Shorts are a summer wardrobe essential, and since shopping online is a double-edged sword—the selection is nearly unlimited, but you can't try them on—we did the legwork to find some of the best shorts for men. After hours of researching different options, analyzing fabrics and comparing fits, our top pick overall is the Bonobos Chino 2.0, which is made from high-quality stretch cotton and has a classic fit that works for most. For a casual option to wear on weekends, consider the comfortable and affordable Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Cargo.
Our fashion team rounded up the best shorts for men to wear all summer, including picks from Bonobos, Lululemon and more.
Sizes: 28 to 46; Standard, slim, athletic | Inseam lengths: 5 inches, 7 inches, 9 inches | Colors: 14 total, including Faded Black and Oat Milk | Materials: 92% cotton, 8% spandex
What you’ll love:
Three different fit options
Wide selection of colors
Hidden zippered pocket
Keep in mind:
Some customers say shorts run large
Fabric is on heavier side
Menswear brand Bonobos is known for its fit and quality, and the Chino 2.0 excels in both areas. This piece is the shorts version of the brand’s best-selling chino, which features a wrinkle-resistant, four-way stretch fabric in a classic flat-front style. (One reviewer says they’re so comfortable, he’s even slept in them.) Design details, like a curved waistband to reduce excess fabric and a hidden side pocket to stash your valuables, make these shorts a solid pick. They come in three fits—standard, slim and athletic—as well as three inseam lengths, so you can find a pair that fits perfectly.
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Southern California-based Vuori designs all its apparel with a focus on functionality, durability and casual comfort. The Kore Short, which topped our roundup of the best workout shorts for men, is great for exercising, thanks to smart details like a quick-drying, four-way stretch polyester fabric, an elastic waistband and a built-in, breathable boxer-brief liner. This style is also a favorite of Forbes Vetted audience development director Spencer Dukoff, who says, “I work out in them, lounge around the house in them and when my work video calls only require me to show above my torso, I wear them while I work.” He adds that they are “comfortable, breathable and easy to wash.”
Best Golf Shorts For Men
Lululemon: Wrinkle-Resistant For Days On The Course
Lululemon
Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Short
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Inseam lengths: 7 inches, 9 inches | Colors: 6 total, including Obsidian and Bone | Materials: 54% recycled polyester, 46% elastomultiester
What you’ll love:
Wrinkle-resistant fabric
Streamlined fit
Zippered seam pocket for essentials
Keep in mind:
Some customers note inconsistent sizing
Earning the top spot on our list of the best golf shorts, Lululemon’s ABC shorts strike the right balance between style and function. Made of the brand’s patented Warpstreme fabric, these shorts are comfy enough for playing 18 holes—and, because they’re wrinkle-resistant, you can head straight to dinner after finishing up at the golf course. In addition to the roomy front pockets, there’s also a discreet zippered seam pocket for extra storage.
Best Casual Shorts For Men
Beyond Yoga: Soft, Stretchy Shorts You'll Want To Live In
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Drift Men's Short
Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 6 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Grey Sage and Black Ash | Materials: 70% cotton, 28% recycled polyester, 2% spandex
What you’ll love:
Subtly stretchy fabric
Internal drawstring for secure fit
Back pocket secures with a snap
Keep in mind:
Limited color options
For laid-back days when the agenda is simple (think: running errands, grabbing coffee or tackling chores), these shorts from Beyond Yoga fit the bill. The cotton-polyester fabric has a soft, peached finish, blended with just enough spandex for comfortable stretch. A zipper fly and snap closure accompany the elasticated waistband, which gives these shorts a put-together look, despite their casual feel. In addition to side pockets, they feature a single back pocket with another easy snap closure.
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Huckberry: Technical Shorts For The Gym And Beyond
Huckberry
Huckberry Sevens Lined Sport Short
Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 5 inches, 7 inches | Colors: 10 total, including Onyx Black and Dark Teal | Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Huckberry’s premium menswear can take you from the weight room to errands to happy hour in comfort and style. “Here in Austin, your day might start with a morning ruck, transition to a plunge in Barton Springs and end with a HIIT workout,” says Jordan Crosby, Proof design manager at Huckberry. “We couldn’t find a short that could keep up, so we engineered one.” The brand’s Sevens Lined Sport Short features a soft-yet-structured ripstop fabric with four-way stretch and side vents that allow for full freedom of motion. The liner’s sweat-wicking nylon keeps you cool during your workout, while a five-pocket system (including a hidden phone pocket) secures your essentials. Choose from 5- and 7-inch inseams and ten earth-toned color options.
