That’s right, the spring season has finally arrived, which means you’re probably in need of warm-weather clothing like some short shorts for men. It’s pretty obvious now that guys have evolved past the days of being into long shorts.
Over the past few years, men have instead been incorporating short shorts into their style to show off their muscular thighs, and, you know what? It can be unapologetically sexy, and we’re absolutely here for it.
It should come as no surprise that short shorts for men have once again found their way as being on-trend, especially with a few of our fathers having old pics of them sporting the same above-the-knee shorts back in the day. We know, looking at these photos as a kid most definitely made you cringe, but now that you’re rocking them the same way he was, you realize he was kind of on to something.
How Short Do Short Shorts for Men Have To Be?
Technically, short shorts for men don’t need to be a specific length, but typically this term refers to shorts with a 7-inch inseam or below. The only essential factor? Short shorts must cut off above the knee. There are no ifs, ands or buts about that. If your shorts hit or go below the knee, they are no longer considered short shorts. Those are just men’s shorts. And well, they aren’t quite as fashionable. For the guys who need a set guide of shorts deemed on-trend, opt for shorts with no longer than a 9-inch inseam.
To help you get prepared for your spring/summer style, we found the hottest short shorts for men that you can purchase online right now from several popular retailers. From easy buys on Amazon to the new classics from Chubbies, here are the top short shorts for men to consider.
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1. L.L. Bean Tropic Weight Cargo Shorts
BEST OVERALL
One of fashion’s must-have items right now is a pair of cargo pants, and while you can wear them in the warmer weather, it might be a little more comfortable for you to opt for the cargo short shorts instead. These shorts have a six-inch inseam that rests above the knee, allowing them to pass the fashionable short shorts test. They’re made of lightweight breathable cotton that’ll keep you cool in the heat. You can get the bottoms in four colors: dusty olive, khaki, stone, and vintage indigo.
2. J.Crew 5-Inch Stretch Chino Shorts
RUNNER UP
Last year, these short shorts for men were some of the most popular products featured on SPY. So why do SPY readers (and our editors) love these shorts so much? They’re just classic, comfortable shorts, and they understand that your thighs should be the real star of the show. Finally, these chino shorts are designed with enough stretch that they won’t be constricting, which is a problem with other short shorts. We like these shorts in a classic khaki, but they also come in a few other colors.
3. Gymshark Arrival 5-inch Shorts
ATHLETIC SHORT SHORTS
Short shorts for athletics surpass long shorts for athletics any day of the week. By nixing unneeded extra fabric, the Gymshark Arrival shorts provide an excellent way to stay active. Throw these on for leg day, runs, weightlifting or even playing sports with your buds. You’ll find the shorts to be quite comfortable with their supportive adjustable waistband and sweat-wicking fabric that’ll keep you dry during intense workout sessions. Plus, the shorts come at a great price for impeccable quality.
4. Maamgic Swim Trunks
BEACH SHORT SHORTS
Do you plan on hitting the waves at the beach or laying out by the pool? Then, you’ll probably need a pair of swimming trunks, and we have the perfect ones for you. These seven-inch shorts come in a variety of prints and colors, giving you plenty of styles to switch up from throughout your warm-weather season. You’ll love wearing this pair of trunks as they’re quick-drying, water repellent, and have UPF 50+ protection.
5. Treasure & Bond Fleece Sweat Shorts
FLEECE SHORT SHORTS
We get it, sometimes you don’t feel like getting dressed up, which is why it’s always best to have some loungewear in your wardrobe. And what better way to stay comfy in your home than with some fleece sweat short shorts for men? These shorts are made to keep you cozy no matter what the day brings. Do you plan on lounging on the couch? Put these on. Are you hanging out with friends? Put these on. There’s really no reason not to.
6. Nike Flex Stride Shorts
BEST RUNNING SHORT SHORTS
Whether you’re taking a light jog or preparing for a marathon, Nike Flex Stride running shorts are what you should be exercising in. These short shorts are lightweight and ventilated to keep you as cool as possible when running on a hot day. They come equipped with great storage options such as a back zippered pocket for your phone and side pockets to store small personals. Like most Nike products, the shorts have Dri-FIT technology keeping you dry and comfortable. Each pair of shorts feature built-in briefs for optimal coverage.
