20 Best Shorts Brands For Every Occasion & Vacation

Rhone, a relatively new company in the market, has quickly garnered attention from style-conscious blokes who appreciate both fashion and functionality. With their use of premium fabrics, Rhone has crafted a diverse collection of ‘daily garments’, including the highly acclaimed and much loved Commuter shorts for men. These shorts are constructed using Japanese Warp Knit fabric, a fabric renowned for its quality and comfort, ensuring a truly effortless wearing experience.

One notable feature of the Rhone Commuter shorts is the inclusion of a convenient media pocket designed specifically to securely hold your phone. This thoughtful addition allows you to keep your device easily accessible while on the go, providing practicality and convenience.

When it comes to styling, the Rhone Commuter shorts offer versatile options for a variety of summer looks. Their can be paired with sneakers or Birks, while maintaining a cool and casual appearance. For a laid-back yet fashionable fit, simply combine their shorts with a plain white tee, for a basic bloke look everyone can appreciate.

BEST FOR GETTING TO WORK

Price: From $80
Sizes: 28-40
Material: FLEX-KNIT fabric

When the creative forces of an acclaimed fashion designer and a world-champion surfer combine (Kelly Slater), the result is Outerknown, a Californian company that embodies both sustainability and undeniable style. Outerknown has made a name for itself by prioritizing eco-friendly practices while delivering fashion-forward designs.

One of their notable offerings is the Seventyseven Cord Utility shorts for men. Available in a range of cool colours, such as the vibrant Cosmo (Kramer) pink and earthy Clay tones, these shorts exemplify Outerknown’s versatility and appeal. Crafted from a lightweight cord fabric, these Outerknown shorts offer more than just aesthetics. The fabric’s breathability ensures optimal airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable even in the sweltering summer heat.

True to their name, the Seventyseven Cord Utility shorts provide a loose fit. This relaxed construction contributes to the shorts’ suitability for warmer seasons, enabling unrestricted mobility and ventilation.

It’s worth noting that Outerknown’s emphasis on sustainability extends beyond style and comfort. They are dedicated to employing eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that your fashion choices align with greater environmental consciousness.

BEST SHORT FOR SURFIE DUDES

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-38
Material: 100% Organic cotton

Bonobos has gained significant popularity among men for suits but also now shorts and pants, thanks to their ingenious waistband design that sets them apart. Unlike conventional straight waistbands, Bonobos uses a curved waistband that has proven to make a remarkable difference to the comfort and fit of their men’s shorts.

This design innovation ensures that you own a pair of shorts that remains comfortable even after smashing a double burger, eliminating the need to hastily remove them. Instead, Bonobos’ curved waistbands allow for all-day wear without sacrificing comfort.

Taking this concept of exceptional comfort a step further, Bonobos introduces their Stretch Washed Chino Short 2.0. These shorts elevate the comfort level by incorporating a hint of elastane into the waistband. This additional stretchiness enhances the overall comfort and flexibility, making these shorts even more accommodating for all-day wear.

BEST SHORTS FOR SMART CASUAL

Price: From $79
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Cotton, elastane

Closely associated with that classic American prep school look, J. Crew has been providing men with jeans, khakis and other simple yet fashionable basics since 1989. The company has a fondness for signature pieces, such as these stretch chino shorts, that seamlessly fit in any era from the past 50 years.

J. Crew’s stretch chino shorts are available in a variety of leg lengths: 5, 7, 9 and 10.5-inch, making them appealing to guys of all heights and with a good amount of stretch to them (hence the name) they allow you to move freely and not feel constricted. With a huge range of colours to choose from too, your summer wardrobe is sorted.

Beyond the chino short, J.Crew also make a wide selection of dock, tech, linen & seersucker and hiker shorts for men.

BEST SHORT FOR A DAY AT THE POLO

Price: From $70
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Cotton, elastane

Everlane is a go-to retailer for those seeking sustainable and ethically made fashion with transparent pricing.

Catering to all weather conditions, their range of chino shorts is designed with versatility in mind. Take the Slim Fit Performance Chino Short, for instance, which combines style and functionality seamlessly. Crafted from high-quality materials, these shorts not only offer a flattering fit but also feature sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties.

