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<p><strong><em>Read more: </em><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a43807148/our-expertise-mens-health-product-reviews/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a43807148/our-expertise-mens-health-product-reviews/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Learn How Men’s Health Tests Products”><em>Learn How </em>Men’s Health<em> Tests Products</em></a></strong></p><p>With these in mind, our editors have combed through over 50 pairs of shorts, tested them by putting them on fit guys or wearing them ourselves, and spoken to style experts to find the 21 best shorts for men. Here’s what we’ve found: for versatile, affordable options, we recommend <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Standard-Classic-Fit-Stretch/dp/B08P64BFMZ/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Amazon’s Stretch Golf Short</a>, <a href=”https://www.rhone.com/products/7-mako-short-unlined/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Rhone’s Mako short</a>, and <a href=”https://vuoriclothing.com/products/kore-short-indigo?queryId=null&index=null&objectId=6731650170983″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Vuori’s Kore short</a> to stock up on; for something dressier but still comfortable, <a href=”https://www.buckmason.com/products/shale-venice-wash-6-deck-short” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Buck Mason’s Deck short</a> and <a href=”https://www.jcrew.com/m/mens/categories/clothing/shorts/stretch-chino/7quot-stretch-chino-short/MP670″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>J.Crew’s Stretch Chino short</a> are your sure bets.</p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g36633905/best-amazon-mens-shorts/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Best Shorts on Amazon</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g36560974/best-board-shorts-for-men/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Best Board Shorts</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19522980/best-mens-bathing-suits/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Best Swim Trunks</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g40377640/best-athletic-shorts/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Best Athletic Shorts</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g40476755/best-jean-shorts/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Best Jeans Shorts</a></strong></p>” />
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Best affordable shorts
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short
Best affordable shorts
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short
These golf shorts are meant for off-the-green-course as well. With a tapered leg and a spandex stretch, they work great as formal shorts as well as commute/travel shorts. The quality of these shorts, despite the price, is not too shabby. In my experience of wearing them out since the summer of 2021, the stretch, softness, and weight feel just right; the fabric also feels sturdy without weighing me down.
However, because they’re mainly in polyester, I did not find the fabric breathable, although the relaxed, roomy fit does let enough air in to help with the airflow, and the fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking to keep the skin dry and cool.
| Material | 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic |
| Inseam | 9″ |
| Type | Golf shorts |
Best Shorts for Thick Thighs
Ten Thousand Interval Short
Best Shorts for Thick Thighs
Ten Thousand Interval Short
Muscular thighs can wear and tear your go-to shorts to shreds by July, and as a dude with beefy thighs (a trait I don’t always find a blessing), I didn’t come across a pair of shorts that actually flatter my quads until these. In my experience of wearing them, these don’t chafe or tighten around my thighs; functionally, they’re very versatile since I’ve worn them for workouts, commutes, and weekend downtimes, making them a total steal when calculating cost-per-wear value.
What Do Experts Say? “The Interval Short is without a doubt the most versatile training short on the market. I’ve used them for everything – from tough lifting sessions and runs to high-output conditioning work and even recovering in the ice bath and sauna. If you train hard and live an active lifestyle, this is the one short you absolutely need to have in your rotation,” says 5x Ironman and endurance athlete Eric Hinman.
Read more: Best Athletic Fit Jeans for Your Beefy Thighs
| Material | 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Athletic |
| Inseam | 5″, 7″, and 9″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
Our extensive testing of Vuori’s Kore shorts proves them as the most versatile athletic shorts out there. After wearing it for several months, I absolutely love its roomy fit, which is perfect for my workouts that aren’t too hardcore. Whether it’s bench or lifts or squats, these shorts have the stretch and range for them. The fabric feels lightweight, smooth, cool to the touch, and breathable, with moisture-wicking properties that are a sweaty person’s dream come true.
Most importantly, their soft boxer-brief liner actually feels comfortable without distraction or showing. I’ve worn them to keep me moving during workout sessions or keep me feeling relaxed while running errands and loafing about at home.
Read More: Vuori Kore Shorts Review
| Material | 48% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Athletic |
| Inseam | 5″, 7.5″, and 9″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
While these shorts might appear to be just another average pair of gym shorts, I love that they have four-way stretch to provide maximum mobility and a drawstring waistband that won’t accentuate any unwanted love handles.
