Warmer weather is finally here and we couldn’t be more thankful. After a tumultuous winter inside with weather that broke records across the entire country, we’re taking full advantage of the hot temperatures this summer. No more complaining about the heat. Ever. Just our best t-shirts, our favorite shorts and good vibes all summer long.
After so much time in quarantine, you might have forgotten how to dress. We understand, your stained college hoodie and the best joggers in your dresser have been uniform for, like, a year, so it’s no surprise if you need some help. We got you. This time around, we’re starting with the best men’s shorts for summer.
How to Wear the Best Men’s Shorts
The best men’s shorts make summer fashion easy. Because men’s shorts are never, ever formal, you can throw just about any casual item of clothing you have in your wardrobe on to match them. Tees and polos? Sure. Tanks? Absolutely. Shirtless? Go for it. Crop tops for men? You better.
If you’re going out to hang out with friends, maybe grab a bite to eat or a beer, try pairing cotton or linen blend shorts with a button-down or your best polo shirt. The change of fabric ups the shorts’ style game gives you plenty of options and combinations to work with.
You can wear a solid color or graphic print tee with cotton or linen shorts. When wearing a graphic tee, ditch those 5-Below graphic gamer tees and go for something on the artsier side under a long-sleeve button-down shirt. Leave it open, of course. It ain’t winter.
Band tees? Save ’em for jorts. They’re a match made in heaven.
Ready to reinvent your wardrobe? Check out our list of the best men’s shorts of the season.
1. Everlane 7″ Slim Fit Performance Chino Short
BEST OVERALL
Black goes with everything. Although it’s not the most summery of colors in the world, it doesn’t matter — match it with the most summer-centric tee you’ve got in your closet and you’ve got yourself a loot. These shorts are so versatile, they can pair with just about anything. Try them with a pair of Converse high tops, a white tee and an open button-down shirt.
2. Goodthreads 7″ Inseam Flat-Front Comfort Stretch Chino Short
RUNNER UP
Chino shorts are clearly where it’s at, so you might want to get yourself a couple of pairs before it really gets hot out there. Chino shorts have a great way of looking great whether they’re dressed up or down, making them a versatile option any guy will look good in. Try these comfortable stretch chino shorts for your next summer date. Pair them with the most handsome polo shirt you have in your closet. You’re going to kill it, bud.
Buy: Goodthreads 7 $25.00
3. vuori Kore Shorts
BEST FOR LOUNGING
The pandemic isn’t over, so we get it if you’re going to spend the majority of the summer kickin’ back and relaxing again — just make sure you do it outside and give your body that well-deserved Vitamin D. The vuori Kore shorts are a great pick whether you’re relaxing out on the patio or hiking with your pup. They’re totally lightweight, functional and comfortable, so they’ve got your back no matter where you bring them.
Buy: vuori Kore Shorts $68.00
4. Bonobos Anywhere Short E-Waist
BEST SHORT SHORTS
Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know that short shorts for men have made a comeback in the past couple of years. Yeah, they looked dope on your dad in the 70s, so why can’t they look just as good on you in the 20s? Bonobos’ Anywhere shorts are our favorite short shorts right now. They come in a wide range of colors and come with a drawstring top, perfect for the quarantine dad bods the majority of us have come to befriend over the past year.
5. Dockers Classic Fit Perfect Short
BEST CLASSIC KHAKIS
Everyone should have at least one pair of simple khaki shorts. They’re one of the best men’s shorts because they go with so many things, they’re the foundation of tons of summer outfits. Have a last-minute lunch with your SO’s parents? Toss these on with a short-sleeve shirt and you’re golden. They go with any type of footwear, and any top. Made from 100% cotton, they have an extra-long cellphone pocket and come in 10 other colors.
Buy: Dockers Men's Perfect Short, Porcelain Khaki (Cotton), 29W $23.44 6. ASOS DESIGN Slim Skater Denim Shorts
BEST JORTS
Jeans go with everything, so if you want an easy way to throw together a good-looking, last-minute outfit this summer, you’re going to want to snatch a pair of jean shorts (otherwise known as jorts) before September comes along. Jorts are easy to buy, all you have to do is make sure they hit stylishly above the knee to stay looking good. Any jorts that reach under the knee are a big, fat no. Simply do not. You’ll look like the nerdy kid from elementary school, and nobody wants to go through that trauma again.
