P/T Bottoms
Rothco PT shorts and training bottoms cover everything from a fast two-mile run to a cold morning formation to a leg day at the gym. This section collects the physical training shorts, sweatpants and women's workout bottoms we carry.
Military-style PT shorts:
- Rothco Army Physical Training Shorts and Physical Training PT Shorts
- Lightweight Army Physical Training PT Shorts for hot-weather runs
- Ranger PT Shorts, plus the US Flag Ranger PT Shorts in black
- Army PT Compression Shorts to wear alone or under running shorts
For cooler days, Rothco Physical Training Sweatpants keep your legs warm through warm-ups, ruck recovery and early-morning stretches.
Women's training bottoms:
- Womens Camo Performance Workout Leggings and Workout Performance Camo Leggings With Pockets
- Womens Camo Workout Performance Capris and Legging Shorts
- Womens Essential Leggings, with or without pockets
Ranger PT shorts, often called "ranger panties," have become a favorite with veterans and gym-goers for their short inseam and unrestricted stride. The compression shorts add support and help prevent chafing on long runs and rucks.
A note for service members: the Army PT uniform calls for the black APFU trunks described in DA PAM 670-1, chapter 10, so these PT shorts are for personal training, not formation. Paragraph 10-6 does allow plain black spandex shorts under the APFU trunks; the guide below explains the rules.
How to Choose PT Shorts and Training Bottoms
Match the bottom to the workout and the weather.
Ranger PT Shorts vs. Army PT Shorts
Ranger PT shorts have a very short inseam that leaves your legs free for sprints, hill repeats and fast distance runs. Army physical training shorts sit longer for more coverage, which many people prefer for mixed workouts, lifting and wearing around the house or gym. The lightweight Army PT shorts are the pick for summer heat and sweaty interval days.
Compression Shorts for Support
Army PT compression shorts hold muscles snug, cut down on thigh chafing and add support under looser running shorts. Wear them alone for gym work or as a liner on long runs and rucks.
PT Sweatpants for Cold Weather
Physical training sweatpants cover warm-ups, cool-downs and outdoor workouts when the temperature drops. Pull them on over PT shorts so you can strip down once you're warm.
Women's Leggings, Capris and Legging Shorts
Full-length leggings suit cold weather and studio workouts, capris split the difference, and legging shorts work for hot-weather training. The styles with pockets let you carry a phone or key on runs.
PT Shorts Sizing and Fit
Running and PT shorts should allow a full stride without riding up or binding at the waist. Compression shorts and leggings should feel snug but not restrict breathing or circulation; if you're between sizes, size down for compression and up for comfort, and check the size chart on each product page. Sweatpants should leave room for a pair of shorts underneath.
Building a Week of PT Bottoms
If you train most days, plan on rotating at least three pairs of PT shorts so you always have a clean, dry pair. Many people keep one pair of Ranger PT shorts for speed work, one pair of longer Army PT shorts for lifting and mixed sessions, and compression shorts as a base for both. Add a pair of PT sweatpants for cold mornings and recovery days, and you're covered year round.
PT Shorts and Military Regulations
Here's how commercial PT shorts relate to the Army's APFU rules.
What the APFU Requires
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 10-2, lists black running trunks with gold "Army" lettering and black running pants as the APFU's lower pieces. Commercial PT shorts and sweatpants, including Ranger PT shorts, don't replace those items in a PT formation. Paragraph 10-6 notes that optional purchase items can replace issued ones only when made by a certified manufacturer and labeled as such.
Commercial Items Allowed with the APFU
- Spandex shorts: commercially purchased black spandex shorts may be worn under the APFU trunks. They must be plain, with no logos, patterns or obtrusive markings, and must end above the bottom of the trunks. If you're buying compression shorts for formation PT, confirm the color and markings meet that standard.
- Leggings: Soldiers with an approved religious accommodation may wear plain, commercially purchased black leggings under the APFU shorts.
- Long underwear: commanders may authorize long underwear in cold weather, but it must be concealed by the APFU jacket and pants.
Paragraph 10-6 also lets pregnant Soldiers switch to equivalent civilian workout clothing once the APFU no longer fits. Unit and command policies can be stricter than the regulation, so check with your leadership before wearing anything new to PT.