Best Affordable Shorts For Men
Amazon: Quality At An Unbeatable Price
Amazon
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Cargo Short
Sizes: 28 to 60 | Inseam length: 10 inches | Colors: 10 total, including Black and Navy | Material: 100% cotton
What you’ll love:
Roomy cargo pockets
High quality for the price
Inclusive size range
Keep in mind:
Material has limited stretch
The Classic-Fit Cargo Short from Amazon Essentials offers so much—incredibly inclusive sizing, a soft and breathable 100% cotton twill, plentiful storage with deep pockets and a price that can’t be beat. Multiple reviewers spoke to the high-quality, durable fabric and impressive tailoring details, like double stitched belt loops and reinforced seams. If you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable short with many color options, this pair is the way to go.
Best Chino Shorts For Men
Huckberry: Timeless Style You Can Dress Up Or Down
MOST POPULAR
Huckberry
Huckberry Flint And Tinder 365 Short
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Inseam lengths: 5 inches, 7 inches, 9 inches | Colors: 13 total, including Charcoal and Lake Blue | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
What you’ll love:
Preshrunk cotton blend fabric for a consistent fit
Three inseam options
Keep in mind:
Cut might be too boxy for some
The 365 Short is a bestseller from Huckberry’s in-house brand Flint And Tinder, which specializes in rugged, American-inspired staple pieces. Though these shorts are cut like a chino, they move and stretch with you, thanks to just the right amount of spandex. There are three inseam options, so you can pick the right length based on your height and style preferences. Wear them casually with a tee or dressed up with a button-down.
Best Running Shorts For Men
Tracksmith: Flexible, Breathable And Light
Tracksmith
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts
Sizes: S to XXL | Inseam length: 4 inches | Colors: 9 total, including Navy and Coral Gold | Materials: 82% polyester, 18% spandex
What you’ll love:
Antimicrobial fabric repels odors
Three waistband pockets for small items
Keep in mind:
4-inch inseam may be too short for some
Independent running brand Tracksmith specializes in sharp, vintage-inspired activewear that’s built with performance in mind. The Van Cortlandt Shorts are made of an antimicrobial blend of polyester and spandex, wicking away moisture and keeping odors at bay. Another standout element of this thoughtful design: There are three small waistband pockets to hold your keys or credit cards. There’s also an ultralight mesh liner for enhanced breathability and a drawstring waistband for a fine-tuned fit.
Best Hiking Shorts For Men
Smartwool: Made For Outdoor Adventures
Smartwool
Smartwool Active
Sizes: S to XXL | Inseam length: 7 inches | Colors: 6 total, including Nightfall Blue and Black | Materials: 86% polyester, 14% elastane; Merino wool and Tencel lining
What you’ll love:
Temperature-regulating lining
Zippered back pocket
Antimicrobial wool material
Keep in mind:
Some reviewers say the lining is a bit baggy
Thanks to the lining made of Merino wool and Tencel, these athletic shorts regulate temperature remarkably well—this makes them our pick for outdoor excursions like hiking and trail running. A zippered pocket in the back allows you to stash small essentials, while the stretchy loops on each side can hold a shirt if you take it off on your hike or run. Gear editor Cam Vigliotta describes the liner as “supportive and flexible.” It also naturally fights odor, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of merino wool. “If you're traveling or between washes, it's nice to know they don't hold onto odor whatsoever,” he adds.
Best Linen Shorts For Men
Faherty: Breezy, Casual Style For Relaxed Days
Faherty Brand
Faherty Movement Linen Drawstring Short
Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam length: 6.5 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Dorset Sand and Washed Black | Materials: 52% linen, 24% organic cotton, 24% Sorona polyester
What you’ll love:
Breathable fabric
Drawcord can be worn inside or out
Laid-back, loose fit
Keep in mind:
Limited color options
Made from an airy blend of linen, cotton and Sorona polyester, these relaxed shorts from Faherty are perfect for lounging oceanside or poolside. In addition to the zipper fly, they feature encased elastic at the waistband and a drawcord that can be tied externally or internally, ensuring a close—but not uncomfortable—fit. Unlike shorts made entirely of linen, these have a bit of flexibility, thanks to the mixed fabric composition. A pair of slash pockets provide just enough room for your keys and wallet.