Buy: ASOS DESIGN Slim Skater Denim Shorts $36.00
7. Standard Cloth Stripe Dye Sweat Short
BEST TIE-DYE
Tie-dye was all the rage last summer and we decided we aren’t done yet. Tie-dye is the perfect pattern for spicing up your warmer-weather wear, so peep these fun sweat shorts for stylish yet cozy summer moments. They aren’t the all-over rainbow tie-dye you’re used to, which is actually good in a way since they’ll be able to match more of your shirts. Pair these with your go-to white tank and a pair of flip-flops for an easy errand outfit.
Buy: Standard Cloth Stripe Dye Sweat Short $44.00
8. Old Navy Camo Cargo Jogger Shorts
BEST CAMO SHORTS
Though a lot of you might think Old Navy isn’t as stylish as it used to be, we’ll be the first to say that these camo shorts absolutely hit. Yeah, they’re a little bit on the exotic side, but camo shorts are no less a necessity than khakis or sweats. With a toned-down tee and simple shoes (as pictured below), you can build a stylish and cool outfit in minutes. Just remember not to go either all camo or pair with a heavily patterned shirt. The idea here is to make your camo shorts the headliner of your outfit.
Buy: Old Navy Camo Cargo Jogger Shorts $29.99
9. Standard Cloth Oliver Nylon Short
BEST FOR HEATWAVES
If this summer is anything like the wacky winter we just had, we can all expect a hot one — no matter where you’re at on this Earth. Heatwaves, in the last few years at least, have been quite the norm in most areas of the United States, so it’s important you stay prepared with a handsome pair of shorts that can act as a swimsuit when you need it. Standard Cloth’s Oliver shorts are exactly what you need for a hot-as-hell summer. They’re made from nylon, which is what most men’s swim trunks are made of, so they’re perfect for the water. They come in a variety of candy colors to choose from, but these purple ones have to be our favorites.
Buy: Standard Cloth Oliver Nylon Short $34.00
10. H&M Linen-Blend Utility Shorts
BEST CARGO
Let’s make it absolutely clear: cargo shorts are not cool. They never will be cool. They are the most heinous of short styles you can ever choose from and exude booger-eating energy. If you wear cargo shorts, you will look like a mouth-breather.
Now that we’ve got that rammed into your head, let us introduce you to cargo shorts’ much cooler fraternal twin: utility shorts. Utility shorts have the same idea that cargo shorts do but instead tone down the bulkiness and number of unneeded pockets. Unlike cargo shorts, they’re actually stylish and we won’t hate you in the slightest if you wear them. Let this be a final warning: if you still choose to keep your cargo shorts in your wardrobe this summer, don’t be upset if you get bullied. You did it to yourself. We’re just trying to help. Call it tough love.
Buy: H&M Linen-Blend Utility Shorts $29.99
11. Linksoul Recycled Boardwalker Short
BEST CASUAL
Linksoul’s a relatively new brand with roots in both golf and sustainability. Helmed by John Ashworth, of the golfwear company Ashworth, Linksoul is his passion project. The recycled boardwalker short is a good example of his wares. Made from recycled polyester, cotton and stretch, these well-made shorts can be worn when playing golf, swimming or running errands.
Buy: Linksoul Recycled Boardwalker Short $76.00
12. UO Corduroy Volley Short
BEST CORDUROY
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again — corduroy is back and it’s not going anywhere this time. This once-deemed cool-weather material is finding its niche easily in every season through men’s beach pants and short shorts alike. Just check out these volley shorts to understand what we’re talking about. They have a 5-inch inseam (which is what all the cool kids are wearing these days) as well as a back flap pocket for extra protection. There are three colors available, but mint is easily the coolest. Hah, get it? Mint = cool.
Buy: UO Corduroy Volley Short $54.00
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