When summer arrives, there are always a few pairs of well-fitting shorts in a man’s wardrobe. But in the face of a variety of sports shorts, casual shorts, denim shorts, as well as quick-drying fabrics, UPF50+ sunscreen and other professional terms on the promotional page, many people will worry: Which one is right for them? Should you choose a drawstring that is easy to move or a straight model for daily outings? Don’t worry, this guide will help you choose the right pair of shorts from multiple dimensions such as style, function, and scene, combined with real experience and professional knowledge.
1. Understand the style first: different needs correspond to different choices
The first step in choosing shorts is to clarify your core needs. When I was purchasing, I found that many people bought the wrong shorts because they confused the style positioning. For example, someone wears cargo shorts for a run and gets tripped in his pocket; Some people wear tight fitness shorts to work, which seems too casual. The following table will help you quickly match styles and needs:
Style type | Core features: | Suitable for people | Real case |
|---|---|---|---|
Sports (Running/Basketball/Fitness) | High elasticity, quick-drying, breathable, with drawstring design and lining | Fitness enthusiast, sports expert | Our programmer Xiao Zhang wears seven-point basketball shorts for night running, and the mesh fabric allows him to run for 30 minutes without sweating |
Casual (cotton/knitted) | Soft and skin-friendly, loose or slim fit, mostly solid colors/prints | People who go out on the street and commute in the city every day | Colleague Lao Wang’s pure cotton poplin casual shorts, paired with a polo shirt to meet customers, are formal and not rigid |
Functional (Tooling/Outdoor) | Abrasion-resistant, multi-pocketed, partially water-repellent coating | Outdoor hiking and camping enthusiasts | The donkey friends I met while camping last week wore camouflage cargo shorts, and put their mobile phones and lighters in their side pockets, which was super convenient |
Vacation (Beach) | Lightweight, quick-drying, with bright patterns (e.g. tropical palm leaves) | People for seaside vacations and pool activities | My friend went to Sanya and took pictures wearing tie-dye gradient beach shorts, and the film rate was particularly high |
In addition, the length of the trousers is also very important. cropped pants are suitable for most body types and cover the thickest part of the thighs; Three-point pants are more suitable for sports people with good muscle lines; Capri pants are not very friendly to small people and tend to show short legs.
2. Functional technology: Don’t be fooled by terminology, practicality is important
Shorts are becoming more and more “high-tech” nowadays, but not all features are worth paying for. As a procurement, I pay more attention to the matching of functions and scenarios. For example, in the summer of 40°C in the south, ice technology is 10 times more practical than waterproof. Here’s a real-world breakdown of common features:
- Quick-drying fabrics: The core indicator is moisture-wicking speed, and the national standard requires drying within 2 hours after washing. I tested both 100% polyester and nylon + spandex, the latter dries faster and is more stretchy for sports scenes.
- Sun protection function: look for the UPF50+ logo, which is a nationally recognized sun protection standard, which can block more than 98% of ultraviolet rays. When hiking outdoors, wearing these shorts is more worry-free than wearing sunscreen, especially for people who are prone to allergies.
- Antibacterial and anti-odor: Mainly relies on antibacterial lining or graphene technology, suitable for sweaty scenarios such as fitness and night running. I once customized a batch of shorts with graphene for the gym, and users reported that the smell after exercise is indeed much lighter than ordinary shorts.
- Elastic design: Four-way elasticity is more practical than two-way elasticity, and can meet large-scale movements such as running, jumping, and squats. For example, 3D three-dimensional cut fitness shorts will not jam the crotch or curl when doing squats.
Pitfall avoidance reminder: DWR water-repellent and other functions are more suitable for outdoor hiking, and daily commuting is basically not used, so there is no need to pay for the premium. If you’re on a budget, give preference to quick-drying and breathable features.
3. Scene is king: It is difficult to “eat all” in a pair of shorts
Many people complain that they can’t wear shorts out, but they don’t choose the right scene model. I have compiled a “dressing formula” according to different scenes, and it is correct to wear it accurately:
- Gym outfit: slim fitness shorts + quick-drying vest + sports bracelet + calf compression socks. The point is that the shorts should be lined with safety pants to avoid being exposed, and the style of pants with a length of 5 inches is most suitable for equipment training.
- City commuting: Straight casual shorts (khaki/dark navy) + linen shirt + dad shoes + baseball cap. Shorts made of cotton-polyester blend material have good wrinkle resistance, and you are not afraid of pressing out the pleats when taking the subway.
