Okay, so I needed new workout shorts bad. My old ones were basically see-through from too many washes. Went straight to Academy Sports ’cause they usually have decent prices on Nike stuff.
Hunting Down the Shorts
Walked into the women’s section – total chaos as usual. Racks everywhere, stuff half falling off hangers. Asked a dude stacking t-shirts where the Nike shorts lived. He pointed me towards the back wall. Finally found ’em tucked between baseball caps and yoga mats. Saw three styles: dri-fit loose ones, those tight biker shorts, and mid-length flex something. Grabbed two sizes (medium and large) of the dri-fit loose pair ’cause sizes run weird nowadays.
The Dressing Room Struggle
Wait time for dressing room? Fifteen freakin’ minutes. While waiting, noticed the stitching looked okay – no loose threads hanging off. Finally got a room. Tried medium first: hugged my hips weird and rode up when I did squats. Awful. Large felt way better. Material was crazy light, like almost not there. Did some jumping jacks right there in the stall – they stayed put. Big win. Checked the back in that crooked mirror – coverage was solid, no butt cheek peeking out.
Actually Wearing These Things
Bought two black pairs since black hides sweat stains. Wore ’em next morning for a 5K run. First thing I noticed? Pockets actually held my phone without bouncing everywhere. Legs didn’t chafe even when sweaty. Washed ’em cold later that day – no bleeding colors, no shrinkage. Three weeks later, worn ’em maybe ten times? Still look new. Only thing? Waistband elastic loosened up just a smidge after heavy workouts, but not enough to sag.
Final Take
Are these perfect? Hell no. They cost more than generic brands and sizing’s still a gamble. But for real? Zero regrets. Academy had ’em cheaper than mall stores, they breathe when you’re dying on the treadmill, and they survive the washer without falling apart. Would buy again when these eventually die.