Best Men’s Shorts For Summer In 2022
As the drinks get colder and the temperature gets higher it is only natural for the clothes to get smaller. These days, not only women get to show some legs seeing as men also throw on a pair of shorts now and then. But, on both ends, there’s a thin line between donning a pair of shorts and looking utterly ridiculous. As time has gone by, all sorts of summer shorts for men have saturated the market, some hit the mark while others have fallen ‘short’. One thing is for sure though, if you know where to look, then pulling off the best men’s shorts for summer is a given. In that vein, here are some of the best options out there.
The Best Men’s Shorts For Summer
1Champion Men’s Shorts For Summer
This brand has been serving up some great articles of clothing since 1919 and it shows. Every little detail from the feel to the fit has been tailored to meet the needs of men everywhere. Best believe that all this attention to detail has not been lost out on the Champion Men’s Jersey Short. The fit is just as promised, perfect, and though the material is soft to the touch, it has all the makings of a sturdy pair of men’s shorts for summer. Altogether, it is quite evident that this is a high-quality and well-constructed product on its own. The shorts themselves are fitted with an elastic waistband that is well-secured within the cotton and polyester blend. Then, of course, there’s the drawstring closure which is as functional as ever when it comes to ensuring the perfect fit on the waist.
The combination of cotton and polyester used here ensures that the material is as breathable as can be and this makes it even more suited for hot weather. Though it is lightweight, best to believe that it is far from flimsy. The best part of it all is the fact that these shorts can survive rounds of washing and drying without shrinking and depreciating in quality. Here’s a serious win-win situation. For more cool and stylish products like this, check out our guide to the best board shorts.
Made of a combination of cotton and polyester
Fitted with a drawstring closure
Side pockets
Has a 9-inch inseam
- BrandChampion
- Model85653
- Weight8.2 Ounces
2Dockers Classic Fit Perfect Men’s Shorts For Summer
This should be the first stop for anyone looking for a stellar pair of tailored shorts for the summer. In terms of aesthetic, quality, and functionality, there is no doubt that the Docker’s Men’s Classic Fit Perfect Short is one of the top contenders. The shorts themselves are completely made of cotton, so that is already a clear indicator that they are meant for summer. Say goodbye to stifling articles of clothing that store heat rather than provide that light, breathable feel that is perfect for warm weather. These shorts can boast of offering up a perfect fit and best believe that they have the testimonials to prove it. Taking that up a notch, these trousers offer up a wide range of sizes, in fact, there’s no skipping of sizes as is common with clothing manufacturers out there. They can further boast of stellar construction as well as top-notch functionality. A customer favorite is the addition of the large smartphone pocket. There’s no point lugging anything around when wearing this seeing as they offer up a safe means of keeping smartphones among other things safe. There are equally a pair of button-through pockets located on the back of these shorts. Not only are they highly functional, they equally add to the pleasant aesthetics of these shorts. If you are looking for perfect shorts for endless bike rides, be sure to check out our selection of the best bike shorts.
Made completely from cotton
Zip fly and button closure
Has side and back pockets
Machine washable
- BrandDockers
- ModelP000323599
3Dovava Men’s Swim Short
Before you take that awesome trip or vacation to the seaside, a stellar pair of swim shorts needs to be in the picture. What better choice is there than the Dovava Men’s Swim Short? Not many can hold a torch up to this with its trendy vintage design as well as an array of other desirable features. Aesthetically, this option is undoubtedly a winner, it comes in an array of prints and designs that appeal to everyone. So, whether you are looking for something monochrome or busy, this brand has got it covered. The shorts themselves are made completely from polyester and even better is the fact that they are water-repellent. So, there is no need to sit for extended periods of time in those soggy clothes, this is a fast-drying fabric. Underneath the polyester exterior lies a mesh brief lining that ensures wearers are comfortable while in and out of the water. There’s another point added for stellar construction as far as the Dovava Men’s Swim Short is concerned.
In terms of style and design, this pair of shorts is fitted with an elastic waistband that walks hand-in-hand with the accompanying drawstring. Thanks to this feature, users can enjoy a more customized fit altogether. No one wants to be that person who loses his swimming trunks in the water. Apart from being great for swimming, this pair of shorts also do well when it comes to water sports, walking and even jogging.
