From colorful chambray to hilariously creative designs—like palm trees and even taco trucks—here are the 35 best pairs of shorts for summer.
And for something to slide on underneath, don't miss The 50 Best New Pairs of Underwear for Men.
1 | J.Crew 10.5" Short in Rustic Chambray
J. Crew$75; buy now at jcrew.com
If there's one fabric that's emblematic of summer, it's chambray. Not quite denim and not quite linen, it looks great with everything from t-shirts and sneakers to button downs and loafers.
2 | Incotex Slim Fit Stretch Cotton Shorts
Mr. Porter$295; buy now at mrporter.com
For men who like a slim, clean-cut fit, these simple white shorts are a safe and stylish choice.
3 | Nautica Twill Modern Fit Bermuda Shorts
Amazon$40; buy now at amazon.com
If you're looking for something that's a little fun but not too out there, these flag detail shorts are an understated yet interesting option for all ages.
4 | Nike Melange Tech Knit Shorts
Mr. Porter$150; buy now at mrporter.com
Every guy needs a great pair of lounge shorts, and if they look good enough to wear outside the house, even better.
5 | Vince Men's Leaf Print Chino Short
Amazon$185; buy now at amazon.com
Palm print don't always have to be loud. Consider this black and brown version for when you're just starting to experiment with summery patterns and aren't quite ready to venture into pastel territory.
6 | Club Monaco Maddox 9" Chambray Dot Shorts
Club Monaco$90; buy now at clubmonaco.com
Another chambray option, these shorts incorporate a geometric embroidered dot design, perfect for the guy who wants to take his love for the fabric to the next level.
7 | Theory Moris Marine Terry Shorts
Amazon$155; buy now at amazon.com
If you're searching for shorts that essentially feel like a bathrobe, snag these as soon as possible. Though they're not really appropriate for anything formal, they're a great weekend option when paired with a polo and cool kicks.
8 | Brunello Cucinelli Linen Drawstring Shorts
Mr. Porter$625; buy now at mrporter.com
In short, drawstrings are a guy's best friend. Easily covered by a longer shirt, an adjustable waistband just makes everything feel more comfortable, and unlike drawstring pants, they can feel business casual when mixed with more formal tops and shoes.
9 | Obey Men's Legacy Shorts II
Amazon$60; buy now at amazon.com
Faded army green is the neutral you never knew you needed in your wardrobe. Pair it like you would khaki, with other color in the rainbow.
10 | Bonobos Washed Chino Shorts
Bonobos$68; buy now at bonobos.com
Bonobos is an incredible resource for shorts, since they let you choose from several lengths for each style they offer, as well as more colors than you'd ever expect to be presented with. These light blue shorts are a great entry into summer color for guys who aren't sure how to try new hues. All you have to do is add a white shirt and white, brown, or tan shoes and you're golden.
11" | NN07 Crown Garment-Dyed Stretch-Cotton Twill Shorts
Mr. Porter$130; buy now at mrporter.com
A little bit of stretch can go a long way when it comes to tighter-fitting styles. Do yourself a favor and get a pair with a little give, especially if you plan on going on a vacation that entails more than a few cheat meals. You'll thank us later.
12 | Lacoste Sport Taffeta Drawstring Shorts
Amazon$60; buy now at amazon.com
A great mix between sporty and polished, these tennis-style shorts made from a fancier fabric look great in an off-duty cool way.
13 | Topman Stretch Skinny Fit Chino Shorts
Nordstrom$40; buy now at nordstrom.com
If you like a shorter, more fitted style, these should do the trick. Don't be afraid to go for a length that hits above the knee if you like how your legs look in these cuts—it's completely on trend right now. As a guideline, though, it's best to not wear shorts that go above mid-thigh.
14 | Vineyard Vines 8 Inch Performance Breaker Shorts
Vineyard Vines$85; buy now at vineyardvines.com
Planning on hitting the links this season? These shorts come in many colors and feature performance tech that will keep you cool and dry on the hottest days, yet are still fully appropriate for the most posh of courses.
15 | 7 For All Mankind The Luxe Performance Sateen Chino Short
Amazon$129; buy now at amazon.com
A basic khaki short is a piece you should invest in if you don't have it already, since it goes with literally everything.
16 | Everlane The Tech Stretch Short
Everlane$55; buy now at everlane.com
Breathable, quick-drying, and great-looking, these shorts can take you everywhere from morning beach jogs to afternoon beers with the guys.
