We’ll keep this intro short.
Shorts are the go-to for most men during the hotter months of summer, letting their knees and legs catch some rays.
Shorts of all fabrics and lengths are cool for the summer (and year-round, TBH), with many serving up unique and important purposes, such as sports shorts for running, swim shorts for the water and a classy pair to wear on the golf course or to an outdoor dinner date. Not to mention, your finest pair of chinos are great to wear for your next date night.
If your wardrobe is still full of ratty pairs or outdated styles, our recommendations below have got you covered — well, from the knee up, anyway.
Below, find our list of the best men’s shorts of 2023 from lululemon, Nike, Amazon and more.
Whether it’s a gift for yourself or a treat for your partner, its shorts season, baby.
1. Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Short
Real talk — our brothers, boyfriends and dads are obsessed with the Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Short. Why? The brand is one of our favorites for athleisure, they’re the “softest material ever” (a direct quote from our loved ones) and are the one clothing piece you should invest in.
Not to mention, it pairs well with the brand’s Stretch-Knit Bamboo Lounge Tee ($50) that’s another staple we recommend grabbing.
2. lululemon City Sweat Short French Terry 9″
Combining the comfort of sweatpants with the length of shorts, this City Sweat pair from lululemon is perfect for lounging and for working out. Even better, its soft, stretch French Terry fabric is one you’ll want to wear on repeat.
Made of super-soft French terry fabric, the 9-inch shorts hit just above the knee for a full-coverage fit. They come in either navy blue or light gray and range in size from a men’s XS through an XXL on the site.
3. Amazon Essentials Men’s Classic Fit 9″ Short
You’ll want to pick up these comfy and versatile men’s shorts in just about any color. Perfect for a day out and about or an evening dinner, you can’t go wrong with the 100% cotton pair. The size range is generous, too, offered from 28 to 44.
4. Dockers Perfect Classic Fit Shorts
For a budget-friendly pair of shorts that come in multiple colorways (including this sought-after khaki), shop Dockers’ Shorts. Its 100% cotton, button closure and machine wash description are exactly what we look for, too.
What’s more, these shorts have a great size range, from 28 to 60, and are your next dresser drawer essential.
5. Roadbox Running and Basketball Shorts (2-Pack)
Let’s be real — basketball shorts are truly the comfiest, right? Stock up your basic essentials drawer with Roadbox’s two-pack of stretchy-waistband shorts that are just as breathable as they are practical.
6. adidas Designed 2 Move 3-Stripes Primeblue Shorts
Speaking of essentials, you already know Adidas was going to snuggle its way into this roundup. The wear-all-day basic has a secure fit, so it’s great for working out. Not to mention, its size range spans from XS to 4XL-tall, along with coming in multiple color options.
7. Nike Dri-Fit Stride Shorts
For sprinting, dashing and warming up, Nike’s Dri-Fit Stride Shorts are a quality, sporty option. Available in purple, light blue and black, too, the relaxed and breezy feel is also sustainably made, so you’ll feel good about your purchase — along with feeling good on your run.
8. Elwood Clothing Ranger Short
We have a new brand to put on your radar, and it’s Elwood Clothing (well, new to us, anyway). Its entire catalog of products is the definition of “elevated basics” and we love its Ranger Short that adds a comfortable, rugged, chino-like touch to any outfit. Even better, it’s fairly priced at $65.
9. Roark Serrano 2.0 Shorts 8″
Add some spooky charm to your shorts this season with the well-made. Roark Serrano 2.0 Shorts 8″. Designed with an athletic and functional appeal, this pair is “as ready for a trail run as it is for a coffee run,” per the brand — and isn’t that what we all want? Additionally, it features recycled polyester materials that are also water-resistant.
10. Vuori Kore Short, $34, original price
If you’re training your core during a workout or treating it to a beer by the beach, these Kore sports shorts are a great wardrobe get.
From Vuori, the Kore Short comes in 14 amazing colors — two for every day of the week if you train hard enough. They’re perfect for any sport, as they are long enough for running without chafing but loose enough to keep you cool while your body heats up. They also come with an attached boxer brief, so all you need are these shorts and you’re good to go.
11. Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts
Ah, another pair of above-the-knee chinos we adore. Specifically, this jewel-toned green is out of sight.
Available in six other wonderful colors and three types of fit — standard, slim and athletic — this pair is worth the buy, for sure. You can also choose the short length and enjoy its fun-patterned inside for some spring and summer flair.
