Tested: The Best Men’s Shorts For Every Occasion

Though they’re sometimes thought of as being more reserved for kids and teens, there’s definitely something to be said for keeping a few pairs of shorts in your wardrobe — especially when the year’s warmer seasons roll around. With so many different styles, cuts, lengths, and constructions currently available, shopping for men’s shorts can be a somewhat daunting task. Fortunately, we’ve put in the legwork for you, searching high and low for the latest and greatest available options before putting them to the test in this guide to and hands-on review of the best men’s shorts. 

Selection & Testing

With literally hundreds — if not thousands — of pairs of men’s shorts currently on the market, we knew we needed to kickoff our search for the space’s very best by first massively narrowing down the selections. We did this by first breaking up the larger men’s shorts segments into smaller sub-groups — such as best athletic shorts, best lounging shorts, and so on. From there, we turned to features, cut, design, and material selection in order to make our picks for what we felt represented the best pairs on the market. 

As informative as spec sheets and product descriptions can be, the only way to really get a complete sense of how a pair of shorts feels tower and use is to, well, wear and use them. So, that’s exactly what we did; trying on each pair and wearing them in a myriad of different settings and uses. This included using each pair for lounging, hiking, and general athletic use. We also tried each pair at the beach, in addition to wearing them to and from the office for several days. 

We also closely examined the stretch properties of each pair, along with how quickly they dried. Also scrutinized was the overall craftsmanship and build quality each pair displayed. Once armed with the information from our hands-on testing process, we were then able to narrow our initial shortlist down to a hard selection of what proved themselves to be the best men’s shorts that money can currently buy. 

Model Measurements: Our model stands at 6’2” and has a fairly athletic build with a weight of around 190lbs. In this article, both the author and model tried pairs of shorts with a 35” waist (or size large). 

Editor’s Note: All Weights Shown In Specs Are For a 35-inch Waist Size

Patagonia Baggies 6½”

Best Hiking/Outdoor Shorts: In the realm of hiking, camping, and outdoor apparel, the industry moves pretty quickly, constantly being inundated with updated designs and new materials, features, and technologies. As such, it’s beyond impressive that Patagonia’s line of Baggies shorts remain some of the most popular on the market, as this featherweight amphibious pair first hit the market back in 1982, and over-four-decades-later, remains one of the best pairs that money can buy. 

The Good

The Patagonia Baggies Lights 6½” are cut from a nylon-Spandex blend and feature a 6.5-inch length and an interior mesh liner with two elasticized leg openings. The front of the shorts feature a drawstring closure that’s helped along by a fully-elasticized waistband. The Baggies Lights is easily the most spartan pair of shorts I tested. It boasts just two hand pockets, and nothing else. No belt loops, no rear pockets, no zippers, and no buttons or fly, just a primary construction, a mesh liner, and a small single logo patch. The Baggies’ fit is also pretty middle-of-the-road and is relaxed but not baggy. 

Able to dry insanely fast, this pair’s Spandex-infused nylon construction also affords the shorts the ability to be truly amphibious. As such, they’re perfect for days spent in, on, and around the water. And, while arguably most conducive to outdoor use, they’re pretty versatile in terms of utility and have no problem serving as athletic shorts or even lounge shorts if you don’t mind the mesh liner. The price point at which these shorts are sold also affords them with some pretty stelar bang-for-your-buck. 

Supplementary Strengths

This pair of shorts also makes for a pretty terrific swimsuit thanks to factors like how it’s cut, and how quickly it dries. This is something that can’t be said for any of the other pairs I tested, save for Faherty’s All-Day Short. The Baggies Lights are also incredibly lightweight and tip the scales at less than half the weight of some of the other pairs I tested — marking another clear highlight and advantage offered by this pair. It’s range of motion is also completely unrestricted. 

