The Best Men’s Hybrid Shorts To Wear This Summer

Camping. Hiking. Swimming. These are the activities that make for an adventurous and memorable summer—but until recently, there hasn’t been a single piece of clothing that can be used for all of them interchangeably.

Hybrid shorts have changed all of that, and they’ve quickly become our favorite pants to wear whenever the weather starts to warm up. So in this guide, we’ve collected 18 of the best men’s hybrid shorts for summer. They cover a wide range of styles and prices, but every one will guarantee that you’re fully prepared for whatever summer brings.

What Are Hybrid Shorts?

Before we get into our picks for the best hybrid shorts, let’s clear something up. Just what the heck are hybrid shorts anyway?

The basic idea is pretty straightforward: Hybrid shorts are a mix between board shorts and jean-cut shorts. They’re most often made of lightweight, quick-drying materials—but with a more tailored design than standard board shorts or swim trunks. That makes them perfect for wearing all day long during the summer, as you can easily take them for a swim and then wear them out to a restaurant later that day.

Proof Equator Hybrid Shorts

Once the month of May hits here in Tennessee, I pretty much live in a pair of hybrid shorts. My first pick is this pair from Proof — Huckberry’s in-house brand featuring smart, technical apparel built for work, play, and travel. The DWR-treated polyester fabric dries quickly and moves with you while fishing, cycling, or exploring a new city.

A hidden zippered pocket makes quick work of securely stowing your valuables like and ID card, cash, and a small keychain. Additionally, the mesh pockets won’t weigh you down on your walk to the bar after a quick swim at the beachside hotel pool this summer. – A. Smith

• Price: $98
• Materials: 100% polyester with DWR finish

Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid Shorts 2.0

Summers at the lake, river, or beach will be so much better wearing these shorts. Made from ripstop nylon, they’re comfortable for a day of lounging poolside while still tough enough to endure surfing, swimming, and kayaking. They’re also quick-drying so you can head from the bar to the water then back again, with self-draining bags that will offer ample storage space without slowing down drying time or holding water.

The addition of bungee looping at the waistband makes them versatile enough for every water sport or activity while still keeping them looking good for a stroll through town.

• Price: $69
• Materials: 100% nylon ripstop

Kuhl Renegade Shorts

KUHL’s Renegade Pants are one of my (Andy) all-around favorite technical pants, so it’s no surprise I also love the Renegade Shorts. They’re made from the same sturdy two-way stretch Duralux performance fabric, offer the same breathable comfort, and provide both water-resistance and sun protection (up to SPF50+).

The fabric is abrasion-resistant so you can take them hiking, camping, swimming, or boating, and thanks to the gusseted crotch, you’ll have full freedom of movement. My particular favorite feature, however, is the eight pockets, which gives me more than enough storage space for everything and anything I could want to carry.

• Price: $79
• Materials: Nylon and spandex

Ash & Erie Hybrid Shorts

Ash & Erie built their hybrid shorts to serve you well both on the training field and around town. Their athletic construction and polyester-and-spandex fabric make them ideal for even the most hardcore workout or long-distance run, and the addition of an elastic waistband keeps them securely in place on your waist whether you’re squatting, lunging, or doing burpees.

They’re ultralight so they won’t slow you down on a run or sprint training session, feature gussets to allow for good freedom of movement, and will dry quickly. Ideal for moving from your couch to the gym to a night out with friends.

• Price: $48
• Materials: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex

Katin Wonderer Hybrid Shorts

A tough exterior and ultra-comfortable interior combine to make these my new favorite hybrid shorts. The terry finish on the inside is so smooth and soft against my legs, I can wear them all day long and never have to worry about chafing or heavy sweating. Thanks to the spandex integrated into the ripstop polyester fabric, the shorts are tough, versatile, and flexible for any workout, hike, or walk in the park.

The fixed waist offers enough structure to keep them sitting just right on my hips, but I can always use the elastic drawcord to pull them tighter if I’m carrying a bit of extra weight in my pockets. Water-repellant, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, they’re the most versatile hybrid shorts I’ve tested to date.

