How to cover your awrah at the gym: a practical guide for Muslim men
Most gym shorts look fine standing up. The problem starts when you squat, lunge or sit on a bench. Here's how to check your kit and fix the common problems.
What "covered" means
The view of most scholars is that a man's awrah is the area from the navel to the knees. Scholars differ on details, such as whether the navel and knees themselves are included, so if you want a ruling for your own situation, ask a scholar you trust. The rest of this post is about the practical side: staying covered while you move.
Why normal gym shorts often fail
- Length. Many gym shorts stop well above the knee. When you squat, the hem rides up and the gap gets bigger.
- Loose legs. Wide, loose shorts open up at the leg when you lunge, step up or sit with your legs apart.
- Thin fabric. Light, thin material can show shape when stretched or wet with sweat.
- A waistband that slips. If the shorts sit low, they ride lower as you move.
Five checks before you buy
- Measure the inseam. Aim for a hem that reaches the knee or just below when you stand, and stays there when you squat.
- Look for an inner layer. A built-in or separate compression layer under your shorts keeps everything covered even when the outer shorts move.
- Check the fabric. It should be opaque and hold its shape. Stretch it between your hands in good light.
- Test the waistband. A wide, firm waistband or a drawstring keeps shorts in place.
- Watch the stitching. Flat seams and a gusseted crotch handle deep movement better.
How to test them at home
Before wearing a new pair in public, film yourself on your phone. Do a deep squat, a lunge, a seated leg press position and a stretch with your legs apart. Watch the footage and look at where the hem sits. It takes two minutes and shows you what a mirror can't.
A cheap fix if your shorts are short
If your favourite shorts sit above the knee, wear a pair of compression shorts or leggings underneath that reach the knee. It's not as neat as shorts designed to cover, but it works and costs very little.
If you want a pair built for this, I make them at Sitr. My own guide to what to look for is on the Sitr site too.
Full disclosure: I'm the founder of Sitr, which makes awrah-covering shorts for men. I mention it where it's relevant, and I'll always say so when I do.