The Not So Good

Though it’s a great pair of shorts overall, I did stumble across a few issues when testing Patagonia’s Lights-spec Baggies. For starters, while the fact it’s remarkably lightweight is definitely a major selling point, its featherweight construction also results in it not offering the best abrasion or tear-resistance. Second, I also found that the mesh liner would occasionally ride up and wedge itself in uncomfortable places. And, third, though they’re not exclusively designed for it, Patagonia knows the Baggies are often used for hiking. Consequently, I’m both surprised an a little disappointed that they don’t feature any belt loops, as belts are always super welcome additions to any hiking loadout. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of athletic-leaning outdoor shorts with amphibious capabilities, you’d be hard pressed to do better than Patagonia Baggies Lights. What they lack in durability they make up for in just about every other area, from their immense comfort to their stellar versatility to their performance properties — not to mention their super accessible price point. 

Flint and Tinder 365 Short 5”

Best Chino Shorts: As strange as it may sound, one of the most difficult types of clothing to design and deliver are men’s basics. Making regular, budget-friendly, run-of-the-mill basics is fairly simple, but delivering truly elevated takes on this segment requires an ability to meticulously sweat the details, make subtle refinement, and to ultimately discover a way to deliver an evolved take on an age-old wardrobe staple. And while it’s by no means easy to do, it’s what Flint and Tinder has built its entire reputation on. Few garments in the brand’s catalog exemplify its ability to do this better than the Flint and Tinder 365 Short.

The Good

Sporting a 5-inch inseam, the shorts are cut from an 8oz cotton blend infused with Spandex for a bit of added stretch properties, and garment-dyed to give it a soft-to-the-touch feel right off the rack. They also come preshrunk which is always a welcome detail. The front of the shorts feature a button and a YKK zippered fly. As far as pockets go, you get a basic four-pocket configuration with two hand pockets and two rear pockets. All pretty standard stuff and nothing to really write home about. No complaints here either though. 

Though their appearance makes it look like these shorts would have a rough, almost-canvas-like texture, the reality is their 8-ounce cotton blend is super soft and make for a super comfortable pair. The overall comfort is bolstered by the 365 Short’s relaxed cut. Belt loops are always a very welcome addition on pairs of shorts (that aren’t swim trunks, board shorts, athletic shorts, or hiking shorts), as they allow them to much more easily be dressed up and used as part of a more presentable, upscale summer outfit. Boasting an antique nickel finish, the shank button the shorts use is a bespoke item that’s seemingly modeled after the look of the bottom of a bullet (primer and all). 

Supplementary Strengths

Not only is this sustainably-made pair’s construction infused with stretch-adding Spandex, but its cut is also fairly athletic and together these two details provide unencumbered mobility and an unrestricted range of motion. This allows them to also be conducive to use out on the trails or when camping. And, while I happened to have tested the version of the 365 Short with a 5-inch inseam, but they’re also offered in 7-inch and 9-inch versions as well. What’s more, Flint and Tinder also produces these daily-wear shorts in a cool 12 different color options. As a result, it’s particularly easy to configure your perfect pair. 

The 365 Short offers a presentable, timeless, and versatile look of chino shorts with the performance benefits of a modern technical fabric. The shorts are made from heavy-duty material and pieced together using equally hardwearing construction techniques. While Flint and Tinder’s build quality is usually pretty good, it can vary a bit from garment to garment. In the case of the brand’s 365 Short, however, the craftsmanship and fit and finish on display are just excellent. All-in-all, this pair also offers pretty terrific value in my opinion as well. 

The Not So Good

Despite thoroughly scrutinizing this pair for downsides or areas that could be improved, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like or that I’d change. After realizing this, I then spent another few days wearing and testing them in hopes of uncovering some gripe or complaint but this was also largely to no avail. At the end of the day, all I could come up with is that the 5-inch cut sometimes gives off a bit of a boy-scout look (especially in certain colorways). 

As a whole, Flint and Tinder has just delivered a stellar pair of shorts, keeping in line with the Huck-owned outfit’s ability to deliver super premium takes on men’s wardrobe staples and basics — a category these shorts very much fall into in my opinion. I will say I’m not personally a huge fan of the short 5-inch inseam, though I can’t fault Flint and Tinder for this as the pair is also offered in two longer inseam lengths. 

