Different Types of Men's Shorts You Should Know

Table of Contents

Knowing the different types of shorts for men makes warm-weather dressing a lot simpler. The right pair depends on your destination, activity, and desired level of polish. Grab the wrong style, and you'll either look overdressed for the beach or too casual for a dinner out.

This guide covers 10 short styles, when each works, what to look for when buying, and the mistakes to avoid. Whether you're dressing for a weekend, a workout, or a smart-casual setting, there's a style here that fits.

Types of Shorts for Men

Every short style has a specific purpose. Some cross over between settings, but most work best when matched to the right occasion. Here's a breakdown of the ten styles worth knowing.

Chino Shorts

Chino shorts are flat-front, tailored in cotton or cotton-blend fabric, and cut to sit cleanly on the leg. They're the most versatile shorts in the wardrobe. Pair them with a short-sleeved shirt and loafers for a casual dinner, or keep it simple with a polo and sneakers for weekend errands.

Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts have multiple side pockets and a more relaxed, utilitarian cut. They work well for outdoor activities, travel days, and casual weekends when practicality matters. Modern versions with a cleaner fit and slimmer pockets have brought them back from their mid-2000s slump.

Short en jean

Denim shorts offer a casual, lived-in look that works for beach towns, festivals, and relaxed weekend outings. A clean, dark-wash pair in a mid-thigh length can be styled up with a collared shirt. Light-wash or distressed styles keep things more casual.

Athletic Shorts

Athletic shorts are built for movement. Moisture-wicking fabric, a comfortable waistband, and a relaxed cut make them the right call for the gym, outdoor workouts, and active days. They're not designed for social settings or casual dining.

Running Shorts

Running shorts are cut shorter and lighter than standard athletic styles. A 5-inch inseam, built-in liner, and quick-dry fabric are standard features. Built for running and high-intensity training, not errands or leisure.

Board Shorts

Board shorts are longer, sit at or below the knee, and are made from quick-dry fabric for water sports and beach days. Caswell's Fine Menswear carries a range of swimwear, including boardshorts suited for both in and out of the water.

Swim Trunks

Swim trunks are shorter than board shorts, typically hitting at mid-thigh, with a quick-dry lining and a secure waistband. They're the more versatile swim option, equally suited for the pool or a boat.

Linen Shorts

Linen shorts are lightweight, breathable, and ideal for hot weather. They drape slightly more relaxed than cotton and work well in vacation settings and casual summer outings. Linen wrinkles easily, which is part of its character.

Drawstring Shorts

Drawstring shorts feature an elastic or cord waistband rather than a button closure. The relaxed fit works for lounging, casual beach days, and low-key weekends. The casual waistband limits how far up the formality scale they can go.

Tailored Shorts

Tailored shorts are structured, flat-front, and cut close to the leg. They read closest to a shortened dress and trousers, and work for smart-casual settings where a chino short feels too relaxed. Pair it with a button-down shirt and leather shoes for the most polished short-based outfit you can create.

Best Men's Shorts by Occasion

Not all shorts cross over between settings.

According to Grand View Research's men's wear market report, the global men's wear market was valued at USD 590.24 billion in 2023, with casual and activewear among the fastest-growing segments. The range of short styles available today reflects that shift directly.

Matching the style to the occasion is what keeps an outfit looking intentional. Caswell's Fine Menswear carries shorts and swimwear from premium brands to cover most of the settings below.

Features to Look for When Buying Shorts

Construction details affect how a short looks, feels, and holds up over time. Before buying, run through these four areas.

Shorts Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Most shorts issues can be traced to three factors: length, pocket bulk, and occasion mismatch.

Shane C Kurup, deputy style editor at Men's Health, noted in The Guardian that the late Savile Row designer Sir Hardy Amies "famously advised a man to 'Never wear shorts except when actually on the beach or on a walking tour.'" 

Times have changed, but the underlying principle still applies: the context in which you wear them matters.

Poor Length

Shorts that fall below the knee cut the leg and make the whole outfit look heavy. Shorts that are too short for the setting draw attention the wrong way. The most flattering and versatile range falls between mid-thigh and just above the knee, with a 7 to 9-inch inseam on most builds.

Bulky Pockets

Cargo pockets and oversized patch pockets add volume to the hips and thighs. In most non-utilitarian settings, they make the outfit look unresolved. Slim, flat pockets keep the silhouette clean and work across more occasions.

Wrong Formality

Athletic shorts don't belong at a casual dinner. Swim trunks don't belong anywhere other than the water or the beach. Matching the shorts to the setting is the fastest way to make a casual outfit look considered rather than careless.

Conclusion

The different types of men's shorts cover a wide range, from technical running and board styles built for performance to tailored and chino options that hold up in smart-casual settings. Getting the most from your wardrobe means having two or three styles that cover different occasions rather than relying on one pair to do all the work.

Fit, length, and fabric are the details that matter most. For a full range of men’s wear, including shorts, swimwear, and warm-weather tops, Caswell's Fine Menswear carries the brands worth investing in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Men's Shorts