motion for running and dodging. Rapid direction changes and pivots happen smoother without excess fabric getting in the way. Shorter lengths also prevent overheating by exposing more skin to cooling air circulation.
Longer inseams provide more protection for your thighs during checks and falls. More coverage may also make some players feel less self-conscious. But take care not to restrict mobility with lengths that are too long.
Try on different inseam lengths to assess your personal comfort level. Walk, lunge and run to test for any pulling, restriction or riding up. The ideal lacrosse shorts allow you to move, stretch and compete without limitation. Choose the inseam that works best for your body type and athletic needs.
Get the Proper Fit – Not Too Loose or Too Tight
Finding the right fit is crucial when selecting women’s lacrosse shorts. The shorts shouldn’t be too tight or constricting but also shouldn’t be so loose that they slow you down on the field.
Look for shorts made with flexible, stretchy fabrics like spandex, lycra or elastane blended with polyester or nylon. Materials with some give allow the shorts to move naturally with your body. The waistband should be snug enough to stay up but not dig in or cause discomfort when sprinting and twisting.
Athletic shorts with a compression fit provide muscular support while also preventing chafing from excess fabric. Compression enhances blood circulation to keep muscles fresh and reduces fatigue. But take care that compression shorts don’t limit mobility or feel too constraining.
Loose shorts can ride up, chafe, get tangled around your legs and negatively impact performance. However, shorts that are too tight also restrict movement and cause discomfort. Strike the right balance between compression and freedom.
Try squat tests, high kicks and otherdynamic motions when trying on shorts. Making sure you can move unencumbered will ensure you don’t have to keep adjusting your shorts during intense gameplay. The perfect lacrosse shorts fit like a second skin, moving seamlessly with your body.
Find Shorts with Secure Side Pockets for Storage
Women’s lacrosse shorts with well-designed side pockets are extremely useful for conveniently storing small items during games and practices. Quality pockets allow you to keep essentials like keys, cash, ID cards, lip balm and hair ties easily accessible when you need them.
Look for shorts with zippered side pockets that fully seal shut, preventing items from falling out during intense activity. Zip pockets are more secure than open mesh pockets that can lead to lost belongings on the field. Durable ripstop fabrics help reinforce pocket integrity.
The pockets shouldn’t add too much bulk or weight to the shorts. Sleek, streamlined pocket bags that lay flat against the hips and thighs prevent excess bulk while still fitting larger smartphones if desired.
Deep pockets that can securely hold several items are ideal, but avoid overly large baggy pockets that could impede motion. Pocket openings should be wide enough to easily slip your hand in and out. Some shorts also include an inner drawcord or bungee toggle for extra pocket security.
Side pocket placement, size and construction varies among lacrosse shorts. Try squatting, lunging and running while wearing the shorts to ensure the pockets don’t gap open, bounce around or restrict your athletic motions at all.
Pick Flattering Colors, Prints and Styles You Love
Along with technical performance features, style and aesthetics are also important factors when selecting women’s lacrosse shorts. Pick colors, prints and designs that you feel good wearing and that reflect your personal tastes.
Bold, bright colors like reds, oranges, neon greens or aquas are fun statement-making choices that stand out on the field. Electric, energetic shades can pump you up before a big game. For a more subtle look, go for classic blacks, whites or heathered gray tones.
Cool graphic prints, florals, geometrics or ombré patterns add eye-catching visual flair. Or keep it simple with basic solid color block shorts. Contrast side paneling and color-pop piping along seams provides visual interest.
Different inseam lengths, rise options, and cuts allow you to select the silhouette and coverage you like best. Try mid-to-low rise shorts in a boy short, scoop hem or dolphin hem styles. Look for curved hems and side slits that flatter the legs.
Mix and match different colors and prints to find a combo that suits your personal lacrosse style. Statement shorts infused with your own flair will make you feel confident and like your best self out on the field.
Compare Durability of Fabrics and Stitching in Lacrosse Shorts
Women’s lacrosse is a rough and tumble sport, so you’ll want to select shorts made with durable fabrics and reinforced stitching. Comparing construction quality ensures the shorts will hold up through repeated wear and avoid rips or tears during games.
Look for abrasion-resistant woven fabrics like polyester or nylon blends. Heavyweight double weave textiles prevent easy snagging. Ripstop fabrics with reinforced woven grids are extremely durable choices. Synthetic blends withstand abrasion better than cotton.
Examine stitching to make sure it appears tightly sewn with no loose threads. Doubled-up stitched seams are more reinforced than single needle seams. Bar tacks, bartacks and box stitching provide additional strength to high-stress points prone to tearing.
High heat-set lycra waistbands retain elasticity better through repeated wash and wear cycles. Hem tape along bottom edges also improves structure over time. Metal rivets along pocket openings reinforce areas prone to rip.
Reading online product reviews can provide insight into real-world durability from actual players. Quality lacrosse shorts constructed with resilient fabrics, bar tack stitching and protective design elements will go the distance season after season.