Verdict: Offering the timeless and versatile aesthetic of chino shorts with the performance benefits of a modern technical fabric, the Flint and Tinder 365 Short is an outstanding take on a basic pair of everyday-wear shorts that’s a must-have staple for any men’s wardrobe. Offering solid bang-for-your-buck and boasting top-notch build quality, this pair is also offered in a dozen color options across a trio of available inseam lengths, practically guaranteeing they make the perfect pair for you. 

Taylor Stitch The Après Short

Best Organic Shorts: Because they’re so frequently worn by children and young teens, shorts often get an unfair association with being juvenile and coming with a boyish, immature look. As such, finding a pair of shorts that can actually be described as elegant and upscale is an extremely tall order. And that’s a monumental part of what makes the Taylor Stitch The Après Short so special, as it presents a cool and comfortable alternative to pants on hot days without you having to sacrifice on dignity or class.

The Good

The shorts are made from a 6.5-ounce organic cotton that’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard to guarantee environmental and social Responsibility along every step of the supply chain. This 6.5-ounce construction is incredibly soft-to-the-touch and feels great on the skin. The construction also comes pre-washed, giving the shorts that comfy lived-in look and feel right off the rack. 

At the waist you get an elasticized waistband, a drawstring, and a full button fly. On the inside, you can see that the interior side of the Après Short’s pockets sport Taylor Stitch’s signature vintage San Francisco map print pattern, which is a subtle but very cool touch — though unfortunately one that can’t be appreciated when the shorts are on. 

Supplementary Strengths

This pair also boasts an unmistakably premium look and feel. From the pattern to the material to the build quality to the hardware, every element just has a top-shelf quality to it. Another really unique part of these shorts is that, on top of looking so presentable and formal, they also look right at home in formal settings thanks to an overall versatility that’s rivaled by few. I also think it’s really cool how this particular version of Taylor Stitch’s Après Short is part of a limited series that sees small single-run batches cut from exclusive materials and deadstock constructions. 

Even though they’re made in China, I think Taylor Stitch’s Après Short probably boast the best overall build quality of every pair that I tested. This is made all the more impressive that they’re far from the most expensive on this list. And, while they admittedly aren’t cheap, I was still pretty surprised when I saw this pair’s MSRP, as it’s material selection and build quality would have lead me to believe they were closer to double their actual price point. All-things-considered, I’d actually argue this pair affords somewhat decent bang-for-your-buck. 

The Not So Good

Of all the shorts I tested, these were my favorite. As such, I worn them for a few extra weeks after testing wrapped. Because of this extended testing period, you’d think I’d have find a few downsides or negative things to report about these shorts but the reality is there’s almost nothing. I wouldn’t mind seeing the waistband moved to the inside of the waistband so its utility would still be there, but it could better blend into more formal settings without needing to be tucked away (granted it’s really easy to tuck away). And, while I thoroughly appreciate the small-batch nature of these shorts, the fact it’s made using dead stock fabrics means once it’s sold out it will be almost impossible to get your hands on — and once they’re gone, they’re really and truly gone. 

Verdict: Sporting a unique stripe pattern, the Taylor Stitch Après Short is an extremely handsome pair of limited edition shorts that’s characterized by its versatile, dignified look, ample comfort, and unmistakably premium quality. These factors collectively make this one of the best pairs of shorts that money can buy — though due to this version’s small-batch limited edition nature, snagging a pair in this color way may be tricky. 

Wellen Boardwalk Corduroy Short

Best Corduroy Shorts: As times change and the years trudge on, different fashion trends come and go. Often styes that were in-vogue in decades past will come full circle, swinging around to become fashionable once again. Consequently, shorts with largely authentic retro designs can frequently be pretty hit or miss. Fortunately, the Wellen Boardwalk Corduroy Short are an excellent example of a dead-on hit.

The Good

Wellen’s Boardwalk Corduroy Short is crafted from a 10.32-ounce Spandex-infused cotton wide-wale corduroy fabric construction that feels both soft and heavy-duty at the same time. Despite its heavy-weight, it didn’t make me feel hot or stuffy. With a Spandex content of just 2%, they provide very little stretch, though even that small amount does improve comfort and make it easier to get a snug yet comfortable fit. 