• Price: $59
• Materials: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex

Rhone 7″ Commuter Shorts

For those summer weekend golf trips, these are the ideal shorts. Cut and styled to be right at home on the golf course, they combine a crisp appearance with a wide range of colors that’ll blend in with any golf shirt and shoes.

They’ll stretch and flex with you as you swing, wick sweat away from your legs to keep you dry, and dry quickly so you can walk into the golf club for a round of drinks when you’re done playing.

• Price: $98
• Materials: Rhone Flex-Knit fabric

Jetty Polywog 2.0 Hybrid Walkshorts

For guys who like to spend their summers planning backyard BBQs and pool hangs, these Jetty Polywog 2.0 Hybrid Walkshorts were built just for you. The shorts combine Oystex (made from oyster shells and recycled fabric), recycled PET plastic, cotton, and spandex, and the end-result is a fabric that flexes and stretches, wicks moisture and dries quickly, and looks good all day long.

The hand pockets are deep enough to fit your phone, wallet, and keys, with a zippered back pocket for additional secure storage. You’ll love wearing them all summer long thanks to their integrated odor-resistance and all-way stretch.

• Price: $70
• Materials: 40% Oystex, 35% RPET, 17% Cotton, 8% Spandex

O’Neill Reserve Heather Hybrid Shorts

Surfers, swimmers, and boaters, get an eyeful of these bad boys. The O’Neill Reserve Heather Hybrid Shorts are constructed to be right at home in the water and on land. They blend sturdy polyester with stretchy elastane to make a true “hybrid” you can wear anywhere.

The long outseam gives you extra protection against sunburn without interfering with your free range of motion while the drawcord waistband keeps them cinched snugly in place whether you’re shredding waves, running on the beach, or diving into the pool.

• Price: $55
• Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane

Peter Millar Shackleford Performance Hybrid Shorts

Designed as a golf course ready, truly refined pair of shorts, Peter Millar’s Shackleford Performance Hybrid Shorts also pack quite a few technical features. Their polyester/spandex material gives just the right balance of stretch, shape, and lightweight quick drying—and a 10 inch inseam gives plenty of material to cover your legs in more formal situations. They pair beautifully with a pair of white leather sneakers and a polo, and are fully equipped to take you from the course to the pool to dinner with no need for wardrobe changes.

• Price: $105
• Materials: Polyester and spandex

On Hybrid Shorts

For a different take on hybrid shorts that’s geared more towards all-day exercise, check out On Running’s Hybrid Shorts. They’re pushed more towards a swim trunk style, with a polyester liner layer that gives them plenty of support while running or swimming. The outer shorts layer is ultralight and quick drying, keeping you nimble and agile while you’re out on the trail or the street. Overall, they’re perhaps the most versatile shorts possible for serious fitness buffs—and a great choice for summertime fun.

• Price: $60
• Materials: Polyester, polyamide, and elastane

Vuori Banks Shorts

In case you’re not already familiar with the brand, Vuori is remarkable for their attention to detail in sourcing materials and constructing durable, hard-working outdoor clothing. Their Banks Shorts are no exception, with a material that uses both recycled and new polyester mixed with just enough elastane for freedom and ease of movement.

That makes them as good for the planet as they are for your favorite summertime activities, thanks to their quick drying properties and scalloped hem. Plus, they’re available in over a dozen colors—so you can choose exactly the right shorts to complement your breezy summertime wardrobe.

• Price: $68
• Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester, and elastane

PrAna Hybridizer Shorts

PrAna was one of the first brands to get into the hybrid shorts game, and their Hybridizer Shorts continue to impress hikers and outdoorsy types the world over. They’re made primarily from a recycled polyester knit that’s been engineered for a touch of four-way stretch, which is emphasized further by a touch of elastane and given plenty of structure by virgin polyester. Moisture wicking, soft, and durable, they’re an easy go-to pick in four neutral colorways that can complement just about anything.