7. Banana Republic 7-inch Easy Short
VERSATILE SHORT SHORTS
We can always count on the Banana Republic to create a reliable and functional pair of shorts that you can pretty much wear anywhere. The 7″ Easy shorts are crafted from stretch cotton that allows you to move freely without fear of splitting the material. They have a relaxed fit with a pull-on design and an elastic waistband that sits comfortably on the waist. The shorts come in seven colors and are true to size.
8. Everlane 7-Inch Slim-Fit Performance Chino Short
CHINO SHORT SHORTS
We love Everlane because they have a number of modern-day staples every kind of guy can pull off. Just check out these slim-fit chinos to get an understanding of what we’re talking about. These stone-colored short shorts for men will look stellar on any dude’s figure. They are made with a four-way stretch to keep your body moving and they also come in four different colors. How’s that for your new summer fav?
9. Bonobos Highland Tour Golf Short
GOLF SHORT SHORTS
Hit a hole-in-one with the Bonobos Highland Tour Golf Short. What we love most about golf shorts is you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. If you’re heading to your neighborhood’s golf tournament, throw on a polo shirt and some golf shoes for a cohesive look. But if you want a casual vibe, you can style the shorts with a t-shirt and a pair of boat shoes. These shorts are truly a great staple in your wardrobe, no matter your age.
10. ASOS Design Slim Denim Shorts
JEAN SHORT SHORTS
With Y2K style being basically back in style, it’s safe to say that we’ll see the return of the jean short shorts trend. These denim shorts are perfect for guys who are obsessed with streetwear. They pair easily with just about anything from graphic tees to a bold printed shirt. Not to mention, each pair is surprisingly stretchy, which keeps you feeling and looking your best.
11. Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective Short
SHORTEST SHORTS
While these shorts are originally designed for running, you can practically use them for anything from lounging purposes or even at the beach. The lightweight shorts have a three-inch inseam and are made with a lycra fabric for optimal stretch. They also feature a built-in liner that is sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
Read More: Our Favorite Lululemon Clothing for Men
12. Baleaf 7-Inch Running Shorts
LINED SHORT SHORTS
While working out, it’s important to have shorts that can provide substantial support to the areas in need. And if you have yet to find the perfect pair of short shorts that can do that for you, then you might want to go with Baleaf’s running shorts. They come with a built-in brief made of soft fabric that snugs your body. The bottoms have quick-drying technology and come with ventilation to keep you cool during a workout.
13. Banana Republic Corduroy Shorts
CORDUROY SHORT SHORTS
Whether you’re going for a casual look or a more preppy vibe, you can always count on Banana Republic Corduroy shorts to pull through. The shorts have a straight-leg fit for greater mobility and an elasticized waistband for a comfortable fit. Pick up a pair of these new warm-weather faves in green, white, or blue.
14. Old Navy Micro-Stripe Linen-Blend Jogger Shorts
LINEN SHORT SHORTS
If you plan on taking an island vacation anytime soon, you must have these linen short shorts for men from Old Navy packed in your suitcase. The five-inch inseam bottoms are lightweight and full of style to help you embark on your hot boy summer vibes. They feature Diagonal on-seam hip pockets, a rear welt pocket, and an adjustable drawstring for a customizable fit.
15. Chubbies Original Stretch Twill 5.5-Inch Shorts
BEST STRETCH
Chubbies are definitely the new wave of modern short shorts for men at this point, and without a doubt, you’ve probably seen a frat brother or two sporting these thigh-hugging shorts. Chubbies have branded themselves on offering guys high-quality shorts by prioritizing color, style and stretch in every pair. The shorts are built to hug your body just the way you want, but if you ever need to crouch or bend, you’ll never have to worry about any ripping. Most shorts from Chubbies are even topped off with elastic to keep you comfy no matter your size.
16. Bonobos Anywhere Shorts
ELASTIC WAIST
These casual Bonobos short shorts for men are a perfect everyday pair of shorts for the spring and summer. They’ve got everything we’re looking for in men’s shorts: comfortable material, stretch fabric, and a stylish design. Plus, if you’re not quite ready for 5-inch inseam shorts for men, they also come in a 7-inch inseam, which means you can wear short shorts without wearing short short shorts.
Update: This article was updated on July 11, 2022, at which time pricing was updated on several items. We also replaced the Treasure & Bond Fleece Tie Waist Shorts with the Treasure & Bond Fleece Sweat Shorts.
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