17 | AG Adriano Goldschmied Griffin Short
Amazon$125; buy now at amazon.com
A longer cut that hits just above the knee is the most universally flattering styl for guys of every shape and size. If you're not sure what to buy or where to start, a straight silhouette and conservative length, as shown in this pair, are always the key features to look for.
18 | Gap Linen-Cotton Herringbone Shorts
Gap$55; buy now at gap.com
Herringbone might feel like a fancier fabric, but these shorts prove that it can go casual, too. If you're not a colors or prints guy, mixing up the fabrics of your shorts is an amazing way to add personality to your look.
19 | Brixton Prospect Service Short
Amazon$75; buy now at amazon.com
Square pockets with visible seams add an eye-catching detail to these otherwise simple bottoms.
20 | Rag & Bone Standard Issue Cotton-Twill Shorts
Mr. Porter$185; buy now at mrporter.com
Don't want to think about your outfit too much in the morning? Buy these. They work with dress shirts, tees, jean jackets, and more.
21 | PrAna Mojo Shorts
Amazon$50; buy now at amazon.com
These semi-athletic shorts may look simple, but they do a whole lot. Ideal for outdoor adventure-filled days, these boast UPF 50+ fabric to protect you from the sun and a quick-drying material that wicks away sweat. Oh, and they're made from 100 percent recycled polyester, so you can feel great about your purchase.
22 | J.Crew 9" Short in Sea Creature Print
J. Crew$75; buy now at jcrew.com
Two-tone prints are the easiest to wear, no matter how wild the pattern is.
23 | Norse Projects Aros Light Twill Shorts
East Dane$125; buy now at eastdane.com
Shorts without cuffs offer a totally clean line for men who are into the minimal look.
24 | Lululemon Commission Short 9"
Lululemon$88; buy now at lululemon.com
Known for their awesome to-and-from the gym pieces, Lululemon really came through this season with these shorts that are perfect for your much-needed rest days from working out.
25 | Beams Plus Batik Print Shorts
End Clothing$225; buy now at endclothing.com
Want to really go for it with a print? This pair of shorts makes a statement—but a gentlemanly one.
26 | Orlebar Brown Dane Stretch-Cotton Twill Shorts
Mr. Porter$245; buy now at mrporter.com
The waist detail on these is both fashionable and functional; you can adjust the sides for your perfect fit.
27 | Patagonia Baggies Longs
Patagonia$49; buy now at patagonia.com
There are taco trucks on these shorts. That's all you need to know.
28 | Lucky Brand Striped Linen Plain-Front Short
$80; buy now at amazon.com
For an ultra-summery feel, try a crinkled linen pair of shorts like these, complete with tasseled ties. Keep the rest of your outfit classic in order to avoid looking overly boho.
29 | Hartford Slim-Fit Linen Drawstring Shorts
Mr. Porter$180; buy now at mrporter.com
Red is one of the colors that looks great on everyone. Plus, it's a power hue, so wear it as often as you want.
30 | Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Stretch Cotton Seersucker Shorts
Mr. Porter$80; buy now at mrporter.com
Beloved by the country club set, seersucker will always be a preppy classic. You can wear it as intended, with a crist shirt and nice shoes, or take a more casual twist on the look with a tee and flip flops—the choice is yours.
31 | Zanerobe Omni Shorts
Amazon$79; buy now at amazon.com
Roomier cut shorts are an ideal style for guys with stockier builds, and a length that hits a couple of inches above the knee makes you look taller.
32 | Vintage 1946 Engineer Print Poplin Short
Amazon$57; buy now at amazon.com
Want to get really preppy this summer? These anchor-printed shorts are all you need to achieve that look in a non-dorky way.
33 | Save Khaki United Easy Slim-Fit Cotton-Twill Shorts
Mr. Porter$85; buy now at mrporter.com
A cross between athletic shorts and khakis, you're guaranteed to live in these all season long.
34 | J.Crew Dock Short in Stretch Chino
J. Crew$50; buy now at jcrew.com
Waist ties that contrast the color of the shorts make for a fun detail.
35 | Billy Reid Clyde Cotton Shorts
Amazon$95; buy now at amazon.com
Navy and white is the most essential color combo of the summer season, so grab a pair of shorts like this and make them part of your go-to summer outfit.
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