The shorts sport ample vintage inspiration, drawing influence from ‘70s era surf and rock climbing shorts, and sporting unique retro visible pocket outline stitching — plus there’s the whole corduroy factor which is also thoroughly retro. They’re also pre-washed, adding to their yesteryear vibe. The 7-inch inseam length does put a slightly modern twist on this otherwise largely authentic retro design, though it’s a very welcome one in my book. Part of the vintage-inspired design thing means a snugger fit around the thighs, and a cut above the knee — both of which apply to Wellen’s Boardwalk Corduroy Short. 

Supplementary Strengths

The corduroy shorts employ a four-pocket layout. As you can plainly see from their outline’s stitching, the hand pockets are deep and generously sized, offering plenty of storage space. The same goes for the back pockets, which are both secured via single central buttons. The same type of button is found at the front of the waistband above a zippered fly. I also personally really like the front patch pockets, as the corduroy construction alone gives them a somewhat unique feel and the visible square pocket outline stitching just makes them all the more so. 

What’s more, I’m not sure if corduroy makes it easier to hide imperfections or if the build quality is simply superb, but the overall construction and craftsmanship looks excellent, and I can’t spot a single stitch or thread that’s even remotely out of place, misaligned, or off-centered. I also really appreciate that these shorts feature belt loops which makes it a lot easier to dress them up with more formal summer attire — which is something that can’t be said for Everlane’s Pull-On Performance Chino Short and Buck Mason’s 6” Deck Short. 

The Not So Good

It’s also gotten pretty common to see shorts — especially ones of the more premium variety like this — that benefit from DWR finishes, antimicrobial treatments, and/or sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties. As such, it’s a little disappointing that Wellen didn’t bestow these vintage-inspired shorts with any modern performance properties, but they’re still pretty comfortable and have no problem being used for athletic or even workout applications so I can’t deduct too many points here. 

Another unfortunate downside in my opinion is the color options these shorts come in, as they’re admittedly unique, though none of them really resonate with me in particular. I don’t think they’re by any means unsightly, and everything else these shorts have going for them more than makes up for their color options, but I still think it’s a fairly odd array of hues. And, while I dig it, I imagine the more idiosyncratic retro-inspired aesthetic probably isn’t appreciated by everyone. 

Verdict: Drawing inspiration from ‘70s era adventure and athletic shorts, the Wellen Boardwalk Corduroy Short is an excellent choice for any guy looking for a unique yet dignified option that’s gonna stand out from the crowd — without looking overtly weird or attention-grabby. A heavy-duty corduroy fabric and heavy-duty construction also ensure years of dependable use. 

Everlane The Pull-On Performance Chino Short

Best Sweat-Wicking Shorts: It’s not often that a pair of shorts can lend itself to hiking, use at the beach, and other outdoor applications, all while still looking formal and presentable enough to wear to a yacht party or brunch. Despite how difficult it is to balance those two things, that’s exactly what Everlane has done with The Pull-On Performance Chino Short. On top of its versatile appearance, they also feature several technical and performance properties, securing their place on this list of the best pairs of shorts. 

The Good

The Pull-On Performance Chino Short uses the brand’s best-selling pant fabric construction — an Elastane-infused cotton that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and equipped with four-way stretch. A simple three-pocket layout keeps things minimalistic yet functional — with regular side hand pockets and a single button-secured rear pocket on the right side. The shorts are secured via a button and zippered fly that come supplemented via an elasticized waistband. 

There are plenty of shorts cut from technical fabrics offering stretch, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties, though quite a few of them look like technical fabrics with nylon or swimsuit-like appearances. Everlane’s The Pull-On Performance Chino Short, on the other hand, boasts all of these aforementioned properties while looking like a regular pair of chino shorts — giving you a dignified appearance that’s still incredibly comfortable (and giving you a dignified alternative to pants on hot days). 

