Quince Performance Tech Short Review | Great for the Price?

Quince got their start in home goods and bedding, but they have since been on an absolute tear diving harder into apparel, wellness, and men’s workout gear. Their Performance Tech Short is explicitly designed to rival top-end premium workout shorts from brands like Ten Thousand, Vuori, and Rhone—where pairs routinely run $68, $78, or even close to $100.

Priced around $40, the Quince Performance Tech Shorts aim to bring a similar look, feel, and versatility at a fraction of the cost. But does a $40 price point mean performance cuts in the gym?

Like reviewing budget training shoes, budget workout apparel generally comes with caveats that remind you why you’re getting them for the price they’re listed at. I approached the Performance Tech Short similarly to shorts like the CRZ Yoga shorts that also cost around $30-40.

I tested the Performance Tech 7.5″ lined short for heavy lifting, CrossFit metcons, short runs, casual daily wear, and even some skateboarding. Here is the full breakdown of where these shorts excel, where they show their budget compromises, and how they stack up against premium alternatives.

Who Should Buy the Quince Performance Tech Shorts?

• Budget-Minded Lifters: If you want a comfortable, lightweight workout short that mirrors the look of premium activewear brands for around $40. I’ve enjoyed these for the most part.
• Athletes with Thicker Legs: If you have muscular quads and adductors and find traditional athletic shorts with built-in liners too restrictive through the hips and gusset, then these may be worth a look. They kind of remind me of the updated Lululemon Pace Breaker fit. On that note, the BYLT Active Plus Short can also be a solid option for thick thighs.
• Warm-Climate Gym-Goers: If you train in hot environments and prioritize high breathability and lightweight materials, then you’ll like these. For the price, they have a nice wispy feel to them.
• Casual Athleisure Wearers: If you want a relaxed, comfortable short that transitions easily from a general gym workout to dog walks and daily errands. These remind me a lot of the Vuori Kore Short in that they’re a good daily wear and training crossover short.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Quince Performance Tech Shorts?

• Competitive CrossFit & HYROX Athletes: If you need a dialed, form-fitting short with a secure, slip-free waistband for intense race-pace metcons, then pass on these. The relaxed waistband is nothing to write home about regarding security.
• Hybrid Focused Guys: If you run outside with a heavy smartphone and need a bounce-free, compression-locked pocket system, then pass on these. They can work for a couple of casual in-gym miles, but lack an edge for running. Look into something like the WOLACO Warren Short for running needs.
• Athletes Wanting a Tapered Silhouette: If you prefer a tailored, quad-hugging aesthetic that accentuates your leg development, then these may be a bit too boxy for you. For that nice hug, you can’t go wrong with the Ten Thousand Interval Short or Born Primitive Versatile Short.

Sizing and Fit

My Stats: I am 6’0”, weigh 180 lbs, and have a thigh circumference measuring around 24 inches and a waist that comfortably sits between 32-33″.

My Sizing Dimensions

• Waist: 32-33″
• Hip Width: 40″
• Mid-Thigh: 24″
• Height: 6′ 0″
• Weight: 180 lbs

I tested the Size Medium in the 7.5″ inseam, and the sizing was spot-on. I would definitely recommend staying true to size according to Quince’s sizing guide.

• Thicker Thighs & Bigger Glutes: Do not size up. Even if you routinely size up in brands like Ten Thousand or Vuori to get extra leg room, stick with your normal size here; the cut is naturally generous, and the chill waistband won’t hug too much.
• Lean/Slender Guys: If you are between sizes, consider sizing down to avoid excess fabric flare around the leg openings. The medium on me fits well overall, but these definitely have a little more gusset space than I’m used to — which can be a good thing.

Performance Breakdown by Activity

Lifting & Strength Work: 8/10

For lifting and general gym training, the Quince Performance Tech Shorts do a good job. The shell features a 4-way stretch blend of polyester and spandex that handles deep squats, split squats, and leg presses without catching or pulling tightly across the knees.

