The Best Men’s Casual Shorts For A Laid-Back Weekend
Do you ever feel like you’re living a double life with your wardrobe choices? Crisp and presentable shirts and slacks during the week—but then the same old beaten up sweatpants every weekend?
If so, maybe it’s time to put just as much thought into your weekend wardrobe as your weekday staples. And as far as we’re concerned, the right place to start is with one of these 18 pairs of casual shorts from our favorite top quality brands.
Vuori Ponto Shorts
Spend your days off in style and comfort with Vuori’s Ponto shorts. Made with the brand’s signature Dreamknit fabric, a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, they’ve got enough flex to keep up with your run, a stroll through the park, or an evening out on the town.
They weigh incredibly little and feel silky soft against your skin, with a breezy design that’ll keep everything cool even on a hot summer day. Best of all, they’re moisture-wicking, so you can go straight from the gym to the brunch table or vice versa while staying dry and cool.
Price: $78
Public Rec Weekend Shorts
For those weekends when you’d just rather stay inside and curl up on the couch, the Public Rec Weekend shorts will be your best friend. The midweight terry fabric feels like your favorite sweater or bathrobe, and the blend of Spandex and polyester into the Pima cotton ensures they’re as versatile as they are comfortable.
The addition of a back pocket gives you extra storage space for the EDC items you want to carry on those quick errands out of the house. You’ll be surprised by how durable these shorts are; they’ll never fade, bleed, stretch, sag, or rip.
Price: $68 $41
J.Crew Heritage Brushed Rib-Knit Shorts
Planning to spend all day in bed watching Netflix or sitting at your gaming desk? These pajama shorts are just what you need. Soft and light, they pair nicely with a long-sleeved pajama shirt as well as a polo for those quick trips to the store for extra snacks or a coffee run.
The drawstring at the waist keeps them snugly in place without the constriction of an elastic band. Loose, light, and comfy, they’re ideal for a weekend of doing as little as possible.
Price: $60
Nice Laundry 6″ Pocket Lounge Shorts
These Nice Laundry shorts are built for those who prefer to be more active on the weekend. The four-way stretch nylon fabric is insanely comfortable and smooth against your skin, but it’s suitable for a run, resistance training workout, or a hike through the forest.
The Micromodal interior adds a layer of sweat protection to keep them looking great even after a hardcore training session. Plus, the lining is odor-resistant so you’ll never have to worry about smelling bad down there. They’re gym shorts taken to the next level in terms of both comfort and performance.
Price: $48
Tommy John Downtime Shorts
I (Andy) am a devoted fan of Tommy John’s underwear, and these Downtime Shorts are just as comfortable as my favorite boxer briefs—only more suitable to wear in public. The combination of acrylic, modal, and Spandex makes for a divinely soft fabric that’s comfortable for a day of lounging but versatile enough for a long-distance run or weekend kickboxing class.
The material is sag, stretch, and-fade resistant and will keep its shape and color for years of hard use and frequent washes. Thanks to the gusseted drop-crotch, I’ve got full range of movement and plenty of space for everything that needs to stay cool and dry on those hot summer days. And I’ve found the eleven-inch inseam just right for my extra-long legs.
Price: $68
Proof Trail Active Shorts
British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s best summer hiking spots, as well as plenty of camping. When I’m spending a weekend in the outdoors, I’ll always pack the Proof Trail Active Shorts. The blend of nylon, cotton, and spandex makes for a fabric that is breezy, stretchy, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of the trail and camping life both.
The shorts are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, great for a heavy sweater like me. Thanks to the welt zipper pocket and the two front slash pockets, I’ve got a secure place to store my, phone, card wallet, and RV or car keys so I never need to bring a backpack when hiking.
Price: $88 $66
Rhone OOS Shorts
Soft, comfy, and loose-fitting: really everything you want in a pair of shorts, that’s what the Rhone OOS Shorts delivers. Made using a technical fabric that combines polyester and elastane, they’re wonderfully comfortable on your days off but versatile enough to be your gym or sports shorts in a pinch.
The elastic waist and rubber tipped drawcord keep them from sliding down if your pockets are full, and the zipper on the media pocket makes it easy to keep your phone and keys securely in place. The seven-inch inseam makes them just the right length for both lounging and taking in the sun around town. For any weekend or week day, they’ll be just the shorts you need.
Price: $82 $58
Dandy Del Mar The Goucho Terry Cloth Shorts
What could be better for long hours of lounging than ultra-soft terry cloth? Nothing at all, that’s what. The Goucho Terry Cloth Shorts by Dandy Del Mar will feel like a cloud snuggling your legs, and the fabric is thick enough to feel sturdy and dress up without being overly hot or sweaty when the sun is at its peak.
The blend of polyester and cotton ensures lightweight comfort and versatility. They’ll look just as good with your favorite comfy tee as a sports shirt, a crisp button down, or a colorful polo.
Price: $89
Vuori Sunday Performance Shorts
Vuori’s Sunday Performance Joggers have been a crowd favorite for years now, owing to their supremely fine tuned combination of comfort, stretch, and moisture wicking. And now, that same style and material is available in a pair of shorts that’s perfect for going from a light morning jog to a long afternoon of lounging on the couch.
