What to Consider
Material
Prioritize breathable knits. Fabrics like seersucker, linen, nylon, and cotton are all great for keeping you cool in the blazing heat. In addition, many of our favorite shorts are constructed with a blend of materials nowadays, so you often get the best of both worlds.
When it comes to construction, we also recommend shorts that have moisture-wicking fabrics, which can help prevent swamp crotch or sweat stains. If you’re looking for a comfortable all-day short, we recommend finding one with elastane in the waistband for extra stretch.
Inseam
Inseams will determine the kind of vibe you’re aiming for. Anything six inches or less will look a bit bolder, while a seven-inch inseam will be a more understated length. For guys who are more modest, a nine-inch inseam will probably be your best bet.
To find the right inseam length for you, our fashion team recommends a short that hits two inches above your knee. This tip helps create the most flattering proportions for your body type—shorter guys will look more elongated, and taller men will avoid looking they’re the newest members of Reno 911.
Fit
Baggy cuts are all the rage these days, but don’t feel like you have to jump on that style bandwagon. Our editors say that the fit of your shorts depends on the occasion. Going for a dressier vibe? Opt for a slim cut short that feels tailored—it plays well with button-down shirts and even blazers. If you prefer a laidback aesthetic, then you can’t go wrong with a floaty short under your go-to T-shirts.
How We Selected
To curate the best shorts for men, Men’s Health‘s editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a range of summer shorts in different styles across a bunch of occasions since 2023. For instance, we’ve worn Ten Thousand’s Foundation Shorts to the gym, sported Abercrombie’s Go-To shorts to the office, ran errands in Mack Weldon’s Ace shorts, and donned Madewell’s linen shorts to weekend getaways. Then, our testing editors narrowed down the selection by evaluating these tried-on shorts based on their style, fit, price point, comfort, durability, and most importantly, versatility.
You won’t find any trend-chasing shorts in here (such as too short, too baggy, too many holes, or too graphic). Instead, our picks focus on timelessness and comfort for the active guy. Read on for our definitive list.
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JOE LINGEMAN//Hearst Owned
Credit: eli schmidt
Credit: eli schmidt
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Best Overall
Abercrombie Go-To Short
Pros
- Flattering inseam length
- Can be worn a bunch of different ways
Cons
- Nothing, at this price point
After weeks of trial and error, we landed on Abercrombie as the short to wear this spring and summer. The short’s flat front cut hits the perfect style note between casual and dressy. That means it plays well with a T-shirt, polo, or button-up, and you can dress it up or down as much as you want. The seven-inch inseam is a middle-of-the-road length that flatters guys with giant quads or chicken legs, so it works with a lot of different body types.
We love a menswear essential with performance features, and Abercrombie’s Go-To Short delivers on that front. The polyester fabric wicks away moisture, which helped us feel dry during exceptionally hot days. Its waistband has a hint of stretch that’s easy to move in. And because the waist doesn’t crinkle like other hybrid dress shorts, we found that it still looked polished when we wore it under a tucked-in dress shirt, and without a belt. It comes in four colors, and given its affordable price point, we recommend copping these in a few styles.
Read more: Best Clothing Brands for Men
| Materials | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 7 in. |
| Colors | 4 |
| Fit | Slim |
Amazon Bestseller
Wrangler Classic Cargo Stretch Short
Pros
- Great value
- Incredibly durable
Cons
- Only for super casual settings
Wrangler’s classic cargo short has more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and our editors co-sign its greatness. That’s because it’s built like our favorite pair of jeans, but made for summer. Made with a cotton-spandex blend, it’s incredibly durable, but has a broken-in feel that can handle yard work, but is comfortable enough for grabbing beers after. It’s got a relaxed fit that keeps it super breathable, and it’s got tons of pockets so your phone, keys, or tools won’t be going anywhere. Would we recommend wearing this to a dinner party? Of course not. But, it’s got a laidback aesthetic that works for all your casual hangouts. Rugged, reliable, and surprisingly comfortable, I think it hits the perfect summer staple trifecta.
