A nice, lightweight, and breathable pair of shorts can make a lot of difference when you are outdoors during the summer. Shorts can let you enjoy the hot summer days without having to deal with itchy and smelly jeans.
Shorts are also quite versatile. They can be worn while strolling in the mall or while at the beach. Made from a wide range of materials such as cotton and linen, shorts can also come in various colors, prints, and patterns.
Unsure of which pair of shorts to get? Then read more about the 18 top-rated men’s shorts for summer:
Uniqlo Men’s Chino Shorts
Uniqlo is a Japanese apparel distributor that is known for its simple, durable, and high-quality products. This chino shorts for men is a classic example.
Made of imported and durable fabric, the shorts are available in various color schemes, including basic ones like blue, brown, black, and yellow to more interesting hues like olive and teal green.
The Air Chino by Everlane
Everlane is a clothing retailer with headquarters in San Francisco, California and a brick-and-mortar store in New York City. Founded in 2010, it primarily serves the online market.
Its Air Chino shorts are made for the active individual. It is made of lightweight cotton. Breathable and stretchable, it has that classic four-pocket styling. This won’t get hot and sweaty even when you do during the summer months.
Patagonia 5-inch Baggies Short
Patagonia is a clothing firm that specializes in outdoor apparel. Founded in 1973, it has headquarters in Ventura, California.
These shorts are rugged and versatile. Designed for use in and out of the waters, these shorts are made from quick-drying recycled nylon. The waistband is elastic with an internal drawstring. It also has vertical side pockets designed to reduce drag while you are in the water. Its pocket bags, meanwhile, have drain and dry mesh corners, while the rear has a snap pocket.
The pockets are all deep which comes in handy when storing items. It is unlikely you’ll lose items when you store them in these pockets. The shorts are versatile, too, so that you can use them as running shorts, but also while hiking, swimming, exercising, and even when taking a nap.
J-Crew 9-Inch Shorts
J-Crew is an American brand that specializes in a wide assortment of apparel and accessories for men and women, including bags, swimwear, outerwear, dresses, suits, and shoes, among others.
First launched in 2010, this is the brand’s version of casual shorts. This minimalist short is durable, comfortable, and versatile for athletic use. Conceptualized to be worn by tennis players, it still looks good enough to be worn during a stroll in the mall.
Available in five different colors, this short is not too heavy, which makes it a good choice during summer. It is also breathable.
Taylor Stitch Apres
Taylor Stitch is a San Francisco-based brand that designs and retails men’s t-shirts, outerwear, denim, and basics. It is known for producing high-quality yet affordable clothes. The Apres short is a prime example.
The shorts are very stylish with a raindrop Camo pattern. Lightweight, comfortable, durable, and versatile, these shorts can keep you cool during the summer months. Made of 5.5-ounce organic cotton, it has four deep pockets which can come in handy when storing essential items like car keys and coin purse. Two of the pockets are located upfront while the other two are at the back. The elastic waistband can help you find the right fit.
Saturdays NYC Ritchie Solid
Saturdays NYC is a clothing brand based in New York City offering apparel such as t-shirts, shorts, swimwear, and more. Shipping is free on US orders that are over $100. Aside from being affordable, Saturdays NYC products are known to be stylish just like the Ritchie Solid short.
This short is made of 100% cotton, which makes it ultra-comfortable even during the warmest days. It also looks good whether you wear it to the beach or the gym. It is also quick-drying with an elastic waistband for superior flexibility and movement.
Buck Mason Black Twill Short
Buck Mason is a relatively new brand having been founded in 2013. It has retail stores in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
While the Twill Short is not the most budget-friendly option in this list, it remains one of the best choices simply because of its built and design. It is versatile enough to be worn as gym shorts, in the water, or on the mountains. Made of 100% cotton, it is quick-drying. Its elastic waistband promotes flexibility and movement. The short is also stretchable, allowing wearers to move freely without worrying about restrictive tailoring.
Lululemon Commission Warpstreme
Founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson, Lululemon is a brand perhaps best known for its yoga pants. Its flagship product called the Groove Plant is widely regarded for its moisture-wicking abilities and stylish design. Aside from its yoga pants, it also offers a wide range of workout clothes and apparel.
The brand may be known for its products geared toward women, but it also produces high-quality clothes for men, like this chino-inspired short. It is made of Warpstreme fabric, which is not only stretchable but also breathable. It has sweat-wicking properties as well. The contemporary design is the cherry on top, so to speak.
Outerknown S.E.A RUGGED
Outerknown is a brand that takes pride in its sustainability practices. Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater and renowned designer John Moore, it offers a wide range of products made from recycled and organic materials.