Supplementary Strengths

The short’s fitment is on the tighter-end of the relaxed spectrum. As you may expect, they wear a lot like a pair of chinos with the legs cut off (and hemmed) a little below the knees — which makes sense for obvious reasons. This pair’s build quality is surprisingly excellent, and actually manages to outshine several of the more expensive pairs that I tested. They’re also sold in eight different color options, most of which are really handsome and striking earth tones. 

These shorts are also definitely on the more versatile end of the spectrum. A 7-inch inseam gives them a more dignified and presentable look rather than the sometimes boyish appearance afforded by some shorter inseam lengths. This area is furthered by the shorts’ construction, which looks like normal khaki or chino fabric. Thanks to a largely unrestricted range of motion and its moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and multi-way stretch properties, these shorts can also lend themselves just as well to use on the trail as they can on summer date nights. 

The Not So Good

My gripes with Everlane’s Pull-On Performance Chino Short were few and far between — though there were still a few. I feel like belt loops would make the shorts a bit easier to dress up and wear with more formal outfits, as the ability to wear a belt with them would certainly class things up a bit. Also — and I’m sure this may vary depending on which of the eight available color options you opt for — I couldn’t help but notice the outline of the pockets are fairly visible through the front of the shorts’ construction whichI didn’t love. With that said, this might be more of a personal pet peeve more than an objective downside. 

Verdict: The Everlane The Pull-On Performance Chino Short is a versatile garment that’s just as conducive to use on the trails as it is on summer date nights. With a minimalistic, understated design that’s brought to life using a technical performance fabric, these shorts tick pretty much every box one could ask for when shopping for men’s shorts. 

Faherty All-Day Short

Best Daily-Wear Shorts: Though Faherty makes some really solid jackets, flannels, and other garments for colder weather, where the company really shines is producing beach and summer clothing. From its sun hoodies to its lightweight button-ups to its swim trunks, the brand’s warm-weather-wear utilizes stylish designs and technical constructions that help to distinguish it from other garments on the market. Another obvious example of Faherty’s excellent summer-wear is its aptly-named All-Day Shorts. 

The Good

Sporting a 5-inch length, the shorts are composed of a combination of elastane to provide some stretch properties, cotton to afford a softer feel, and recycled polyester to give it decent strength and tear and abrasion resistance without being too heavy or impeding breathability. Comprising 75% of the pair’s total construction, the recycled polyester is also derived from recycled bottles. While this doesn’t impact the experience of wearing them, I nonetheless give the brand points for this. This pair’s fitment is on the tighter side compared to other shorts I tested, though it’s still somewhat relaxed, just less relaxed. 

At the front of the waist there’s a rubber-coated shank button set above a zippered fly. This traditional setup comes supplemented via an inner drawstring. The fitment at the waist is also helped along by this pair’s stretch properties, which act similarly to an elasticized waistband, albeit to a lesser extent.  In terms of pockets, you’ve got mesh-lined side hand pockets, an open rear left welt pocket, and a zipper-secured right pocket with a full-length zipper garage that hides the entire track when not being opened or closed. 

I also love how much time and attention clearly went into the design and creation of these shorts, as saying Faherty sweat the details would be a massive understatement. It’s designed in a clever (and highly calculated) way that’s brought to life using some fairly elaborate constructions that make it more difficult to produce but ultimately result in an objectively better pair of shorts — as well as what’s in my opinion one of the best pairs of shorts currently on the market. 

Supplementary Strengths

There are also some really small and subtle details that help to further elevate the pair as a whole such as the custom Faherty rubber button shank, the bespoke Faherty sunset-logoed metal drawstring tips, the woven and embroidered logo patches, and the custom Faherty-branded zippers found on the fly and back pocket. 

Though the 5-inch inseam makes it sound like they’d look pretty short, the top of the shorts actually ride just a tad below the natural waistline, resulting in the lowest point only being an inch or two above the knee — giving them a bit more of a modern feel. Faherty also sells these shorts in a trio of different inseam lengths (5”, 7”, 9”) across nearly a dozen different color options. 

