The best shorts for men this summer
We evaluated more than 30 pairs to find the styles that go from barbecue to boat and beyond.
Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
Shorts are a little like condiments — you have one or two go-tos you keep reaching for, and then you inevitably start craving a little more variability. Many men treat shorts as the lowest-stakes items in their wardrobe, with one pair of khakis, one gym short and maybe one random swim trunk you have also decided counts as a casual short. And you just keep the rotation moving like nobody will notice. But shorts are not one-size-fits-all, and I don't just mean that literally.
In this story
The best shorts for men depend on the mood, the outfit, the length, the weather and, yes, the amount of thigh you are trying to put into rotation that day. I have an honestly alarming number of shorts because I know the assignment changes. Maybe I'm tucking in a tank. Maybe I'm doing a staple T-shirt with a retro sneaker and a shorter inseam. My 7-inch shorts aren't doing the same job as my 4-inch little leggy legends, but that's the point.
So I'm here to help sort out what you actually need while looking for the best shorts for men, breaking down everything from what's worth buying to which pairs will make you do that little double-take in the mirror.
The best shorts for men of 2026
Sizes:XS–3XL | Inseam:5.5" | Material:98% cotton, 2% spandex | Colors:12
Why we love it:I've owned these shorts forever, and they still hit that perfect middle ground a lot of men's shorts never quite find. They look cleaner than athletic shorts, but they don't have that stiff, uptight chino energy that makes you feel like your thighs (and groin) are being punished for trying to enjoy summer. The 5.5-inch inseam shows enough leg to feel current and a little chic, and the stretch waist adds mobility and breathability. Reviewers echoed that same comfort-meets-style balance, with one saying these had the feel of gym shorts with "mild professionalism," while another called them super comfy, sporty and higher quality than other options they'd tried.
What experts say:The strongest thing going for these is how many different ways they can work. Aricia Symes , style expert and founder of Unfoldid, sees them as a grounded, multi-use option that's casual enough for weekends but clean enough to wear with a polo, linen button-down or simple tee. That lines up with Dina Cerchione 's take. As a stylist at DMC Styles, she pointed to the shorter, trendier length as a reason they feel easier for everyday wear than a more traditional 100% cotton chino short.
Keep in mind:There are a couple fit-specific complaints worth flagging: one reviewer said guys with larger thighs may want to skip them, and another was bizarrely but passionately upset about the lack of a back-left pocket.
- Inseam hits that sweet spot between polished and leggy
- Elastic waistband is more comfortable than old-school chinos
- Clean enough for a polo, but relaxed enough for everyday
- Pricey for casual shorts
- May run a little tight
Sizes:XS–XXL | Inseam length:5" | Material:100% cotton | Colors:8
Why we love it:Abercrombie really is out here in its comeback era. These shorts have that rare energy that's effortlessly casual, not "I accidentally left the house in sleep shorts" casual. The poplin makes them feel light and breezy, with that clutch pull-on waist for an easy, throw-on appeal. They're especially great when it's grossly hot out and I don't want my clothes touching me more than necessary. The reviews lined up with that as people kept calling out the fit, the versatility and the lightweight feel, with one reviewer loving the adjustable waistband.
What experts say:Symes sees these as more relaxed than chinos but still more intentional than gym shorts. Cerchione landed in a similar place, calling them a strong everyday option that can take you from errands to the beach to a barbecue without looking like you gave up on yourself.
Keep in mind:These definitely lean shorter and a little sportier, so if you're not into a more leg-baring fit, they may not be your favorite. And while the fabric is a big part of the appeal, one reviewer did note that the white pair is pretty see-through, which feels like important public service information if that's your color of choice.
- Airy and easy on brutally hot days
- Comfortable without falling into full lounge territory
- Cleaner shape looks current
- Not the best pick if you want pockets of structure or a more tailored shape
- Fabric can skew a little thin in lighter colors
Sizes:XXS–XXL | Inseam lengths:5", 7", 9" | Material:48% recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 10% elastane | Colors:7
Why we love it:As an avid gym-goer, I need shorts that can handle squats, sweat, movement and the very real possibility that I might meet the love of my life between sets. The Kore shorts get it. They feel soft and easy to move in without that aggressively sporty shaker-bottle-owning look. You can train or run errands in them without feeling like you need to change the second your workout ends. Reviewers hit on that same mix of comfort and real-life versatility, calling out the lightweight feel, breathable fabric and how well they worked for different life moments.