How We Chose The Best Shorts For Men
To select the best shorts for men, we sought out reputable brands who are known for making high-quality menswear staples. Our process involved a combination of research, customer feedback and staff recommendations.
Research And Customer Feedback
We pored over dozens of customer reviews to learn more about how each pick lives up to expectations in real-life settings, including key takeaways when possible to give you a well-rounded view of each product.
Staff Recommendations
To provide authentic, firsthand insights, we polled Forbes Vetted team members for their favorites:
Deputy editor Jane Sung recommends the Beyond Yoga Drift Shorts, which her husband likes for their comfortable fit and streamlined look.
Audience development director Spencer Dukoff loves the Vuori Kore Short for its versatility during workouts and casual wear.
Gear editor Cam Vigliotta vouches for the Smartwool Active Lined Short, praising its performance and comfort for outdoor activities.
Price Range
Pricing was also taken into account; we made sure to include wallet-friendly options as well as luxury pieces. Our picks start at around the $25 mark and range in price up to $150.
What To Consider When Shopping For Men’s Shorts
There are a few factors to keep in mind when you’re searching for your next pair of shorts, including inseam length, material, fit and color. Here’s what to consider, according to Nashville-based fashion stylist Bentley Caldwell.
Inseam Length
Shorts are getting shorter these days, with the preferred inseam length for most guys being around 7 inches. Of course, taller men may need a 9-inch inseam, while shorter guys (or those who just prefer a shorter look) might want to choose shorts with a 5-inch or 6-inch inseam. “Basically, as a rule of thumb, shorts should hit an inch or two above the knee,” says Caldwell.
Material
Chino-type shorts are made of cotton or polyester with a touch of elastin or spandex for movement and comfort. Caldwell advises sticking to chino-type shorts for most scenarios, with one exception: If you plan on working out, opt for a performance fabric, typically made of polyester or polyamide with a higher percentage of spandex. Caldwell also likes linen for a relaxed, beachy look, but says you have to be willing to live with some wrinkles. Those looking to infuse their wardrobe with an interesting texture should consider corduroy as well.
Fit
“Always err on the side of slim,” says Caldwell. But slim doesn’t work for everyone, in every setting. Athletic guys with larger thighs might feel more comfortable in a classic fit (think “relaxed,” not “baggy”), and a classic fit may also feel more appropriate in conservative environments (like a country club or at work). Try a few different styles to see what feels best on you.
Color
Neutral shades, such as navy and khaki, are popular for a reason: They go with everything, and they’re appropriate for the office, as well as more casual weekend wear. However, don’t be afraid to switch it up with rich greens, browns and reds in more casual settings. “A pop of color, like French Blue, can also be nice,” says Caldwell.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched fashion articles, including a variety on menswear-specific topics.
This story was co-authored by former Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has been covering lifestyle topics for more than 20 years and holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
This story was reviewed and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has worked in fashion for over two decades, including reporting on menswear.
We refresh this list regularly to ensure you’re up to date on product availability and sales. This article was last updated in May 2026 by fashion commerce writer Claire Epting, who is the co-author of this story. Epting has five years’ experience covering men’s and women’s apparel.
Based on our extensive research, Bonobos’ Chino Short 2.0 is our top pick for overall comfort, versatile style and achieving a just-right look. The shorts come in three inseam lengths, three fits and over a dozen color options.
It depends on your height, and the amount of coverage you’re going for. Most men prefer a 7-inch inseam, as this results in the short hitting a few inches above the knee. However, if you’re on the taller side (or you prefer a short that reaches your knee cap), opt for a 9-inch inseam.
In general, a pair of chino shorts—with a touch of spandex or elastane—will look good on a majority of men. Chino-type shorts have a slightly relaxed fit and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you plan on working out in your shorts, however, we recommend a pair made of sweat-wicking performance fabric.
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We reviewed all picks for availability, ensuring that we’re displaying the most updated version of each style. In addition, we added a new style from Tracksmith as our best running shorts.
