Clothing > Shorts

5 Best Hybrid Shorts for Men

By Beau Hayhoe  |  Updated November 29, 2023

5 Best Hybrid Shorts for Men
Courtesy of Free Fly

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.

For more shorts options, view our list of the Best Men’s Shorts for Summer


Wellen Hybrid Cruiser Shorts


$68
 

Wellen’s hybrid shorts check all the right boxes (as you’d expect from shorts with that title, after all), starting with quick-dry material that can take on the summer heat with ease. The 7.5-inch inseam works on most guys and is designed to hit above the knee, while handy touches like a hidden zipper pocket provide useful storage space for your EDC.






Free Fly Swell Hybrid Shorts


$78
 

There’s plenty more than meets the eye with performance gear from Free Fly, starting with the fact that these hybrid shorts are made with fabric developed from upcycled coconut husks. Yes, you read that correctly. The specs only get better from there, starting with the fact that these are made with a water-repellent DWR finish. Think of them like the perfect shorts for boating or a day on the water. They’re even lined for good measure and all-day comfort.






Vuori Banks Shorts


$68
 

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.






Public Rec Flex Shorts


$68
 

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.






Howler Brothers Pedernales Packable Short


$69
 

Hybrid shorts are durable, made from performance fabric, and in the case of the Howler Brothers Pedernales Packable Shorts, they’re made to go just about anywhere with ease, thanks to the 100 percent nylon construction and an elastic waist. Drainage eyelets turn them into swim shorts for quick riverside dips, but the 7-inch inseam makes them polished enough to wear from trail to town.





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