THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts Review – Hands-On Test

Quick Verdict

If you're hunting for affordable high waist yoga shorts that won't quit on you mid-workout, THE GYM PEOPLE has built something genuinely worth your attention. After two weeks and a dozen sessions, these athletic shorts deliver solid tummy control, genuinely deep pockets, and fabric that doesn't quit when you start sweating. They're not perfect — sizing is snug and the stitching can nag during longer sessions — but for the price, they outperform what I expected. I'd give them a 4.3 out of 5 for the average buyer, and a strong buy if you size up.

What Is the THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Yoga Shorts?

THE GYM PEOPLE is a fitness apparel brand that sells directly through Amazon, targeting women who want workout gear without the Alo price tag. These high waist yoga shorts are their flagship athletic short for women, built around a four-way stretch fabric that's marketed as non see-through, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. The defining feature is the tummy control wide waistband — a single wide band that sits above the navel and is designed to both compress and support.

The other headline feature is the two deep side pockets. In a market where "pockets" often means decorative slits that fit a key at best, THE GYM PEOPLE went bigger. These pockets run deep enough to hold most smartphones without bouncing, which matters if you listen to music or use fitness tracking apps while running. They come in seven colors (black, navy, gray, pink, purple, red, green) and are marketed for yoga, pilates, running, gym workouts, and everyday athleisure wear.

Key Features

• 4-way stretch premium fabric — moves with you through every yoga pose and running stride
• Non see-through material — passes the squat test without transparency issues
• Moisture-wicking and quick-dry — handles sweat without staying damp
• High-waisted tummy control waistband — wide band contours curves and stays in place
• Two deep side pockets — fits most smartphones securely during cardio and runs
• Available in 7 colors and a full size range from XS to 3XL
• Machine washable with no reported deformation after multiple wash cycles

Hands-On Review

I tested the black medium pair across a variety of sessions: two hot yoga classes, three morning runs (5K each), two HIIT workouts, and a handful of casual walks where I basically forgot I was wearing workout gear. The first thing I noticed opening the package was the fabric weight. It's not paper-thin like some budget athletic shorts — it has a real hand feel, slightly compressive but not stiff. When I pulled them on for the first time, the waistband sat exactly where the product photos promised, which isn't always a given with high waist designs.

The pocket test came first. I dropped my iPhone into the left pocket, tightened the waistband, and went for a run. By the end of the 5K, the phone hadn't budged — no bouncing, no readjusting mid-stride. That alone puts these ahead of several competing brands I've tried. The moisture-wicking claim held up during the hot yoga session: 45 minutes in a 95-degree room, and the shorts never felt soggy or heavy. They wicked the sweat away and were mostly dry within 20 minutes of leaving the studio.

Where I hit a snag was sizing. I'm usually a US size 8, and the medium was genuinely tight — not in a flattering compression way, but in a "this is going to leave marks" way. I exchanged for a large, and the difference was significant. The brand's own size chart is buried in the last product image, which is easy to skip. Don't skip it. The compression effect is intentional, but if you're between sizes or prefer breathing room, size up without hesitation.

The other minor issue surfaced during a 90-minute pilates session. After about an hour, I noticed the inner seam at the crotch area started to feel a little scratchy. It wasn't painful, but it was noticeable. Sensitive skin might react to the stitching, especially during longer workouts. For most people this won't be an issue, but it's worth knowing before a marathon session.

After washing — cold water, air dry to be safe — the fabric bounced back without pilling or losing its shape. The waistband retained its firmness and the color stayed true. So far, the "no deforming after washes" claim is holding up.

Who Should Buy It?

These shorts are a solid fit for women who want reliable workout shorts without spending $60-plus on premium brands. If you're a runner who hates the phone-bounce problem, these are genuinely worth considering — the pocket depth solves that frustration. Yogis who want coverage during inversions and deep stretches will appreciate the stay-put waistband. Casual exercisers who want one pair that works for the gym and the grocery store will find the style versatile enough.

Skip these if you already know you prefer a loose, non-compression fit. If you're very sensitive to seams or prefer minimalist flatlock stitching, try a higher-priced alternative instead. And if you're buying as a gift and can't check the size chart, be prepared for an exchange — the sizing confusion is real.

Alternatives Worth Considering

CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High Rise Shorts — Slightly more expensive but with a buttery-soft fabric that many reviewers call the most comfortable yoga short they've owned. Worth the upgrade if budget allows and fabric feel is your top priority.

Athleta salutation High Rise Shorts 2.0 — Premium build quality and a lifetime return policy, but at nearly triple the price. Choose this if you want a brand with strong sustainability credentials and a proven track record in athletic wear.

IUGA High Waist Yoga Shorts with Pockets — Comparable feature set at a similar price point. IUGA often gets the edge on color variety and has slightly more consistent sizing feedback from buyers.

FAQ

Final Verdict

THE GYM PEOPLE high waist yoga shorts punch well above their price tag. The combination of a compressive high waistband that actually stays put, pockets deep enough for a real phone, and fabric that handles sweat without going transparent makes this a standout in the budget fitness category. My main word of caution is sizing — check the chart, and if you're between sizes, go up. The scratchy-seam issue during extended sessions is a mild drawback but not a dealbreaker for most. Would I keep wearing them? Yes, and I already ordered a second pair in navy.