| Materials | Cotton, spandex |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 10 in. |
| Colors | 16 |
| Fit | Relaxed |
Best Hybrid Shorts
Patagonia Baggies Shorts
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Might be too short for some guys
Patagonia’s Baggies short has become a warm-weather staple for our active and outdoorsy editors, and for good reason. It’s easy to wear, and the quick-drying nylon fabric is lightweight but tough, and has a relaxed fit that won’t cling when the heat is on. We’ve sported these during hot hikes in upstate New York and casual errands in Manhattan, and found they worked just as well in both settings. That’s because it’s got a laidback aesthetic that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself, so you can easily pair this with a moisture-wicking tank or a camp collar shirt. Plus, the five-inch inseam hits that sweet spot: short enough to show some leg, but not so brief you feel like you’re wearing swim trunks to the bar. We like to bring this to our tropical vacations because of its comfortable mesh liner, and the vertical side pockets that help reduce drag in water. In short (get it?), it’s the most versatile options we’ve tested.
Read more: Best Swim Trunks for Men
| Materials | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 5 in. |
| Colors | 13 |
| Fit | Relaed |
Best Golf Shorts
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short
Pros
- Super affordable
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
Cons
- Not the most durable option we’ve tested
These budget-friendly golf shorts are a bestseller with Men’s Health’s readers, and it’s easy to see why. Made with a polyester-spandex blend, it’s got a hint of stretch that moves with you, whether you’re crushing a drive down the fairway, or plowing through your weekend errands. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking, so you can stay relatively cool and dry even when temps start to rise. Testers say the short sits comfortably high at the waist, and ends just above the knee that looks clean, but not stuffy. Style-wise, it’s just as home at the country club as it is at the pub. And for the price, it punches well above its weight.
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 9 in. |
| Colors | 10 |
| Fit | Relaxed |
Best Travel Shorts
Octobre Tiber Shorts
Pros
- Hides wrinkles well
- Looks great with a variety of fits
Cons
- Wear with a belt if your shirt is tucked in
This short is purpose built for summer travel. It’s got a cotton-linen blend that’s lightweight and breathable, and the textured fabric hides wrinkles better than other cotton shorts we’ve tested. That means you can throw this on right out of the suitcase. Our style team loves the tailored fit, which keeps you looking put-together without feeling stiff. I wore this during a recent summer trip to Buenos Aires, and found that it’s polished enough to dress up with a button-down shirt, but still plays well with my go-to T-shirt and sneakers. In terms of comfort, I love the elastic waistband that’s also forgiving on love handles. But because the waistband is wrinkled, I like to rock this with a belt when I wear it with a tucked shirt.
Read more: Best Travel Pants for Men
| Materials | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 7 in. |
| Colors | 3 |
| Fit | Tailored |
Best Chino Shorts
Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Short 2.0
Pros
- No break-in period
- Great for business casual fits
Cons
- None
I’ve waxed poetically about Bonobos’ eternally wearable chinos, so it’s no surprise that the brand makes equally-great chino shorts. Think of this one as your cheat code for business casual dressing this summer. It’s got a soft cotton stretch blend, with the kind of give that keeps you comfortable though long lunches, or sprinting to catch the train. The fabric’s also garment-washed, which means they’ve got that easy, broken-in feel from day one. In fact, our editors say they feel super comfortable straight out of the box, like they’ve already owned them for a few summers. The fit is balanced: slim without being clingy, with a nice mid-thigh length that works with most body types, and plays nice with sneakers, loafers, or sandals. Plus, it comes in more colors than you’ll know what to do with, so you’ll find a style that suits you. IMO, these are the shorts to grab when you want to look put together, but not too stuffy.
| Materials | Cotton, spandex |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 5, 7, and 9 in. |
| Colors | 14 |
| Fit | Standard, slim, and athletic |
Best Bermuda Shorts
Mango Linen Bermuda Shorts
Pros
- Super light and breathable
- Great for guys who prefer more coverage
Cons
- Slim fit might be too tight on guys with thick thighs
Bermuda shorts are so back, but not in the baggy, awkward way you might remember from the ‘90s. Today’s best Bermuda shorts have a longer inseam, but has a clean cut that makes you look like a grown man. Take this one from Mango, which has a slim (but not sloppy) cut with a longer length that hits that sweet spot just above the knee. And because it’s made from 100% linen, it’s light and breathable, so you can throw this on when temps really start to turn up. It’s one of the dressier options on our list, and I recommend pairing this with a button-down linen shirt (in a different color), or your go-to polo. But this can be still be worn with a white T-shirt or tank top for a foolproof casual (but not sloppy) fit.
