The Best Shorts For Men, According To Experts And Our Editors - Forbes

Like swim trunks and t-shirts, shorts are something you wear constantly in warm weather, and really want to fit well. The best shorts for men sit comfortably on your waist, hit at a flattering length on your leg and are cut from breathable fabrics so they work in all types of weather. Whether you need shorts for the office, weekends, hiking or working out, we read all the reviews on the market so you don't have to, and found the best men's shorts for different needs and budgets.

Our top pick overall is Huckberry's Proof Nomad Short, which is made from high-quality stretch cotton and has a classic fit. For an affordable pair you can buy multiples of, we recommend Amazon's Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Cargo Short or O'Neill's Jay Stretch Flat Front Bermuda Shorts, which have a laidback yet polished surfer aesthetic. Read on to see all of the best shorts for men that made our list, and for more suggestions, we also rounded up the best polo shorts and swim trunks for men.

• Best Shorts For Men Overall: Huckberry Proof Nomad Short
• Best Affordable Shorts For Men: Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit Cargo Short
• Best Flat Front Shorts For Men: Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Short 2.0
• Best Stylish Shorts For Men: Todd Snyder 7" Hudson Short
• Best Work Shorts For Men: Peter Millar Salem High Drape Performance Shorts
• Best Khaki Shorts For Men: J.Crew Stretch Chino Short
• Best Bermuda Shorts For Men: O'Neill Jay Stretch Flat Front Bermuda Shorts
• Best Comfortable Shorts For Men: Zella Pyrite Knit Shorts
• Best Running Shorts For Men: On Lightweight Shorts
• Best Workout Shorts For Men: Vuori Kore Short
• Best Hiking Shorts For Men: Cotopaxi Brinco Short
• Best Yoga Shorts For Men: Outdoor Voices Sunday Short

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Best Of The Rest

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we take fashion seriously and have published many expertly-researched clothing and accessories articles. Our experience includes plenty of firsthand knowledge, too, as editors and writers who are picky about what they wear and constantly seeking out the best in everything, whether it's comfortable dress shoes or jeans for men. We've tried on, evaluated and put many finds in the market through the paces to see what comes out on top in terms of performance, quality and value for your money.

Plus, our Forbes Vetted senior fashion editor, Kari Molvar, has been covering fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years, and has seen trends come and go. With that in mind, she focused on picking shorts that serve as the basics and staples of your wardrobe that not only feel current and modern right now but will last season after season. Given this level of expertise we put into each story, you can trust our opinions when it comes to finding the right shorts for your needs and budget.

How We Chose the Best Shorts For Men

To find the best men's shorts on the market, we researched bestselling options, pored through reviews across sites and consulted Forbes Vetted's senior fashion editor. We also spoke with experts, including personal fashion stylist Josephine Eve; fashion consultant Shelley Golden; and Julie Rath, founder and president of Rath & Co. Men's Style Consulting. Additionally, we considered a few of our personal favorite brands that we rely on for great basics depending on the situation, like work, travel and lounging. Then, we narrowed down our selections by considering key features like comfort, materials and price. Most importantly, we update this list regularly to ensure you're up-to-date on product availability and sales. This article was last updated in July 2023.

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Where Can I Wear Shorts?

When the weather's just right, shorts are always a versatile choice. But namely when the sun is out. "During the day is always a safe bet to wear shorts," says Rath. Off to somewhere where you might look out of place with a pair shorts—such as a restaurant, bar, or other gathering? Rath suggests doing your due diligence. "If you're considering wearing shorts to a restaurant but are unsure, take a minute to call and confirm whether shorts are acceptable," she says. In other words, a beach or boardwalk is a great place for shorts—a boardroom, not so much.

Can I Wear Shorts To Work?

Whether or not you can wear shorts to work depends entirely on where you work, your office dress code, and whether others are wearing them or not. "If your workplace environment is casual and relaxed and it is within the dress code that you can wear shorts to work, then go for it," says Eve. "But I always advise to double check with the dress code policy first otherwise you may have an embarrassing meeting with your boss about wearing them." Work at a law firm? You're probably out of luck. "I think it can look unprofessional in a corporate office setting, especially if you are meeting clients—or you're meeting with your boss," Eve says. But a startup or more casual environment could be a great place to start wearing your shorts in.

How Do Shorts Sizes Work?

Like pants, shorts are measured using the inseam, or the length from your crotch to the hem of the shorts. Common short lengths are 5, 7, 9 and 11 inches. Finding your perfect inseam length is a lot easier when you know what do to. According to Eve, simply measure the distance from the inner crotch seam to the bottom hem. Start by grabbing a pair of shorts that fit you well and stand up with your legs a bit apart. "Then with a measuring tape, place it at the very top of the inside seam. Let the tape drop all the way down to where you want your shorts to end." Generally, that should be 2 to 3 inches above your knee for the best fit.

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