One of my favorite aspects of these shorts is how they feel against the skin. Even though they’re only 17% cotton, it’s enough to provide a feel that’s super soft-to-the-touch. When coupled with the waistband — which is super easy to adjust to a snug yet comfortable fit — you’ve got an exceedingly comfortable pair of shorts. The overall build quality on display was decent, but didn’t jump at to me as being particularly special or impressive — though it was by no means disappointing or concerning either. 

The Not So Good

One of this pair’s major strengths is how amazingly soft its construction feels against the skin. Unfortunately, this soft-to-the-touch material does look a little like a swim suit construction which definitely lowers its versatility to some extent. Other than that, I’m not typically a big fan of shorts with inseams spanning less-than-6-inches, though I realize this is purely a personal preference so it’s hard to fault Faherty for this — plus I’m aware that shorter inseams are fairly in vogue at the moment and Faherty also makes this pair in 7” and 9” lengths. 

Verdict: Faherty’s aptly-named All-Day Short can best be described as a classic pair of shorts with a shorter inseam lengths being combined with a pair of board shorts. They’re comfortable, boast stretch properties, and are incredibly soft-to-the-touch. The pair’s myriad of bespoke details and custom suite of hardware are just the icing on the cake. 

Buck Mason 6” Deck Shorts

Most Versatile Shorts: f you don’t possess much of a proclivity for rocking shorts and only tend to wear them on the hottest days of the year, then chances are you don’t want to invest in a handful of different pairs to suit specific occasions or outfit types, and would likely be far better off opting for a single pair of particularly versatile shorts. And that’s exactly what we’ve got here Buck Mason’s wildly-versatile 6” Deck Shorts, as their design not only makes them extremely conducive to all manner of settings and styles, but they also benefit from Buck Mason’s usual brand of top-notch materials and fine craftsmanship. 

The Good

The shorts are cut from a cotton-polyester blend infused with a liberal amount of woven-in Spandex. As its monicker suggests, this pair features a 6-inch inseam and a plain-looking, minimalistic design with a three-pocket layout — two hand pockets and a single rear right pocket with a snap-secured flap. The front of the pants provide the best of both worlds, being equipped with a snap and zippered fly, as well as a drawstring and an elasticized waistband. Sure, it may be a little redundant, but it provides a super snug yet comfortable fit. Speaking of fit, they feature a super-middle-of-the-road fitment that’s not baggy but not tight. Mildly relaxed may be the best way to describe it. 

Despite their plain-looking appearance, the 6” Deck Shorts actually have a few cool tricks up their sleeve. Not only do they benefit from a water repellant coating, but if you do get them wet their construction is also quick-drying, meaning you won’t stay wet for long. Additionally, the shorts’ cotton-poly blend is infused with a whopping 10% Spandex content, which affords the pair substantial multi-way stretch properties. As a point of reference, most pairs have anywhere from 1% to 5%, with 6% to 8% being considered generous — making this pairs 10% content pretty wild. Having said that, the pair doesn’t feel like you’re wearing baggy Lycra, nor does it look any different from rigid (i.e. non-stretch) constructions. 

They’re definitely comfortable, and the range of motion they offer is pretty unrestricted — though I’m sure the 6-inch inseam length plays a role here too. What really makes these shorts so exceedingly special, however, is just how ridiculously versatile they are. With their understated appearance, numerous performance properties, DWR-like finish, and relaxed and comfortable fit, they lend themselves to almost any occasion, application, or use, and can very easily be paired with just about any outfit and still look at least half-way decent. This also means you can probably replace (or not have to buy) several different shorts in your wardrobe with this one pair. 

Supplementary Strengths

The shorts use Buck Mason’s signature Venice Wash which consists of small-batch garment dyeing and natural enzyme rinsing which collectively result in subtle and unique color variation. Additionally, this pair is also garment-washed, thereby affording it a lived-in look and feel right off the rack. While they are on the more expensive end of the spectrum — in fact being the priciest pair on our list — it’s not all that difficult to justify the MSRP of these shorts when you factor in their build quality, materials, how long they’ll last, and their extraordinary versatility, which allows them to be worn for all manner of occasions. It really is a true do-it-all pair — which is exceedingly rare. 