With Everlane, blokes can embrace fashion that aligns with their values without compromising on style or comfort. Most importantly their price point is fair and quality maintains high.

We can vouch for this as we’ve purchased many t-shirts and pants over the past 3 years.

BEST EVERYDAY SHORTS

Price: From $65
Sizes: 28-38
Material: Cotton, elastane

Figure-hugging shorts that show off your insane quads are no longer the main draw for Abercrombie & Fitch.

The US clothing company as shifted its image from being one for the stereotypical ‘jock’ to a brand that welcomes anyone and everyone. The clothing collections have benefitted massively, as you will now find a wide range of styles, fits, colours and patterns to suit all men and all tastes.

One of the standout pairs of men’s Abercrombie shorts, in our opinion, is the resort short, which functions as both an everyday short and a swim short. They’re quick-drying, made from a 4-way stretch fabric and have an inner compression short to keep you in place when you’re in the pool. Versatile, practical and good-looking, need we say more?

BEST FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Price: From $50
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Polyester

Vuori is for the more laidback man, having a prominent foothold in the yoga market. Their collection of shorts for men isn’t solely designed for the bendy lads among us, however, as it encompasses beach shorts, compression shorts and exercise shorts with built-in compression layers, not to mention some sweat styles for when you just want to kick back and relax, the bendy people certainly have much to entice them.

The Ponto shorts for men are made from the company’s DreamKnit fabric, which claims to be “the world’s softest”. They’re lightweight and comfortable and with anti-odour technology integrated, you can be comfortable wearing them for a few days at a time in between washes.

BEST FOR THE SWEAT

Price: From $68
Sizes: 28-40
Material: DreamKnit™ fabric

Faherty is a family-owned business started by brothers Mike and Alex, with Alex’s wife Kerry joining at a later date. Created to merge the worlds of surf culture and sustainable living, Faherty has an extensive catalogue of short styles. With various materials, colours and silhouettes, finding a perfect pair to suit your lifestyle should be easy.

The All Day Shorts are now in their second generation and arrive with an improved fabric that provides greater movement and breathability, yet retains their tailored look and quick-drying properties. Faherty continues to be a champion of sustainability by using recycled bottles to help make the All Day Shorts and, depending on your preference, you can spec them with either no belt loops for a more tailored look or have some belt loops added.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER SHORTS

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Recycled polyester, cotton

The Mack Weldon clothing label was founded to “reinvent the basics” for men, which has been achieved through the development of bespoke fabrics, which have been tried and tested right down to the seam, in order to offer guys a more premium and durable collection of clothing, while not making a huge dent in your wallet.

A good chunk of Mack Weldon’s men’s shorts collection is skewed towards a more active lifestyle, but these Tech Chino Shorts are made from bespoke fabric, which promises to be both water and stain-resistant, offers plenty of stretch and pocket storage. Available in a range of colours and sizes, they’re well worth checking out.

BEST TECHNICAL SHORTS

Price: From $65
Sizes: 30-44
Material:  Technical fabric

Renowned for his expertise in outerwear gained from Ralph Lauren and menswear directorship at GAP, Todd Snyder launched his eponymous label in 2011, offering impeccably crafted and fashionable clothing.

Among his creations, the Weekend Stretch Shorts stand out. Constructed from a blend of cotton, Tencel, and spandex twill, these shorts provide exceptional comfort and flexibility with their four-way stretch fabric.

Their versatile design makes them a perfect addition to a smart casual ensemble during the warmer months. Todd Snyder’s commitment to quality and style shines through in these shorts, showcasing his expertise in creating effortlessly chic garments.

BEST SHORTS FOR CHILLING

Price: From $98
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material:  Cotton, tencel, spandex twill

Olivers is an athletic-focused clothing company that designs clothes that not only look great, bearing all the hallmarks of an essential wardrobe, but ones that are designed to perform at the highest level.

The flagship style in its shorts lineup is the All Over short, which can be bought in varying lengths, but Olivers also offers compression-lined shorts, resort shorts, and swim trunks that will have you looking good at the gym, on holiday, or the beach.