Fitted with an elastic closure
Made from water-repellent polyester
Elastic waistband and drawstring closure
Above the knee design
- BrandDovava
4Amazon Essentials Men’s Classic-Fit 9 Inch Short
It is no secret that Amazon puts out some really great articles of clothing and accessories as a whole. You just have to know exactly what you are looking for and the rest sort of falls into place with this brand. These tailored shorts are exactly what the doctor ordered if you do not want to go overboard in terms of being casual. Best believe that the Amazon Essentials Men’s Classic-Fit 9″ Short has a bunch of features that make it one of the best options out there for the summer. The shorts themselves are completely made of cotton and as such make for a highly breathable option as far as men’s shorts for summer are involved. The design employed here is a simple flat-front which allows for versatility in terms of pairing as well as where you choose to wear it to. Furthermore, it is fitted with smart, sharp-looking button closure and the style is further elevated by the addition of two slant pockets located on the sides as well as button-through pockets in the back. On its own, it is designed to sit comfortably on the waist, while allowing for adequate room at the thighs, especially when the wearer is seated. All in all, this pair of shorts makes for a well put together ensemble. You may also be interested in some of the best compression shorts from our list, so check them out.
Made completely of cotton
Fitted with a button closure
Flat front design
Has side and back pockets
- BrandAmazon Essentials
5Wrangler Authentics Men’s Performance Comfort Flex Waist Cargo Short
As far as shorts for men go, cargo shorts are pioneers in terms of contemporary designs. It would be a crime to look at best men’s shorts for summer without taking a gander at a stellar specimen as far as cargo pants go. One of the best options out there in this category is the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Performance Comfort Flex Waist Cargo Short. Best believe that it stays true to the essence of cargo shorts while adding a modern and stylish flair. First of all, it is made of a balanced blend of nylon and spandex. So, not only is it comfortable, but it is equally durable and breathable. This lightweight pair of shorts is not just one of the best because of its stylishness and all-around comfort, it is equally as functional as they come. The nylon-spandex blend used to make it also happens to be water-repellent and that on its own makes it a great candidate for summer. It also happens to be fitted with a flex waistband which offers up unrivaled comfort as well as added mobility. This product would, of course, be incomplete without the addition of a pair of signature side zip cargo pockets, as well as two regular side pockets.
Made of a combination of nylon and spandex
Fitted with an elastic closure
Equipped with a flex waistband
Machine washable
- BrandWrangler
6Russell Athletic Men’s Cotton Baseline Short
Sometimes all you need is a simple pair of bottoms to go about your business, no crazy features or additives, just pure, unadulterated comfort. Just by looking at it, it is evident that the Russell Athletic Men’s Cotton Baseline Short fits the bill completely. The bottoms themselves come in a classic design and are completely made from cotton. So, not only does this pair of shorts look great, they equally feel great and are as breathable as can be. Though the material used here is quite soft, it has no effect on the durability as a whole. These shorts hardly dwindle in quality even after being thrown in the wash a handful of times. In addition to all this, the shorts are fitted with an adjustable elastic waist and a drawstring cord which goes a long way to offer up that personalized fit. The all-around fit here is not too tight, neither is it too baggy, altogether it is just the perfect size for anyone looking to lounge about. For further convenience, there’s the addition of two deep pockets on the side which can be used to store a number of things while out and about. At the end of it all, this is a well-constructed pair of shorts that is sure to serve well when the temperature rises. If you are also a fan of yoga, you will surely like some of the best yoga shorts from our list, so check them out.
