Drive 7" vs Ultra Light 6" Short: Which Length for Running?
By Devoteewear | Gym Clothes & Fitness Apparel | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Drive 7" and Ultra Light 6" shorts on inseam, liner, and pockets to pick the running length that fits how you move and what you carry.
Quick answer
Choose the Drive 7" Short if you want a built-in mesh liner and a longer 7-inch inseam for lifting and runs where your phone stays zipped in place. Choose the Ultra Light 6" Short if you prefer a shorter 6-inch cut with more pocket organization and a drawstring waist for adjustable sizing.
The inseam difference is small but changes how each short feels
A 6-inch inseam sits higher on the thigh than a 7-inch inseam, so the Ultra Light 6" Short leaves more leg exposed and can feel cooler on warm runs. The Drive 7" Short covers an extra inch, which some runners prefer for less ride-up and a bit more coverage during longer efforts.
Neither length is inherently faster. The right call depends on whether you notice fabric creeping up on shorter cuts or feel restricted by extra length.
Liner and pocket setup decide more than the number on the label
The Drive 7" Short has a built-in mesh liner, so you can skip a separate base layer and get one less piece to manage. The Ultra Light 6" Short does not list a liner in its supplied specs, which means you may need to pair it with your preferred underwear or liner.
Pocket layout also splits the two. The Ultra Light 6" Short offers a zip pocket, a shirt loop, an open side pocket, and a back zip key pocket. The Drive 7" Short keeps it simpler with one open side pocket and one zip pocket sized to hold a phone through the set.
Trade-offs to weigh before you pick
- Coverage vs. airflow: The Drive 7" Short gives an extra inch of thigh coverage; the Ultra Light 6" Short exposes more leg for a cooler feel. Pick based on whether you tend to tug shorts down mid-run or prefer minimal fabric.
- Built-in liner vs. free choice: The Drive 7" Short includes a mesh liner, so it is a one-piece solution. The Ultra Light 6" Short has no listed liner, so factor in whether you already have a liner or underwear you like running in. If you hate separate liners, the Drive 7" removes that decision.
- Pocket organization vs. simplicity: The Ultra Light 6" Short spreads storage across a zip pocket, open pocket, shirt loop, and key pocket. The Drive 7" Short concentrates on a phone-friendly zip pocket and one open pocket. Choose the layout that matches what you actually carry.
Product facts at a glance
- Ultra Light 6" Short: 6-inch inseam with a front drawstring and multiple pockets, including a zip pocket, shirt loop, open side pocket, and back zip key pocket. The shorter cut and adjustable waist suit runners who want airflow and organized storage for keys, a shirt, or a towel.
Ultra Light 6" Short - Drive 7" Short: 7-inch inseam in 90% nylon / 10% spandex with a built-in mesh liner and a zip pocket that holds a phone. The longer, lined design reduces the need for a separate base layer and keeps a phone secure during lifts or runs.
Drive 7" Short
Which short fits your run
Best for
- Runners who want a built-in liner and a slightly longer 7-inch inseam
- Lifters or hybrid athletes who keep a phone zipped during a set
- Anyone who prefers a simpler two-pocket setup
Not for
- Runners who want maximum airflow and a shorter 6-inch cut
- People who need a shirt loop or a dedicated key pocket
- Those who prefer an adjustable drawstring waist over a fixed waistband