What experts say: Patrick Kenger , personal stylist and founder of Pivot, called Vuori one of his favorite athletic brands right now and specifically said these are great for both lounging and activity. Cerchione also pointed to that cleaner, more tailored shape as the reason these have developed such a following.
Keep in mind:These are strong, but not flawless. A few reviewers thought the back pocket would be better with a zipper instead of Velcro, especially for things like biking or carrying anything you don't want bouncing around. There were also some notes about inconsistent stitching and a few people felt the fit ran a bit longer or more casual than expected.
- Strong performance fabric without feeling overly gym-bro coded
- Cleaner cut makes them easier to wear beyond the workout
- Unlined option gives you more freedom if you have underwear preferences
- Back pocket closure feels a little underwhelming
- Some would prefer a slightly trimmer fit through the leg
Sizes:S–3XL | Inseam length:6.5" | Material:70% cotton, 30% polyester | Colors:3
Why we love it:These feel like the shorts version of finally getting home and taking a real exhale. They have that emotional-support-sweatshirt energy, but in short form. The loopback fabric gives them more body and texture than a thin lounge short, so they feel cozy in a more intentional, grown-up way. I also like that there's enough structure there that you can wear them around the house or on a walk around the block when you don't feel like working. Reviewers called them super comfy and durable, with one person saying they were favorite around-the-house shorts that could still easily make it to the beach.
What experts say:The comfort here comes from the fabric doing more than one job. Symes pointed to the vintage loopback texture as the reason these feel soft and relaxed without reading flat or overly casual, while Cerchione liked that same broken-in quality paired with a modern 6.5-inch length.
Keep in mind:These aren't featherweight, little-nothing shorts. One reviewer said they felt a little heavy and tight at the waist, and another mentioned the fit ran a bit trim. So if your idea of comfort means barely-there fabric and a super relaxed fit, these may feel more substantial than expected.
- More texture than a flimsy lounge short
- Substantial, not sleepy or shapeless
- Small details like the stitched pockets make them feel more elevated
- Not ideal if you want something super airy in peak summer heat
- More of a trim fit, less of a loose and baggy setup
Sizes:28–46W | Inseam length:7" | Material:55% cotton, 32% nylon, 13% spandex | Colors:4
Why we love it:Sometimes you need to look like you belong somewhere even if you absolutely don't know what you're doing there. Vineyard Vines lives in that polished-but-not-precious world with that classic Nantucket-prep energy that says, yes, I could absolutely discuss tee times with conviction, even if my actual athletic background is mostly limited to going to and from the fridge. These look clean, easy and expensive enough to be worn with a polo or even a simple tee when you want to look a little sharper than usual without going full yacht captain.
What experts say:The main thing with golf shorts is that they have to do more than regular chinos. Symes pointed to the need for stretch, breathability and enough polish to still look right at the clubhouse, which is exactly where these land. Cerchione also called out the 7-inch inseam and cotton-nylon-spandex blend as the reason they feel comfortable and easy to move in while still looking pulled together. It's performance where you need it, but with a clean classic finish.
Keep in mind:These are definitely more polished than your average casual short, which is great if that's the lane you want. But if your summer wardrobe leans more relaxed or rugged, they may feel a little more specific than some of the other options in the lineup. And yes, the price is pricing. Pick 'em if you want a pair of shorts that can handle golf, travel and slightly dressier summer situations, not just grabbing iced coffee in whatever is closest to your bed.
- Polish-meets-performance style
- More movement than a stiff chino short
- Easy to wear on or off the course
- Can read a little preppy
- Pricey
Sizes:S–3XL | Inseam lengths:5.5" or 7" | Material:95% cotton, 5% spandex | Colors:12
Why we love it:I remember seeing Bearbottom in an ad somewhere, probably while I was supposed to be doing something more responsible, and I immediately got pulled in with no regrets. They have that cuddly, low-effort effect that makes them perfect for sleeping, lying in bed with the AC blasting and just generally existing under a blanket. I run hot, so I don't have a lot of patience for sleep shorts that suddenly feel like too much fabric in the middle of the night. These don't ruin your snores, and reviewers were very much on that same page, calling them super comfortable, high quality and the kind of short you want to keep cuddling yourself in.
