28 Best Shorts For Men | As Tested By Our Editors [2023]

BEST FOR GETTING TO WORK

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-40
Material: FLEX-KNIT fabric
Customer Reviews: “In general you cant go wrong with Rhone when looking for the best material out there.”

For a brand that set up shop relatively recently, the team behind Rhone have made big waves for men who value style and practicality. The company uses quality fabrics to produce a range of daily garments, including these Commuter shorts for men. They’re made from Japanese Warp Knit fabric for effortless comfort, and also feature a handy media pocket for your phone. They can be worn with vintage sneakers or sandals, topped off with a plain tee for instant cool summer style.

BEST FOR OUTDOORS

Price: From $64
Sizes: 28-38
Material: Cotton, spandex

Flint & Tinder is Huckberry’s very own in-house line of clothing for men. Huckberry already knows a thing or two about high-quality men’s clothing designed to accompany you in the great outdoors, so it made sense for the online retailer to venture into production of its own. Flint & Tinder has men’s shorts for all occasions, but these 365 shorts are our favourite. Combining a chino-style appearance but with the added benefit of stretch, allowing you to move freely, they’re built for pretty much anything.

BEST FOR SURFIE DUDES

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-38
Material: 100% Organic cotton
Customer Reviews: “Great shorts, excellent fit and super comfortable. All on top of being stylish.”

What happens when an acclaimed fashion designer and world champion surfer put their heads together for a project? The answer is Outerknown, a Californian brand built on sustainability and looking damn cool. These Seventyseven Cord Utility shorts for men are available in a range of colours (Cosmo pink and Clay are our favourites) and are made, as the name suggests, from a lightweight cord fabric that is incredibly breathable and offers a loose fit, giving your legs room to breathe and move in the summer heat.

BEST FOR SMART CASUAL

Price: From $79
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Cotton, elastane
Customer Reviews: “Great weight, well made, nice quality.”

Bonobos have proven to be incredibly popular with men looking for well-fitting shorts and pants, thanks to the brand’s genius waistband design, which is curved as opposed to straight. It makes a huge difference with regard to you owning a pair of shorts you’ll want to take off after a large meal, and a pair you can wear all day long. These Easy Lightweight shorts for men take that to the extreme, adding a hint of elastane into the waistband to make them even more comfortable. The perfect pair of men’s shorts? Quite possibly.

BEST FOR A DAY AT THE POLO

Price: From $70
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Cotton, elastane
Customer Reviews: “Great quality, look great!!! Love the length! I may buy more.”

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.

BEST EVERYDAY SHORTS

Price: From $65
Sizes: 28-38
Material: Cotton, elastane
Customer Reviews: “Finally a short that fits everywhere. Length is spot on. Width of the leg is spot on. Waist circumference and height is perfect.”

If sustainable, ethically made fashion with transparent pricing is your thing, then Everlane is the retailer for you. The company has a range of chino shorts, coming in various lengths and made from various materials that are better suited to changing weather types. The Slim Fit Performance Chino Short, for example, offers the perfect blend of style, with sweat-wicking, quick drying substance.

BEST FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Price: From $59
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Polyester

Figure-hugging shorts that show off your insane quads are no longer the main draw for Abercrombie & Fitch. The US clothing brand has shifted its image from being a brand 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 THE SWEAT

Price: From $78
Sizes: 28-40
Material: DreamKnit™ fabric
Customer Reviews: “Amazing softness and comfort. Won’t be my last pair.”

Vuori is a brand 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 ALL ROUNDER SHORTS

Price: From $98
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Recycled polyester, cotton
Customer Reviews: “These shorts are excellent, pure and simple.”

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 TECHNICAL SHORTS

Price: From $98
Sizes: 30-44
Material:  Technical fabric
Customer Reviews: “Love the fabric. Great look. Service was great as usual!”

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 the brand’s 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 SHORTS FOR CHILLING

Price: From $98
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material:  Cotton, tencel, spandex twill
Customer Reviews: “Todd Snyder never misses with shorts. The length, color and fit always deliver each time!”

Todd Snyder cut his teeth creating outerwear for Ralph Lauren before becoming director of menswear at GAP. In 2011 he started his own label, producing beautifully made and stylish garments like these Weekend Stretch Shorts. They’re made from a blend of cotton, Tencel and spandex twill for four-way stretch that provides superior comfort and movement, and look awesome as part of a midsummer, smart casual look.

BEST FOR A CASUAL WORKOUT

Price: From $68
Sizes: S-XL
Material: Nylon, spandex
Customer Reviews: “My new favorite overall gym shirts! The fit is spot on and the material is perfect! Love them and have ordered more!”