I’ve been wearing these as regular gym shorts and loungewear since 2020, and I’m never amazed by how relaxing and cooling they feel whenever I put them on; and post-workout, they’re always just as fresh as before. Lululemon’s zero-distraction build for these shorts also won me over: lightweight, no lining, with more than enough room for my beefy thighs, and a back mesh panel that keeps the air flowing in
What Do Experts Say? “I like the Bowline shorts because they stretch, have multiple zipper pockets, and the material has more of a flat finish than the shinier finishes of most synthetic materials so they feel more versatile to wear out and about instead of just at the gym,” says fitness coach and influencer Ideen Chelengar, C.S.C.S..
| Material | 85% Nylon, 15% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic |
| Inseam | 5″ and 8″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
Best deck shorts
Buck Mason Venice Wash Deck Short
Best deck shorts
Buck Mason Venice Wash Deck Short
These bottoms are the perfect foundation for any summer outfit. As deck shorts, they offer versatility in and out of the water. They come in 8″ for guys who prefer a bit more leg coverage without sacrificing style as well as 6″ for bolder guys.
When I first touched the garment-dyed fabric, I was blown away by how soft and smooth it felt. When I tried them on, they did feel like sporty gym shorts with four-way stretch and quick drying but looked much more handsome.
What Do Experts Say? “The Buck Mason Deck short is pound-for-pound the most versatile short for summer. These shorts are as perfect for a dip in the ocean as they are for a date night. The 6” inseam is short enough to escape the fear of looking like your dad, while long enough to ensure you don’t look ready for a Tik Tok dance,” says entrepreneur and retail expert Josh Kaplan.
| Material | 56% cotton, 34% polyester, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Athletic |
| Inseam | 6″ and 8″ |
| Type | Hybrid shorts |
Here’s a warm-weather version of the classic chino. Cut at 5″ and 7″ to show off your leg gains, as well as 9″ and 10.5″ for a more formal, professional-looking fit, these shorts also come with the right amount of stretch and a relaxed but still tailored fit for all-day comfort.
My favorite part about wearing these shorts is their fabric. It’s mostly cotton whose breathability and softness have worked for me every time when I go out in them. And they’re so easy to dress up with; whether it’s polo shirts or t-shirts, you’ll manage to look elevated in J.Crew chino shorts.
What Do Experts Say? “These shorts are tried and true, and are found in most closets these days. They are comfortable, casual but can easily be dressed up, and are generally a fan favorite amongst short wearers,” says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.
| Material | Cotton, elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Regular |
| Inseam | 5″, 7″, 9″, and 10.5″ |
| Type | Chino shorts |
Best office shorts
Ministry of Supply Pace Poplin Short
Best office shorts
Ministry of Supply Pace Poplin Short
From a day at the office to your evening dinner, these polished shorts have a straight-leg silhouette and ideal length that hits on the cool Bermuda shorts trend. Best of all, they’re high-performance. We’ve tested their four-way stretch, breathability, as well as quick drying and sweat-wicking capabilities by wearing them on the go, and found that they make transitioning from all-day sweats to tailored trousers more comfortable.
| Material | 54% Polyester, 46% Primeflex™ Polyester |
|---|---|
| Fit | Athletic |
| Inseam | 8″ to 10″ |
| Type | Chino shorts |
The best for summer should be a solid color, hit right above the knee, and look polished enough to be worn from your morning jog to an afternoon dip in the pool, to an early evening cookout. Having worn Rhone’s Mako since the summer of 2021, I found it to be the tried-and-true athletic shorts that will power you through running, working out, and chilling at home with features such as 4-way stretch, ventilation, and sweat-wicking. In the right color, these shorts will look incredibly subtle and elevated so you can slightly dress them up as well.
What Do Experts Say? “My favorite gym shorts for men are the Rhone Mako shorts. It’s stylish and also has a durable four-way stretch fabric that is comfortable enough to lounge around in, and tough enough to withstand the most challenging of workouts,” says fitness influencer and coach Jason Pak.
