How to Choose Basketball Shorts That Actually Fit Your Game

The bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small is a great pick if you know what to measure first, so here is our fitting guide for court-ready shorts.

Updated 16 Sep 2026 4 min read 8 sections

The best fitting basketball shorts are the ones you stop noticing by the second quarter: right inseam for how you actually play, a waistband that stays put without pinching, and fabric that moves when you cut. If you are hunting for a specific fit like the bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small, this guide walks you through exactly what to check before you buy, from inseam and rise to fabric and layering.

Why the bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small fits a specific kind of player

The bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small is cut for smaller frames that still want real court length, not a shrunken gym short. The maize gold colorway also plays well with white, navy, or black tops, which matters if you play on a team or just like a coordinated look.

What we like about this cut:

True small sizing that does not rely on a stretchy waist to fake the fit
Court-appropriate length that clears the knee without becoming a parachute
A maize colorway that stands out in pickup runs and pairs with most compression gear

If you want current pricing or our discount code for Bigger Than Basketball, grab the code before you check out.

How to measure yourself for basketball shorts the right way

Most “wrong size” complaints come from measuring the wrong thing. Do this instead:

Waist: measure where you actually wear your waistband, not where dress pants sit.
Inseam: measure from your crotch to where you want the hem to land. Most players want the short to end just above or at the knee.
Hip: if you have wider hips relative to your waist, prioritize hip room so the short does not ride up when you sprint.

Then check the product’s size chart, not the general “small/medium/large” label. A small from one brand can fit like a medium from another. When in doubt between two sizes, our rule: size down for a locked-in competitive fit, size up for lounge and practice comfort.

Inseam and fit: loose, tapered, or hybrid?

There are three fit profiles on the court right now, and the right one depends on your game:

Fit style	Best for	What to watch for
Loose, longer inseam	Bigs, post play, players who wear full-length leggings underneath	Can snag on defenders if the leg opening is too wide
Tapered, mid inseam	Guards, quick cuts, shooters	Needs enough thigh room to squat without pulling
Hybrid/lined	Players who go commando or want built-in support	Check the liner material if you run hot

Legends shorts$75.00Image from the merchant

If you prefer a slimmer look, the legends shorts are a solid tapered option, while youth players should check the dedicated youth basketball shorts sizing rather than guessing down from adult sizes.

Fabric matters more than you think

Basketball is a sweat sport, so fabric choice directly affects comfort:

Polyester mesh: the classic. Breathable, durable, quick drying. Slightly heavier than knits.
Performance knit: smoother, lighter, less rustle. Our pick for players who hate the swish sound.
Stretch blends: add spandex for mobility. Best for players who squat low on defense.

Avoid 100% cotton entirely. It holds sweat, gets heavy, and takes forever to dry.

Layering: what to wear under and over your shorts

Shorts are only part of the system. What goes underneath changes the fit and feel:

Compression underwear base layer — Compression underwear$25.00Image from the merchant

Compression underwear reduces chafing on long court days and keeps everything supported during sprints. This is the single cheapest upgrade to your kit.
White compression pants or full tights under loose shorts give knee warmth and slide protection for players who hit the floor.
A basketball compression shirt or an nba compression shirt on top keeps your core warm during warmups and wicks sweat between rotations.

If you layer leggings under loose shorts, go up one size on the short so you are not squeezing two garments into one waistband.

Building a full kit: from the court to the gym bag

Once your shorts and base layer are sorted, round out the rest:

Basketball undershirt worn under jersey — Basketball undershirt$35.00Image from the merchant

Basketball undershirt for a simple, sweat-wicking base under a jersey
T shirt basketball shirt for pregame and postgame wear
BB socks with actual cushioning, because ankle-biting no-show socks and hardwood do not mix
A basketball backpack or basketball bookbag with a ball compartment, so you are not carrying a greasy ball in your main bag

Care tips that make shorts last seasons

Performance shorts die from heat and friction, not wear. Make them last:

Wash cold and skip the fabric softener, which coats fibers and kills wicking.
Air dry or tumble on the lowest heat. High heat melts mesh and warps elastic waistbands.
Wash after every session. Dried sweat breaks down elastic faster than washing does.
Turn them inside out to protect prints and colors, especially bold ones like maize.

Our bottom line

Fit your shorts to your game, not to a size chart screenshot: measure your real waist and inseam, pick the inseam profile that matches your position, and build the layers underneath before you worry about colorways. If the bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small matches your measurements, it is one of the more versatile picks on the store, and a 10% sitewide offer is usually live. Check the latest price and the full Bigger Than Basketball lineup before you order.

Questions

Should I size up or down in basketball shorts?

Start with your waist measurement and the product's own size chart rather than assuming. Our general rule: size down for a tight competitive fit, size up if you plan to layer compression pants underneath.

What should I wear under loose basketball shorts?

Compression underwear is the easiest upgrade because it cuts chafing and adds support. If you hit the floor a lot, add white compression pants for knee coverage and warmth.

How do I know if a women's small will actually fit me?

A small from one brand can fit like a medium from another, so always compare your waist and inseam measurements to that specific product's chart. When a short sits between two sizes, decide based on whether you want a locked-in or relaxed fit.

Can I put basketball shorts in the dryer?

Wash cold, skip fabric softener, and air dry or tumble low. High heat is what kills mesh and waistband elastic, not the washing itself.

Is mesh or knit better for basketball shorts?

Mesh is the durable classic, while performance knit is lighter and quieter on the court. Both work well; knit is our pick if you run hot or hate the swish sound.

Where can I buy the bs1300 maize basketball shorts womens small with a discount?

You can check current pricing and grab our 10% sitewide code on the Bigger Than Basketball promo page, then order directly from the store.