Balance Athletica Shorts Review

I feel like there is a lot of buzz around Balance Athletica. They have grown very quickly and become pretty popular in the IG world. They have releases that sell out almost immediately, or at least that’s how they feel. So I was so excited when they offered an option to preorder items from one of their launches that has quickly sold out, however it ended up taking forever, and I’ll probably never preorder anything again. So was it worth the wait? Maybe.

If you’ve been around a while, this is the beginning of 2021’s shorts report installment. Let’s review the criteria that we judge all shorts on around here, because it’s very important:

• Don’t ride up (this is my number one criteria)!
• Compressive but not suffocating
• Soft/comfortable fabric
• High waisted
• Pockets are a major plus

So how do the Balance Athletica shorts measure up. Let’s take a closer look. I purchased the Rider Short Ascend – Python ($60), Lux Rider Short-Panther Fire (I’m not sure the exact price because I bought them off Poshmark), The Lux Short-Panther Fire ($58), and the Breeze short ($58). Price wise, the shorts are on the higher end price point for biker shorts, I do really like the fabric, but they are a little pricey. I do think they are worth the price though.

Don’t ride up…Let me preface this by saying that I originally only purchased the Panther Fire Lux Short, but they were so short and rode up INSTANTANEOUSLY, to the point where I knew I would NEVER wear them, that I purchased the Lux Rider Short off of Poshmark. The additional inseam length definitely helps, but just like the Ascend Rider Short….the still ride up. Maybe having a smaller size would help, hard to tell. Speaking of which, their size chart is severely lacking in any information that would actually provide someone with the ability to choose their correct size. For example, XS = Size 0-2…tell me how that is helpful. It’s not, give me some waist and hip measurements PLEASE!

Anyway, the point is, the shorts ride up. The good news is, they don’t have a front seam, so that definitely helps. The length of the Rider shorts helps a lot, but they are still prone to riding up, especially while running, jumping, and spinning.

I very much enjoy the fabric of the Rider Shorts (in Python). The fabric is pretty thin, but it’s soft and comfortable. It is NOT super compressive, so if that’s something you like either size down or don’t buy these shorts. The Lux shorts were an interesting fabric, it’s not uncomfortable, but it doesn’t seem like it stretches that well, or that it stretches out easily. It also holds onto sweat like that’s it’s job.

The Breeze Short are cute and lightweight, but they didn’t fit amazingly well. They were too big, and I ordered the light blue and light yellow shorts which had a shorts liner inside (darker colors have a thong liner). The shorts liner also rides up like a MOFO. I’m debating cutting them out, just to wear them. Although the colors are very light and can be see through. Not my favorite pair of shorts. If they fit better, maybe I’d feel different, but right now I’d say, pass on them.

The best part of these shorts is that they are all high waisted, which I personally love! I haven’t seen any with pockets, but you know that’s an extra perk, not necessarily a requirement.

Overall, I’m a little disappointed in the shorts I’ve purchased from Balance Athletica. I don’t hate them and I’m willing to try them again, but I think I definitely need a size smaller. If only their size chart was helpful, maybe I could have purchased the correct size the first time. I would also never buy the shorter style shorts from them again. I just can’t handle how quickly (aka instantly) they ride up. If you’re looking for cute shorts, with nice fabrics, I’d recommend them, but if you’re looking for something super functional, save your money.

You can return to the main SHORTS REPORT HERE.