Comfort meets function with the Gym + Coffee Daybreak 7″ Shorts: a high-quality pair suitable for running, strength training and even swimming. Editor Isaac Williams puts them to the test.
Gym + Coffee has built its name on high-quality activewear that doesn’t break the bank, and that continues to be the case with the Daybreak 7″ Shorts, which are some of the best shorts for men around. Lightweight but well made, with pockets deep enough to hold any size of phone or set of keys, they combine a performance focus with both style and practicality.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Style is paired with substance in the form of ultra-lightweight design, quick-drying fabric and complete freedom of movement. At a versatile 7″ length, they’re ideal for all sports.- Incredibly lightweight
- Deep side pockets
- Simple design pairs with most tops
- Some will prefer a thicker material for their shorts
How we tested the best gym shorts
Our testers put each pair of shorts through their paces over at least a month. They wore them for a mixture of workouts. These ranged from strength work and HIIT sessions to cardio and cross training, with yoga and stretching sessions thrown in for good measure. They put them through multiple washes and tested them for fit, comfort, versatility, durability and coverage.
They also looked for shorts with good sustainability credentials as well as lightweight, stretchy and moisture-wicking fabrics. They considered extra features such as zipped storage, reversible waistbands and drawcord adjustability. They also considered the range of sizes and colours, as well as style and suitability for wearing them outside the gym.
Design and features
I’ve tested the shorts for a couple of months now – mainly on a mix of steady runs and conventional strength training, with a bit of tennis here and there – and have been impressed by how durable they feel, despite the lightweight construction. As with any Gym + Coffee kit, they look good too, with an all-grey colourway and subtle brand logo on the left leg. (If there’s a criticism on that front, it’s that more colour options wouldn’t go amiss, but it’s a minor issue.)
As a bonus, Gym + Coffee even suggests the rapid-drying nature of the shorts means they’re suitable for swimming (though you should get a size up if that’s your intention).
Are the Gym + Coffee Daybreak 7″ Shorts worth buying?
7″ shorts are the most versatile shorts around: sitting just above the knee, so suitable for just about every sport imaginable, as well as more leisurely pursuits. The overall aesthetics and fit of the Daybreak 7″ continues that theme of versatility. They look great, but style is paired with substance in the form of ultra-lightweight design, quick-drying fabric and complete freedom of movement.
Plus, as with all Gym + Coffee kit, there’s a genuine commitment to sustainability, with the brand shaping its Net Zero strategy.
| Material: | 95% polyester, 5% spandex |
| Features: | Lightweight, quick-dry fabric; side pockets; interior drawcord |
| Inseam: | 7-inch |
| Sizes: | S – XXL |
| Colour: | Marble grey |
