Gone are the days when shorts were not considered decent bottom wear for men. Moreover, summers and warmer regions demand their very own wardrobe collection. Thankfully, the comfortable and trendy shorts have now become one of the most important parts of each man’s wardrobe. However, the endless types of shorts available in the market might leave you a bit dazzled. Each type of short has been specifically designed to fulfill a different purpose. All the different types of shorts that are available in the market have been detailed out below, based on their style, fabric type, as well as activity type for your ease of selection.
Shorts based on Activity Type
- Board Shorts
- Beach Shorts
- Running Shorts
- Walking Shorts
- Tennis Short
- Swimming Trunks/Swim Shorts
- Cycling Shorts
- Hiking Shorts
- Baggy Shorts
- Compression Short
- Gym Shorts
- Golf Shorts
Different types of activities demand different types of shorts. Some rigorous activities demand tight-fitting yet flexible shorts, whereas; others demand free-flowing and airy shorts. All the different types of shorts, based on their usability for different types of activities have been listed below for your reference:
1. Board Shorts
Board shorts are usually knee-length and have been specifically designed for water sport activities, especially surfing. They are made with either nylon or polyester, to be strong and quick drying. They also have a non-elastic waistband that opens in the center front with a Velcro and tie band. The double protection is provided to withstand strong waves while surfing.
2. Beach Shorts
Beach shorts are similar to board shorts. However, the only difference is that beach shorts are a bit shorter in length. Also, they have a flexible waistband, as compared to board shorts. A beach short even may have a small inside pocket to secure your keys or valuables.
3. Running Shorts
Running shorts are specially designed for runners, usually with a 1/4th leg length. The length of a running short is kept so short to minimize friction while running and to prevent getting stuck with the knee. The short length also maximizes the free movement of legs as well as breathability. Running shorts are usually made with polyester to keep them lightweight and strong.
4. Walking Shorts
Loosely fitting ankle-length shorts, which are most appropriate and comfortable for walking and leisure activities. They are also termed as dress shorts, as they were extensively used by bureaucrat during older times.
5. Tennis Short
Tennis shorts end above the knee and are made up of a combination of spandex and polyester. This material offers tennis players sweat resistance as well as flexibility. Tennis shorts are usually loose fitting and come with an elastic waistband, with a tie string for adjustments.
6. Swimming Trunks/Swim Shorts
Also known as bathing shorts, swimming trunks are made of either nylon or polyester and also feature a mesh lining for quick drying. They are loose-fitting, have an elastic waistband, and usually cover the entire trunk area.
7. Cycling Shorts
Cycling shorts are tight-fitting and are made with stretchable fabric, most commonly spandex, to ensure comfortable knee movement. The short ends above your knees and come either with an elastic waistband or a shoulder bib.
8. Hiking Shorts
Hiking shorts often come with zip-off legs that can be attached for full-length pants. These are made of waterproof material and offer only a little bit of flexibility. They have a zipper in the front along with pockets on the sides to stuff hiking essentials.
9. Baggy Shorts
Baggy shorts are often worn by mountain bikers. These are extensively loose around the thighs, therefore; offer minimal friction. Also, they have ample pocket space and are also very comfortable and airy to wear.
10. Compression Short
Compression shorts are popular amongst professional athletes as well as people with a highly active lifestyle. They fit tightly against your torso and thighs to increase the blood flow as well as the muscle oxygen levels. They are also often used for people with medical conditions to prevent swelling and other muscle-related issues.
11. Gym Shorts
Gym shorts for men are usually loose fitting and have an elastic waistband, with a combination of a drawstring. The material used for gym shorts is either polyester or a combination of polyester and mesh to make it quick drying. Gym shorts often have pockets as well.
12. Golf Shorts
The classic game of golf surely calls for a classic pair of shorts. Golf shorts have a flat front, a zipper as well as belt loops to provide the players with a professional look. The shorts also have traditional side pockets along the thighs and only come in subtle solid colors.
Different Types of Shorts Based on Fabric
There are surely endless types of fabrics available in the market. Moreover, picking the right kind of fabric, based on your preference as well as the comfort level is very important. Below are a few of the different types of popular short types based on different types of fabric/material used:
13. Denim Shorts
Denim shorts come in a number of cut styles as well as lengths. They are popular among men as well as women as casual bottom wear. The most popular denim shorts cut type that is popular amongst women is daisy dukes and men usually wear knee-length denim shorts.
