Best Short Shorts for Men
Show Off Your Thighs in Style With These 12 Extra-Short Shorts
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Men's shorts have been around for years, with men's short shorts becoming the norm in the '70s and '80s when it was a time of liberation and athletic wear first popped into mainstream fashion. Men were rejecting the more traditional clothing choices their dads wore. Long shorts were considered “stuffy,” and men began embracing their bodies and feeling proud of their hard-earned leg muscles. We hadn't yet hit the time of the cargo short and the jean short was reserved more for Daisy Duke at the time. Thus, the thigh was freed, and for good reasons:
First, shorts above the knee allow for a wider range of motion, whether you’re dancing, running, squatting, lunging, or even just walking about. And a wider range of motion equals more comfort.
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Second, short shorts obviously expose more of your body, meaning more heat can be released. There’s more surface area for the breeze to hit, allowing for maximum exposure when you need it most. With it looking to be one of the hottest summers on record, you’ll definitely want to stay as cool as possible.
Lastly, they just look better. Your shorts don't need to be dragging on the ground, weighing you down, or bellowing behind you in a baggy mess against the wind. Shorts were made for summer to show off your body, not to hide it below layers of fabric. Leave that for winter.
We’ve rounded up a long list of stylish shorts six inches and less so you can show your thighs a little sun this summer. Our stunted stylish picks range from chino shorts to swim trunks, and will prepare you for any summer function. Just remember to put on some sunscreen; nothing is worse than a sunburn between your legs.
Best Men's Short Shorts
Chubbies Original Stretch Shorts
We couldn’t talk about short shorts without mentioning Chubbies, a long-standing proponent of freeing the thighs. Made with 3% spandex, these shorts will hold up to high-kicks, splits and however low you can get at the club, just in case you were wondering. They’re comfortable and appropriate for almost all occasions. You won’t want to take them off.
Amazon Essentials 5" Chino Shorts
Amazon’s brand of shorts is a wonderful surprise for only $25. These shorts look a little more dressed up and provide the perfect amount of stretch to be comfortable without going too laid-back looking. With a wide range of colors and some camo patterns, you really can’t go wrong.
Ralph Lauren 5" Classic Fit Chino Short
When it comes to the perfect pair of hiking shorts, Ralph Lauren may not be the first name that comes to mind, but these shorts are different. Made from recycled nylon, which helps lessen environmental impact by reducing landfill waste and the use of virgin raw materials, makes the trail feel a little cleaner when you're wearing them. Of course, in true Ralph Lauren fashion (literally) you can swap out the sweaty tee for a proper polo shirt and wear them out, and still look great.
J.Crew Factory 5" Flex Khaki Shorts
If you want to style up your summer while sticking to a classic, this J. Crew Factory pair is it. Coming in a whopping ELEVEN colors ranging from neutral to bright, these shorts are a bargain for how well they’re made and how fashionable they look. Throw them on to elevate any summer outfit.
Dandy Del Mar The Marseille Short
If Dandy Del Mar isn't a name you recognize, it's time to hear about it loud and clear. This is the affordable brand for America's new leisure class. Using a relaxed fit and fabrics such as organic cotton, terrycloth, corduroy, silk, and of course, linen, the fresh styles from this southern California-based brand are the prints and silhouettes we want to wear all day, everyday.
Bonobos The Chino Short 2.0
Made from their famous, four-way stretch fabric that you never need to iron, these no-fuss, no-muss shorts always look as good as the first time you put them on. You can also customize them to your exact preferences, choosing between three different lengths, three different cuts, and more than a dozen colors.
A&F Linen-Blend Plainfront Short
Stylish enough to dress up for a night out but comfortable enough to wear through mid-day summer heat, these extra-short shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch are made from a linen-cotton blend that's both light and breathable. Convenient features include an elastic waistband, so you can wear these without a belt, and dedicated cellphone zip pocket.
Flint and Tinder 5" 365 Short
Picture your favorite, most comfortable pair of khaki pants and then cut them down to short-short size and make them breathable, and you have an idea what Flint & Tinder accomplished with their 365 Shorts. The stretch fabric and four-pocket design (two side, two rear) make these every bit as practical as they are cozy.
Nice Laundry 4" Pocket Lounge Shorts, Bandana
Nice Laundry lounge shorts have been around for a while, but the newest iteration come in a fashionable four inch length and a bandana-inspired print that are worthy of lazy days at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Available in a variety of lengths and styles, the hand pocket of this style means they are comfy, cozy, and convenient.
Patagonia Baggie 5" Shorts
Using 100% recycled nylon and fair trade factories, Patagonia created an immensely popular short, the Patagonia Baggie shorts, and for good reason! These shorts are quick-drying and water repellant for anything you can throw at them, whether that’s hiking, swimming or running errands in the heat.
Outdoor Voices High Stride 5" Short
Looking for a premium workout short? Outdoor Voices creates high-quality gear you actually want to sweat in. These lightweight training shorts made from 100% recycled polyester have a built-in liner and hidden phone pocket for functional movement during any and all workouts.
Lululemon Soft Jersey Short 5"
We're just going to come out and say it: Lululemon's soft jersey fabric is the most comfortable fabric available anywhere, so why wouldn't you want to own a pair of shorts made from it? They're available in two different inseam lengths and nine different colors, making it easy to find the perfect pair for your style.
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