These shorts are in line with the brand’s sustainable ways. It is made from 98% organic cotton, which keeps chemicals out of the environment. It will not only keep you cool but also comfortable whether you are biking to work or hanging out on the beach. It has a rugged and durable twill with a soft and lived-in feel.
The shorts feature clean slash pockets up front and a couple of pockets at the back. A discreet embroidery is also located above the back-right pocket.
Rhone 8-Inch Resort
Named after the river in Europe known for being aesthetically beautiful but also for being a strategic trade route, Rhone is a company based in Stamford, Connecticut. It specializes in sportswear intended for active guys aged between 25 and 50 years old.
These shorts are made of progressive, stretchable fabric that can wick away moisture. It has multiple pockets that you will appreciate if you have lots of essentials to carry around. These include a zipper stash pocket, a media pocket, and a single back button pocket. Things like your wallet and phone should be easily stored in these pockets.
AllSaints Cobalt Chino
British fashion retailer AllSaints is noted for its high-quality yet affordable menswear and womenswear. Its products are not only sold online but also in department stores and standalone retail stores.
The Cobalt Chino from AllSaints is made from 100% cotton. Lightweight, durable, and comfortable, it has a classic cut that should appeal to older men. The hem of the short is located directly above the knee. Its straight-cut design makes it ideal to pair with basic shirts and slip-on shoes.
Faherty All Day 9-Inch Shorts
Faherty could be the clothing brand that is most associated with summer. While relatively young, having been founded only in 2012 by brothers Alex and Mike Faherty, it is known for its sustainable and beach-themed apparel.
The All-Day short is also dubbed “Beach to Bar” short. It is crafted from premium fabric that is quick-drying and eco-friendly. The fabric is also made from recycled plastic bottles and a touch of cotton. The shorts are also stretchable for superior movability. It is available in six color variations.
Todd Snyder’s Weekend Drawstring
Designer Todd Snyder once worked for top brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and J. Crew. A graduate of textile and clothing design from the Iowa State University, his products are available at department stores and boutiques across the US. The first flagship store of the brand was opened in 2016 in New York City.
His Weekend Drawstring shorts are fun, flexible, and stylish. It makes use of four-way stretch twill and pull-on styling. Its tailored shape makes it ideal for summertime wear. Imagine pairing these shorts with a pocket tee of warm colors, and you should look and feel cool throughout the summer season.
Bonobos Stretch Lightweight Chinos
Bonobos is an online apparel subsidiary of Walmart. Headquartered in New York City, it specializes in men’s clothing, including suits, denim, shirts, shorts, trousers, and swimwear.
Its stretch lightweight chinos are not only budget-friendly but also comfortable and durable. It is crafted from a combination of cotton, spandex, polyester, and rayon. This is the lightweight version of the brand’s classic washed chino shorts. It has a familiar curved waistband and multiple pockets at the front and back. You will love wearing these shorts with a polo shirt when you go out of town this summer.
H&M Knee-Length Cotton Shorts
H&M is the Swedish multinational clothing giant operating in more than 60 countries. It has clothes not only for men but also for women, children, and teenagers.
These knee-length shorts are made from 100% cotton. It has the flair of the timeless chino shorts plus an elastic waistband. It is also stretchable and should keep you comfortable even after a long day.
Hartford Slim Fit Cotton Shorts
Launched in 1979 in Paris, Hartford mixes classic European styles with a more laidback American aesthetic. It is popular for its affordable and easy-to-wear pieces. Its shorts are stylish, comfortable, and versatile.
These slim-fit cotton shorts are made from 100% cotton. It is breathable and so should keep you cool during the summer. You can also get a slouch-free fit thanks to the drawstring waistband of the shorts. Its clean and off-white hue makes it versatile, too, capable of being paired with just about everything you have in your closet.
TravisMathew Performance Shorts
TravisMathew is a Southern California-based sportswear brand. Founded in 2007, it draws inspiration from the culture and lifestyle of the region where it is currently based.
These mid-rise performance shorts are made from imported, wrinkle-resistant fabric composed of polyester, cotton, and spandex. It has pockets at the back and the sides. It is stretchable and quick-drying, too.
Gap Hybrid Shorts
Gap is an American clothing and accessories retailer founded in 1969 with headquarters in San Francisco, California.
These hybrid shorts are designed to support everyday performance. It combines a classic look with smart features. It is crafted from breathable and quick-drying fabric. It is also equipped with the brand’s stretch technology to keep users comfortable throughout the day.