The alloy snaps on both the front of the waistband and back right pocket give the shorts a markedly more premium feel. The pair also very much benefits from Buck Mason’s usual brand of top-notch craftsmanship. Though they are manufactured overseas, the overall build quality is just stellar. The three-pocket setup is also nice, as it provides a pair of regular hand pockets for housing keys, a smartphone, and other small EDC items as well as a snap-secured rear right pocket to securely stash my wallet. I also found it was ridiculously easy to pair and style these shorts with other pieces of clothing — an area that’s no doubt owed to the Deck Short’s off-the-charts versatility. 

The Not So Good

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the 6” Deck Shorts are perfect, but they’re damn close. I have little to no issue with this pair’s performance or user experience, though there’s no getting around the fact that $100 is a lot to spend on a pair of shorts — even a premium, finely-crafted pair with off-the-charts versatility. And, while I’m probably nitpicking here, part of me wishes this pair’s inseam was half-an-inch longer, as a 6.5” cut would make them just a tad more versatile in my opinion — though there’s absolutely no denying that Buck Mason has absolutely knocked it out of the park with the Deck Shorts’ design. Belt loops might also be a worthwhile addition, as it would give them the ability to more easily be dressed up, while still very easily dressing down. 

Verdict: Cut from a normal-looking material that secretly affords remarkable quick-drying and stretch properties, Buck Mason’s 6” Deck Shorts are a premium pair that’s characterized by its casual style, quality materials, fine craftsmanship, and, above all, its unparalleled versatility. While they admittedly don’t come cheap, it’s particularly easy to justify the investment based on just how many situations and styles these shorts lend themselves to — and that’s before even factoring in this pair’s generally premium nature. 

Men’s Shorts Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

If you really want to get into the nitty gritty of it, there are admittedly dozens of factors that can be considered when buying new men’s shorts. The reality is, however, that there’s a small handful of areas that massively trump all others in terms of importance. And it’s these eight crucial factors that we’ll be breaking down directly below. 

Primary Construction: Unsurprisingly, the primary material used to craft a pair of shorts is of extreme importance — and is probably the single biggest factor that impacts the overall quality of a pair. Consequently, primary construction should always be reviewed when shopping, looking at the construction (or blend), its weight, and whether or not it’s been bestowed with any type of coating or treatment. 

Cut & Length: Shorts are offered in a myriad of different lengths, from pairs that extend to below the knee to shorter running-style athletic lengths. While much of this area boils down to intended use and personal preference, it’s nonetheless a pivotal area to factor into your decision when shopping. Likewise, regardless of length, different shorts will boast different cuts, with some being baggier and some being more tight-fitting. Again, this area largely boils down to intended use and personal preference. 

Zippers, Trim, & Hardware: While primary construction is of more importance, you should still be reviewing other small supplementary areas when buying shorts, such as a pair’s zippers, trim, and other hardware — as these details often play a role in separating the nicer, more premium pairs on the market from their cheaper counterparts. 

Pockets & Storage: Just like with buying pants, when purchasing shorts, you’ll want to examine the total number of pockets, how those pockets are laid out, how deep those pockets are, and whether they’re secured with flaps, Velcro, snaps, or zipper tracks. 

Craftsmanship & Build Quality: It’s not just the materials that a pair of shorts are crafted from that matter, but also the manner in which those materials were pieced together — both in terms of construction technique and the meticulousness of the craftsmanship. Because this is another area that separates the nicer pairs on the market from more budget-focused shorts, this is definitely another area you should factor into your decision when shopping. 

Color Options: Quite a few of our favorite shorts on the market are currently offered in multiple color options — and/or multiple patterns. Because the hue or pattern of a pair of shorts can pretty drastically change its overall appearance, we recommend paying close attention to this area as well. 

Price & Value: Shorts can pretty hugely differ in terms of pricing. While higher prices do tend to unlock finer materials and better craftsmanship, the more high-end pairs of shorts on the market seldom offer the level of bang-for-your-buck as their more budget-friendly counterparts. Consequently, when shopping, price is very much a factor you should be considering. 