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic |
| Inseam | 7″ or 9″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
These classic swim trunks are versatile for activities both in and out of water. Available in classic 5 and 7 inches, they’re suitable for guys of all different heights. During our testing, we found that their rugged build and functional design make these quick-drying swimsuits equally suitable for hitting the beach or city streets—and we especially love how roomy and relaxed they feel.
What Do Experts Say? “Active summer shorts ideally go from land to water with ease. Patagonia makes their trademark Baggies just this kind of functionality, with quick dry fabric and the conscious and ethical manufacturing practices the company is known for worldwide. They are great for sports yet look pulled together and elevated compared to traditional athletic shorts,” says personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little.
| Material | 100% recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic |
| Inseam | 5″ or 7″ |
| Type | Swim shorts |
Best Value Shorts
Vineyard Vines 8 Inch Performance Breaker Shorts
Best Value Shorts
Vineyard Vines 8 Inch Performance Breaker Shorts
After testing these shorts out in our fashion closet, we described them as “performance dress pants cut in half.” Our Fashion Director even considered them as a summer style must-have since these dress shorts will give make any guy look seriously sharp this summer with the added comfort of performance-stretch fabric.
We were also equally impressed by its comfort; when the temperature heats up, their quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric has also come in clutch for me.
What Do Experts Say? “Vineyard Vines has a great selection of men’s shorts and their 8” Performance Breaker Shorts are the ones I keep coming back to! With a clean cut and sharp look, these classic shorts are made with light and breathable fabric as well as a great stretch,” says lifestyle influencer John Philp Thompson.
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic |
| Inseam | 8″ |
| Type | Chino shorts |
Best hybrid shorts
Lands’ End 9″ Outrigger Stretch Cargo Swim Trunks with No Liner
Best hybrid shorts
Lands’ End 9″ Outrigger Stretch Cargo Swim Trunks with No Liner
Now 25% Off
Believe it or not, Bullet Train Star Andrew Koji was able to do a perfect high kick in these swim shorts like a piece of cake. That’s how stretchy and unobstructed they are on land. In water, however, the performance is just as well according to our testing. In fact, when testing for a pair of swim trunks that can match this level of movement, our Fashion Director noted this option’s lightweight but extremely stretchy fabric that moved with the thighs. My favorite part is of course the utilitarian pockets which can really come in handy in or out of the water. And we love how easy it is to dress them up as well with polo shirts.
| Material | 100% Nylon |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Inseam | 9″ |
| Type | Swim/cargo hybrid shorts |
Best board shorts
Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort
Best board shorts
Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort
Tested in our fashion closet as a beach essential, these quick-dry shorts are made with lightweight four-way stretch fabric that we found feels smooth inside and out. You will ride the waves or move in (and out) the water comfortably in these quick-dry trunks. I’ve also worn them to the gym a few times and found that the fabric is stretchy enough to even squad in.
Our Fashion Director especially loves how eco-friendly they are. Made with recycled polyester—which is made from 11 plastic bottles—they make for feel-good beach attire while catching some waves. The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities.
| Material | 80% Recycled Polyester, 12% Cotton, 8% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Inseam | 8″ |
| Type | Board shorts |
Best casual shorts
Abercrombie & Fitch All-Day Pull-On Short
Best casual shorts
Abercrombie & Fitch All-Day Pull-On Short
A&F’s easy, casual, everyday-friendly shorts should definitely be on your radar. They look tailored and elevated but are actually a pair of athletic shorts, a style that has brought some fun to my stale gym shorts rotation. I also love that the fabric is crafted with nylon to be breathable and moisture-wicking, and the stretch makes mobility effortless. And don’t worry, the legs are roomy enough even for big thighs. Great for casual weekend hangs or your workday wardrobe.
What Do Experts Say? “This short has been the secret weapon for years. Affordable, comfortable, and cut to the perfect length. Wear them all summer long and don’t be afraid to wear them during a competitive game of beach volleyball. They are as durable as they look,” says entrepreneur and retail expert Josh Kaplan.
| Material | 69% Cotton, 27% Nylon, 4% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Tailored |
| Inseam | 6″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
Looking for a pair of comfortable-yet-cool shorts for a day by the sea? This totally easygoing style has let me stay sharp with an inseam that hits the perfect length just above the knee. But, of course, I had to test out its linen fabric, which is extra soft and breathable. With a comfortable drawstring waistband nonetheless, you’ll feel as good as you look in these seriously flattering summer shorts. The only thing is that there’s no stretch; coupled with a slim fit, they’re thus better for lounging, vacationing, and relaxing instead of traveling or commuting.