Two zip pockets make it easy to carry your essentials with you wherever you go, and an elastic waistband with drawstrings lets you fine tune your fit. Overall they’re a near-perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance.
Price: $84
Free Fly Breeze Shorts
For shorts, casual doesn’t have to mean long, oversized, and baggy—it can also mean a relaxed but stylish fit with a six inch inseam, like what you’ll find in Free Fly’s Breeze Shorts. They’re made from an extremely lightweight polyester and spandex blend fabric, which also happens to be extra moisture wicking and breathable, too.
That makes them the ideal short for a weekend bike ride on a comfortable fall morning, though they’re just as nice for lounging around the house in the heat of summer, too.
Price: $68
Patagonia Lightweight All-Wear Hemp Shorts
When it comes to outdoor gear companies, few put their money where their mouth is quite as much as Patagonia. They’re dedicated to creating fair working conditions for the production of all their clothing and gear, and to using sustainable methods that will save our planet a lot of trouble in the long run.
That’s true in their Lightweight All-Wear Hemp Shorts, too—they’re made of organic cotton and hemp, and produced in Fair Trade Certified factories. Add a classic look and feel to that, and you get a pair of shorts that’s as good for you as it is for everyone else who takes a part in its production.
Price: $75
Outerknown Hightide Sweatshorts
Kelly Slater, often considered to be the best surfer in modern history, has a deep respect for the ocean and all that it gives. That’s why when he went on to found his own clothing brands—first Quiksilver, and now Outerknown—he fully committed to sustainable manufacturing.
And along the way, that also made every piece of clothing and gear from these brands impeccably well designed. The Hightide Sweatshorts from Outerknown continue this trend, with an ultra soft terry toweling construction, smooth and cozy brushed interior, and just enough polyester in the material blend to make them quick drying. These might be the most comfortable shorts you ever wear.
Price: $98
Fair Harbor The One Short
No, they’re not Neo from The Matrix—but Fair Harbor’s “The One” Shorts can definitely become your first choice for wearing here, there, and everywhere. A generous eight inch inseam combines beautifully with a soft knit liner, giving full support with a generous cut and fit.
A polyester and spandex blend construction makes them stretchy enough for any activity you want to get into, and fast drying after quick swims. Even better: That polyester is recycled from 11 plastic bottles pulled from the ocean by Fair Harbor’s own cleanup initiatives.
Price: $68
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatshorts
French Terry fabric makes another appearance in Mack Weldon’s Ace Sweatshorts, but this time with a twist: It’s been micro-brushed to remove a lot of bulk and loft, all while becoming even softer than this fabric usually is. That’s extended with a judicious addition of spandex for stretch, making them both handsome and incredibly comfortable.
And as far as colors go, you’re spoiled for options here—with nearly a dozen options to choose from, ranging from bold reds to subtle grays and everything in between.
Price: $65
Todd Snyder Weekend Shorts
Made in a dressy short style, but packed with performance athletic details, Todd Snyder’s Weekend Shorts are a real unicorn in this category of clothing. A stretch twill fabric makes great use of cotton’s lightweight comfort, then adjusts it with high-tech tencel and spandex for a crazy soft feel, great moisture wicking, and four way stretch.
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Beyond Eryx Ultralight Shorts
I’ve worn these shorts climbing a volcano in Hawaii, strolling along the beaches of Mexico, and exploring downtown Seattle. The Beyond Eryx Ultralight shorts weigh so little I feels like I’m wearing board shorts, but they’ve got enough structure and shape that they provide solid protection and comfort when out and about.
The addition of two thigh pockets are perfect for carrying my smartphone and card wallet, and the fact that they’re zippered means I don’t have to worry about thieves or pockpockets. The inseam length is just right for modesty but short enough I can move freely when scrambling over rocks or hiking up steep slopes. One of my all-time favorite adventure shorts for sure.
Price: $85
Mugsy Chino Shorts
If I’m planning a weekend where I want to dress up a bit, these Mugsy shorts are my go-to. They look like chino shorts but feel soft and stretchy like my favorite loungewear. The eye-catching colorways (I have the mint-colored sage) pair nicely with a plain white tee or polo, or blends with bolder color combinations (yellow and blue, orange and red, and so on).
The elasticated waist stretches so they’re comfortable after a heavy brunch, but they’ve got a wonderful elegance that makes them so much more stylish than your average casual shorts.
Price: $78 $48
Mavi Jacob 11″ Inseam Shorts
The Mavi Jacob shorts are another ideal pair of dress-up shorts. The chino style gives them a sophisticated look that makes them great for a breakfast with friends or a date night out, but they’ll be comfortable enough for a stroll through the zoo with your kids. The twill is smooth to the touch and soft against your skin, with an elegant satin finish that won’t fade or run.
You can dress them up with a polo or button-down shirt, or dress them down with a plain tee. However you wear them, you can trust you’ll look as good as you feel.
Price: $78
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