Versatility: Being able to lend itself to multiple applications or uses can hugely bolster a pair of short’s versatility — as well as its value. As a result, we recommend considering the different potential uses afforded by any pair of shorts you’re considering. 

How To Style Men’s Shorts 

Warm weather means it’s time to break out the shorts, but different situations call for different lengths, functions, and adaptability. Generally speaking, 5-7″ shorts are the most popular style right now, but longer shorts works well too if you’re looking for more sun protection. Although hiking and cargo shorts have their place, if you’re looking for style and comfort over utility, then it’s best to keep things short and sweet. At the end of the day, it’s up to you when shorts are appropriate and what kind, but usually they’re reserved for non-business hours and sunny conditions. 

With the overwhelming variety of options on the market, it’s entirely possible to dress your best whilst also giving your legs some much-needed breathing room. Not only that but, as the temperature continues to warm, there will also inevitably come a time when you want to hit the beach or lay out by the pool. We’ve rounded up a choice selection of offerings that’ll help you beat the heat and dress for success.

Honorable Mentions

Though they lack some of the more advanced materials and features found on their pricier counterparts, the Champion Mesh Shorts are just about as tried-and-true as they come. Made by the brand that invented the first mesh athletic shorts, this pair boasts a 9-inch inseam and a poly mesh construction with a smooth tricot lining and an elastic waistband. While they make for a solid entry-level pair, they simply lack the overall quality of our main picks, leading us to add Champion’s Mesh Shorts only as an honorable mention. With that said, if you’re looking for a decent pair of shorts on a budget, this one is hard to beat as you can currently snag a pair for just a tad over the $20 mark — giving them some of the best value of any shorts on the market. 

Though they lack the versatility of other pairs and don’t lend themselves to much other than lounging and athletic use, there’s still an argument to be made for basketball shorts. And when it comes to shorts for the court, it really is hard to do better than Nike’s DNA Dri-Fit 6″ Basketball Shorts. Benefitting from several proprietary features and materials from the sportswear giant, the DNA Dri-Fit 6″ Basketball Shorts are an unlined pair with a 6-inch inseam and a recycled polyester construction infused with Nike Dri-FIT technology which works wonders at wicking and quick-drying. Rounding out the pair is a secure zippered pocket and a smooth knit inner face. 

Engineered for the outdoors but more than stylish enough for use in the city, the Saturdays NYC Joby Ripstop Nylon Short is a premium mid-length pair that’s cut from a cotton-nylon ripstop blend and equipped with a custom-branded adjustable webbing-style belt. Though these shorts don’t come cheap, their material selection, premium hardware and trim, and top-notch build quality more-than-justify their MSRP. 

The Vuori Zone Short features a design that’s heavily inspired by retro basketball shorts but brought to life using modern-day features and materials. Made from 100% recycled polyester, these shorts sport a striped trim, an elasticized waistband with a drawstring closure, and a pair of side seam pockets supplemented via two welt pockets. While they’re great for everything from exercise to lounging, the Zone Short ultimately lost out to some of our main picks, relegating them to being a particularly honorable mention. 

If you’re ever in the market for an over-built, tough-as-nails piece of sportswear, the Ten Thousand catalog is always worth a look — and with offerings like the Ten Thousand Interval Short it’s not hard to see why. These over-engineered shorts are cut from a Spandex-infused polyester blend with remarkable wicking and quick-drying properties, and feature a no-pinch, no-bunch waistband, four-way stretch, a leg gusset, and bonded hems throughout — making them something of the ultimate workout shorts. What’s more, in addition to being offered in six sizes, a trio of lengths, and lined and unlined versions, the Interval Shorts are also produced in over a dozen color choices. While this is undeniably a stellar pair of shorts, the reality is they don’t lend themselves to much beyond workout use, leading us to make them an honorable mention entry. 

Tested: The Best Swim Trunks For Men To Wear All Summer

If you happen to be in the market for a quality pair of shorts for summer, there’s a pretty decent chance you may also want to check out the pairs of pool and beach-ready board shorts featured in our guide to and hands-on review of the best men’s swim trunks.