The Best Golf Shorts, Plus Expert Tips To Help You Pick The Right Pair

Sizes: 28 to 40 | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 100% recycled polyester (lining); 54% recycled polyester, 46% elastomultiester (body) | Pockets: 5 | Colors: 6, including Steel Blue and Bone

What you’ll love: Traditional styling that delivers far more comfort than looks suggest.

Keep in mind: These are on the pricier side, and they may feel baggy if you have skinny thighs.

Lululemon might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of golf shorts, but after chatting with a few golfers about their go-to styles, I was surprised to hear almost all of them mention the Canadian label. And a little more digging confirmed that a lot of golfers swear by the ABC Classic-Fit Shorts.

Made from a stretchy, breathable fabric blend, it has the polished look of dress shorts but acts more like an athletic pair. By combining a casual fit with performance fabrics, it moves with you instead of holding you back, so you can drive the ball or focus on a tough putt without your shorts getting in the way. Plus, there are plenty of pockets for tees, gloves and a scorecard, and a hidden zipper pocket keeps your drink-cart cash secure. But the biggest selling point is the sheer comfort and versatility—you can wear these shorts on and off course without feeling underdressed.

Of course, versatility has its trade-offs. Some shorts like the Adidas Ultimate365 are more breathable, while others like the Bonobos Course Legend are a bit more refined. But few shorts strike a balance of style and comfort like this pair. And if you prefer shorts that are shorter or longer, you’ve got options—it comes in two inseam lengths.

Sizes: 28 to 42 | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 44% polyester, 44% recycled polyester, 12% spandex | Pockets: 3 | Colors: 9, including Sand Trap Tan and Blue Mirage

What you’ll love: Modern features, like a gel waistband that grips your shirt and UPF protection, blend with classic styling.

Keep in mind: There are only three pockets to store essentials, though one of them is zippered. 

When you need classic-looking golf shorts that don’t sacrifice comfort, the Bonobos Course Legend Shorts are hard to beat. They have that tailored look you’d expect from Bonobos, but come packed with thoughtful features to keep you at your best on the course. A gel-lined waistband, for example, creates a secure fit without feeling too tight, while lightweight, odor-resistant fabric helps wick sweat as you get moving. Plus, with built-in UPF-rated sun protection, you’ll get an extra layer of defense against long rounds in the sun. 

As for storage, you get dedicated hand pockets and a zippered back pocket to keep small essentials secure. While the zipper on the rear pocket might not be a great feature if you prefer to store your gloves or scorecard on that side (it could cause unwanted wear and tear over time), it’s a small and unlikely price to pay. Because you’ve got nearly 10 colors, three fits, 12 waist sizes and two inseam lengths to choose from, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a pair that fits right and feels good—something you can’t always say about formal apparel.

Sizes: 28 to 40 | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: 5 | Colors: 13, including Electric Blue and Khaki Sand

What you’ll love: A style that looks and feels great, yet it’s a fraction of the cost of the Lulus.

Keep in mind: The 100% polyester construction isn’t as breathable as some others.

I hadn’t heard of CRZ Yoga before talking with experienced golfers, but the brand quickly stood out as a solid alternative if you’re not looking to drop $100 on a pair of shorts. The All-Day Comfy Golf Shorts live up to their name, thanks to a stretchy, quick-drying polyester construction. They may look like classic khakis, but they’re much lighter and more versatile. And because they’re designed specifically for golf, they come with dedicated pockets for your phone, cards and keys, plus a hidden zipper pocket for cash or small valuables. And best of all, they’re less than half the price of similar shorts without sacrificing comfort or durability.

With that said, most synthetic golf shorts use fabric blends to maximize performance, while this pair is 100% polyester so there is a trade-off here for the lower price. On its own, polyester tends to trap heat, making it less breathable than cotton or a blended fabric. It also holds onto odor, so you’ll probably wash these shorts more often if you tend to sweat. Still, these are minor drawbacks most golfers won’t notice, especially when you can grab two or three colors (there are over 10 to choose from) for the price of one pair of high-end shorts.

Sizes: 29 to 40 | Inseam: 7 inches, 9 inches | Materials: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Pockets: 4 | Colors: 8, including Hummus and Cloud Blue

What you’ll love: The slim fit caters to golfers with thin thighs who don’t want to swim in their shorts.

Keep in mind: These cost as much as the Lululemon shorts, putting them on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Those of us with skinny legs (myself included) struggle to find shorts that fit well around the waist and thighs, but the Mizzen + Main Helmsman Shorts are designed with a slimmer, modern fit that complements leaner builds without feeling restrictive. The four-way stretch fabric makes it easy to move through every swing, while mesh-lined pockets add breathability and help keep bulk to a minimum. A zippered back pocket provides a secure spot for smaller items, and the lightweight, quick-drying fabric blend makes them comfortable for hours on end.

Obviously, the slimmer fit isn’t ideal for golfers with bigger thighs, so don’t reach for these if you find comfort in regular-fit shorts. And if you have skinny legs but still prefer a relaxed fit, you may want to size up or look at roomier options like the CRZ Yoga All-Day Comfy Golf Shorts. But for those who appreciate a clean, slim look with plenty of performance-driven features, the Helmsman Shorts deliver without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Sizes: 28 to 44 | Inseam: 8.5 inches | Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane| Pockets: 4 | Colors: 8, including Crystal Sky and Dusky Orange

What you’ll love: A wider thigh and overall roomier fit with four-way stretch dials in the comfort for golfers with bigger legs.

Keep in mind: The fabric is stretchy yet more structured to hold it shape, which might limit mobility.

The Adidas Ultimate365 Golf Shorts prove that a quality pair of well-fitting shorts doesn’t have to constrict your legs. Designed for athletic builds, this style offers a tailored-yet-stretchy fit that accommodates larger thighs without feeling too tight or restrictive. The soft, breathable fabric moves well, and a water-repellent coating helps wick away moisture, whether you’re playing in humid conditions or caught in the rain. For taller golfers, the 10-inch inseam option provides a little extra coverage, and with over a dozen colors to choose from, there’s a shade for most kits.

The only potential downside is that the fabric, while stretchy, is more structured than some ultra-lightweight options. In other words, these shorts are a bit stiffer and designed to hold their shape. But for golfers who want a versatile style that balances performance and comfort through the crotch and thighs, the Ultimate365 Shorts are a reliable option.