What are awrah shorts?

A plain guide to what awrah means for men, why normal shorts can let you down at the gym or in the pool, and what to look for.

What does awrah mean?

Awrah is the Arabic word for the parts of the body that a Muslim is required to cover in front of other people. For men, the most widely held view is that the awrah is the area between the navel and the knees.

Scholars and schools of thought differ on some details, such as whether the knee itself is counted, so it is worth following the guidance of your own scholar or school. Sitr is a clothing brand and does not give religious rulings. What we do is make shorts designed around covering properly while you move.

Why ordinary shorts often fall short

Many men wear regular gym shorts or swim trunks without thinking about it, until they notice how they behave in real use:

• They ride up when you squat, lunge, sit or stretch.
• A short inseam can leave the thigh exposed even when you are standing still.
• Light, loose fabric can cling or lift in water or when you run.
• Loose bottoms like track pants cover well but are hot and heavy for training and are no use for swimming.

That gap is why many Muslim men end up wearing shorts under tracksuit bottoms at the gym, or avoid swimming altogether.

What to look for in awrah shorts

• Length that covers when you move. Check how far the shorts reach when you sit, squat or kick, not only when standing.
• An inner layer. A built-in compression underlayer keeps everything in place and adds coverage at the leg opening.
• Stretch fabric. 4-way stretch lets you move fully without the shorts pulling up or twisting.
• A secure waist. A drawstring and a proper waistband stop the shorts from slipping.
• Pockets that stay closed. Zip pockets keep your keys and phone from falling out during training.

How Sitr awrah shorts are made

Sitr awrah shorts are designed for Muslim men who train, swim and play sport. They have an awrah-covering length, a built-in compression underlayer, 4-way stretch performance fabric, side slits for movement and zip pockets on both sides. They come in black and navy in sizes S to XL.

You can see every angle, including the logo, waistband, drawstring and inner leggings, in the gallery on the shop page. For more on where they work best, read our guide to modest shorts for the gym, swimming and MMA.

Common questions

Can I swim in awrah shorts?

Yes, Sitr awrah shorts can be worn for swimming as well as training. Rinse them after chlorine or salt water, machine wash cold, and hang them to dry.

Are they too hot for the gym?

They are made from performance fabric with 4-way stretch, and the inner layer is designed to feel like normal compression wear rather than a second pair of trousers.

What if they do not fit?

Get in touch within 14 days of delivery for a return or exchange. Items must be unworn, unwashed and in their original packaging. Return postage is paid by the customer. Full details are on the FAQ page.