Under Armour Men's UA Rival Fleece Shorts - Soft, Durable Gym

Our review of the Under Armour Men's UA Rival Fleece Shorts finds them best suited for men who want a warm, comfortable short for gym sessions, lounging, or cool-weather runs. The single biggest reason to buy is the ultra-soft, 230g cotton-blend fleece with a brushed inside that feels noticeably softer than standard athletic shorts while still wicking sweat and drying quickly. The shorts balance comfort and performance with practical pockets and an encased elastic waistband, making them a reliable everyday active short rather than a lightweight race-day layer.

Key Features

• Material: 230g cotton-blend fleece with a brushed inside offers a soft, warm hand feel that performs well for cooler weather training.
• Moisture management: The fabric wicks sweat and dries fast so the shorts stay comfortable during sweaty gym sessions.
• Fit system: An encased elastic waistband with an external drawcord lets you adjust the fit quickly and keeps the waist secure during movement.
• Pockets: Open hand pockets plus a right-side internal phone pocket and a secure snap back pocket provide practical storage for workouts and errands.
• Length: A mid-length inseam of about 10 to 10.75 in gives coverage that works for most training and casual wear without feeling too long.

Who It's For

These shorts suit men who prioritize comfort and a soft hand feel: gym-goers who want a warmer fleece option for post-workout or cool days, and anyone looking for a versatile short with usable pockets and a secure waistband. The combination of fleece warmth and sweat-wicking performance makes them a good pick for low- to moderate-intensity training and everyday wear.

Those who need a very lightweight, performance race short or an integrated liner should look elsewhere, since these have no liner and the fleece is on the thicker side. Also consider alternate cuts if you prefer a significantly shorter inseam or a compression-style short.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, warm fleece material that feels comfortable after long workouts or during cooler days.
• Good moisture-wicking for a fleece blend, so the shorts do not stay damp for long.
• Practical pocket layout including an internal phone pocket and a snap-secure back pocket.
• Adjustable waist with encased elastic and external drawcord for a secure fit.

Cons

• Material thickness and colorfastness get mixed feedback; some users report colors fading after repeated washes.
• The fit can vary by user with some saying they run slightly small, so consider sizing carefully.

Specifications

Material weight	230g cotton-blend fleece
Interior finish	Brushed inside for extra warmth
Waist	Encased elastic with external drawcord
Pockets	Open hand pockets, internal phone pocket, snap back pocket
Inseam	10 to 10.75 in
Liner	No liner

Our Verdict

The UA Rival Fleece Shorts are a smart buy for men who want a soft, warm short that still manages sweat well and offers useful pockets. They deliver strong comfort and value for casual training and everyday wear, though shoppers who need a lightweight racing short or absolute colorfastness after heavy washing should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts lined?
They come without a liner; the construction is single-layer fleece designed for comfort rather than compression.

Do they run true to size?
Sizing is mixed in user reports; many find them true to size but some note a slightly smaller fit, so check your measurements if between sizes.

Will the color fade after washing?
Some customers report color fade after repeated washes, so wash inside out on cold and avoid high-heat drying to preserve color.