14. Chinos Shorts
Chinos shorts are made of chino fabric, which is made of 100% twill cotton. They popular amongst men and provide them with a more structured and formal look. They are usually buttoned and come with a zipper in the center front, with a rigid waistband.
15. Leather Shorts
Also termed as Lederhosen or leather breeches, these are usually short or knee-length shorts made of leather. These were initially workwear, however, now shout out fashion and style. These could be loose-fitting or tight-fitting as well.
16. Linen Shorts
Linen shorts feature a beach look and usually come in white and off-white colors. They are best paired with patterned shirts, have loose-fitting, and come with an elastic waistband along with a drawstring.
Types of Shorts based on Design and Functionality
- Long Shorts
- Khaki Shorts
- Cargo Shorts
- Pleated Shorts
- Flat Front Shorts
- Short Shorts/Cropped Shorts
- Boxer Shorts
- Pajama Shorts
- Drawstring Shorts
- Patterned Shorts
Different people are comfortable with different types of short lengths. Some may prefer shorts with longer thighs, whereas, some feel Claustrophic in the same. Moreover, it is also very important to pick the right style as well as cut type for you to wear it confidently. Below mentioned are different types of shorts based on their length, style, and color:
17. Long Shorts
Also known as Bermuda shorts, long shorts fall approximately an inch over the knee. They go perfectly with a loose top or a button-down shirt. They can even be worn in a casual office setting and friendly outings. They usually come in solid colors, with black, khaki, and navy blue being the most popular ones.
18. Khaki Shorts
Khali shorts are made of either cotton or wool and have earthy colors, majorly used for military uniforms. Khaki-colored shorts (shades of tan and beige) come almost in every length and style. Khaki shorts pair best with patterned shirts and light-colored tops during hot summers.
19. Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts were initially marketed for fishermen and soldiers only. They are defined by huge pockets on the sides of the thighs with flaps to secure the pocket’s content. They are more comfortable casual wear and create a pretty distinct style symbol.
20. Pleated Shorts
Shorts having subtle creases or folds along the waist, usually made in cotton. These types of shorts can be worn in outdoor formal gatherings. They are loose-fitting and usually have a rigid waistband with a zipper and buttons.
21. Flat Front Shorts
Shorts having a flat fabric below the waist and around the zipper. Flat-front shorts are slim fitting and are worn lower on the waist as compared to pleated shorts. They provide you with a more casual outlook.
22. Short Shorts/Cropped Shorts
Short shorts had been in use since old ages for athletic purposes and other rigorous activities to avoid wear and tear. However, with time, short shorts also came to be used for fashion and got renamed hot pants. They end above your upper thigh and are more popular amongst women than men.
23. Boxer Shorts
More commonly termed as boxers, due to their resemblance with shorts that boxers wear for free leg movement. These shorts are characterized by loose-fitting elastic along your waist with a short thigh length. They are made usually in cotton and can also be worn as innerwear or outerwear.
24. Pajama Shorts
A pair of loosely fitting, lightweight shorts that have a tie string along the waistband. They are technically a knee-length version of the extensively used pajama trousers and are used extensively for comfort sleeping at night.
25. Drawstring Shorts
Shorts that have a lace or string running around the waistband, to tighten or loosen the grip of the shorts are called drawstring shorts. These usually have an elastic waistband for flexible grip and loose along the thighs. These types of shorts are common in cotton, spandex, as well as Lycra.
26. Patterned Shorts
To add a unique and cool outlook to your personality, patterned shorts are the best pick. They are vividly used during summers for an airy and thinner look. Some of the most common pattern types that you can pick from include flamingos, checks, diamonds, stripes, camouflage, motifs, and many more.
27. Daisy Dukes
Daisy dukes are particularly popular amongst women. However, there are various men as well who do not restrict themselves from showing off their thighs. There are low-cut shorts, with a slant bottom cut and have a tight-fitting against your thighs.
Shorts are cool and let’s all agree on that! However, we believe that knowing the right type of shorts for the right type of activity as well as the occasion is very important to boost your confidence as well as comfort level. Moreover, a man’s wardrobe must surely comprise of a decent collection of shorts, based on their needs. We hope that going through all the different types of shorts mentioned above would surely allow you to carry the right kind of fashion and beat that heat!
Jennifer Taylor
Latest posts by Jennifer Taylor (see all)
- Men’s Sizes For Women’s Shoes: Size Difference & How to Convert to Buy Each other’s? - November 11, 2023
- 5 Reasons Why Ketoconazole Lotion used to treat Skin Infections - June 19, 2023
- The Gentleman’s Spring Lookbook 2023 - April 18, 2023