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Who wears short shorts? If you’ve been online lately, you already know the answer: Alexander Skarsgård. The Murderbot star has been breaking the internet with his bold, unexpected fashion choices, including sequin pants, a BDSM-inspired tuxedo, and, most recently, a pair of daring short shorts.
While appearing on the British daytime show Lorraine, Skarsgård strutted onto set in pink, black, and white checkered micro-shorts, telling host Ranvir Singh, “I wanted to be sexy today.” Mission accomplished.
So, if you’re feeling inspired to take a page out of Skarsgård’s style playbook, we’ve rounded up some of the best short shorts you can grab online. But what sets these thigh-baring bottoms apart from their longer counterparts? They have one clear goal: to keep your legs cool and comfortable.
By most standards, short shorts are anything with an inseam measuring five inches or less. This usually places the hem around mid-thigh, providing maximum mobility and plenty of airiness. As any seasoned runner knows, short shorts are the best choice for prolonged exercise where extra fabric coverage is superfluous.
But the best short shorts aren’t just for exercise anymore (as Skarsgård proved). Men have been grabbing thigh-high shorts as a fashion statement since the Sixties, showing some skin and upgrading off-duty relaxation in the process. Today, as wardrobes get more casual, men are breaking out short shorts of all flavors for lounging and style, oh, and exercise.
The Best Short Shorts for Men
Whether you’re stocking up for an upcoming summer vacation or looking to upgrade your stay-at-home clothing, we’ve got you covered (or, rather, uncovered). Below are some of the best short shorts for men, including picks for working out to chic, street-ready short shorts. Shop them all now.
Editor’s pick
Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts 5″
Lululemon is making some of the best athletic gear for men right now, but pieces like these Pace Breaker shorts are just as good for lounging on hot days as they are for workouts or yoga. Made of a super lightweight polyester-elastane blend fabric, the shorts boast four-way stretch and moisture-wicking powers that are especially helpful for sweaty errand running.
UO Standard Cloth Shorts 5″
Thanks to Seventies nostalgia and skater fashion, nylon has made a comeback recently. But you don’t have to give it up when the temperatures rise, as proven by these standard shorts from Urban Outfitters. With a wide fit, the shorts deliver added breathability to make up for the fabric’s thickness. They look great too, showcasing a throwback look that pairs well with dad sneakers and a baggy tee.
editor-loved
Pair of Thieves Ready for Everything Shorts
If you’re not quite ready to fully embrace the short-shorts trend — and we get it, it’s not for everyone — we recommend opting for these Pair of Thieves lounge shorts instead. Made from a soft and comfortable cotton/polyester/spandex blend, they’re easy to dress up with a crisp white tee and a pair of Nikes, or down with a sweatshirt for a laid-back day at home. Pair of Thieves is one of our editors’ favorite brands, and other customers agree. As one five-star review puts it: “I got these shorts for my husband along with a T-shirt, boxers, and socks. He really loves these shorts. I’ve seen him wear them constantly. I’m gonna have to get them a few other colors.”
Vuori Bank Shorts 5″
Think of these Vuori Banks shorts as a Swiss Army knife of summer clothing. They’re ready for workouts, swims, and relaxing — all in one day — and they look good doing all three. This versatility is largely thanks to a light, four-way stretch fabric that dries quickly, wicks sweat, and even fends off odor. They’ve also got waist pockets and a zip pocket at the hip to secure small items while you move.
Outdoor Voices High Stride Shorts 5″
These High Stride shorts from Outdoor Voices are exactly what we want on a hot day. They’re made of a stretchy, ultra-lightweight recycled polyester for handling sweat, be it from working out or sitting in the car. With a five-inch inseam, they’re definitely short, but a built-in liner keeps things secure while moving around. Plus, the short shorts feature a hidden pocket for your smartphone. Throw them on with a light T-shirt while lounging at home, heading to yoga, or going on a run.
Ten Thousand Session Shorts
If you plan on working out in your short shorts, these Ten Thousand Sessions are probably your best bet. Boasting a minimalist design and optional five-inch inseam, the shorts are made to stay out of the way while exercising. Throughout the pared-down shorts are vents and perforations that further upgrade the breathable, lightweight feel. Thanks to Ten Thousand’s clever pocket system, the shorts can securely carry your phone, keys, and wallet — even while running. Add an optional anti-odor, anti-chafe boxer liner, and you’ve got shorts that can handle almost anything. Multiple colors available.
J.Crew Portsider Chino Shorts 5″
Great non-athletic-looking short shorts can be difficult to come by, which is why we love these chino shorts from J. Crew. Although they’re styled like classic chino shorts, they feature a stretch fabric to compete with activewear.
That means you can comfortably walk the streets on a hot day, navigate airports, or even play a few sets of tennis before hitting a restaurant. Pair them with a tee and sneakers during the day or an Oxford shirt and loafers on summer evenings.
Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5″
Patagonia Baggies have monopolized shorts, appearing on streets, trails, and beaches (and the legs of celebrities like Harry Styles). Once you try on a pair of the water-resistant nylon shorts, it’s easy to understand why they’ve become so popular. They’re very comfortable, especially with a five-inch inseam, and ridiculously durable thanks to the nylon material.
With extra-deep pockets, you’ve got enough room to stash your water bottle, phone, keys, and wallet. Since they’re water-resistant, the shorts are also ready for an impromptu swim at any time. Wear them with sandals and no top while lounging by the pool, or go street style with expensive sneakers and a logo T-shirt.
Tracksmith Session Shorts
Running brand Tracksmith has caught our attention recently with its blend of modern utility and vintage style. These Session Shorts, one of our favorites from the New England brand, are engineered with modern fabrics that can handle a marathon, but they’re stylish enough to wear around town. Take them on morning runs and then keep them on for the rest of the day while doing chores and binge-watching TV shows.
Nike Dri-Fit 5″ Shorts
If you’re hitting the trails (or just looking for some technical, outdoor-style shorts), grab a pair of these Nike Dri-FIT Flex Strides. They’re designed for wilderness activity with targeted perforation and plenty of storage for snacks, essentials, and even an extra layer. You also get Nike’s famous sweat-wicking technology, Dri-FIT, as well as 20% spandex in the fabric for mobility and lightweight comfort.
Chubbies the Khakinators 2″ Shorts
Chubbies specializes in cheeky, retro-inspired pieces with an athletic edge. These “The Khakinators” shorts are a good example of the brand’s vibe. Made of lightweight cotton, they’re sold in a variety of inseams, including the two-inch version pictured above for those who dare.