BEST FOR A CASUAL WORKOUT

Price: From $68
Sizes: S-XL
Material: Nylon, spandex

Buck Mason is widely cherished at DMARGE due to its exceptional craftsmanship, utilization of premium fabrics, and ability to create timeless pieces infused with subtle yet impactful enhancements.

Their shorts inherit the timeless silhouette of traditional Deck Shorts but undergo a meticulous makeover, resulting in an enhanced tactile experience and superior comfort. Buck Mason’s commitment to creating innovative yet enduring pieces has cemented its reputation as a go-to for fashion-forward blokes everywhere.

BEST SHORT FOR WORK

Price: From $85
Sizes: 28-40
Material: Cotton, spandex

When shorts designed specifically for those with active lifestyles can be worn when you’re not pounding the pavement or pumping iron in the gym, they suddenly become an incredibly attractive proposition. That is certainly the case for Ten Thousand. The US label makes some incredibly capable activewear, in terms of both durability and flexibility, and those qualities carry over so that their shorts can be worn no matter what you’re doing.

The Foundation short is a perfect example, combining durability and comfortability, making them ideal for use either at the gym or as a pair of casual shorts to throw on at the weekend. A silver ion anti-odour finish will help keep lingering smells at bay, while the abrasion-resistant fabric will keep them looking their absolute best wear after wear.

BEST FOR ACTIVE BLOKES

Price: From $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Polyester, spandex

From what started out as a clothing shop in New York’s trendy Soho district in 2009, Saturdays NYC has grown into a highly respected label in its own right. Its minimalist approach and great choice of collaborations mean it sits in a real sweet spot with modern consumers in the know.

The men’s clothing collections at Saturdays NYC change on a regular basis, so it’s always worth checking back often to see what new arrivals the brand has in-store. Right now, these Ross Chino Painter Shorts are some of our favourites. A short version of a traditional pair of carpenter pants, this pair of men’s shorts has a number of pockets strategically located on the front, including a dedicated coin pocket, and a key loop.

Price: From $135
Sizes: 28-33

“Born in Cambridge raised in the labs of MIT.” This is Ministry of Supply’s motto and they are the leaders in sustainable menswear. Their clothing is durability tested to ensure you’re getting top quality without the hefty price tag. Ministry of Supply’s men’s shorts range comprises both smart and active pairs, although some are more of a hybrid, offering a tailored appearance but made from more athletic-focused fabric.

The Kinetic Pull-On Short is an example of this, as they’re made from a 4-way stretch knit fabric that promises to retain its shape no matter how many washes it receives, draw away moisture from your skin and dry quickly. If there was just one thing we’d like to see changed, it’s the choice of colours. With just grey and blue available at the time of publishing, they’re hardly going to win any awards for outright choice. But, if you’re looking for comfort, you’ve found it.

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-40
Material:  Primeflex® Warp-knit Japanese Polyester

Uniqlo, a Japanese label with roots dating back to the 1940s, gained global prominence in the 2000s. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and a wide array of pastel hues, the collections epitomise simplicity.

Uniqlo has consistently maintained its reputation for offering competitively priced garments.

The Cargo Shorts, crafted from 100% cotton, exemplify their commitment to quality and versatility. Perfectly complementing basic tees and sneakers, these shorts are an ideal choice for summer attire. Furthermore, the affordability of these shorts is undeniably impressive, making them a compelling option for individuals seeking both style and value in their wardrobe.

Price: From $25
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Material: 100% Cotton

Editor’s note: If you’re not into cargo shorts, just go for Uniqlo’s basic men’s shorts. They’re cheap and great quality.

Mission Workshop is perhaps better known for its extensive range of weatherproof clothing that could perhaps be seen as being better suited for adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventures. While that may be true, it’s not to say its shorts can’t be worn on a daily basis.

Take The Stahl short, for example. Mission Workshop describes it as a high-performance riding short but we can easily see them being shown off on the high-street. Add a plain t-shirt and a classic pair of white sneakers and you’ve got yourself a rugged and durable, yet stylish outfit.

