Introducing the Runyon Pump-You-Up™ 7” Sweatshorts — a natural-fiber gym short and modern update of the American classic sweatshort, featuring the Runyon pocket profile you know and love.
Crafted with Made-in-USA French Terry, these shorts deliver the breathable performance athletes are rediscovering: durable enough for pumping weights, soft enough for recovery days, and comfortable enough to go commando around town.
Our Natural Fiber Workout Shorts
Made from USA-milled French Terry, 100% natural-fiber cotton, these shorts are engineered specifically for athletes seeking a non-spandex athletic shorts, and a clean alternative to the spandex- and nylon-heavy options dominating today’s activewear market. Designed for lifters, runners, and everyday trainers who prefer the breathable comfort of cotton gym shorts, this fabric delivers old-school performance with moisture-wicking and coooling features. Ideal for anyone searching for natural fiber workout shorts, gym shorts without synthetics, cotton training shorts, or non-spandex athletic shorts, this construction offers reliable moisture absorption, airflow, and durability—making it one of the best choices for those who want real performance -- now available in Black, Sage and Navy.
Alternatively, we also offer this short in a French Terry Tri-Blend (50% Cotton, 40% Polyester, 10% Rayon) in Heather Grey — a great option for those who prefer a more moisture-wicking, performance-driven feel with a touch of added stretch.
French Terry - Back To That Old School Fabric Technology
French Terry has been used for decades as a heritage training fabric thanks to its unique loop-back construction. The tiny loops on the interior pull moisture away from the skin, offering a natural wicking effect. This old-school textile has proven itself through generations of athletes: breathable, absorbent, temperature-regulating, and incredibly comfortable. Its structure allows airflow while managing sweat, making it a timeless solution for anyone wanting natural-fiber, cotton-based gym shorts with real performance benefits.
These shorts deliver superior softness and natural comfort — perfect for training, conditioning, or everyday wear.
All About The Details + Original Design
To solve one of the biggest frustrations athletes face — phones dangling in loose inside pockets or slipping out during movements like lat pulldowns, bench press or while driving in a car — these shorts use dual side stash pockets designed to keep gear secure and accessible.
Each pocket is roomy enough to fit a workout towel in one and a water bottle in the other, while still carrying your phone, keys, and essentials without shifting or falling out mid-set.
These shorts also include a rugged paracord drawcord, and an elastic waistband for all-day comfort, striking the perfect balance of function and style. The 7-inch inseam maintains a clean, athletic fit ideal for workouts, travel, or weekend outings.
Key Features:
- Dual Outside Stash Pockets — An original design that prevents phone slippage when seated. Also fits a water bottle, workout towel, wallet, keys, and more
- Natural-Fiber, Cotton Workout Shorts — Ideal for athletes who prefer 100% cotton-based training gear in Black, Sage and Navy
- USA-Grown and Milled French Terry Cotton — Soft, breathable, durable, natural-fiber comfort with old-school wicking capabilities
- Designed, Engineered & Field-Tested by Endurance Athletes — Hours of fine-tuning and testing
- Handcrafted in Los Angeles’ Historic Fashion District — The heart of America’s apparel manufacturing
- Paracord Drawcord — Rugged and built to last
- 7-Inch Inseam — Comfortable, athletic fit
Each short is not pre-shrunk and will shrink to fit after the first wash. Below are the expected shrinkage dimensions to compare with your favorite pair at home.
* Please note that each short features a polyester lining in the non-skin-touching pockets for enhanced durability, longevity, and resistance to pilling.
Designer Commentary
These shorts have become my go-to for the gym, especially when the weather cools down. I’ve been doing all my strength training workouts in them. Lately I’ve been trying to incorporate more cotton and natural fibers in my training gear, and prefer using these sweatshorts.
The French Terry fabric is great —unlike fleece, it doesn’t heat up your skin. It keeps you cool, which makes it ideal for athletes who want a gym short that features natural fibers. In 100% cotton we are excited to offer them in Black, Sierra Sage (Olive Drab) and Vintage Navy.
They are also available in Mineral Grey (Heather Grey) which is French Terry Tri-Blend that combines cotton, poly and rayon for added stretch.
As a sweatshort for running, they’re great in cooler weather. I’ve been using them for my 6–10 mile cool weather and early-morning runs. I even took them on a 17-mile trail run up to 6,300 feet elevation on a crisp, dry fall day. They held up surprisingly well—warming up a bit in the sun on the climb but staying warm & comfortable in breezy cool weather on the descent. Overall, running in 100% cotton is a fun twist to running, making you rethink if and when synthetic fabrics are necessary.
They also make a great yoga short—the material is very soft. At home, i'll throw them on without underwear and lounge around. I live in these shorts more than any of shorts designed for Runyon.
At the gym, I usually keep a water bottle in one pocket and a workout towel in the other. You can still fit your phone and keys comfortably.
We spent many months testing and developing these shorts and know people will appreciate them just as much. It uses the same pocket profile as the Warm-It-Up Jogger Sweatpants but in a short format that’s great for both training and everyday wear.
What makes this short design so unique and better than the rest -- is unlike most gym shorts -- your phone won’t fall out or feel like their dangling inside the shorts. — This is my revision and update of the American classic sweatshort design that never really solved the needs of what athletes require.
You’ll also be glad to know we sourced Made-in-USA elastics, USA-milled textiles, USA-grown cotton, USA-webbed paracords, USA-woven labels.
This short demonstrates the lengths we’ve gone when possible to stay true to our mission from day one -- to support American manufacturing while serving the growing community of athletes around the world discovering and wearing Runyon.
Just a reminder, these shorts are not pre-washed, so they'll shrink slightly. The dimensions in the size chart reflect the measurements after the first wash.
I know you’ll love these shorts and can't wait to watch them Pump-You-Up!
Tony Nuccio
Designer, Athlete, and Founder
French Terry 100% Cotton 7" Sweatshorts
Our 100% Cotton French Terry 7" Sweatshorts are expected to shrink 1.75" in Width and 0.5" in Length. Measurements below are measurements after washing in hot water and tumble dry high heat.
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 2X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Range | 24-32" | 26-34" | 28-36" | 30-38" | 32-40" | 36-42" |
| Inseam | 7" | 7" | 7" | 7.5" | 7.5" | 8" |
| Outseam | 16" | 16" | 16.5" | 17" | 17.5" | 18.5" |
| Hem | 11.5" | 12.5" | 13" | 14" | 14.25" | 14.5" |
| Rise | 11.5" | 11.5" | 12" | 12" | 12" | 13" |
| Ounces | 8.7 | 9.3 | 10.0 | 10.5 | 11.2 | 11.9 |
| Unisex Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2X |
Inseam, Outseam and Rise are measured of the apparel flat on a table. The Waist Range is the minimum to maximum stretch of the elastic waistband. In most cases a smaller or larger size may also suit you, it depends whether you prefer a more relaxed or wider fit.