Let's talk about Infinity Linear Flex Mens Shorts and why they might actually fix your gym routine
I've worn a ridiculous number of workout shorts over the years. Most of them fall into two categories: cheap trash that pills after three washes, or expensive ones that look good but make you sweat through to your skin in under twenty minutes. The Infinity Linear Flex Mens Shorts are somewhere in between, but closer to the second option than the first. They're not revolutionary. They're just decent enough that I keep buying them. The name is marketing nonsense. No pair of shorts will revolutionize anything. What they actually do is provide mobility without the restrictive feeling most athletic shorts have. The fabric stretches in all directions, which matters more than you'd think when you're doing squats, lunges, or burpees. It also wicks moisture reasonably well, though it's not quite as fast-drying as some of the higher-end technical fabrics on the market. Here's what actually happened when I started wearing them. I'd been struggling with chafing during long run sessions. Standard polyester shorts were making things worse because the seams kept shifting around. The Infinity Linear Flex shorts have flatlock stitching and a seam placement that stayed put. That was the main improvement, not any kind of performance boost. The shorts don't make you run faster or lift heavier. They just get out of the way.
One thing nobody tells you about these shorts is the fit runs slightly large in the waist. I ordered my usual size and had to use the drawstring tight just to keep them from sliding down during deadlifts. If you're between sizes, go down one. I learned this the hard way on a Tuesday morning at the gym when my shorts kept riding up every time I hinged at the hips.
What the fabric actually feels like in practice
The material is a blend that feels soft against the skin but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. It has a bit of weight to it, which is unusual for workout shorts. Some people interpret that as quality. I interpret it as meaning they'll probably last longer than the thin nylon pairs that cost half as much. The four-way stretch is real. I tested it by doing deep squats and the fabric didn't bind or resist at all. There's a pocket situation to be aware of. They have side pockets and a small back pocket, but the back pocket isn't deep enough for most phones. I tried using it for my iPhone 14 Pro Max and it fell out when I bent over. Now I keep my phone in the side pocket, which works fine but makes the shorts sit slightly uneven when walking. It's a minor annoyance that I've gotten used to.
Get the Full Details
Where they fall short
These shorts are not ideal for activities involving a lot of friction against a surface. If you're doing floor work like mountain climbers, burpees on a mat, or any exercise where your thighs rub against something, the fabric will show wear faster than you'd expect. I noticed pilling along the inner thighs after about six weeks of regular use, maybe forty or so sessions. It's cosmetic and doesn't affect performance, but it makes them look older than they actually are. Another issue is that they don't dry as fast as true performance shorts. After a really sweaty leg day, I've left them in my gym bag and come back two hours later to find them still damp. If you need gear that goes from wet to dry quickly, you might want to look at something with a higher synthetic content or a mesh lining designed for that purpose. I'd recommend these for general gym work, running, and casual athletic activities. They're not designed for hot yoga or ultra-endurance events where moisture management is critical. For the average person who just wants comfortable shorts that don't fall apart after a month, they're a solid choice. I've worn mine for about four months now and they're holding up fine, though the color has faded slightly around the seams.
You can find them on the Infinity brand website or at most sporting goods retailers. They typically run around thirty-five to forty dollars depending on the color and any sales. I wouldn't pay full price for them since they go on discount fairly often. The sales usually happen around major holidays or at the start of fitness seasons in January and spring. I don't know if these will change your life or anything. They're just shorts that do what shorts are supposed to do without drawing attention to themselves. That's honestly what I look for in workout gear, and these deliver on that promise at a reasonable price point.
