The Best Shorts for Men Are Inevitable

In 2025, who among us can really ID the absolute best shorts for men? TikTok teens would have you believe that a 5-inch inseam is the only length that matters. (Mea culpa: we’ve done our fair share of 5-inch proselytizing, too). Look to Paul Mescal, the current champ of daringly short-shorts, and you might be persuaded to bare a few more inches of thigh. Look to one Mr. Hailey Bieber, and you might be persuaded to take the exact opposite approach, swaddling your thighs in shorts of gloriously baggy proportion. What’s happening in men’s fashion!?

Relax, pal—you don’t have to keep up with every manufactured menswear micro-trend. Instead, embrace the fact that the state of shorts today is, well, whatever you want it to be. That means any point along the shorts spectrum is fair game, which is even more reason to make several pit-stops along the way, stocking your closet as you go. From trail-ready shorts with more storage space than a filing cabinet to dressy shorts ready-made for a Cannes photocall, the best shorts for men who want ’em all are immediately below.

The Best Men’s Shorts, According to GQ

Best Hybrid Shorts: Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Season after season, the Baggies continue to reign supreme thanks to their heavenly blend of form and function. Crafted from quick-drying post-consumer recycled nylon, these shorts are a fine example of wearing your clothes in good conscience. It also doesn’t hurt that the flattering cut and ideal 5-inch inseam comes equipped with oh-so spacious mesh side pockets, a stretchy elastic waist, and a snap-secured rear pocket, allowing you to have your fun in the sun, whether that be on or off the grid.

They’re clearly the most versatile shorts out there and can play as real-deal athletic shorts, or take a dip as a beach-certified pair of swim shorts. And of course we know them as an endlessly stylish pair of everyday, casual shorts that meshes with a plain T-shirt and sneakers as it does a polo and loafers. For just about $70, these hybrid shorts are unbeatable.

Reed Nelson, frequent GQ contributor and Patagonia Baggies stan, has owned around ten pairs over the years and can’t sing their praises enough. “I’m sure they have a downside, but I’ve spent a lot of time searching for one and keep coming up empty.” They’re as good as everyone says they are (and if you need more proof, check out Reed’s review here).

Best Linen Shorts: Banana Republic 7″ Pleated Linen Shorts

When the summer heat is at its worst, linen shorts are a godsend. They’re breezy, lightweight, and have tons more character than the usual cotton. When we came across Banana Republic’s pleated linen shorts, we knew they’d be our top pick. The 100% linen fabric feels luxurious and syncs up well with the dressy pleats. And while most linen shorts these days lean into the lounge-y aspect with an elastic waistband, we love that these have a fixed waist which makes them more versatile.

Best Cargo Shorts: Polo Ralph Lauren Gellar Cargo Shorts

Ralph Lauren’s bar-for-bar approach to menswear classics is just one of many reasons he’s the GOAT. Case in point, these cargo shorts. Made from a dense cotton twill, they’ve got substantial cargo pockets at the sides with plenty of structural reinforcements. They’re cut into a baggy silhouette with an inseam that reaches right at the knees. Plus, they come in a trio of classic colorways that go with every closet. They’re not revolutionary, just very very good.

Best Jean Shorts: Levi’s 469 Denim Shorts

Jorts have their fair share of hate, but over here at the GQ offices, we deem them stylish. You might be wondering why on Earth you’d spend money on half a pair of jeans. The answer is a) because they look cool and b) chopping your pants is both an art and a science and not all of us are qualified in both fields. The best to do ‘em is none other than Levi’s. For the quality, price, and pedigree, it’s a no-brainer. The denim is solid as ever, the 469 cut is a generous, relaxed cut, and for just $50, what more can you really ask for?

Best Chino Shorts: J.Crew 8” Classic Chino Shorts

J.Crew

8″ Classic Chino Shorts

Making a classic, everyday pair of shorts that can handle the rigors of regular wear and fit like a charm is a much harder task than it would appear, but J.Crew has it down. Their strategy? Take their best-selling chino pants and chop ’em down for summer wear. With a mid-rise, relaxed fit and 8.5-ounce cotton twill, they’re about as versatile, comfortable, and timeless as a pair of shorts can be. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.

Best Sweat Shorts: Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Standard Sweatshorts

Reigning Champ

Midweight Terry Standard Sweatshorts

There comes a time in every mid to moderately active guy’s life when he’s on the hunt for the perfect sweat shorts. Maybe he begrudgingly agreed to join his team for a weekend spar on the court or it’s too hot to get away with his go-to joggers; either way, it’s suddenly a priority. Thankfully, Reigning Champ whipped up the perfect blend of comfort casual. Mid-weight cotton that won’t leave you shuddering at the faintest breeze and a drawstring waist to secure the fit to your liking. And with seven generous inches, these shorts offer all the coverage you need, exactly where you want it.

Best Dress Shorts: Todd Snyder 7” Pleated Tab Shorts

Todd Snyder

7″ Pleated Tab Shorts

Sometimes you have the itch to pair your ritzy button-down with a pair of flowy shorts–that or you’ve got a formal event coming up that will be conveniently located in an extremely humid locale. Obviously, you’re not going to veer too casual on the bottom if the top is eliciting “sir”—but when even khakis feel like overkill, it’s time to whip out the posh, calf-hitting bottoms. These Todd Snyder shorts are the answer.