When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best shorts for men we tested are comfortable and breezyAndrew Amelinckx/Business InsiderIf you're not used to wearing shorts, it can feel like a gamble to invest in a nice pair. It helps to know your pants measurements first, then decide which length works best for your proportions. Next, think about setting: are you getting dressed up for work, or traveling in comfort? In either case, stretchy waistbands and sweat-wicking fabrics will act in your favor. Our main takeaway: Vuori's Kore Shorts are the most comfortable shorts for men. We like how the breathable boxer brief liner holds you in place and the stretchy fabric is flexible enough for any activity level. We've researched and tested all sorts of shorts to find the most comfortable, versatile pairs for men. These let our legs breathe in hot and humid weather whether at the office, headed to the gym, or enjoying the outdoors. For more amphibious pairs, see our guide to the best hybrid swim shorts for men.How to choose men's shorts that fitFinding shorts that fit is about balancing your proportions. Consider where the hem lands rather than going on length alone:Rise: If you have a long torso, go for a mid to high-rise waistband to avoid truncating your lower half.Inseam: To elongate the legs, avoid very long shorts and choose a 5 to 7-inch inseam instead.Cut: Tapered shorts can balance out wide shoulders without making your legs appear slimmer. Straight-cut shorts will create a clean line between a large midsections and your lower half.Best Overall: Vuori Kore ShortVuori Sizes: XXS–XXL; 5", 7" and 9" inseamColors: 14 including Black, Isle Blue, and Greyhound Washed When choosing the best overall shorts, we prioritized good looks, durability, and, most of all, versatility. On that scale, the Vuori Kore Short — complete with over 16,000 glowing reviews — rises to the top.Available in 14 colors, these shorts feature a soft, lightweight, four-way stretch fabric that's moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and ready for anything from hanging out to hardcore HIIT. Spacious slash pockets accommodate your EDC, while a drawstring waist and breathable boxer brief-style liner keep everything in place, no matter what kind of adventure the day brings.Best Chinos: Flint and Tinder 365 ShortHuckberry Sizes: 28–34, 36, 38; 5", 7" and 9" inseamColors: 11 including Khaki, Camo, and Charcoal Having been around for more than a century, chinos were long overdue for a shorter, more modern update. Enter the Flint and Tinder 365 Short.Like the best of their predecessors, these multi-pocketed shorts pack plenty of style and utility. The touch of Spandex mixed in with the cotton fabric gives them just enough stretch to crush a round of backyard badminton or croquet. The Huckberry-owned brand also offers loads of variety: Three inseam lengths and nine colors make it hard to pick up just one pair.Best Hiking: Patagonia BaggiesAmir Ismael/Insider Sizes: XS–XXL; 5" and 7" inseamColors: 14 including Black, Autumn Orange, and Shore Blue A staple of Patagonia's plethora of outdoor offerings, Baggies can take on just about any warm-weather adventure but are particularly qualified for hiking.The sustainable main fabric is NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille (made from recycled fishing nets), complete with a PFAS-free durable water water-repellent treatment to ward off light rain. A quick-drying 100% recycled polyester liner keeps you cool and comfortable, and depending on where you shop, you can score these shorts in almost any color imaginable.Read our full Patagonia Baggies review.Best Linen: Quince European Linen Drawstring Beach ShortAndrew Amelinckx/Business Insider Sizes: XS–XXXL, 7" inseamColors: 10 including Taupe Brown Chambray, Blue Pinstripe, and FlaxStyle Tip: You can combine this pair with a Linen Short Sleeve Shirt for a matching ensemble. "Linen's origins go back thousands of years. It's woven with flax, a fibrous plant that produces a durable, soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric that's perfect for summer. Great linen shorts should feel barely there, but aren't so thin that they're transparent. They should also be structured enough that they don't look billowy or saggy. In my opinion, Quince's Linen Drawstring Beach Shorts check all these boxes.I tested a pair over several 90-degree days, and they did an excellent job at keeping me comfortable all day. The beach shorts are made for casual wear, with no fly and a drawstring closure featuring sturdy metal aglets. The fabric does have a natural tendency to wrinkle, but because they're designed to be relaxed, I feel it's fine to wear them as is. I did find one errant thread on the inside of the shorts after washing them according to the brand's directions, but there was no
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