The Best Men’s Shorts We’re Wearing This Summer

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You’ve got your T-shirts and your slip-on shoes secured for summer, but now it’s time for the foundational piece: shorts.

Like any other bottoms, finding the best shorts can be a process. And with so many styles currently in vogue — from chino shorts for dressier occasions to cargo shorts for streetwear looks to hybrid shorts for hikes and beach vacations — the ideal shorts collection should be several pairs deep.

In other words, building out a shorts collection is no easy task. To make things simpler, we’ve rounded up some of the best men’s shorts to buy online right now, including crisp chino shorts, versatile hybrid numbers, and lounge-ready sweat shorts.

The Best Men’s Shorts to Buy Right Now

Below are some of our favorite shorts to pick up this summer. We did our best to include shorts for all kinds of warm-weather activities, from weddings to beach workouts and everything in between, so keep in mind what sort of fun you’ll get up to this summer while shopping.

Editor’s Pick: Patagonia Baggies

Most Versatile: Lululemon Commission Short

Best Dressy Shorts: Todd Snyder Hudson Short

Best Lifestyle Shorts: Vuori Ripstop Short

Best Chino Shorts: Banana Republic Core Temp Short

Best Jorts: Mr P. Straight-Leg Denim Shorts

Best Athletic Shorts: Ten Thousand Foundation Short

Vintage Style: Alex Mill Corduroy Pull-on Short

Best Casual Shorts: Buck Mason Deck Shorts

Best Cargo Shorts: Incotex Cargo Shorts

1. Patagonia Baggies

The Patagonia Baggies deserve a place in every man’s wardrobe. The trendy shorts are an ultra-versatile swim/chill/workout hybrid that work for everything from runs to casual lunches to surfing. They feature deep, spacious pockets (which you don’t often see on swim trunks) and a rugged nylon build that holds up to years of wear. We’ve owned a few pairs of these over the years, and plan on buying more colors this summer.

Buy Patagonia Baggies $42.25+

2. Lululemon Commission Short

Despite their crisp, pulled-together look, these Commission shorts from Lululemon are ready for action. The fabric is quick-drying and boasts four-way stretch, but it also hangs nicely (more like slacks than shorts) thanks to added Lycra. This performance focus means you can rock these shorts to yoga class or to the gym, but we think they really shine on busy days in the summer heat. Pair them with a casual button-up and simple sneakers for a versatile weekend look.

Buy Lululemon Commission Short $88

3. Todd Snyder Hudson Short

If your shorts collection is lacking a dressy-ish option, pick up some pleated shorts. The throwback look is having a moment right now, as stylish gents rock them with button-ups and loafers (say, at a wedding) or tees and Birkenstocks. As usual, Todd Snyder nails the look with these Hudson shorts which feature a seven-inch inseam, a true vintage look, and the brand’s usual high-quality craftsmanship.

Buy Todd Snyder Hudson Short $148

4. Vuori Ripstop Short

These sleek shorts from Vuori are best worn on days when you’re planning to start with morning outdoor yoga, then slide right into hiking and grilling all afternoon. In other words, it’s tough to find an occasion where Vuori’s Ripstop shorts don’t work. Made with a blend of cotton and elastane, they’re easy to move around in from activity to activity, yet they’re rugged enough that you could wear them climbing or camping too.

Buy Vuori Ripstop Short $74

5. Banana Republic Core Temp Short

Good, classic chino shorts are still a go-to piece of any summer wardrobe. Right now, we’re big fans of these Core Temp chino shorts from Banana Republic. They’re a well-made, no-frills take on the warm weather staple, and they come in a wide range of colors to match your style.

Buy Banana Republic Core Temp Short $70

6. Mr P. Straight-Leg Denim Shorts

Jorts could very well be the surprise star of the summer. As with all things “dad core,” the once-frumpy denim short is now a style swerve worth trying. One way to nail the look is to go slightly upscale with your jorts. These minimal denim shorts from Mr. P., for example, inject the style with a touch of classiness (but so much as to ruin the charm). Wear them with classic sneakers and a bold button-up for a stylish dad look.

Buy Mr P. Straight-Leg Denim Shorts $180

7. Ten Thousand Foundation Short

If your ideal summer day involves a beach run, a gym session, or any other kind of workout, slip on these Ten Thousand Foundation Shorts in the morning. Although they look more undercover, the shorts are just as flexible and durable as any gym shorts. Plus, they’re even water-repellent in case you need a post-workout dip.

Buy Ten Thousand Foundation Short $68

8. Alex Mill Corduroy Pull on Short

Corduroy shorts are another throwback style well worth adding to your rotation. We like this example from the essentials experts over at Alex Mill, who use a pulled-together fine wale corduroy. The shorts also feature a drawstring, elastic waist for added comfort and a playful 5.25-inch inseam.

Buy Alex Mill Corduroy Pull on Short $125

9. Buck Mason Deck Shorts

We’ve worn Buck Mason’s cotton-and-nylon Deck shorts more than probably any other men’s shorts over the last few years. There’s nothing flashy about them, but they have a casual vintage vibe that looks like something a Sixties movie star might have worn on vacation. Buck Mason offers them in multiple colors, and we’re consistently surprised by how a pair of stylish shorts could feel this comfortable to wear.

Buy Buck Mason Deck Shorts $98

10. Incotex Cargo Shorts

Among the current wave of dad style trends are cargo shorts, and we’re weirdly happy to start wearing them (again). These Incotex cargo shorts marry function and luxury using a cotton and linen blend that’s both durable and plush. You can wear them with classics (say, flip-flops and a white tee), but we think the Incotexs really shine with streetwear pieces like Nikes and an oversized logo tee, for example.

Buy Incotex Cargo Shorts $370

Men’s Shorts Buying Guide

There are a few things to consider when shopping for the best men’s shorts online. First things first, decide when and where you’re going to wear your shorts. That’ll help you decide on the most important features to keep in mind while you’re shopping, like fit, fabric, and style.

Fit: How your shorts fit is really a personal decision. Do you want shorts that fit a little loose on you, or do you want a slim-fitting pair? We included a range of short fits in this guide, but you’ll want to decide between a shorter fit (around a five-inch inseam) or a long fit (anything over a 7-inch inseam).

Fabric: We prefer more breathable shorts for summer, and you’ll find a mix of styles below, ranging from shorts made with blends of cotton, nylon, and other materials.

Style: From swim trunks disguised as casual shorts to slim-fit chino shorts, there are endless short styles to choose from these days. This guide includes all of the above to help you find the right shorts for you and your style. In short, all of our picks below are versatile enough that you can wear them for years to come for almost any activity.