What experts say:Cerchione called these a great lounge short that's comfortable enough to sleep in but still supportive enough for a morning coffee run, while Symes pointed to the softer fabric and cleaner shape as the reason they work better than old boxers or oversized gym shorts. It's not always easy to find pajama-level ease with a silhouette that still feels presentable, but these check all the right boxes.
Keep in mind:A few reviewers felt they were a little thick or heavy, especially in humid weather, and one said they were better for lounging than for something like a workout. There were also a couple of small but valid gripes about the missing back pocket and a tag placement that felt weirdly sharp near the pocket opening.
- Cotton-spandex blend for a soft, jersey-like feel
- Easy pull-on simplicity for lounging
- Two inseam options make it easier to get the right amount of leg
- No back pockets
- Not the breeziest option
Sizes:28–42W | Inseam length:11" | Material:98% cotton, 2% spandex | Colors:3
Why we love it:Denim shorts can go wrong so fast. I was low-key intimidated by a denim short for a long time because it's such a distinct silhouette, and for a while, that whole look felt like something only a very specific kind of guy could pull off. Then I actually wore them and realized the whole point is the confidence of it. The carpenter shape and looser fit make these feel more current and more styled than the old denim short versions a lot of us are still mentally recovering from. Reviewers keep praising the comfort, fit, durability and the pocket setup, with one person loving them enough to go back and buy six more pairs, which is quite the powerful endorsement.
What experts say:Shape matters more than ever, and when it comes to a denim short, a little more room, a little more length and a little more attitude tends to look fresher than anything too tight or too short. That's why experts say a carpenter-inspired pair like this works so well — the utility details and looser cut make it feel more intentional and a lot less likely to drift into outdated jorts territory.
Keep in mind:The boxier fit and longer inseam are a definitive look, so if you want something slimmer or more understated, maybe put these back on the virtual rack. A few reviewers also said they ran a bit large, and the pocket feedback was mixed — some loved all the storage, while others thought the proportions were a little weird.
- More fashion-forward than backyard-barbecue jorts
- Oversized, current silhouette
- Enough stretch so the longer cut doesn't feel punishing
- Long inseam may be overwhelming on some
- Boxier cut can read bulky
Sizes:XS–XL | Inseam length:7" | Material:69% polyamide, 31% spandex | Colors:6
Why we love it:These have completely changed my long-run life, and I wear them for every run where I know I need to carry actual stuff, which is most of them. The storage on these is borderline absurd in the best way — phone, keys, cards, gels, whatever little survival kit you need to get through those intense miles — and it all stays close without flopping around. The compression fit helps too. They stay put, they don't rub my skin raw and they make a very strong case for being worth the money.
What experts say:Say hello to performance through problem-solving. Cerchione called out the dense knit fabric, muscle support and function-first build, especially for endurance work where you need your phone, fuel and hydration close without feeling weighed down. These are built for runners who actually need to carry things and don't want their shorts becoming part of the struggle.
Keep in mind:Are they revealing? Yes. You aren't exactly leaving much to the imagination here. More than one reviewer hinted that lighter colors leave very little to the imagination (to each their own), but you can always layer a looser pair on top. Some runners wished the side pockets were a little deeper for soft flasks, and the internal drawstring bothered at least one person over longer efforts. Still, if you're going for performance, these can't be beat.
- Spacious 360º storage replaces a run belt
- Compression fit stays locked in
- Stays in place and resists riding up
- Internal drawstring can get uncomfortable on longer runs
- May not offer enough coverage or modesty for some
Sizes:XS–XXL | Inseam length:5" | Material:51% elastomultiester, 41% cotton, 8% elastane | Colors:5
Why we love it:A bad khaki short can age you 14 years in under five seconds. A good one, though, is still one of the most useful things you can own. This pair gets the khaki short out of its dusty, dad-life exile and makes it feel current again. The color is classic, the shape is clean and the drawstring-tech-fabric combo keeps it from feeling too rigid or overly polished. Reviewers kept calling out the fit, the comfort and the fact that they worked equally well for walks, casual outfits and slightly dressier situations. One person even bought multiple colors, which is usually the clearest sign that a basic is doing its job.
