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FINALLY, CALF season is here. Time to swap your long pants for the warm-weather essential—shorts! Really, don't be shy. Pascal Pedro was already showing his juicy thighs in spring. What's your excuse for not sporting the best shorts for men and letting the air caress your quads?

However, we understand that finding the right shorts for warmer days isn't a doddle. Thankfully, you've got us: our editors have combed through many by putting them on fit guys or wearing them ourselves to find the 25 best shorts for men—for every style and occasion.

What to Look for in the Best Shorts for Men:

Shorts that add unwanted bulk to your legs are a no-no, so opt for shorts made from lightweight, breathable fabrics—cotton, seersucker, linen, nylon, or moisture-wicking materials that can keep you cool and dry.

The right fit also means a flattering but effortless style. A slim or tailored fit in jeans shorts and chino shorts looks sharp, but if you prefer the loose fit of sweat shorts and gym shorts, make sure they aren't too sloppy.

Lastly, a factor that is getting more and more noise: the length. Having tested many styles of shorts ourselves and dressing them on athletic dudes, we believe the sweet spot is two inches above the knee—where your thighs won't get fully covered nor show too much skin.

Best Shorts on Amazon | Best Board Shorts | Best Swim Trunks | Best Athletic Shorts | Best Running Shorts

Slim-Fit Stretch Golf Short

These golf shorts are meant for off the green course as well. With a tapered leg and a spandex stretch, they work great as formal shorts as well as commute/travel shorts. Better yet, they’re under $30—that’s our favorite part.

The quality of these shorts, despite the price, is not too shabby. In my experience of wearing them out, the stretch, softness, and weight feel just right. However, because they're mainly in polyester, which is not breathable, I don't wear them when the days are too hot.

Banks Short

Working up a sweat can bring on some unwanted odors, but not when you’re wearing Vuori. These athletic shorts have the four-way stretch you need to keep moving during any intense workout session, and anti-odor technology you’ll appreciate when you pack up your gym bag.

And I absolutely love its unlined, roomy fit, which is perfect for my workouts that aren’t too hardcore. Whether it’s bench or lifts or squats, these shorts have the range for them.

Bowline 5" Shorts

Guys of a shorter height can opt for a five-inch inseam to give the illusion of longer legs. While these shorts might appear to be just another average pair of khaki shorts, they have four-way stretch to provide maximum mobility and a drawstring waistband that won’t accentuate any unwanted love handles.

To me, these really do feel like gym shorts, especially because of how stretchy and moisture-wicking they are, but I've also lounged, run errands, or even dressed up in them too.

Foundation Short

Muscular thighs can wear and tear your go-to shorts to shreds by July, and as a dude with beefy thighs (a trait I don't always find a blessing), I didn't come across a pair of shorts that actually flatter my quads until these. In my experience of wearing them, these don't chafe or tighten around my thighs; functionally, they're very versatile since I've worn them for workouts, commutes, and weekend downtimes.

Better yet, as board shorts, they're abrasion-resistant and can last through countless (watery) summer adventures, making them a total steal when calculating cost-per-wear value.

Read more: Best Athletic Fit Jeans for Your Beefy Thighs

Stretch Chino Short

Here's a warm-weather version of the classic chino. Cut at 5" and 7" to show off your leg gains, as well as 9" and 10.5" for a more formal, professional-looking fit, these shorts also come with the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort.

My favorite part about wearing these shorts is their comfort. It’s mostly cotton whose breathability and softness have worked for me every time when I go out in them.

505 Regular Fit Short

Say what you will about “jorts”, but they're a classic summer-style item that guys can’t seem to quit. These jean shorts from Levi’s have just the right amount of roominess in the thigh area that won’t make you look bottom-heavy.

Unfortunately, when we tried these jeans on, we weren’t able to get too much stretch and range out of them, although they do feel incredibly soft. Hence, we don’t recommend these for heavy traveling.

365 Shorts

Looking for a solid pair of men’s shorts you can wear anywhere, anytime? Flint and Tinder’s summer shorts available in 5, 7, and 9 inches have a super-soft feel, a minimalist but versatile chino cut, and a good amount of stretch that allows you to move with ease.