- Beach vacation: printed beach shorts + halterneck towel + beach flip-flops. Choose recycled PET bottles made of eco-friendly cloth, which is both lightweight and environmentally friendly, and can be worn quickly after wringing out after wet water.
- Outdoor hiking: camouflage cargo shorts + sun protection skin jacket + functional vest + fanny pack. The pants should have a reinforced crotch and multiple pockets to facilitate small items such as compasses and energy bars.
4. Fit and size: Choose the right one to make your legs longer than losing weight
With the same height and weight, some people wear shorts to show long legs, while others look sloppy, the key lies in the fit and size. As someone who often buys workwear for my team, I have summarized the adaptation tips for different body types:
Body type
Small (under 170cm)
Slightly chubby body (waist ≥ 90cm)
Muscle legs (thigh circumference≥ 60cm)
Thin and tall body (weight ≤ 60kg)
Adapted to the fit
Small-friendly, pants 7 inches long
Loose straight tube, fattened and enlarged
Tight shorts with plenty of thigh circumference
Slim fit shorts with a mid-rise design
Key points of purchase
Avoid low waists and choose a high elastic waistline to enhance the waistline
Do not choose a tight model, and the hip circumference is at least 5cm
The hem does not fit the leg, and the hem is more comfortable without curling
Optional patchwork shorts for added layering
Also, be sure to look at the size chart before buying shorts, not just “S/M/L”. Focus on the waist circumference (elastic waist depends on the elastic range) and pants length, for example, my waist circumference is 82cm, when I buy a waist drawstring model, I will choose a waist size of 80-86cm to leave enough space for movement.
5. Material and matching: details determine texture
The material directly affects the wearing experience, while the matching determines the overall temperament. This part combines procurement experience to give you the most practical advice:
1. How to choose the material?
- Daily wear: Prefer pure cotton poplin or bamboo fiber, which is soft and breathable, and is not easy to deform after washing. Modal, although comfortable, is prone to looseness and is not suitable for frequent washing.
- Sports wear: Coolmax or Supplex professional sports fabrics are 30% better at wicking moisture than ordinary polyester, making them the first choice for fitness experts.
- Outdoor wear: softshell cloth or Oxford nylon, wear-resistant and anti-fabric, not afraid of scratching branches.
2. Matching tips
In terms of color, classic black and carbon gray solid colors are universal models, and they do not violate with any top; Olive green tactical colors and khaki earth colors are suitable for outdoor winds, and they are more coordinated with jackets of the same color. In terms of pattern, the small logo is more textured than large-area printing, which is suitable for commuting occasions.
Accessories cannot be ignored: add a pair of reflective strip shorts for night running to improve safety; carry a functional bag when camping, echoing the cargo shorts; Wearing a bucket hat on the beach instantly gives you a resort atmosphere.
6. Procurement perspective: How to buy cost-effective shorts?
Hello everyone, I’m Yigu, and I’ve been engaged in clothing procurement for many years. From the perspective of the supply chain, there are two key points to save money and worry when buying shorts: first, identify high-quality fabric suppliers, such as Taiguang Chemical Fiber, which makes quick-drying fabrics, and Esquel Group, which makes environmentally friendly fabrics, their product quality is more stable and the premium is low; The second is to avoid the trap of “pseudo-function”, such as shorts that claim to be “graphene constant temperature”, the cost is only 5 yuan higher than that of ordinary models, but the price is 50 yuan more expensive, so there is no need to buy it at all. In addition, it is the most cost-effective to purchase during the change of seasons, and in late August every year, the brand will clear the inventory, and the original price of more than 300 sports shorts can be won for about 100 yuan, and the quality is no different from the seasonal model.
7. FAQs of FAQs
- Q: What should I do if my shorts shrink after washing? A: Before buying, look at the washing label, and the pure cotton shorts marked with “pre-shrink treatment” are not easy to shrink; Use cold water when washing, avoid exposure to the sun, and dry naturally to reduce the probability of shrinkage.
- Q: What shorts are suitable for people with thick thighs? A: Choose a straight and loose style, the length of the pants is 3cm above the knee, avoid drawstrings and tight models, and choose a dark color to make it look thinner.
- Q: How to distinguish quick-dry shorts from regular shorts? A: Looking at the material label, quick-drying models are mostly made of polyester fiber and nylon, which feel smooth; Ordinary models are mostly pure cotton and soft to the touch. You can also put a drop of water on the fabric, and the quick-drying model will absorb and spread quickly.
- Q: Can I wear shorts to work? A: According to the company’s regulations, casual companies can wear mid-waisted straight-leg shorts, shirts and leather shoes; Formal companies recommend choosing suit shorts, knee-length and dark in color.