| Materials | Linen |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 9 in. |
| Colors | 5 |
| Fit | Slim |
Best Everyday Short
Flint and Tinder 365 Chino Short
Pros
- Super durable
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors
Cons
- Go up a size if you have thick thighs
Huckberry’s in-house brand makes some quality, no-fuss basics. Take its chino short, which is built like your favorite office pants but re-engineered for summer. It’s cut from a cotton-spandex blend that’s breathable, but has enough stretch to keep up with your weekend adventures. It’s reinforced with double-needle stitching around the waist and thighs so it won’t blow out or sag even after heavy rotation. While it comes in three length options, I like the 7-inch inseam, which hits above the knee for most guys without feeling too short. It also comes in 11 (!!!) colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. One note: we did find that this runs a bit small on guys with thicker thighs (like our jacked model for this photoshoot), so I recommend going up a size if you’re serious about leg day.
| Materials | Cotton, spandex |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 5, 7, 9 in. |
| Colors | 11 |
| Fit | Tailored |
Best Seersucker Shorts
Madewell Everywear Short
Pros
- Unique texture
- Very breezy and light
Cons
- None
I tested a bunch of seersucker shorts, and this one from Madewell reigns supreme. That’s because it’s infused with corduroy, which means it’s breezy and lightweight, and the corded texture adds some rugged character. The relaxed cut is on trend, while the unique texture has a hint of old-school prep. It’s the kind of short that looks like you put some thought into your outfit, even if you didn’t. I find this great for beach weekends, backyard hangs, or anytime you want to keep it low-key, but still sharp.
| Materials | Cotton, elastane |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 5.5 in. |
| Colors | 3 |
| Fit | Tailored |
Best Jean Short
Levi’s Levi’s Men’s 501 Hemmed Short, Never Be Mine-Destructed, 36
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Timeless design
- Great inseam length
Cons
- Might be too thick for hot days
Finding a top-tier jort; however, was a much easier task. The 501 is one of the most iconic jeans ever designed, and still holds up today. And its shorts version is no exception. Levi’s cut its marquee pant down to a 7-inch inseam that hits mid-thigh for a lot of guys. And to save you time, the brand was kind enough to distress the hell out of it, resulting in a great lived-in look that pairs well with casual fits. Because this is the 501, it works with just about any summer casual look, and you know it’ll never go out of style.
Yeah, these jean shorts are much thicker than other options on this list, but we found that the 501’s straight cut offered enough breathing room through the thighs to keep us relatively cool on a typical summer day. Though you may want to swap these for a chino or linen short on blazing afternoons.
| Materials | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 7 in. |
| Colors | 4 |
| Fit | Straight |
Best Gym Shorts
Ten Thousand Interval Short
Pros
- Super durable fabric
- Doesn’t cling or ride up
Cons
- Expensive, compared to similar gym shorts
Summer workouts call for lightweight gym shorts that are still durable. Enter Ten Thousand, a purveyor of some of our favorite workout clothes, including this one. The Interval Short is made with a polyester blend that’s purpose built for tough exercises. Trust us: Our fitness editors have put it through the paces, and found that it didn’t rip, and moved like a second skin. That’s thanks to its four-way stretch fabric, which also has a bit of compression so it doesn’t ride up or cling. We found that the quick-drying material lives up to its odor-fighting marketing claims, and helped prevent swamp crotch during 90-degree runs.
The Interval Short comes in three inseams, though we suggest (you guessed it) the 7-inch length for a universally flattering cut. And while our fashion team mainly recommends wearing this for the gym, its slim cut makes for a decent athleisure fit, and some of our editors frequently wearing this on weekend errands. In fact, the Interval Short is so great that we gave it a 2024 Men’s Health Fitness Award.
