Women's handball shorts

Inside leg length: short for movement, thigh-length for coverage

The short style reveals the thigh and doesn't hinder deep bends, such as a low defence or a counter-attack start. The thigh-length provides more coverage and reassures players who wear shorts underneath. Between the two, most team shorts offer a standard length. Check the inside leg measurement on the size chart rather than just the size.

Waistband, drawstring, slits: what keeps you secure while sprinting

A wide elastic waistband keeps the shorts in place without constricting the belly. The inner drawstring allows for adjustment between two sizes. Some women's models sit a bit higher on the waist and don't roll during stretches. The slits on the sides of the legs allow for freedom of movement.

The Team shorts from Kempa and its colour palette

The women's Team shorts from Kempa come in black, white, navy, red, royal blue, Kempa blue, lagoon, heather grey, stone grey, lemon yellow or fluorescent orange. This palette allows you to match the shorts with almost any club jersey. The Wave 26, in black, plays it safe.

Premier, Essential, Blaze Pro: other references

The women's Premier shorts from Errea are available in navy, black, blue, and red. At Hummel, the Essential can be worn in matches as well as training, available in black, blue, red, white, or navy, and the training Blaze Pro features bolder colours. Skorts complete the range for activities other than handball.

Shorts over tights: what colour for the match

A pair of shorts or short undershorts is accepted in matches as long as it follows the dominant colour of the shorts. Black is the exception: it goes with any shorts. All players on a team must wear the same colour. Long shorts are only accepted in black or the colour of the shorts.

Lightweight fabric, quick drying: what to expect from handball shorts

Handball shorts are almost always made of polyester, which is lightweight and breathable. They dry between tournament matches and don’t become heavy with sweat. A more open mesh on the sides ventilates the thighs, and a slightly stretchy fabric supports the long strides of running.

Hummel, Kempa, Mizuno, adidas: choosing your shorts brand

• Hummel covers matches and training with the Essential and Blaze Pro.
• Kempa offers the women's Team shorts, available in a wide range of colours.
• Mizuno, textile partner of the LNH, provides its training shorts.
• adidas, supplier for the French team, offers its Tiro and Adizero shorts.
• Errea focuses on the Premier, understated and easy to match.
• Erima completes the offer with shorts designed for club outfits.

Matching jersey, tights, socks: complete the women's shorts look

• The matching top can be chosen from the women's jerseys.
• Under the shorts, the tights are in the women's baselayers.
• The women's socks should be in the same colour for everyone.
• For training, the shorts are worn with women's t-shirts and polos.
• The running session requires one of the sports bras with strong support.
• Over the shorts, women's tracksuit bottoms are used for warming up.
• Women's sweatshirts complete the outfit after training.
• Women's jackets and tracksuits dress the team off the court.

Spare shorts: where to find them cheaper

Discounted women's shorts can be found in the women's sales, and clearance items in the women's clearance. For a club order, the Black Friday sales allow equipping the whole team at once.

Frequently asked questions

What size of women's handball shorts should I take?

Take your usual women's trouser size. In unisex fit, the shorts are wider at the hips and longer: try a size down. The inner drawstring helps to compensate for a small difference.

Handball shorts or running shorts?

Running shorts are shorter and often have an integrated panty, designed for straight-line running. Handball shorts are a bit longer, more resistant to snags, and match the jersey. The first is for preparation, the second for the court.

How to stop the shorts from riding up between the thighs?

A pair of tights underneath usually solves the problem. Also choose a thigh-length and women's fit, which is better suited to the hips. A pair of shorts that's too small rides up more than one that's the right size.

Can you wear shorts in a different colour than the team?

Not in competition: all players in championship wear the same shorts. In training, everyone can do as they like. Federations may relax the rule at lower levels.

How to wash a printed shorts?

Inside out, at no more than thirty degrees and without fabric softener. No tumble dryer or iron on the number. They dry quickly in the open air.