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Lookbook

Shorts with pockets

Shorts dump phones. That’s the whole problem. These have pockets that stay loaded when you sit, walk, or run — zippered when the inseam is short, deep side pockets when it isn’t.

Amazon listing photo of Liberty Imports grey athletic shorts with a zippered side pocket

Shorts · $39.95

Liberty Zipper Shorts

Zippered pockets on shorts are not a luxury. They’re the difference between “I can walk the dog” and “I am clutching my phone like a Victorian with a handkerchief.” These have a 5-inch inseam and zip pockets that actually close. Reviewers say an iPhone 15 sits fully in.

The best part is the zippered pockets. The pockets are deep enough to hold my iPhone 15.
Amazon reviewer
  • Holds an iPhone 15
  • Side zip at the hip
  • Holds a phone
  • Zipper
Amazon listing photo of SANTINY high-waisted bermuda shorts

Shorts · $19.99–$26.99

SANTINY 7"/9" Bermudas

Bermuda shorts have the fabric for real pockets and still often ship with shallow ones. These don’t. The front side pockets are deep enough that a phone doesn’t fall out — reviewers keep repeating that sentence, which is the only sentence I need.

Two front side pockets are deep enough to hold your phones without falling out.
Amazon reviewer
  • Super deep — phone stays put
  • Front side pockets
  • Holds a phone
  • Open pocket
Amazon listing photo of SANTINY 9-inch bermuda shorts with four pockets

Shorts · $19.99–$27.99

SANTINY 9" Four-Pocket

Four pockets on a 9-inch bermuda is the grown-up version of “I refuse to carry a bag to the park.” Two deep side pockets take a phone and keys; the extras are for the things that otherwise end up in your hand.

2 deep side pockets to easily hold your cell phone, keys.
Amazon reviewer
  • Not shallow — phone and keys
  • Two deep sides, four total
  • Holds a phone
  • Open pocket
Amazon listing photo of THE GYM PEOPLE black high-waist shorts

Shorts · $16.99–$21.99

Gym People Yoga Shorts

Running shorts lie about pockets more than any other category. These have two side pockets that actually hold a phone while you run — not a credit-card slot you have to clamp with your thigh. If it dumps on a jog, it doesn’t belong here.

Deep pockets that actually hold my phone while I run.
Amazon reviewer
  • Holds a phone on a run
  • Two side pockets
  • Holds a phone
  • Open pocket
Amazon listing photo of SANTINY 6-inch athletic shorts

Shorts · $19.99–$26.99

SANTINY 6" Four-Pocket

A 6-inch inseam is short enough that an open pocket can dump when you sit. These solve it with four pockets, including a back zipper, plus front side pockets deep enough that phones don’t fall out.

Two front side pockets are deep enough to hold your phones without falling out.
Amazon reviewer
  • Phone-deep, zip for backup
  • Deep sides + back zipper
  • Holds a phone
  • Zipper