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 5, 7, and 9 in. |
| Colors | 12 |
| Fit | Athletic |
Best Budget Shorts
Uniqlo Geared Short
Pros
- Tons of pocket storage
- Water-repellent fabric
Cons
- Only meant for casual fits
We’ve been co-signing cargo shorts long before they came back in style. Take this one from Uniqlo, which takes everything we love about the workwear classic—ample pockets, relaxed fit, a durable fabric—and tops it with a water-repellent shell to dry you off during water sports. Our editors have sported this on a boat, lakeside, and during torrential downpours, and can attest to its quick-drying capabilities. The polyester belt is non-obtrusive, and cinches in the short during hot weather hikes.
We also appreciate its roomier cut and eight-inch inseam that looks great (without looking sloppy) on taller guys. And this being Uniqlo, the Geared Short is incredibly affordable, so you’re getting a great cost-per-wear value. We recommend stocking up on this in multiple colorways.
Read more: Best Cargo Pants
| Materials | Nylon, polyster |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 8 in. |
| Colors | 6 |
| Fit | Relaxed |
Best Drawstring Shorts
Dockers Ultimate Pull On Shorts
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Great for casual styles
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Not for dressy occasions
Draw-string bottoms don’t have to look sloppy. Case in point: Dockers, which makes a pull-on short that’s smart enough for off-duty fits, and is cozy like our favorite lounge pants. Its cotton fabric is infused with elastane for extra stretch, and has a loose knit that’s somewhat breathable and moisture wicking. And while it doesn’t move like our tried-and-true gym clothes, we found that the Ultimate Pull On Shorts felt comfortable enough to wear all day, especially when we were on the move.
Take note: though this short has a casual vibe, its draw-string waist keeps it from being too dressy. We recommend pairing this with T-shirts and laidback fits, but keep it outside the office.
| Materials | Cotton, elastane |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 8.5 in. |
| Colors | 4 |
| Fit | Relaxed |
Best sweat shorts
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatshort
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Slim cut elevates the look (for a sweat)
Cons
- Might be too thick for tropical weather
Meet your new lazy day bottoms. Mack Weldon’s short has a plush French terry fabric like your favorite hoodies. But unlike OG sweats, this one is cut close like a slim fit chino, so you can pull this lounge pant off in public. Plus, our editors like its suite of pockets that can easily store your keys, phone, and wallet while you’re on the go. Though because of its thick knit, it’s not ideal for warm weather activities.
Of course you can wear this out and about, but we think the Ace Sweatshort works best as an at-home uniform. We like to use it as a pajama bottom, then throw a dress shirt over it in the morning before our Zoom meetings.
Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men
| Materials | Cotton, elastane |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 9 in., 7 in. |
| Colors | 6 |
| Fit | Slim |
The Different Styles of Men’s Shorts
To rely on just a simple pair or type of shorts for every task on your summer checklist would be a mistake—a sweaty, smelling, head-turning-for-all-the-wrong-reasons type of mistake. Below, we break down several of the most popular kinds of shorts for men. Basically, you need to build up a solid arsenal of shorts that’ll make summer dressing a breeze.
Athletic shorts: your active lifestyle requires a few pairs of go-to moisture-wicking shorts for the gym, running, cycling, hiking, and all kinds of sports or sweat-inducing fun. Made with performance materials, these shorts will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat it out.
Swim shorts: looking for athletic shorts specifically meant for water activities? Swim trunks and board shorts are a no-brainer. Better yet, most can be worn out of the water as everyday moisture-wicking shorts, easily.
Leisure shorts: if your focus is more on R&R over PRs, you still need some cool, casual stunners that have the versatility to be worn in both daytime and evening scenarios, from your sofa to perhaps a bar. Sweat shorts and lounge shorts will keep you cool and comfy while you beat the heat. On the other hand, denim shorts and utility/cargo shorts let you embrace the outdoors in sharp style.
Dressy shorts: for your office days, dinner plans, summer or beach weddings, and any formal or business casual occasions, chino shorts, Bermuda shorts, khaki shorts, and any pleated shorts—especially those built with a hint of stretch and a comfortable waistband—are foolproof.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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