What experts say:Symes framed these as a more modern, relaxed take on the everyday khaki short, with the 5-inch inseam keeping the proportions feeling current and the tech fabric making them easier to wear in heat, on weekends or while traveling. Men's personal stylist Turner Allen landed in a similar place, pointing to the way they manage to feel polished without tipping into "performance short" territory.
Keep in mind:These are a pretty strong all-arounder, but not perfect. One reviewer disliked the way the drawstring was constructed, saying it pulled in an awkward way and stretched the fabric around the waist over time. There was also a small note about the waist running just a touch roomy, so if you are between sizes, take note.
- Classic, goes-with-everything appeal
- Tech blend is light and easy to move in
- Zipper pocket keeps contents in place
- Fabric could be more forgiving
- Runs a bit large
Sizes:30–36W | Inseam length:7" | Material:98% cotton, 2% elastane | Colors:2
Why we love it:These are fancy as hell, and I mean that lovingly. Sometimes shorts need to do more than just support the top half of the outfit, and these pull their weight. The Gurkha belt, the pleats, the length — it all comes together in a way that makes the shorts feel like the main event instead of an afterthought. Usually, you're relying on the shirt to save the day, but not here. These already have enough personality to make the whole outfit feel smarter.
What experts say:These bring more design interest than a standard short without tipping into costume. Symes framed them as the fashion pick in a way that still feels very wearable, especially now that so much dressing has gotten more casual overall. The Gurkha-inspired waistband and pleated front are what make them stand out, and that kind of detail can do a lot when the rest of the summer outfit is relatively simple.
Keep in mind:If you like your shorts straightforward, minimal or invisible, these may feel like a lot. The waistband detail is the whole charm, but it also means the fit and belt placement need to work for your body. And because they are more elevated by design, they make the most sense when you actually want your shorts to say something.
- Gurkha tab waistband builds in visual interest
- Pleats are polished; give shape and movement
- Length keeps the tailored details from feeling too formal
- Less of a throw-on pair; requires more styling thought
- Limited color range
Sizes:XS–3XL | Inseam length:7" | Material:100% European linen | Colors:10
Why we love it:These hit that very specific sweet spot of beachy but not sloppy, with a drawstring that keeps them comfortable, a 7-inch length keeping them current and the linen giving them that breezy, slightly fancy texture. I especially love that blue pinstripe, which really does give a little old-money-new-attitude energy. Reviewers praised them for being so comfortable, flattering and easy to wear through warm weather, with several people saying they had already come back for more.
What experts say:The big sell here is quality-for-price. Kenger pointed to Quince as hard to beat on value, especially for real linen shorts you can wear all summer, while Cerchione highlighted the 100% European linen and the narrower 7-inch shape as what makes these feel stylish as well as comfortable. They look easy, but not lazy.
Keep in mind:Some had issues with seams giving out after only a handful of wears, and more than one person mentioned fit frustrations through the thighs or seat. Linen also wrinkles — that's just part of the deal — so if you want shorts that stay crisp and pristine at all times, this may not be your ideal match.
- Airy, expensive-looking summer texture
- Drawstring waist is easy and forgiving
- More polished than floppy beach shorts
- Linen wrinkles easily
- Middling seam durability, especially through the thighs
How we tested the best shorts for men this summer
For this roundup, I went through 30 pairs across different brands, inseams, fabrics and categories, and I paid attention to what actually makes one pair worth reaching for over another. I looked at everything from stretch, rise and breathability to length, shape and whether a pair felt natural in the setting it was meant for — whether that meant sleeping, running, lounging or trying to look like you're someone who would use the word "summering."
I also used some expert input blended with reviewer feedback and my own extremely active shorts life to sort out what really deserved a place here. What made the final cut wasn't versions of the same safe little short, but pairs that each bring something useful, flattering or fun to the table. Because in one summer, a man may need to be beachy, comfortable, elegant and deeply committed to airflow — and ideally his shorts should be ready for all of that.
What to consider when choosing the best shorts for men this summer
Material
Shorts can look one way on a hanger and feel completely different once you put them on, which is why fabric matters so much. Symes says fabric changes both "the function and the visual message" of a pair of shorts, and that distinction is useful when shopping for a new pair. The goal, she says, is "breathability, airflow and a fabric that does not hold moisture."
