'Thanks, they have pockets!': The best workout shorts to hold your things

"Thanks, it has pockets!" is a common catch-cry among women who are complimented on their clothing. So often, we're not given the luxury of pockets in our clothes, a problem that very often applies to activewear.

Despite having to carry our phones and keys, it can be a challenge to find workout leggings or shorts with pockets decent enough to fit them inside. And given that no one wants to bring a tote bag on their hot-girl walk, or even to the gym, we tend to get over-excited when it comes to decent gym gear with decent pocket space.

Introducing my workout game-changers...

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

CRZ YOGA Women's Butterluxe Biker Shorts

Get them for $43.99

People adore CRZ Yoga, and for good reason – their products are affordable and super comfy. We witnessed a frenzy over their full-length leggings earlier this year when it became apparent they were very similar to tights from a much more expensive and highly coveted brand. You can read our review here.

I invested in a pair of their shorts earlier this year during a sale, and I now understand the hype. My obsession with heated vinyasa yoga had just begun, and I desperately needed breathable activewear. I love that these sit just above the knee, but are also high-waisted – they feel super secure when moving through poses. The material is also thick enough to pass the squat test, but somehow also light and comfy.

But now to the pockets, their most appealing feature and the reason I love them so much. They're big enough to fit your phone and maybe one or two other small things. The shorts sit tight to the leg, so your phone stays sealed in, leaving no chance for it to fall out. You'll feel safe to run in these with your phone stashed in the pocket, even if you're bouncing around on a treadmill. The stretchy fabric means your keys or gym card can also fit in easily with the same sealing effect.

While they come in a range of colours, I opted for black to hide the sweat marks I inevitably end up with when I do heated yoga.

They're the most comfortable piece of activewear I've owned, except for maybe the CRZ Yoga sports bra, which is my ultimate running companion. You can check out that review here.

If my all-time favourites aren't for you, here are some other great options (with pockets!)...

And with Black Friday deals kicking around, you'll notice a fair few have been discounted already!

CRZ YOGA Women's Naked Feeling Sports Shorts 6-Inch

$33.99 here

Rockwear Colour Pop Mid Thigh Bike Shorts

Now just $30

Boody Motivate 5" High-Waist Shorts

Now 60% off

Rockwear Luxesoft Quad Bike Shorts

Was $59.99, now $41.99

And now for the leggings with pockets...

Rockwear Rwx Rib Pocket 7/8 Tights

$55.99 here

Running Bare Power Moves Pocket Leggings 28 Inch

$119.99 here

Lorna Jane Circuit Recycled Pocket Booty Ankle Biter Leggings

On sale for $104

Rockwear Zeitgeist Pocket Ankle Grazer Tights

Save $39 here

Under Armour Motion Ankle Leggings

Now 25% off!

Lorna Jane Phone Pocket Ankle Biter Leggings

$130 here

Adidas Performance Optime Stash Pocket High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings

Now just $49 here

Rockwear Pocket Ankle Grazer Tights

On sale for $55.99

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