Check for Chafe-Free Seams That Won’t Irritate Skin
To avoid discomfort and skin irritation when playing lacrosse, it’s important to select women’s shorts with chafe-free seams that won’t scrape or rub against your legs.
Look for shorts with flatlock stitching that places seams on the inside of the garment rather than exposed on the surface. Flat seams help prevent abrasive rubbing and chafing from protruding stitches.
Smooth seam tape finishes also create next-to-skin comfort to reduce potential irritation. Binding seams with a soft fabric trim minimizes direct contact between stitching and skin.
Curved seam lines contour around the natural shape of the body for less potential irritation during movement. Strategically placed seam lines avoid fall in high-friction locations prone to chafing issues.
Gusseted panel construction is ideal for eliminating inner thigh seams altogether which are notorious for causing chafing when running. Seamless shorts with bonded construction further reduce irritating seams.
The best women’s lacrosse shorts have no rough, scratchy seams or stitching that can lead to painful chafing around the thighs and groin area. Prioritize next-to-skin comfort that allows you to move freely without distractions from skin irritation.
Buy Pairs With Comfortable, Wide Waistbands
An important factor in choosing great women’s lacrosse shorts is opting for styles with comfortable, wide waistbands that stay put without digging in.
Look for wide waistbands around 2 inches in width or greater to distribute pressure evenly and avoid pinching or binding. Wide bands also prevent the shorts from rolling or sliding down while running and jumping.
The waistband should have ample stretch from materials like spandex or elastic to accommodate motion. Compression shorts with thick elastic waists provide muscular support through the core.
Inner gripper strips made from silicone dots or tacky elastics help keeps shorts securely in place during activity. This prevents the need to keep hiking up loose shorts between plays.
Some styles feature adjustable drawcords or bungee toggles to customize fit. This allows you to tighten shorts for more support or loosen for more comfort as needed.
Trying on different lacrosse shorts, practice twisting and stretching to ensure the waist stays put without pinching or constricting your core movements.
Read Reviews to Learn from Other Players’ Experiences
Reading lacrosse gear reviews from other players is a great way to make informed decisions when shopping for women’s lacrosse shorts. Reviews provide helpful insight you can’t get from just product descriptions alone.
Look for first-hand reviews that highlight the shorts’ fit, sizing, comfort level and overall performance during actual use. This real world feedback helps you know what to expect when ordering a particular style.
See if common positives or negatives emerge that indicate whether the shorts tend to run large, small, stretchy or constricting for most people. This gives you a better idea of what size may work best for your body type and fit preferences.
Check if many reviewers mention issues with things like pockets splitting, hems unraveling, colors fading, or stitching popping after repeated wear. This helps uncover potential durability complaints.
You can also gain insight into how breathable shorts are for humid summer games or how well side pockets hold up during constant motion and contact. Reviews provide a glimpse at real performance before you buy.
Don’t rely solely on product photos and descriptions. Leverage the experiences of fellow lacrosse players to make the most informed decisions about your gear purchases.
Take Advantage of Sales, Deals and Discounts When Possible
Women’s lacrosse shorts can range widely in price from budget-friendly to premium-priced. Whenever possible, try to take advantage of sales, deals and discounts to maximize savings on your purchases.
Shop clearance sections either in stores or online for leftover colors and styles from past seasons. Sign up for email lists to get notifications on upcoming promotions and sales events. Price matching policies can also help you get the lowest price.
Buy multiple pairs of shorts together to qualify for quantity discounts or bulk pricing. Split bulk purchases with teammates to save money while getting the coordinated look. Consider less expensive previous-year models over new releases to save.
Look for coupons and promo codes from lacrosse retailers that can be applied at checkout for instant savings. Cashback sites provide rebates when you shop through their online portal.
Consider used shorts in like-new condition from secondhand sites to get quality gear at a fraction of retail prices. Go for classic styles that will stay relevant season after season.
With smart shopping tactics, you can equip yourself with high-performance lacrosse shorts while sticking to your budget.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity – Buy What You Really Need
When buying women’s lacrosse shorts, it’s better to focus your budget on a few high-quality pairs rather than lots of cheaper shorts that won’t stand up to intense gameplay. Prioritize versatility and durability over quantity.
Look for athletically designed lacrosse shorts from reputable brands known for innovative performance fabrics and construction. The higher cost per pair will pay off through enhanced comfort, better fit, and extended product lifespan.
Choose neutral, versatile colors like black, navy and gray that can be mixed and matched for multiple outfits. Timeless solids offer greater cost per wear over prints that may look dated after one season.
Consider multi-use crossover shorts that transition seamlessly from the field to the gym or casual everyday wear. Cross-training shorts give you more bang for your buck.
Stick to one or two pairs of your absolute favorite shorts that check all your boxes for fit, function and style. It’s better to have a few ideal pairs than a drawer full of average quality shorts.
Don’t overbuy on impulse just because shorts are on sale. Make sure any purchase fills a specific need in your athletic wardrobe to maximize value.
