The Best Shorts for Men

What do you turn to when you want the perfect blend of comfort and performance? Hybrid shorts, a simple name that makes a lot of sense. They’re not quite athletic shorts, they’re not swim trunks, but they’re not chino shorts, either.

Patagonia’s reputation for durable outdoor gear precedes itself, and the Baggies are a fan favorite for plenty of reasons. The quick-drying nylon SUPPLEX fabric feels as light as swim trunks, and they’re even outfitted with a mesh liner and an elastic waistband for ease of movement. Wear these on the trail or into a stream, and feel good about it – the fabric is sustainably certified.

What’s the difference between the best hybrid shorts and the best utility shorts? Utility shorts are packed with pockets, performance-enhancing features like a stretch waistband and moisture-wicking fabric, sure, but they’ve got the kind of breezy, effortless cool that’s perhaps more at home on the golf course than in the water or on a boat.

Flint and Tinder is known for rugged gear aplenty, and these Fatigue Shorts should prove a reliable warm-weather option (leave your F&T Waxed Trucker at home). They’ve got retro military inspiration in spades, with reinforced front pockets and a soft stretch cotton build.

Why upgrade your shorts if they’re going to be worn during laidback, breezy days? The better question is: Why not? Lounge shorts still aren’t veering into full-on athletic short territory (more on that in a moment), and that’s particularly true if you’re shopping for men’s clothing from a brand like Taylor Stitch.

As for my own wardrobe, I know I can trust Taylor Stitch to hit all the right notes, even if the style in question is traditionally a bit more laidback. That goes for the fabric – in this case, organic cotton in a waffle weave, as well as the fit and overall look itself. These shorts are far from sloppy.

Easygoing style just got a whole lot more, well, stylish – would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? Front slash pockets give them a slightly more polished feel (as do the antique brass drawcord tips).

While a pair of hybrid, utility or chino shorts is going to serve you very well in plenty of style scenarios, a man’s wardrobe needs a touch of training-ready gear from time to time, too.

Athletic shorts have been leveled up in a big way as of late, with better fabric and a better fit. I’ve found myself going back time and again to Vuori in particular, especially the brand’s super-soft performance tees, but the Kore Shorts are a winner in my book, too.

They’re ultra-comfortable, they wick away moisture from the very first drop, and as Vuori says, they’re designed to be “one short for every sport.” That’s the kind of utility you really can use in your life.

From my point of view, they work well for day hikes, backyard BBQs and yard games with the family – oh, and workouts, too.

The cargo short of days gone by is a thing of the past. To be clear, cargo shorts are highly functional at their core, with useful additional pockets aplenty, but that doesn’t mean they have to be baggy or look sloppy. In fact, they can look downright cool.

Just as you trust Carhartt to outfit you on frigid days spent in the yard or the garage, you can trust the brand to come through with a tried-and-true pair of workwear shorts.

Spandex cotton canvas delivers both durability and stretch, and plenty of pockets (including a cell phone pocket and a utility pocket) are built into these remarkably useful, hard-working shorts. Start taking care of that warm-weather to-do list ASAP.

When most guys think of shorts, there’s a good chance they’re thinking of the classic chino short, right? The cotton fabric is densely woven and most commonly seen in chino pants. But chino shorts are a reliable style move when you want a simple short that you can dress up or dress down.

I wear chino shorts in ways that are both a bit more preppy (with a navy polo and leather loafers) and dressed down (with a pocket tee and trusty canvas slip-ons).

Helpfully, you can build an entire #OOTD with J.Crew picks, but it all starts with the shorts in this case.

Here, J.Crew has designed as timeless a pair as any, available in colors like Dusty Navy and Aircraft Surplus. It also helps that the 7-inch inseam hits above the knee on most guys for a clean, cool look.

Tailored shorts are an interesting conundrum: Shorts are more laidback by nature (there’s a reason you don’t see them on the red carpet), but there are still times when you want a sharp pair of dress shorts. The fit is more trim, the details are sharp – no cargo pockets or logos in sight – and they’re very easy to wear with a luxe polo, breezy button up or Oxford shirt.

Faherty takes all this into account, and more, with this sustainable recycled poly-blend pair in an easy-to-wear shade of Khaki or Navy. The flat front makes them dressy and eye-catching, and the stretch material doesn’t hurt, either.

Hiking shorts check plenty of the right boxes when you want to pack up and hit the trail. You’re making it easier on yourself to move around while wearing shorts versus pants, and hiking shorts are also well-suited to the demands of being in the heat, the fog or the rain – because adventure never stops.

Prana’s stretch pair has a visually interesting, adjustable waistline for a perfect fit, and hard-wearing stretch fabric, to boot. Best of all, four-way stretch fabric and UPF 50+ protection bolster their outdoor preparedness.

Running shorts have made leaps and bounds from the pair you used to wear in gym class, as designers and brands have taken a tech-focused approach to fabric and fit. They’re cut shorter than other training shorts, typically, with few bells and whistles aside from handy pockets.

In the world of running shorts, you could say that no one does it better than Ten Thousand. They put the brand’s gear through rigorous testing, and the Distance Short takes it all into account perfectly. They’re incredibly lightweight and breathable, and designed to truly go the extra mile.

Board shorts are always a useful tool of sorts to have in your rotation: When you want to hit the beach and hit the waves on a surfboard or boogie board, the longer cut and durable fabric helps protect your thighs from sun, sand and chafing.

Hurley is absolutely a brand you can trust in that regard, with years of experience and a deep commitment to surfing culture. The stretch fabric of their perennial favorite Phantom is also quick-drying, and the scalloped leg vent helps with mobility, too.