What Do Experts Say? “The shorts, made from 100% French linen will be breathable during the hottest days. Dyed with natural dyes, you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals on your body when wearing this garment. With a 6.75″ inseam, these are a modern cut, still with a classic style,” says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.
| Material | 100% inseam |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Inseam | 6.75″ |
| Type | Linen shorts |
You can never go wrong with this lightweight, breathable summer-style staple of linen blend. When trying on Todd Snyder’s version I’ve come to love its roomy straight-leg fit which allows me to move comfortably, and its just-above-the-knee length for showing some skin off appropriately.
Our favorite part is that while its tailored look does lean on the smart casual side, with the right styling tricks on footwear and short-sleeve shirts, we were able to wear it to semi-formal occasions in a business casual fit.
What Do Experts Say? “These are newly added to my summer short collection, as I was looking for a pair that could either be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can easily tuck in a button-up to head to dinner, then wear them more relaxed to go to the beach for sunset,” says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.
| Material | 59% Cotton, 41%Linen |
|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Inseam | 7″ |
| Type | Linen shorts |
Warmer weather means more opportunities to up our sweats game in the fresh air. Having worn them for lounging or just weekend downtime activities, we found that these shorts are lightweight, luxuriously soft, and have built-in stretch for movement with ease. The extra zip pockets and tailored fit are cool details that I like the most because they come in handy for my on-the-go style needs.
Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men
| Material | 95% Cotton, 5% Stretch |
|---|---|
| Fit | Tailored |
| Inseam | 9.5″ |
| Type | Sweat shorts |
Most versatile shorts
Public Rec All Day Every Day Short
Most versatile shorts
Public Rec All Day Every Day Short
Looking for a pair of shorts that can take you from the commute to the office to the airport to the bar and then to the inevitable summer vacay? End your epic search with Public Rec’s versatile shorts. I’ve been wearing these shorts since the spring of 2022, and I have that beyond the relaxing fit and smooth feel 24/7, these shorts also provide an unmatched nylon blend performance (stretch, breathable, and moisture-wicking).
| Material | 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Athletic |
| Inseam | 8 1/4″ – 10″ |
| Type | Athletic shorts |
Best dressy shorts
Bonobos Italian Stretch Chino Shorts
Best dressy shorts
Bonobos Italian Stretch Chino Shorts
Now 25% Off
One of the best men’s shorts to invest in this summer is a pair of tailored pleated chinos, and these, as I have found, come with the right tad of stretch and enough breathing room for my big thighs. Looking crisp, sharp, and polished, I can easily dress them up with a button-down shirt, or down with a white T-shirt.
| Material | 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim, standard, and athletic |
| Inseam | 5″, 7″, and 9″ |
| Type | Chino shorts |
Looking for a solid pair of men’s shorts you can wear anywhere, anytime? Flint and Tinder’s summer shorts available in 5, 7, and 9 inches have a super-soft feel, a minimalist but versatile chino cut, and a good amount of stretch that allows you to move with ease.
You would love to wear them as travel shorts as I do. From my experience of wearing them, if you’re making plans for a weekend getaway, you’ll want to pack them.
| Material | 98% cotton, 2% spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Inseam | 5″, 7″, and 9″ |
| Type | Chino shorts |
Best Hiking Shorts
Ralph Lauren 6-Inch Classic Fit Water-Resistant Short
Best Hiking Shorts
Ralph Lauren 6-Inch Classic Fit Water-Resistant Short
Hit the trail in these lightweight, flattering shorts that have moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric to keep you comfortable during dog days. The streamlined pockets reduce bulk, making this pair extremely functional and stylish.
Also tested in our fashion closet as a spring style essential that will “shield you from spring’s shenanigans in style,” we love how these hiking shorts are made of water-resistant nylon—and have a bunch of pockets so our gear stays on hand.
Read more: Best Hiking Pants
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
Deputy Editor, Commerce
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
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