The best shorts for men? That can be a bit confusing to answer. TikTok teens would have you believe that a 5-inch inseam is the only length that matters (to be fair, we’ve done our fair share of 5-inch proselytizing, too). Look to Paul Mescal, the current champ of daringly short-shorts, however, and you might be convinced to bare a few more inches of thigh. Ever the swaggy schlub, Mr. Haley Bieber himself preaches the gospel that is gloriously baggy shorts that could swallow a whole family. What happening in men’s fashion!?
The Best Shorts for Men, According to GQ
If all of these contradicting trends has you frazzled, we don’t blame you. But take solace in the fact that, these days, anything goes. That means any point along the shorts spectrum is fair game. Hell, that’s more reason to make a several stops along the way and stock your closet with a wide variety of shorts. Because why deprive yourself of all the stylish options on the market? From the gorpiest, tech advanced jawns to the cotton and wool equivalents of a whiskey neat.
If you’re still relying on your swishy basketball shorts to carry you from the court to brunch, we’re here to help you out. We’ve turned up the 21 best shorts for men for every possible budget and need. Whether you’re after for an elegant pleated pair—à la Giorgio Armani—or just some breathable nylon beaters to get you through the weekend, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the grade-A options that’ll free your trunks.
The Best Shorts Overall: Patagonia Baggies
Season after season, the Baggies continue to reign supreme thanks to their heavenly blend of form and function. Crafted from quick-drying post-consumer recycled nylon, these shorts are a fine example of wearing your clothes in good conscience. It also doesn’t hurt that the flattering cut and ideal 5-inch inseam comes equipped with oh-so spacious mesh side pockets, a stretchy elastic waist, and a snap-secured rear pocket, allowing you to have your fun in the sun, whether that be on or off the grid. They’re clearly the most versatile shorts out there and can play as real-deal athletic shorts, or take a dip as a beach-certified pair of swim shorts. And of course we know them as an endlessly stylish pair of everyday, casual shorts that meshes with a plain T-shirt and sneakers as it does a polo and loafers. For $65, they’re simply unbeatable.
Reed Nelson, frequent GQ contributor and Patagonia Baggies stan, has owned around ten pairs over the years and can’t sing their praises enough. “I’m sure they have a downside, but I’ve spent a lot of time searching for one and keep coming up empty.” They’re as good as everyone says they are (and if you need more proof, check out Reed’s review here).
The Best Everyday Shorts: Alex Mill Chino Shorts
Making a classic, everyday pair of shorts that can handle the rigors of regular wear and fit like a charm is a much harder task than it would appear, but Alex Mill nailed it. Their strategy? Take their best-selling chino pants and chop ’em down for summer wear. Wide-legged and relaxed with just a hint of stretch, they’re about as versatile, comfortable, and timeless as a pair of shorts can be. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.
The Best Mesh Shorts: Abercrombie Retro Mesh Shorts
Abercrombie is bowling a near-perfect game, knocking down every proverbial pin from polo shirts to jeans to camp shirts and more. The same goes for its thigh-baring shorts which come in a range of fabrics, the best of which just might be their swishy, breezy mesh shorts. They come with a drawstring waist, a couple of roomy side pockets, and a gang of colorways and patterns to slot into seamlessly into any closet. They’ll pair with the snazziest wool sweaters or rattiest vintage hoodies and do the same with any shoes you could really think of. And at $50 a pop, you don’t have choose just one.
The Best Sweat Shorts: Todd Snyder x Champion Warm Up Shorts
There comes a time in every mid to moderately active guy’s life when he’s on the hunt for the perfect sweat shorts. Maybe he begrudgingly agreed to join his team for a weekend spar on the court or it’s too hot to get away with his go-to joggers; either way, it’s suddenly a priority. Thankfully, Todd Snyder and Champion whipped up the perfect blend of comfort casual. Mid-weight cotton that won’t leave you shuddering at the faintest breeze and a drawstring waist to secure the fit to your liking. And with seven generous inches, these shorts offer all the coverage you need, exactly where you want it.
The Best Jorts: Levi’s 405 Denim Shorts
Speaking of generous lengths: it’s jorts season again! You might be wondering why on Earth you’d spend money on half a pair of jeans. The answer is a) because they look cool and b) chopping your pants is both an art and a science and not all of us are qualified in both fields. Lucky for you, the Levi’s 405 standard denim is back, features a straight leg that looks good on just about everyone, and will run you just $50. So, if you can’t bare to part with your favorite 501s, these won’t be a big stretch.
The Best Cargo Shorts: Nike ACG Cargo Shorts
Is it any surprise that Nike makes the best cargo shorts? For decades now, their ACG line has been whipping technical fabrics into figure-flattering shapes that both sneakerheads and the crunchiest among us can appreciate. And while cargo shorts are kind of a menswear Rorschach Test, maximizing function seemed essential to the category. This particular pair of cargo shorts, for instance, was made with a quick-drying nylon and has all the mesh and zipped-up pocket space you could need for stowing away your precious, um, cargo, along with an adjustable webbed belt. Even if you’re just strolling down your city streets, you’ll feel ready for adventure wearing these.
The Best Dress Shorts: Mfpen Classic Shorts
Sometimes you have the itch to pair your ritzy button-down with a pair of flowy shorts–that or you’ve got a formal event coming up that will be conveniently located in an extremely humid locale. Obviously, you’re not going to veer too casual on the bottom if the top is eliciting “sir”—but when even khakis feel like overkill, it’s time to whip out the posh, calf-hitting bottoms. These deep-pleated, tab-closure Mfpen classic shorts have a faint pinstripe-detailing that won’t put you in Beetlejuice territory, but they will make you the smartest dressed dude in the room (or under the veranda). Made from a lightweight 100% wool fabric—just like your favorite suit—these will feel as smooth as your entrance.
The Best New Contender for the Crown: FOG Essentials Drawstring Shorts
We love the Baggies. You love the Baggies. But none of that will stop FOG’s Essentials line from trying to take the crown. The brand’s sleek running shorts are designed to fit into your everyday wardrobe with feather-light-yet-durable nylon made to last, and a neutral color palette that gently whispers “vibes.” Riffing off a California cool that is oft-imitated but rarely mastered, the baggy silhouette cuts off at just three inches to show off your shapely limbs while maximizing breathability. Aaand they’re less than $60, which is a score in general but a major come up for Jerry Lorenzo stans of all stripes.
The Best Field-Ready Shorts: Relax Lacrosse Shorts
Listen, the best sweat shorts aren’t actually sweat shorts: they’re lacrosse shorts. The good kind. The ones you might remember from the mid-90s, but with pockets this time—fixing what was, essentially, the only flaw with the originals. But everything else is there, including the next-level comfort and quad-flattering length (either a 6.5″ or 10″ inseam, depending on preference). Do they dress up? Not really, but with that knit stripe and slit at the hem, very few things look better dressed down, which is the point anyways.
Plus 12 More Shorts We Love
Read the full article here