Made completely from cotton
Fitted with an elastic closure
Machine washable
Drawcord at the waist
- BrandRussell Athletic
- Model25843M0
- Weight 1.6 Ounces
7Calvin Klein Men’s Refined Chino Stretch Short
The brand name should already be an indicator of great things to come, so, though this item comes last on the list, it is certainly not the least. These tailored shorts are just what the doctor ordered to put the style back in summer. Even better is the fact that comfort does not have to be sacrificed when it comes to the Calvin Klein Men’s Refined Chino Stretch Short. It really is the total package and it has all the features to prove it. First, these chinos are made from a combination of cotton and elastane. The result is a soft, breathable material that happens to be equipped with just the right amount of stretch to ensure the wearer’s comfort. It makes use of a practical button closure and is designed to sit comfortably on the waist. Furthermore, it rests just above the knee and that goes a long way to add to the overall classic look being pursued here. Pair it with a t-shirt, or a button-up shirt and you’ve certainly got a match, after all, this pair of shorts is nothing if not versatile.
Made of cotton and elastane
Fitted with a button closure
Has a classic fit and length
Great texture
- BrandCalvin Klein
8PGA TOUR Men’s Flat Front Active Waistband Cargo Short
Don’t be fooled by the fact that these shorts are made by PGA Tour, they’re not just for golf. Okay, so they were designed with golfers in mind but we think the design will benefit everyone. Made from 98% polyester and 2% Spandex, PGA TOUR Men’s Flat Front Active Waistband Cargo Short feel soft and comfortable but have a little bit of stretch to them, making them perfect for sports. In fact, they feature a technology called Motion Flux 360, an innovative stretch seam that extends your range of motion to the maximum.
You can perform a full squat in these shorts without a chance of them ripping open. Another interesting feature is the Active Flex waistband, which stretches all the way around your waist and allows for added movement and growth. Other features included natural moisture-wicking, UPF protection, and a total of five pockets. Combine them with your favorite pair of Sanuks for a casual look.
Polyester (98%) and Spandex (2%)
Motion Flux 360
Active Flex waistband
Natural moisture wicking
UPF protection
Five pockets
- BrandPGA Tour
- ModelPVBS80H4
- Weight11.92 Ounces
Men’s Shorts For Summer Buying Guide & FAQ
Getting yourself a pair of shorts may seem like the most natural thing to do. But once you find yourself stuck with a hoard of ill-suited shorts, it becomes evident that there is a method to this madness. Once certain things have been established, then there is no way you will ever get saddled with a bad pair of men summer shorts again. There is a handful of things to consider when it comes to acquiring the perfect pair of summer shorts, and, for the most part, that is dependent on the information below.
Types Of Men’s Shorts For Summer
Sports Shorts - As the name implies, these shorts come in handy when it comes to all things athletic. They can equally be used at the gym and thanks to the shift in fashion sense, they do make for a stellar pair of casual shorts. Most of the major sports brands are peddling these clothing items, but of course, there are more subtle options out there that fly logo-free. When it's not sweatshirt weather, then these pairs of shorts are sure to fit well with a simple crew neck t-shirt. Nevertheless, they do pair well with a sweatshirt in case the need to wear one ever arises.
Tailored Shorts - Now, this option offers up a style that is on the fence when it comes to casual and corporate. It has all the makings of a typical mullet with the ‘business up front and party in the back vibe’. These shorts tend to take on a more vintage look and often come in a classic flat-front design. These shorts have taken that prep school boy design and turned it into something that anyone brave enough can sport proudly. This is a great option for anyone trying to look sophisticated while maintaining a high level of comfort. Even better is the fact that these can be paired with anything from a button-down shirt to a simple crew-neck tee.
Denim Shorts - Over the years, denim shorts have become a go-to when it comes to men’s shorts for summer. The accessibility of the style itself coupled with its penchant for being extremely casual plays a big role in this. Even better is the functionality these bring to the table when it comes to casual hangouts with the boys and all sorts of food and drink-related stains that may come with that. They are durable as a whole and versatile when it comes to pairing with other articles of clothing. Leaning too much into the casual zone is inadvisable since these shorts are casual on their own. So, flip flops and slack tee’s are probably not a good match here.
Swim Shorts - What better place to completely show off those legs and calves than at the pool, or even better, at the beach? These tiny numbers saturate the market and though they are not everyone’s cup of tea, they look quite good. The entire design is based on retro-styled swim shorts that have obviously made quite the comeback. There’s a range of colors and designs available when it comes to these shorts, but the one unspoken rule is that you try not to busy it up. If the shorts are busy, opt for a neutral top and vice-versa.