You would love to wear them as travel shorts as I do. From my experience of wearing them, if you’re making plans for a weekend getaway, you'll want to pack them.

Italian Stretch Chino Shorts

One of the best men’s shorts to invest in this summer is a pair of tailored pleated chinos, and these, as I have found, come with the right tad of stretch and enough breathing room for my big thighs. Looking crisp, sharp, and polished, I can easily dress them up with a button-down shirt, or down with a white T-shirt.

Venice Wash Deck Short

These bottoms are the perfect foundation for any summer outfit. They come in 8" for guys who prefer a bit more leg coverage without sacrificing style as well as 6" for bolder guys. When I first touched the garment-dyed fabric, I was blown away by how soft and smooth it felt. Then when I tried them on, they did feel like sporty gym shorts with four-way stretch and quick drying but looked much more handsome.

Ace Sweatshort

Warmer weather means more opportunities to up our sweats game in the fresh air. Having worn them for lounging or just weekend downtime activities, we found that these shorts are lightweight, luxuriously soft, and have built-in stretch for movement with ease. The extra zip pockets and tailored fit are cool details that I like the most because they come in handy for my on-the-go style needs.

Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men

All Day Every Day Short

Looking for a pair of shorts that can take you from the commute to the office to the airport to the bar and then to the inevitable summer vacay? End your epic search with Public Rec’s versatile shorts. Quite a few of our guys have worn these to test them, and we all found that beyond the relaxing fit and smooth feel 24/7, these shorts also provide an unmatched nylon blend performance (stretch, breathable, and moisture-wicking).

Bamboo Ultra-Soft Shorts

Lazy Sundays and casual nights call for a pair of comfy, lightweight sweat shorts. I've dealt with thicker fleece options that can cause perspiration down there (you know where), so thankfully these bamboo stunners are nothing like that. They are extra breathable and even cool to the touch, not to mention moisture-wicking and stretchy. To me, these also hit the perfect length above my knee.

The Performance Chino 9" Short

From a day at the office to your evening dinner, these polished shorts have a straight-leg silhouette and ideal length that hits on the cool Bermuda shorts trend. Best of all, we've tested their four-way stretch as well as quick drying and sweat-wicking capabilities by wearing them on the go, and can vouchsafe that they make transitioning from all-day sweats to tailored trousers more comfortable.

Baggies Shorts

These classic swim trunks are versatile for activities both in and out of water. Available in classic 5 and 7 inches, they’re suitable for guys of all different heights. During our testing, we found that their rugged build and functional design make these quick-drying swimsuits equally suitable for hitting the beach or city streets—and we especially love how roomy and relaxed they feel.

9" Outrigger Stretch Cargo Swim Trunks with No Liner

Believe it or not, Bullet Train Star Andrew Koji was able to do a perfect high kick in these shorts like a piece of cake. That's how stretchy and unobstructed these shorts are. When testing for a pair of shorts that can match this level of movement, our Fashion Director Ted Stafford noted this option's lightweight but extremely stretchy fabric that moved with the thighs.

In addition, these swim trunks can function out of the water with utilitarian pockets to boot, though we certainly did test them—and love them—underwater.

6-Inch Classic Fit Water-Resistant Short

Hit the trail in these lightweight, flattering shorts that have moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric to keep you comfortable during dog days. The streamlined pockets reduce bulk, making this pair extremely functional and stylish.

Also tested in our fashion closet as a spring style essential that will "shield you from spring’s shenanigans in style," we love how these hiking shorts are made of water-resistant nylon—and have a bunch of pockets so our gear stays on hand.

Read more: Best Hiking Pants

8 Inch Performance Breaker Shorts

After testing these shorts out in our fashion closet, we described them as "performance dress pants cut in half." Our Fashion Director Ted Stafford even considered them as a summer style must-have: "These dress shorts will give make any guy look seriously sharp this summer with the added comfort of performance-stretch fabric."