12. J. Crew 6″ Dock Shorts
You don’t actually have to own a boat to rock these 6″ Dock Shorts from J. Crew, but the upside is that anyone that sees you in them will naturally think you do. These preppy, sporty shorts are available in 10 colorways, including Mountain Pine (pictured), Stone, Rustic Rose, and more.
13. Real Essentials Dry-Fit Sweat-Resistant Active Athletic Performance Shorts (5-Pack)
We’re not at all surprised the Real Essentials 5-Pack is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon. The value is unmatched.
But more importantly, let’s talk about the relaxed-fit shorts. Not only is there a pair to hit the gym in before or after work for Monday to Friday, but its polyester and spandex design — paired with a drawstring closure — makes them comfy and unstoppable.
14. Tansozer Casual Classic Fit Shorts
Tansozer’s Casual Classic Fit Shorts are noteworthy for a few reasons. First, its drawstring and elastic waist make them almost like loungewear. Secondly, the price point for the quality is impeccable.
Available in XS to 3XL, they’re fit for everyone — pun absolutely intended. While we like all nine color options, this light blue is especially great for the warmer months.
15. Wrangler Authentics Classic Cargo Stretch Short
Enter another Amazon bestseller: Wrangler Authentics’ Classic Cargo Stretch Short. For less than $50, these comfortable and versatile bottoms are just what you need to welcome spring and summer.
The shorts are available in sizes 30 to 54, too, offering a solid range with a good amount of colors to choose from. Plus, they’re a No. 1 Amazon best-seller.
16. Nautica Classic Fit Flat-Front Chino Deck Short
As the premier brand for all things nautical (of course), resort to Nautica for all your warm-weather needs. Available in eight fresh colors, these chino deck shorts are fairly priced, traditional and look great with a pair of white sneakers or boat shoes.
Not to mention, they’re an Amazon’s Choice, fan-favorite style.
17. J. Crew 7″ Stretch Seersucker Short
We’re suckers for seersucker in the summer. These shorts from J. Crew are lightweight and perfect for spring and summer, coming in a light blue color as well as in a black and white seersucker stripe.
A little history lesson from the brand’s website: “Fun fact: Seersucker takes its name from the Persian phrase shîr-o-shakar (“milk and sugar”), which describes its alternating smooth and textured stripes.”
18. Public Rec Flex Short
These shorts from Public Red are super versatile, allowing you to go from a run to a day in the park. They are moisture-wicking for working out, yet have an upscale feel as opposed to traditional gym shorts.
19. Joe’s Jeans The Brixton Slim Fit Shorts
Shop Joe’s Jeans, sold at Bloomingdale — namely, its Brixton Slim-Fit Shorts. This pair is offered in a bounty of color options, looks classic when styled and boasts a buttery soft feel.
20. Ted Baker Ashford Cotton Chino Shorts
These sophisticated Ashford Cotton Chino Shorts from Ted Baker are perfect for your next upscale beach party, boat excursion, date, and more. Sitting somewhere between formal and casual, these $120 shorts are best described as: handsome.
21. Duvin Storm Mesh Lounge Short
Weather any storm this summer, with these trusty lounge shorts from Duvin.
The shorts look like trendy swim trunks, but are actually made for the couch, made of breathable mesh and ranging in size from a small to a 2XL, or a 27 through 41.
22. Onia Linen Home Shorts
You’ll never want to leave the house again once you pick up a pair of these new Onia Linen Home Shorts, available now for just $75 from Saks Fifth Avenue. A word of warning: once you add these to your wardrobe, make sure to budget time for how much lounging you’ll be getting up to.
23. Alex Crane Bo Shorts
Think pink this summer.
Alex Crane did, when designing these aptly-named watermelon shorts. They are made of 100% sustainably-grown French linen for the ultimate cooling and light short, with an adjustable drawstring waist and sizing from an XS to an XXL. Not to mention, more colors are available.
24. L.L. Bean Dock Shorts
Get the boat pulled up and the cooler stocked for summer on the lake.
Even if you’re not out on the water, these shorts are great for any summertime adventure. The L.L. Bean shorts come in an array of colors, ranging in size from a S to an XXXL, all made of 100% organic cotton twill.
25. Champion Reverse Weave Cut-Off Shorts
Sweat sets have been the reigning champions of the fashion game for a while now, so why should warmer weather stop you from rocking them?
Champion thinks it’s time for a shorter style in time for spring, offering their Reverse Weave Cut-Offs as a great option. They come in a trendy light beige, as well as light gray, perfect to pair with a matching hoodie or your favorite tee shirt before or after hitting the gym.
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