You’ve seen them everywhere. Walk into any Planet Fitness, high school track practice, or grocery store on a Sunday morning, and you’ll spot that overlapping side hem and the branded waistband. Under Armour Play Up shorts have basically become the unofficial uniform for women who just want to move without thinking about their clothes. But honestly, in a market flooded with $100 "technical" shorts and buttery-soft leggings, it's weird that a pair of $30 mesh shorts still holds this much real estate.
They aren't perfect. Not even close.
If you’re looking for high-compression squat-proof gear or something to wear to a formal brunch, these aren't it. But for the person who needs a reliable, "grab-and-go" pair of gym shorts that won't fall apart after ten washes, the Under Armour Play Up shorts are a fascinating case study in functional design staying relevant. They’ve gone through several iterations—from the original 2.0 to the 3.0 and the newer Twist versions—but the DNA remains the same: a loose fit, a soft knit, and that signature curved hem.
The "Soft-Knit" Reality Check
Most performance shorts use a stiff, woven ripstop fabric. You know the kind—it swishes when you walk and has zero give. Under Armour went the opposite direction. The Play Up line uses a 100% polyester soft-knit fabric. It feels more like a broken-in t-shirt than a piece of high-end athletic equipment.
This is their greatest strength and their biggest weakness.
Because it's a knit, it breathes incredibly well. If you’re doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or running in 90-degree humidity, these won't stick to your thighs like a second skin. However, because the fabric is lightweight and "floppy," it doesn't offer any muscle support. You're getting zero compression here. If you prefer that locked-in feeling, you’ll likely find these too airy.
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
One thing people often miss is the anti-pill finish. Under Armour claims the 3.0 version is specifically treated to prevent those annoying little fuzzballs from forming between the thighs. Real-world testing mostly backs this up, though if you’re a frequent hiker and the fabric rubs against a rough backpack or rock face, you will eventually see some wear. For standard gym floor use? They stay smooth much longer than cheap department store alternatives.
Sizing is a Hot Mess (Let’s Be Real)
If you read the reviews on the Under Armour site or Amazon, you'll see a war zone of conflicting advice on sizing. "Size up!" says one person. "Runs huge!" says another.
Here is the deal.
The Under Armour Play Up shorts are designed with a "loose" fit. They are intended to sit on your hips and hang away from the body. If you buy your "true" size based on the measurement chart, they will feel baggy. Many athletes who want a more streamlined look end up sizing down, but that often leads to the waistband digging in.
The waistband is a plush, exposed elastic. It’s comfortable, but it’s thick. If you have a shorter torso, that waistband can feel like it’s taking up a lot of room. It also lacks a drawstring. This is a polarizing choice. On one hand, no drawstring means a flatter profile under a shirt. On the other hand, if the elastic loses its snap over two years, you can't tighten them. You’re just stuck with shorts that slowly migrate toward your knees during a jog.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
The Pocket Situation
Can we talk about the pockets? The 3.0 version finally added side hand pockets. They are deep enough for a set of keys or a gym card. They are not great for a modern iPhone Pro Max. If you put a heavy phone in these shorts and try to run, the weight of the phone will cause the shorts to bounce awkwardly against your leg. It's annoying. These are "walking" pockets, not "sprinting" pockets.
Performance vs. Aesthetics: The 3-Inch Inseam Debate
Most versions of the Play Up come with a 3-inch inseam. In the world of athletic shorts, that’s the "Goldilocks" zone. It's long enough to provide coverage but short enough to allow for a full range of motion during squats or lunges.
But there’s a catch.
Because the leg openings are wide and the fabric is light, they can ride up. If you have athletic thighs, you might find yourself pulling the inner hem down every few minutes. Under Armour tried to solve this with the "Play Up 2-in-1" version, which features a built-in compression liner. If you’re actually planning on doing yoga or anything where your legs go above your head, get the 2-in-1. The standard version is a "risky" choice for a Pilates class.
Why the Curved Hem Matters
You’ll notice the side of the shorts is notched. That’s not just a style choice from the 80s. That curve allows your hip to flex without the fabric tightening across your quad. It’s why these are so popular for volleyball and soccer warm-ups. They don't fight your body's natural movement.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
Moisture Wicking: Science or Marketing?
Under Armour built its entire brand on the "Moisture Transport System." In the Play Up shorts, this basically means the polyester fibers are shaped to pull sweat away from the skin to the surface of the fabric where it evaporates.
It works. Mostly.
In a heavy leg day session, you will still get sweat spots, especially on the lighter colors like "Halo Gray" or "starlight." If you’re worried about looking like you sat in a puddle, stick to Black or Midnight Navy. The darker dyes hide the saturation much better. The drying time is impressive, though. You can wash these, hang them up, and they’ll be bone-dry in about two hours. That's a huge plus for people who travel light or hit the gym daily.
Hidden Details You Might Not Notice
- The Tag: Newer versions have moved toward printed tags, but some still have those long, scratchy white ribbons. Cut them out immediately; they will chafe during a long walk.
- The "Twist" Fabric: You'll see "Play Up Twist" in stores. This just refers to the heathered color effect where two different tones of yarn are woven together. It feels slightly softer than the solid colors but performs identically.
- UV Protection: While not heavily marketed, the dense knit of the polyester provides a natural barrier against UV rays, making them decent for outdoor summer runs, though they aren't officially UPF rated.
The Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy These?
Under Armour Play Up shorts are the "Old Reliable" of the fitness world. They aren't trying to be "aesthetic" in a TikTok way. They are workhorse shorts.
Buy them if: * You hate tight clothes.
- You want pockets for your keys.
- You need something that can survive 100 trips through a high-heat dryer.
- You’re on a budget but want a brand name that lasts.
Skip them if: * You need a drawstring to feel secure.
- You have significant thigh-rub issues (the 3-inch inseam won't save you).
- You want high-fashion "streetwear" gym gear.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
Before you drop the cash, do these three things to ensure you don't end up returning them:
- Check the Version: Look for "3.0" if you want pockets. If you find a cheap pair of "2.0" on a clearance rack, know that they likely won't have a place to put your hands.
- The Squat Test: When you try them on, do a deep squat in front of a mirror. Check if the "loose" leg opening reveals more than you’re comfortable with. If it does, look for the 2-in-1 version with the liner.
- Color Strategy: If you’re a heavy sweater, avoid the pastel pinks and light blues. Stick to the marled "Twist" patterns or solid dark colors to avoid visible sweat marks.
- Care Instructions: Skip the fabric softener. It coats the fibers and kills the moisture-wicking capability. Just use regular detergent and low heat.