We were also equally impressed by its comfort; when the temperature heats up, their quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric has also come in clutch for me.

Class V Belted Short

Believe it or not, the guys at Men's Health love utility shorts, but not all are going to flatter our bod. So during our test for the best utility shorts, we were extra meticulous about the style as much as about the substance.

After trying quite a few on, most of our testing editors agree that this pair from The North Face is the winner: it has discreet pockets for all your small gear and a cool webbing belt for the perfect fit; and they look casual and witty instead of something our dads wear.

Read more: Best Cargo Pants

Cotton Everywear Shorts

Madewell’s easy, casual, everyday-friendly shorts should definitely be on your radar. Take these cotton men’s shorts, for instance. It looks a bit lived-in, a style that has brought some fun to my stale chino or sweat shorts rotation. I also love that the fabric is extra soft, and when I go out in them, the legs are roomy enough for mobility. Great for any casual weekend gigs.

The Nautilus Boardshort

Tested in our fashion closet as a beach essential, these quick-dry shorts are made with lightweight four-way stretch fabric that we found feels smooth inside and out. You ride the waves or move in (and out) the water comfortably in these quick-dry trunks.

Our Fashion Director Ted Stafford especially loves how eco-friendly they are. "This swimsuit made with recycled polyester—which is made from 11 plastic bottles—makes for feel-good beach attire while catching some waves," says he. "The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities."

7" Mako Short

The best running shorts for summer should be a solid color, hit right above the knee, and look polished enough to be worn from your morning jog to an afternoon dip in the pool, to an early evening cookout.

After being tested by our Fitness Editors as well as seasoned runners, we found these to be the perfect running shorts. Their performance for running such as 4-way stretch, ventilation, and sweat-wicking is unquestionable. But we also love how versatile they are for the activities mentioned above and much more.

Force Relaxed Fit Ripstop Work Cargo Shorts

These 11-inch cargo shorts combine style and versatility into a perfectly relaxing, sleek, yet practical summer-friendly package.

Of all the variations of cargo shorts we've tested, these Carhartt ones are actually burly enough to be considered work shorts and utility shorts because of their sweat-wicking and durable ripstop stretch—both have come in handy during my outdoor activities or small home projects. With five colors to choose from, you won’t have any trouble making them a staple of your rotation this season.

Read more: Best Work Pants

Bo Shorts

Looking for a pair of comfortable-yet-cool shorts for a day by the sea? This totally easygoing style has let me stay sharp with an eight-inch inseam that hits the perfect length just above the knee. But, of course, I had to test out its linen fabric, which turned out to be extra soft and breathable. With a comfortable drawstring waistband nonetheless, you’ll feel as good as you look in these seriously flattering summer shorts.

7" Seersucker Weekend Short

Ah, seersucker—you can never go wrong with this lightweight summer-style staple. When trying on Todd Snyder’s version I've come to love its roomy straight-leg fit which allows me to move comfortably, and its just-above-the-knee length for showing some skin off appropriately.

While its look does lean on the casual side, with the right styling tricks on footwear and short-sleeve shirts, I was able to wear it to semi-formal occasions in a smart casual fit.

Read more: Best Seersucker Suits

Drawstring Cord Short (6" Inseam)

If there’s such a thing as a perfect summer short for recovering after a workout, it might be this relaxing corduroy option that I've worn to run errands, soak in the sun in the park, or just loaf about the house.

My favorite part is its soft fabric, which always feels plush and comfortable. Its 6-inch fit to me is the balance between casual and formal since it keeps the shorts apropos enough to wear in public without compromising on the laidback vibe.

Read more: Best Corduroy Pants

11" Tough Max™ Duck Carpenter Shorts

The work shorts style is trending in menswear because it provides the deep pockets you love with a flattering look. In a duck/cotton fabric, these Dickies shorts add some rich texture to your everyday fit.

Lounge Short

For loafing about at home or getting a quick grocery at your nearby bodega, these crazy-comfortable shorts meant for homebodies are made with heavenly soft micro modal and stretch. In a roomy fit nonetheless, they’re ideal for your downtime fits.

