A great paragon of Britishness, football is integral on our island nation.
Yet, for some reason, the sport still isn’t as available to women as it is to men from a very young age.
But with the incredible successes of the Lionesses in recent years, and the focus on women’s football sharpening, female participation in the sport is set to change steadily and drastically.
I’m 26 and was never played at school. Sure, I wasn’t the sportiest – and even if I was, two hours at the end of the day in the freezing cold doesn’t exactly fill one with excitement. Girls played netball, rounders and hockey, while boys played football, rugby and cricket. Over in the States? Soccer is a classic women’s sport in high school, with British schools paling in comparison – an outrage, if you ask me.
Yet there are grassroots teams across the country, particularly in the capital, that offer women a social, inclusive and all abilities chance to enjoy the great game. I’d never so much as kicked a football when I joined a league at the behest of a few friends, but soon found myself giddy with joy at the prospect. Such fun! Why should men have the monopoly?
If, like me, you’re new to the sport and in search of some decent kit – I’m here to help. I’ve done the research so that you don’t have to.
On today’s docket: shorts.
What to look for in a pair of women’s football shorts
- Freedom of movement: If shorts are too tight or too loose, they’ll ride up. Brands have different size guides, so you might need to size up or down in order to ensure a comfortable fit. Ensure the shorts are made from a free-flowing fabric with enough space around the crotch to allow you to move around freely.
- Anti-chafe construction: This might mean opting for a two-in-one pair of shorts with a compression layer or choosing a longer pair of loose-fitting shorts. Above all, go for shorts with a premium, butter-soft fabric which – if it does chafe slightly – won’t leave you sore.
- Sweat-wicking fabric: This is a given for any sportswear. Look for polyester and nylon blends – fibres which channel surface sweat to the outside of your clothing.
Can you wear running shorts to play football?
Of course. Football, after all, involves a lot of running. Traditional running shorts are lightweight and encourage flexibility. However, some players might prefer shorts with a longer inseam for better coverage, support and anti-chafing capabilities.
Keep scrolling for a tried-and-tested edit of the best.
Shop now
The best footballs to buy in 2025 from Adidas, Nike and more
Puma King Ultimate Boots review: Not for beginners playing on AstroTurf
Best football boots for artificial pitches and astro turf, tried and tested
Best mystery football shirt boxes that send you a surprise strip
Runners swear by these no ride-up shorts - and you can finally get them on the high street
Best protein sachets for on-the-go nutrition:Top picks and tips
Nike Strike Women's Dri-FIT Football Shorts
A replica of what the pros wear, these Dri-FIT shorts from Nike feature a streamlined yet free-flowing fit which prevents ride-ups and chafing – allowing you to focus on the game. They’re made with soft recycled polyester and realised in a chic thunder blue and crimson colourway. You really can’t go wrong with Nike.
Buy now £37.99, Nike
Adidas Stadium Shorts
Fantastically loose and flexible with a perfect amount of coverage, these stadium shorts from Adidas are stylish and functional – they’ll take you from pitch to pub with comfortable ease. They feature a high-rise elastic waist, don’t ride up, and are available in sizes 2XS-2XL.
I love the fact that you can add your name or number to these shorts for a personalised touch – perfect for grassroots leagues.
Buy now £33.00, Adidas
New Balance RC Short 5"
I’ve worn these mid-rise shorts a few times for football training, and I adore them. They’re snug without being tight, don’t ride up, and keep me nimble when playing upfront. They’re really soft, and you can feel the four-way stretch with every movement. As they’re technically running shorts, they’re equipped with a built-in brief for extra support.
Buy now £60.00, New Balance
Decathlon Kipsta Women's Football Shorts Viralto Club – Blue
Designed with a football-specific, women-centric cut that encourages freedom of movement, these shorts from Decathlon have a draping, comfortable cut. Despite their value-for-money price point, they hold up well in frequent 40-degree washes – making them ideal for avid players.
Buy now £7.99, Decathlon
Forza Women’s Classic Football Shorts
A classic among smaller teams and offered at a remarkable price (reduced from £14.99 to just £4.99!), these women’s football shorts from Forza are offered in a rainbow’s worth of colours and plenty of sizes.
They’re anti-odour, breathable, equipped with moisture-control, and dry quickly. A small but thoughtful touch: the size label is non-itch, and heat-pressed to the inside of the shorts.
Just be sure to wash on a low heat, inside-out, and leave them to dry naturally.
Buy now £4.99, Forza
baleaf Women's Running Shorts 2 in 1
Featuring a comfortable three-inch waistband with four-way stretch, these shorts have also been designed with an impressive seven-inch inseam for ultimate anti-chafe and anti-ride capability. They have built-in, breathable briefs and a back zipper pocket too, though please don’t keep your keys inside your shorts when playing a football game– landing on them after a tackle won’t feel good. They’re best for training sessions.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Puma teamLIGA Football Shorts Women
These football shorts have been described by Puma as “fabulously functional”, and I have to agree. The innovative dryCELL fabric ensures you stay cool and dry, while the comfortable elasticated waist is comfortable and supportive.
Buy now £16.00, Puma
Adidas Ultimate Two-in-One Shorts
We like short shorts, especially when they come with anti-chafe solutions as is the case with Adidas’ Two-in-One. Double the layers, double the protection, the running staple comes complete with a cooling interior short as well as the logo-embellished exterior featuring pops of reflective detailing to up visibility when the sun goes down. They are also made from at least 70 per cent recycled materials.
Buy now £35.00, Adidas
