Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Fashion / Men's Style
By Jillian Tracy and Naveen Kumar, CNN Underscored
4:15 PM EDT, Thu May 23, 2024
What's in this guide
- Men’s cotton shorts
- Men’s athletic shorts
- Men’s linen shorts
- Men’s cargo shorts
- Men’s denim shorts
- Shorter men’s shorts
Style experts agree: calves are in this season. So are mid-thighs, for men who dare to go there. With the dog days of summer around the corner, your legs will thank you for restocking your shorts supply now.
Shorts come in as many varieties as the men who choose to wear them. Whether you like relaxed fit and full coverage or close-cropped and cut-off, there are pairs out there waiting to be seized. We tapped men’s style experts to pick their favorites of the season, alongside top-rated picks and essentials from our favorite trusted retailers.
Men’s cotton shorts
For shorts that are a little more upscale, try these cotton twill shorts from Buck Mason. Featuring a single pleat like the one you find in your favorite suit pants, these shorts are the perfect mix of relaxed comfort and refined tailoring.
Crafted with 100% organic cotton, these Outerknown trail shorts are made to be worn for all of life's adventures. From the beach to the trails to the breweries for a much deserved refreshment, these shorts, available in muted Sage, Desert and black colors, will help you power through the day with style and comfort.
Known for making shorts with silky spandex liners (and the option to go sans boxers or briefs if you'd like), Birddogs' Oxford shorts are perfect for pairing with your trusty button-down, polo or tee for a variety of outfits all with same signature comfort.
With nine colors and three inseam lengths available, you'll be able to find the perfect version of these Flat and Tinder 365 shorts for wearing to all your spring and summer gatherings. These shorts give you the look of a classic chino with more mobility thanks to 2% spandex fabric.
“Sometimes you just want to throw on a pair of shorts that feel like the ones you wore back in high school or college,” says Nordstrom men’s fashion and editorial director Jian DeLeon. But that won’t necessarily fly in every social setting. These Marine Layer shorts bring you the best of both worlds by mixing a soft, cotton canvas fabric with an elastic waistband.
Beloved for their comfort, drawstring and subtle elastic waist, these Goodfellow & Co. shorts are a versatile addition to any man's wardrobe priced at just $22. Grab them in sizes up to 5XL in bright summer colors like yellow and turquoise or go for a more neutral palette with shades of navy, taupe or gray.
You know Ralph Lauren for its classic polo shirts, which are perfect for pairing with these breathable cotton linen shorts. These shorts, which come in mint, navy and khaki colors, feature that timeless Ralph Lauren cut that will never go out of favor.
“Gramicci is a heritage brand out of California inspired by climbing culture,” DeLeon says. “Known for their quality hiking gear, their take on the self-belted climbing short is good enough for scaling a cliff or simply walking the dog.”
Traveling abroad this summer? These lightweight linen blend shorts from Madewell definitely deserve a spot in your bag. They're perfect for strolling around during warm days, and you'll have no trouble dressing these up for dinner, since the classic pleating detail will easily pair with your more leveled-up layers.
Men’s athletic shorts
Grab these Bearbottom active shorts with or without an antimicrobial liner for whatever best gets you through your workouts. Made with a blend of nylon and spandex, there's plenty of stretch in these quick-drying shorts, perfect for the gym, the trails or tackling your casual errands.
These best-selling shorts from Rhone will look great during your next round on the green. But the sleek, no-frills design also makes them suitable for casual workwear too. Plus, the wrinkle-resistant Flex-Knit fabric not only makes them comfortable, but easy to care for as well.
From a pickup basketball game to a weightlifting session to even a quick round of cardio, these Under Armour shorts will keep you feeling breezy through any activity. Available in sizes up to 4XL, these shorts are designed to let you move freely and stay cool with sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric.
Sometimes it's all about going back to the basics, and what's more basic than a good pair of lounge shorts? Available in sizes up to 3XL, these cotton-jersey shorts are under $20 great for comfortably relaxing around the house or getting in a light workout.
Men’s linen shorts
If that Cape Cod posh style is what your after this summer, look no further than these Vineyard Vines linen shorts, which come in navy, cypress and cappuccino striped prints.
J.Crew’s linen shorts have a slim fit so you can provide more structure to your look without sacrificing comfort. These 9-inch shorts also come in 7- and 5-inch versions so you can grab the perfect length for however much thigh you'd like exposed.
Exclusively in the gray colorway, these Goodfellow and Co shorts are made from a material that’s 55% linen and 45% cotton, which is perhaps why these easy, breezy chino shorts are beloved by Target shoppers.
On the hunt for a classic summer staple? Look no further than these 8-inch shorts from Gap, which you can easily dress down with a clean white shirt or dress up with a crisp button-up.
Available in 24 colors and prints, this pair of drawstring shorts is colored with organic pigments and made of 100% sustainably grown French linen, making them a great choice for warmer summer days.
Men’s cargo shorts
For a more modern and technical take on cargo shorts, shop these North Face Pathfinder shorts. With hand pockets and two secure-zip mesh pockets, you'll still get all the functionality of classic cargo shorts with additional durability thanks to the ripstop fabric.
If you still want that traditional cargo look, grab these 11-inch shorts from Target for less than $30. Target shoppers love the classic silhouette and functionality of these shorts, plus the affordable price point.
Wrangler has been a leading maker of jeans and workwear since 1947. Their shorts are classic, affordable and durable — this pair is also a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon.
L.L.Bean’s cargo shorts come with a slightly shorter 6-inch inseam for a modern and streamlined take on the classic cargo silhouette.
Olie Arnold, style director of men’s style destination and retailer Mr. Porter, says that there are certain staples that should form the foundation of every man’s wardrobe, including a good pair of cargo shorts. This Ralph Lauren pair is stonewashed for a more worn-in look that matches anything from denim jackets to bombers, button-ups and tees.
Men’s denim shorts
“A good pair of white denim shorts can go a long way in the warmer months,” Arnold says. Perfect for a clean, crisp look, these 9-inch loose-fitting denim shorts are a customer favorite at Abercrombie & Fitch.
The classic fit you love in Wrangler's full-length jean is also available in shorts form. This bestselling, relaxed-fit pair comes in a variety of washes, all priced at just under $30 on Amazon.
Prefer a slim fit over a more relaxed one? Shop these Levi’s slim denim shorts, which are affordable without skimping on the quality and reliability you've come to expect from the brand.
Made of a mix of cotton, lycra spandex and cool-tech polyester, these Duer shorts not only look great, but are made to keep you comfortable and cool through all your daily to-dos.
Shorter men’s shorts
An appealing blend of comfort and style, Lululemon’s Bowline shorts are a top-rated customer favorite. Wear them for your next tennis match or backyard hang or take them about the town on your next coffee run.
Add a textured touch to your fit without sacrificing comfort with these corduroy shorts, made with an elastic waistband and wide leg openings.
Chubbies have become ubiquitous on social media for a reason. Men rave about their fit, comfort and understated style. Shop these bestselling Silver Linings shorts in 16 colors, three inseam lengths and sizes up to 3XL.
More recommendations
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
Thanks for signing up! Your welcome email is on its way.
Get the CNN Underscored newsletter
Receive product recommendations, reviews and deals three times a week.
By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. CNN and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.
By clicking 'Sign up', you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. CNN and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.
Opt out via the Privacy Policy.