10.5-Inch Classic Fit Twill Cargo Short

These 10.5-inch cargo shorts combine style and versatility into a perfectly relaxing, sleek, yet practical summer-friendly package. Of all the variations we tested, they also felt versatile enough to be considered work shorts and utility shorts. The stonewashed surface makes them look and feel slightly broken in but extra soft, and with five colors to choose from, you won’t have any trouble making them a staple of your rotation this season.

What Kinds of Shorts Look Good on Men?

To rely on just a simple pair or type of shorts for every task on your summer checklist would be a mistake—a sweaty, smelling, head-turning-for-all-the-wrong-reasons type of mistake. Below, we break down several of the most popular kinds of shorts for men. Basically, you need to build up a solid arsenal of shorts that’ll make summer dressing a breeze.

Athletic shorts: your active lifestyle requires a few pairs of go-to moisture-wicking shorts for the gym, running, cycling, hiking, and all kinds of sports or sweat-inducing fun. Made with performance materials, these shorts will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable while you sweat it out.

Swim shorts: looking for athletic shorts specifically meant for water activities? Swim trunks and board shorts are a no-brainer. Better yet, most can be worn out of the water as everyday moisture-wicking shorts, easily.

Leisure shorts: if your focus is more on R&R over PRs, you still need some cool, casual stunners that have the versatility to be worn in both daytime and evening scenarios, from your sofa to perhaps a bar. Sweat shorts and lounge shorts will keep you cool and comfy while you beat the heat. On the other hand, denim shorts and utility/cargo shorts let you embrace the outdoors in sharp style.

Dressy shorts: for your office days, dinner plans, summer or beach weddings, and any formal or business casual occasions, chino shorts, Bermuda shorts, khaki shorts, and any pleated shorts—especially those built with a hint of stretch and a comfortable waistband—are foolproof.

How to Style Shorts for Men

After you pick your style, the next thing to do is learn how to style. For shorts, the mechanism is largely the same as pants. The slimmer or more tailored they are, the more formal they look, and styling them with dress shirts, loafers, and blazers will help you nail a refined summer style. If the shorts have a looser, roomier fit, then they should be styled in a casual manner with T-shirts, sandals, or sneakers.

To find a versatile way of styling shorts, the color can really make a difference. A neutral tone like khaki or a solid hue such as navy can look great both in the office and at the bar, even for sweat or athletic shorts since the color can offset the casualness, and can easily be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe or be used to balance out your Hawaiian shirts.

Lastly, while our tried-and-tested method of finding the length is two inches above the knee, that means the same length will look different on everyone. Hence, here's a general summary of how the length of shorts weaves into your style: 5" to 7" is a trendy, casual fit, 7" to 9" is more conservative and formal, while 9" and above is as full coverage as you can get without wearing pants.

How We Selected and Tested

To curate the best shorts for men, Men's Health's editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a range of summer shorts in different styles, on different occasions. For instance, we’ve worn Vuori's Banks shorts and Ten Thousand’s Foundation Shorts to the gym, sported Bonobos' chino shorts to the office, lounged at home or run errands in Mack Weldon's Ace shorts, and donned Alex Crane's linen shorts to weekend getaways.

Then, our testing editors narrowed down the selection by evaluating these tried-on shorts based on their style, fit, price point, comfort, durability, and most importantly, versatility. In addition, our selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing (such as too short, too baggy, too many holes, or too graphic) shorts; instead, our picks of the best shorts for men all fit great athletic guys, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Why Trust Us?

A product review story that doesn’t actually test anything hands-on or in person isn’t worth your precious time. Thankfully, we at Men’s Health don’t produce any of that nonsense. While we do sometimes start our picks from top sellers or top-reviewed items on Amazon or trustworthy e-commerce sites, we then always make sure to actually test and use them ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience.

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as newest products in menswear. For instance, we put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it. The fashion closet is also where we try out and certify our styling tips, such as the right length for shorts.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan who actually know the difference between undershirts and T-shirts or that polyester ain’t breathable, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers and decision-makers at top brands or retailers—that we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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