Olivers is an athletic-focused clothing brand that designs clothes that not only look great, baring 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 WORK

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

American menswear brand Buck Mason is one of our absolute favourites here at DMARGE, thanks to a combination of incredibly well-made products using high-quality fabrics, and producing pieces that are timeless yet integrate subtle but effective twists. This pair of craftsman canvas shorts for men, for example, take a classic canvas work short silhouette and gives it a suede makeover, resulting in greater feel and comfort.

BEST FOR ACTIVE BLOKES

Price: From $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer Reviews: “They are the most durable, breathable pair of shorts on the market. I’ve tried to wreck them, but they won’t die.”

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 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.

Price: From $155
Sizes: 28-33

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 lifestyle brand 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 $98
Sizes: 28-40
Material:  Primeflex® Warp-knit Japanese Polyester
Customer Reviews: “These shorts are my first experience with the kinetic material and it’s pretty sweet. Stretchy, medium weight but not hot, no wrinkles.”

“Born in Cambridge raised in the labs of MIT.” This is Ministry of Suplly’s motto and they are the leaders in sustainable menswear. The brand’s 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 $25
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Material: 100% Cotton
Customer Reviews: “These are my favorite pair of shorts in my entire wardrobe. They are so comfortable and versatile while still being durable and smooth on your skin.”

Japanese label Uniqlo may have a history that goes all the way back to 1940s Japan, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it started to make global waves. Its collections are a celebration of simplicity in pastel colours, and it has always been very price competitive.

These Cargo Shorts are made from 100% cotton and work great with basic tees and sneakers. And as for the price, well, you just can’t argue with that for a great pair of summer shorts!

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.

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

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 $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
Customer Reviews: “Super light, breathable, and overall they look fantastic.”

You could consider LuluLemon more of a movement than a sports brand – the truth is it actually sits somewhere in the middle. Created in Vancouver back in 1998, the company initially made inroads in the growing yoga fashion market before expanding into more general sportswear. These T.H.E Shorts are made with four way stretch, lightweight and sweat-wicking fabrics and are perfect for those stylish sporty types.

Price: From $119
Sizes: 26-44
Material: Cotton, cashmere

A purveyor of affordable and incredibly well-made suits, yes, but Suitsupply understands that men don’t spend their entire lives in the sartorial lane. For those days off, the Dutch brand has a complete collection of essential pieces, including men’s shorts.

The Bosa Shorts are our pick, as they’re made from a cotton-cashmere blend made in Italy, so you can guarantee comfort and softness. With pleated fronts and cuffed hems, they’re ideal for European summer weddings.

Price: From $90
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: Linen, rayon, 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 $88
Sizes: S-XXL
Material: French Terry fabric
Customer Reviews: “As always Tommy John quality is top notch, you always get what you pay for and these Terry sorts are no exception.”

Originally founded as an underwear brand by a husband and wife team, Tommy John has since expanded into a complete clothier for guys looking for well-made essentials. Considerable effort goes into researching and developing fabrics and fits, to ensure you, the customer, receives something you can hold onto for years.

Tommy John currently only has one pair of shorts to offer its male customers, but considering they’re an excellent of pair of French Terry shorts, you won’t find us complaining. Available in a good range of essential colours, these Tommy John shorts for men are made from (as the name suggests) a supersoft French Terry fabric with a good number of pockets, too, for you to keep all your essentials close by.

Price: From $70
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 100% Polyester
Customer Reviews: “So soft and just wonderful. True to size. An excellent purchase!!!!”

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 $98
Sizes: 28-42
Material: Merino wool, cotton, spandex
Customer Reviews: “The shorts are well-made fit right and feel great.”

Touting them as the “only pair of shorts you need for warmer weather”, Canadian brand 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 $295
Sizes: 28-40
Material: Garment dye stretch-cotton twill
Customer Reviews: “Awesome shorts! Perfect fit.”

Shorts are exactly what brought the world’s attention to Orlebar Brown back in 2007, when the British brand released its 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. This pair of 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 $45
Sizes: 26-44
Material: Cotton, PCW cotton, lycra
Customer Reviews: “These shorts fit amazing. I was skeptical about shorts with a slimmer fit but these shorts put me at ease.”

A quintessentially youthful American clothing brand, 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, a resort short or swim shorts; you name it, American Eagle has it.

Price: From $78
Sizes: 29-40
Customer Reviews: “Most comfortable golf shorts I’ve worn. Comfortable, stretchy, and stylish! What more could you want?”

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 $68
Sizes: 28-44
Material: 100% Polyester
Customer Reviews: “Comfortable, stylish and multi purpose. Keep the designs coming!”

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.