On a scale comparing these to premium shorts like the Ten Thousand Interval Short, I would rate the shell’s 4-way stretch around a 7 out of 10. While it doesn’t possess that buttery, ultra-high-end elastane snap found in $80 shorts, it moves well and gets the job done for barbell and machine work.

The biggest caveat when lifting is the waistband. The internal elastic is relatively lax, meaning you have to crank the internal drawstring down tightly to ensure the shorts feel “squat-proof” and don’t slide or gap at the lower back during deep hip flexion.

CrossFit, HIIT & Conditioning: 7.5/10

In dynamic functional fitness circuits, the shorts offer great ventilation and a lightweight feel that doesn’t hold onto excessive heat. If you train in warmer climates, the shell breathes exceptionally well.

However, during explosive, high-flow movements—such as burpee box jump-overs, rope climbs, and dynamic leg kicks—the generous cut through the gusset and thigh can feel a bit loose and flowy. Unlike premium training shorts that stay anchored and move as an extension of your legs, the Quince can feel a bit boxy and lax when cycling rapidly through high-cadence movements.

Running & Daily Wear: 7.5/10

For running, these shorts can handle a casual 1 to 2-mile warm-up or cool-down at the gym, but they are not going to be a dedicated running short. The side pockets lack internal compression or dedicated bounce-free phone sleeves. If you put a large, heavy modern smartphone in your pocket and head out for a run or high-tempo interval repeats, your phone will bounce and pull the shorts down.

For daily wear, running errands, and lounging, however, these shorts genuinely shine. The relaxed waistband and comfortable liner make them much more forgiving for all-day wear than hyper-compressive gym shorts. Furthermore, because the gusset and hip cut are roomier, putting a phone or wallet into your pockets doesn’t create that stretched, bulging look seen on tighter, form-fitting shorts.

Construction Details

Materials and Shell Build

• The shell is constructed from an ultra-lightweight, non-bulky blend of polyester and spandex engineered with 4-way stretch.
• The fabric weave prioritizes airflow and high breathability, keeping the shorts feeling cool and airy during warm-weather training sessions or in hotter climates.

Waistband and Drawstring System

• Features a standard elastic waistband designed to sit flat against the waist, though the passive elastic retention runs on the looser side.
• Utilizes an internal drawstring that must be tied down snugly to achieve a locked-in, slip-free fit during deep flexion movements like squats.
• When pulled tight, the waistband fabric can visibly bunch around the front due to the tension on the drawstring cord, one of the drawbacks of the relaxed waistband.

Inseam, Gusset, and Liner

• Built with a 7.5″ inseam that falls naturally just above the knee for taller lifters.
• Incorporates a generous, accommodating crotch gusset paired with a wider leg opening that gives athletes with larger quads and adductors room to move without fabric bunching up.
• Includes an integrated built-in liner that delivers moderate support without feeling restrictive or cutting off circulation into the quads.

Pockets and Storage

• Equipped with dual side drop-in pockets that are deep enough to hold personal essentials like keys, cards, and wallets for daily wear.
• The roomier hip cut allows pockets to sit “relatively” flush against the body when filled, minimizing the bulging silhouette often seen in tighter athletic shorts.
• The pockets lack internal phone-lock sleeves or compression anchors, meaning larger modern smartphones will bounce during high-cadence movements.

Final Remarks: Are They Worth It?

The Quince Performance Tech Shorts are a very solid, budget-friendly entry that punches well above their $40 price point. While they may not completely dethrone top-tier $80+ pairs in terms of waistband security, pocket construction, or tailored aesthetics, they offer solid versatility, exceptional breathability, and a forgiving cut for a wide range of anatomies.

If you’re looking for a dependable daily-driver short for general lifting, gym classes, and casual wear that won’t break the bank, they are worth picking up, in my opinion.

If you have additional questions about the Quince Performance Tech Shorts, their sizing, or how they compare to Ten Thousand or Vuori, drop a comment below!