A well-rounded wardrobe comes down to being prepared for as many situations as possible, having the right gear to tackle whatever your day has in store. Think of it like killing two birds with one stone, which is where hybrid shorts can make your life that much easier (and more stylish).
Hybrid shorts sit in between what you might call your classic summer shorts (perhaps made out of stretch cotton, linen or cotton chino) and performance shorts (the kind you’d wear on a hike or to work out). They’re usually made from a stretch material that’s durable enough to resist abrasions while also wicking away sweat and moisture–but they’re not quite swim trunks.
The best hybrid shorts are well, shorts that can just about do it all (besides getting super dressed up, of course). The specs vary from pair to pair, but one thing’s clear: You’ll be ready for whatever comes your way this season with our favorite hybrid shorts.
The best hybrid shorts move with you, not against you, whether on the links, on the trail, back in town or somewhere in between. And with Proof’s take on the style, they’ve thought of everything, from durable DWR-treated polyester fabric to handy pockets for your everyday carry. They even feature mesh pocket bags for drainage from trailside stream swims.
Patagonia’s famed Baggies Shorts are a certified classic, boasting ultra-lightweight fabric, a range of inseams and a broad selection of colors to suit every style.
They’re as wearable with high-top sneakers as they are with trail running shoes, and they’re also crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled nylon faille for added sustainability from the famously eco-friendly brand.
Finding the best hybrid shorts is sometimes like cruising down a checklist: Are they easy to wear? Do they boast performance features, like moisture-wicking fabric? And do they still look great?
The Vuori Banks Shorts pass that checklist handily, using upcycled four-way-stretch woven fabric finished off with an eye-catching linen texture and an agreeable, sub-$70 price tag.
The great thing about shopping for – and finding – hybrid shorts is the versatility they provide you from sunrise to sunset. For a casual day around town, for brewery patio beers, for a hike or a park stroll, the Public Rec Flex Shorts are durable and versatile enough to get you from point A to point B in stride.
The real secret here? Stretch polyester fabric that works with or without an added liner, and the option to customize your inseam to your personal preference. Plus, the range of neutral colors matches up with nearly anything in your wardrobe, from a short-sleeve chambray shirt to a merino tee for moisture-wicking summer comfort.
Any time, any place, anywhere seems to be the mantra with the best everyday shorts for men, these Wellen shorts very much included.
The sustainable brand, part of the in-house lineup at Huckberry, delivers rugged yet lightweight, water-resistant shorts fit for trail runs, shore swims and more.
Relwen takes its cues from old-school styles with real-world utility, and then uses modern materials to bring it all together.
Take these drawstring shorts, which are crafted from a lightweight fabric blend that’s not unlike nylon. With details like a gusseted crotch for ease of movement, they can take on just about any adventure.
Howler Brothers takes its mission seriously – to go from the town to the trail to the water and back, often all wearing the same versatile, durable gear.
The same can certainly be said for these hybrid shorts, which boast a quick-drying design, a variety of pockets for your daily haul and a reliable, streamlined fit.
It’s fitting that Faherty delivers some of the best men’s hybrid shorts around, since the company draws inspiration from both the beach and the city – especially via its super-soft flannel shirts.
These active swim shorts are the perfect go-between for beach bonfires, with a blend of recycled polyester and elastane for performance and stretch.