Best Men’s Shorts 2023 – Forbes Vetted

Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 10 total including Charcoal, Khaki, Light Grey and Moss | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Belt loop: Yes

The 365 Short is a bestseller from Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder, a sustainable brand known for making American-inspired classics. The 8-ounce cotton blend fabric is soft with a touch of stretch for comfort and preshrunk so the fit is true to size. These shorts are cut like a chino, making them versatile for wearing everyday, casually with a tee or dressed up with a button-down.

Sizes: 28 to 60 | Colors: 15 total including Black, Navy, Gray, Light Olive, Camo | Materials: 100% cotton | Belt loop: Yes

The Classic-Fit Cargo Short from Amazon Essentials offers so much: incredibly inclusive sizing, a soft and breathable 100% cotton twill, ample storage with deep pockets and a price that can’t be beat. Multiple reviewers spoke to the high quality, durable fabric and impressive tailoring details like double stitched belt loops and reinforced seams. If you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable cargo short with many color options, this pair is the way to go.

Sizes: 28 to 46 | Colors: 20 total including Faded Black, Deep Navy, Sagebrush Green, Brilliant White | Materials: 92% cotton, 8% spandex | Belt loop: Yes

Menswear brand Bonobos is known for their fit and quality and the Washed Chino Short 2.0 excels in both areas. It’s the shorts version of the brand’s bestselling chino, which features a wrinkle-resistant, 4-way stretch fabric (one reviewer said they’re so comfortable he’s even slept in them) in a classic flat-front style. Design details like a curved waistband to reduce excess fabric and a hidden side pocket to stash your valuables makes these shorts a solid pick.

Sizes: 28-38 | Colors: 8 in total, including Navy Batik, Sand Dollar, Black | Materials: 59% cotton, 41% linen | Belt loop: Yes

New York-based Todd Snyder is great at combining comfort and classic styling. The 7” Hudson Short is cut from a soft cotton-linen blend and has a tailored look that works equally well for the bar or beach. These shorts are responsibly made and feature design details like a coin pocket and two button-through back pockets that store your stuff without looking too bulky.

Sizes: 30 to 44 | Colors: 10 total including Black, British Grey, Port Blue, and Cape Red | Materials: 100% polyester | Belt loop: Yes

Everyone needs a dressier pair of shorts. Peter Millar’s High Drape Performance Shorts have a clean, flat front and back darts to give a more tailored fit, while a 21-inch leg opening and 9-inch inseam look professional for the office. The two-way stretch lightweight technical fabric allows for day-to-day comfort and wrinkle-resistance, too.

Sizes: 28 to 42 | Colors: 13 total including Khaki, Stone, Navy | Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Belt loop: Yes

J.Crew is always great for classic khaki shorts. The top-rated stretch version comes in four different inseam lengths—the 9-inch hits at that sweet spot between your knee and thigh—and has the traditional four-pocket styling. These also come in brighter colors, if you want to branch out from khaki, and the affordable price point makes it easy to pick up a few pairs.

Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: Graphite, Khaki, Light Grey, Cadet Blue | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Belt loop: Yes

Lifestyle brand O’Neill started out as a surf company in the ‘50s, and these shorts stay true to those roots. The top-rated design is made of a breathable and stretchy cotton, ensuring comfort and flexibility. A slightly longer Bermuda length makes these great for casual days or breezy evenings.

Sizes: XS to XXXL | Colors: Grey Wolf Melange, Navy Halite Melange, Black Oxide Melange| Materials: 90% polyester, 10% spandex | Belt loop: No

Zella’s Pyrite Knit Shorts are great for lounging, working out and everything in between. They’re made from stretchy poly-blend with a soft, almost-brushed fabric feel, so they’re comfortable for all-day wear. The length hits mid-thigh and the elastic drawstring waistband makes it easy to adjust these shorts.

Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: Black, Navy, Niagara, Ivy | Materials: 86% Recycled polyamide, 14% elastane | Belt loop: No

Swiss-engineered brand On designs all of their shoes and apparel with runners’ comfort and performance in mind. The Lightweight Shorts are minimalist and lightweight to carry you through the miles and the 4-way stretch woven outer layer feels silky smooth. A breathable mesh back panel increases airflow to keep you cool, plus an integrated pocket and key loop stows essentials while you’re on the move.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 17 total including Indigo, Charcoal, Shade, Currant, Chestnut | Materials: 48% Recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 10% elastane | Belt loop: No

Southern California-based Vuori designs all their apparel with a focus on functionality, durability and casual comfort. The Kore Short is great for workouts thanks to smart details like a moisture-wicking and quick-drying 4-way stretch polyester fabric, an elastic waistband and a built-in, breathable boxer-brief liner.

Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: Flame, Spice, Poolside, Greenery, Stone | Materials: 96% Recycled nylon, 4% spandex | Belt loop: No

Cotopaxi’s Brinco Short is built for hiking and active days: The hem slit and 5-inch inseam give you bouldering mobility, and the built-in mesh brief, elastic waistband and back pocket drain hole provide extra comfort for swimming and water sports. Plus Cotopaxi’s customer service efforts are impressive. They offer lifetime warranty and repairs, a trade-in service for pre-loved gear and their products made in sustainable apparel factories.

Sizes: XS to XXXL | Colors: Rover, Black | Materials: 81% Nylon, 19% lycra elastane | Belt loop: No

Lululemon designed the lightweight Nulu Relaxed-Fit Yoga Short specifically with yoga movement in mind. The buttery-soft nylon-blend fabric is not only breathable, it’s also sweat-wicking with stretch. It has a relaxed fit, so you have plenty of mobility in the glute and thigh areas, and the tapered hem above the knee helps these shorts look stylish beyond the mats, too.