Umbro’s women’s checkerboard short in black beauty/white is a straightforward athletic short that leans toward casual training and everyday wear. The checkerboard pattern gives it a bit of visual interest without being loud, and the medium size fits true to standard women’s sizing. In this review, we look at how the short performs in real-world settings, where it falls short, and who might want to consider it.
The short is clearly intended for low-to-moderate intensity activities. The fabric is a lightweight polyester blend that feels smooth against the skin and dries quickly, which is a plus for sweaty sessions. The elastic waistband with an internal drawstring allows for a customizable fit, and the short has a relaxed cut through the hip and thigh. Side seam pockets are present but shallow—they’ll hold a key or a gel, but a phone will likely slip out during movement. The checkerboard print is applied evenly and hasn’t shown signs of peeling in our testing, though it’s worth noting that the white squares can appear slightly translucent under bright light if the short is stretched.
In practice, these shorts work best for activities like walking, light jogging, gym warm-ups, or casual cycling. The inseam is around 3 inches, which provides decent coverage without restricting movement. During a 30-minute treadmill run, the short stayed in place and didn’t ride up, but the lack of a liner means you’ll need to wear your own underwear, and some testers found the fabric clung slightly during high-sweat activities. For yoga or stretching, the short offers good flexibility, though the pockets can bunch when lying on your side. The waistband didn’t dig in during seated positions, which is a common complaint with similar shorts.
One limitation is the lack of a liner or compression short underneath. Many athletic shorts in this category include a built-in brief for support and chafe prevention, but this Umbro short does not. That means for activities like running or high-intensity interval training, you may experience some friction if you’re prone to chafing. Additionally, the fabric, while quick-drying, is relatively thin and may not hold up as well to frequent washing and drying compared to thicker blends. After several wash cycles, we noticed some minor pilling along the inner thigh area, though it didn’t affect performance.
Compared to a typical running short with a liner and zippered pocket, the Umbro checkerboard short is more of a lifestyle-oriented piece. It prioritizes comfort and a relaxed look over technical features. If you’re looking for a short for serious running or competitive sports, you might be better served by a dedicated performance short with moisture-wicking properties and a secure pocket. However, for casual training or athleisure wear, this short holds its own and offers a distinctive style at a reasonable price point.
Who is this for? It’s a good fit for women who want a comfortable, casual short for light workouts, running errands, or lounging. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a relaxed fit and don’t require a liner. It is not ideal for serious runners, those who need secure pockets for valuables, or anyone looking for a compression-style short. The medium size fits waist sizes approximately 28-30 inches, but the elastic waistband provides some flexibility.
Overall, the Umbro women’s checkerboard short is a decent option for everyday athletic wear, provided you understand its limitations. It’s not a high-performance piece, but it doesn’t pretend to be. For the price, it offers reliable comfort and a style that stands out subtly. Just be prepared to wear your own underwear and keep your phone in a bag rather than a pocket.