Price: From $158
Sizes: 28-38
Material: Military-spec 4-way stretch fabric

Lululemon, founded in Vancouver in 1998, transcends being merely a sports brand and has become a cultural movement in its own right. While initially establishing itself in the thriving yoga fashion market, the company subsequently diversified into the realm of general sportswear.

Exhibiting a fusion of style and functionality, their T.H.E Shorts epitomize the brand’s commitment to quality. Constructed with four-way stretch capabilities and employing lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics, these shorts cater to the needs of both active individuals and fashion-conscious consumers.

Lululemon has successfully carved out a niche for itself by providing a range of products that combine performance-enhancing features with contemporary aesthetics, appealing to those seeking a harmonious blend of style and athleticism.

Price: From $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane

Taking the menswear essentials concept and giving it a slightly more premium upgrade is Club Monaco. The American retailer, founded in 1985, remains committed to using fabrics that are a cut above the high-street labels but that don’t dent your pocket so much as the higher-end brands. They’re the perfect in-between, and with pairs of men’s shorts such as theses linen blend cargo shorts on the cards, it’s easy to see why Club Monaco is so popular.

Taking the current trend of cargo shorts but using a more lightweight and breathable linen fabric, these Club Monaco shorts for men will make an excellent summer investment.

Price: From $90
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: Linen, rayon, elastane

Nothing quite says preppy style like Brooks Brothers. It’s the oldest clothing brand in the United States, having been founded in 1818, so with over 200 years of experience, you can be sure of genuine quality and commitment to fit and overall customer service.

The brand’s shorts collection is certainly varied, with chino shorts arriving in an assortment of materials, like stretch fabric or linen, colours and patterns to suit all tastes. They may be more appealing to those who spend their weekends at wine mixers or on a yacht, but that’s not a bad thing.

Price: From $70
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Polyester

Touting them as the “only pair of shorts you need for warmer weather”, Unbound Merino is pretty confident in the capabilities of its chosen material. With the Merino wool being ethically sourced from Australia, it’s an ideal proponent for shorts. Water repellent, exhibiting the right amount of stretch and quick drying, we’re starting to believe their bold claim.

With only one pair of men’s shorts on the books and only available in two essential colours, you’ve got the perfect base to build a whole wardrobe of summer-ready outfits.

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Merino wool, cotton, spandex

Shorts are exactly what brought the world’s attention to Orlebar Brown back in 2007, when they released their first collections of beach summer shorts. Since then, it has moved onto other garments very successfully, but it is the company’s everyday shorts that still get chins wagging.

Their Bulldogs are for life in hotter climates but well away from the beach. They have a wonderful tailored fit and feature a couple of nickel-effect side fasteners for an added touch of class – a real quality pair of shorts.

Price: From $295
Sizes: 28-40
Material: Garment dye stretch-cotton twill

A quintessentially youthful American clothing label American Eagle offers a wide variety of clothing styles to suit all tastes and all budgets. Decidedly laidback in its approach to style, AE is best known for its range of jeans, but the shorts collection is just as comprehensive. Denim shorts, cargo shorts, chino shorts, jogger shorts, resort shorts or swim shorts; you name it, American Eagle has it.

Price: From $45
Sizes: 26-44
Material: Cotton, PCW cotton, lycra

Mizzen & Main has made it their mission to combine comfort and flexibility with fit and style for the modern man on the move. They persistently aim to blend a legacy of tradition, respect, and classic style into their menswear while embracing the technology that gives garments moisture wicking, stretch, and wrinkle resistant properties.

Mizzen & Main’s range of performance fabric shorts are breathable, feature 2-way stretch for continuous movement, and are available in both 7 inch and 9 inch lengths in five stylish colours.

Price: From $78
Sizes: 29-40

Public Rec, founded in 2015, set out to make comfort look good. They achieved this by releasing a line of athleisure clothing that’s stylish, high quality, tailored, and, above all, comfortable.

Public Rec has a huge range of men’s shorts, all of which are extremely versatile and can be worn for both casual and smart-casual wear. Available in multiple colours, all of Public Rec’s shorts are soft and stretchy for ultimate comfort.

Price: From $68
Sizes: 28-44
Material: 100% Polyester