Allen breaks it down in simpler terms: cotton is versatile, linen is ideal for hot and humid weather, and performance fabrics are best when you need speed, easy care or sweat management. A breakdown of each:
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Cotton twill or chino fabricis usually the easiest everyday option because it has enough structure to look pulled together without feeling too precious.
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Linen and linen blendsare better for heat, vacation dressing and anything that needs a little breezier elegance, but they're never going to look perfectly pressed for long. As Cerchione notes, if you choose linen, "You gotta own the wrinkles."
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Nylon and technical fabricsmake the most sense for active days, commuting and workouts, especially when quick-dry performance matters more than polish. Jonathan Potter , SVP of Marketing for Haggar, also points out that lightweight performance fabrics help prevent that "heavy, uncomfortable feeling that can happen in the heat," especially on busy days where you are bouncing between outside and air conditioning.
Comfort and stretch
A little stretch can make a pair of shorts far easier to live in. Too much can make them lose their shape and stop looking like anything special. Symes flags that tradeoff directly, warning that overly stretchy shorts can "bag out and lose their polish." Potter says that stretch blends are often the most versatile because they combine structure with flexibility.
That's especially helpful in shorts meant to move through a full day — sitting, walking, traveling, maybe even something mildly athletic. Comfort is not just about softness, either. Potter says a good pair should feel comfortable whether you're "standing, sitting or moving, but still look polished."
Inseam
Everybody has an opinion here, and honestly, everybody kind of should. Inseam length changes the entire proportion of the outfit. Symes points out that shorts are not just short pants — "proportion does a lot of the styling work."
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4-5":If you want a shorter, more fashion-forward look, Cerchione says the 4- to 5-inch range is the modern direction right now, especially for shorter guys or anyone comfortable showing more leg.
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7-8":For most men, 7 inches is the easiest starting point because it tends to hit above the knee and keeps the leg line clean. Allen calls 7 inches "a universally flattering inseam length for most guys," and Kenger lands close to the same place, saying most men look best in a 7- or 8-inch inseam.
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>9":On the longer end, Symes notes that 9 inches can still work, particularly for taller men or a more classic style, but once shorts fall below the knee, the whole outfit can start to feel visually heavier.
Fit
The simplest way to put it is that the fit should feel like you chose it. Symes says a strong pair should "skim the body without pulling" and have enough room through the leg to look intentional.
Cerchione gets specific, noting that shorts that are too wide can look boxy and dated, while those that are too narrow can feel restrictive and accentuate the thighs in the wrong way. She also notes that a mid-rise fit tends to create a cleaner line than one that sits too low on the hips, which can visually shorten the legs.
Even trendier shapes and fabrics need some discipline, and fuller doesn't have to mean floppy. Linen wrinkles are expected, but a waistband that twists or a leg that loses all structure is a different story. Potter also recommends paying attention to shape retention after washing, not just how a pair looks brand-new. If the shorts come out of the laundry overly limp, warped or sad, take note.
Best shorts for men FAQs
What is the best length for men's shorts?
The safest answer is 7 inches. The bolder answer is shorter. The worst answer is anything dragging below the knee for no reason. "For most guys, a 7-inch inseam is the sweet spot," says Allen. It feels modern and tends to work across a broad range of heights and body types.
What types of shorts do all men need?
All of our experts agree that most men are covered with three pairs: something polished, something casual and something active. Cerchione's version involves a structured short that can dress up or down, an athletic pair that can handle gym-to-beach life and "something in between" with an elastic waistband and softer fabric for everyday wear.
What kind of men's shorts are in style right now?
The overall trend is cleaner, shorter and more deliberate. Symes says shorts right now feel "more relaxed and intentional," while Cerchione says we're moving away from baggy basketball and cargo silhouettes and toward shapes that feel "cooler and more versatile for dressing up or down."
Allen sees 5- to 7-inch inseams, tailored drawstring styles and textured fabrics as especially current. Potter points to "cleaner, more tailored silhouettes with built-in comfort," while still emphasizing that men want them to feel easy, not formal.
Meet our experts
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Aricia Symes , style expert and founder of Unfoldid
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Dina Cerchione , stylist at DMC Styles
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Turner Allen , men's personal stylist
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Patrick Kenger , personal stylist and founder of Pivot
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Jonathan Potter , SVP of marketing for Haggar