• Price: $75
• Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester, and elastane

Chubbies Everywhere Stretch Hybrid Shorts

Though best known for their party-ready swim trunks, Chubbies has recently been branching out into all manner of summertime clothing. Their Everywhere Stretch Hybrid Shorts are our favorite recent addition, thanks to their incredibly lightweight but durable construction.

A durable water repellent coating adds a layer of protection to the wrinkle- and tear-resistant fabric, while mesh pockets make them swimming-ready at a moment’s notice. Top all that off with hidden zippered pockets for all your valuables, and you get one heck of a pair of shorts.

• Price: $65
• Materials: Polyester and spandex

Travis Mathew Beck Shorts

Utilizing performance fabric with a casual classy look, the Beck Shorts are Travis Mathew’s best selling item. They have much greater stretch than most of the shorts on this list, and that also gives them top notch wrinkle resistance—perfect for wearing for days on end while you’re traveling, or keeping your style clean and classy while you’re moving from the pool to the bar. That’s all integrated with a 10 inch inseam, giving you plenty of material for a wide range of activities.

• Price: $90
• Materials: Polyester, cation, cotton, and spandex

Roark Layover Hybrid Trail Shorts

By combining the durable qualities of nylon with the lightweight and quick drying capabilities of polyester, Roark’s Layover Trail Shorts become something entirely new. Toss in a little bit of elastane for four-way stretch though, and you get the most versatile pair of outdoor shorts on this list.

They’re specifically designed for your most adventurous outdoor activities—and nicely complemented by an integrated back stuff pocket so you can store them in the tiniest spaces possible.

• Price: $75 $60
• Materials: Nylon, polyester, and elastane

Kuhl Silencr Kargo Shorts

The mechanical stretch polyester used for Kuhl’s Silencr Kargo Shorts does more than just ensure a comfortable, lightweight fit and feel—it also makes them highly durable, with a degree of ripstop protection that makes them an ideal pair of outdoor and hiking shorts.

But they’re not the same sort of baggy, rugged looking shorts you might usually associate with time on the trails, as sleek and low profile pockets give the Kargos a refined look. They’re water-resistant and quick-drying to boot, so there’s no terrain or weather that the Silencrs can’t handle.

• Price: $79
• Materials: Mechanical Stretch Polyester

Free Fly Latitude Shorts

Coming in at just under $100, Free Fly’s Latitude Shorts offer performance and style to match their pricing. The finely tuned blend of nylon and spandex used here offers the best in stretch, lightweight versatility, and quick-drying capabilities, making them an ideal pair of shorts for the frequent traveler.

Aside from their dressy/casual flat-front style, the Latitudes are also detailed with activity-friendly features like a back zipper pocket and a partial elastic waistband for comfort no matter how much you’ve eaten. And thanks to their tapered legs and 7.5-inch inseams, these shorts are equally as classy as they are comfortable.

• Price: $84
• Materials: Recycled Nylon, Nylon, and Spandex

Western Rise Evolution Shorts

Western Rise’s entire lineup of pants and shorts has a huge following in the digital nomad community, and they’re widely regarded as the best bottoms for travelers and techies. Their Evolution Shorts are the best of the bunch even among the brand’s many great offerings.

Made from a woven twill of Nylon and Elastane, the Evolution Shorts are incredibly lightweight, indomitably durable, and equal parts breathable and quick drying. There really isn’t anything that these shorts can’t do, from urban commuting to impromptu swims and everything in between.

• Price: $98
• Materials: Nylon and Elastane

Patagonia Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts

Sewn and styled like a casual everyday short, but made with boardshort performance in mind, Patagonia’s Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts are the truest expression of versatility. They’re made with the same environmentally conscious attention to detail as all of Patagonia’s gear, which means that they’re both Fair Trade Certified and sewn from recycled materials.

Other details include a button closure with a zipper fly, pockets with drainage and a key loop built in, and a contoured waistband that won’t pinch or bunch up while you’re getting active.

• Price: $85
• Materials: Recycled polyester and Spandex

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