The Best Quality Shorts for Men

When it comes to shorts, I’m very picky. I’ll basically only wear pleated shorts or chino shorts, and I avoid anything that goes over the knee. In my view, shorts should sit around 2-4 inches above the knee, which usually means an inseam of 6–9 inches (15–23 cm), although I generally prefer not to go over 8 inches (20 cm).

Fit is just as important as length, so I pay close attention to the thigh width and leg opening, as shorts that are too narrow can be uncomfortable and throw off the proportions. In my case, I look for a thigh width of at least 34 cm and a leg opening of around 32-34 cm.

My rule of thumb is simple: if you're unsure if shorts are appropriate for a particular situation, wear trousers instead.

When shopping for shorts, it's worth checking the measurements carefully. Pay attention to the rise, inseam length, thigh width, and leg opening rather than relying only on the tagged size. Choosing between belt loops and side adjusters comes down to personal preference and how you intend to style them.

With that in mind, I've put together a list of some of the best-quality shorts available today.

Let me know if you have a pair of favorite shorts or if you would like to recommend any that should be on the list.

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