The Coolest Men’s Shorts Brands To Get You Through Summer In Style

New York City based e-commerce men's clothing designer and manufactorer burst onto the scene with their signature curved waistband – one that actually conforms to the natural shape of your waist. They aim to make shopping fun, completely reinventing the retail store and personalising it, so that it is now called a guideshop.

Dutch brand G-Star Raw set out to provide luxury for the streets back in 1989 using raw, untreated denim. Now the brand has stores all over the world, mainly supplying jeans, jackets and the odd pair of stylish shorts, like these 3301s. They strike that perfect balance between smart and casual and can be rocked with a pair of sneakers or boots. Made with aged denim, the cut also narrows at the knee for a more tailored fit.

Closely associated with that classic American prep school look, J Crew has been providing jeans, khakis and other simple yet fashionable basics since 1989. They love signature pieces, such as these cotton Stretch Shorts, that seem to easily fit in any era from the past 50 years. Rock ‘em with a smart pair of simple trainers like a pair of vans or converse and you’re onto a winner.

You could consider LuluLemon more of a movement than a sports brand - the truth is they actually sit somewhere in the middle. Created in Vancouver back in 1998, they 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, perfect for those stylish sporty types.

For a brand that set up relatively recently, the team behind Rhone have made big waves for men who value style and practicality. They use quality fabrics to produce a range of daily garments, including these Commuter Shorts. 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 sandles, topped off with a plain tee.

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 superior comfort and movement, and look great as part of a midsummer, smart casual look.

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 sustainable clothing, personified by laidback these Paz Shorts. They’re made from Organic Cotton, they’re super comfortable, and should be better suited to those who prefer a more rugged overall look.

Everything that Reigning Champ creates is both simple and super cool. From their tees and jackets to their sweaters and shorts, there is an element of real quality in everything they produce. These Mid Weight Terry shorts are a prime example, they’re made from 100% cotton and will keep you right whether you’re working out at the gym or just plain old lounging. They feature a drawstring cord waist and 2 open pockets for phones and keys, and once you’ve put them on you won’t want to take them off!

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. Their minimalist approach and great choice of collaborations mean they sit in a real sweet spot with modern consumers in the know. Their Quinn Shorts couldn’t be more of the times if they tried. They have a wide, safari-like cut and are made using lightweight cotton for everyday wear.

Shorts are exactly what brought the world’s attention to Orlebar Brown back in 2007, when the British brand released their first collections of beach shorts. Since then they have moved into other garments very successfully, but it is their 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.

UK fashion designer Paul Smith needs little introduction - a flagbearer of high end men’s fashion since the 1970s - loved by gentlemen around the world. Everything Mr Smith’s team of designers throw at us combines absolute quality and touch of British eccentricity, such as these Jersey Lounge Shorts. They are made from 100% jersey cotton, and feature only flat top stitching for added comfort. The drawcord also features the stripes so closely associated with all of Smith’s garments, adding just the right amount standout colour.

Japanese label Uniqlo may have a history that goes all the way back to 1940s Japan, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that they started to make global waves. Their collections are a celebration of simplicity in pastel colours, and they have 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!

Aussie brand Venroy first came to everyone’s attention back in 2010, releasing some stellar collections of wonderfully stylish swim shorts produced using their own fabrics. Move forward to today and Venroy have branched out into a variety of other garments, but these fantastic lounge shorts show they haven’t forgotten their roots. They are made from 100% flax/linen, offering a level of comfort usually reserved for kings. You will have to be a little smart about what you wear them with, however. A quality buttoned shirt and some leather on your feet should go some way to doing the trick.

Ralph Lauren’s Polo selections are all about quintessential American style, creating clothing that becomes indispensable to its wearer. These Stretch Shorts are in no way different, created using a cotton-twill blend, they’re ideal for summer days when a bit of class is needed for a smart casual look. They look great with a pair of simple converse or vans, or even better, espadrilles. And if you really want to do it properly, you’ll want to grab a polo shirt as well...

Since 2013 John Elliott has been on a mission to fill the gaps he sees in his wardrobe, which it seems is functional clothing with a modern fit. There is definitely more than a slight element of casual to Elliot’s designs, but that is what makes them so nice, striking that balance between street and luxury, as highlighted by these Crimson Shorts. Made from 100% cotton, they’re inspired by US basketball shorts, with the added features of a phone pocket on the back and an adjustable drawcord.

Formed as part of the Slowear group in 1951, Incotex works with specialist factories across Italy to premium quality clothing. These Slim Fit Linen shorts are absolutely outstanding, cut from supersoft Chinolino, the brand’s very own linen and cotton blend. Lightweight and very comfortable, they’re perfect for summer dinner parties and evenings strolling around the harbour. They can be worn with a pair of simple sneakers, but you might be better off bringing out the loafers for such quality.