Joybuy Insights

Choosing boys’ shorts: practical buying tips for sizes 56 to 122

Finding a suitable pair of shorts seems easy, until the waistband feels tight, the fabric quickly loses its shape or the size doesn’t match your child’s age. When choosing boys’ shorts, the fit, material and sizing are particularly important. Marketing terms such as “extra comfortable” or “sporty” don’t mean much on their own if product specifications are missing.

These buying tips help parents and carers compare options more confidently. You’ll also find practical examples of Chicco boys’ shorts and boys’ underwear for different ages and occasions.

Common pitfalls when choosing boys’ shorts

1. Going by age alone

An age recommendation is useful, but it isn’t always accurate. Children don’t all grow at the same rate. According to the product information, size 86 may be intended for a child of around 18 months, but your child’s height and waist measurement are more important.

So always check:

  • The size in centimetres, such as 56, 68, 80, 86 or 110.
  • The stated age recommendation.
  • The brand’s size guide.
  • Whether the fit is loose, regular or close-fitting.

2. Mistaking an attractive colour for a practical choice

Blue shorts for boys are easy to coordinate, but not every shade of blue goes with the same clothes. Medium blue, denim blue, navy and light blue can look different in product photos depending on the lighting and your screen settings.

So check the official colour name. Navy boys’ shorts are often suitable for everyday wear because small marks are less noticeable. Light blue boys’ bike shorts are a different option: this style is usually shorter and more fitted than regular shorts.

3. Judging a fabric blend without understanding it

“Cotton” doesn’t automatically mean that two pairs of shorts will feel the same. A 100% cotton style has different properties from a fabric made of 90% cotton and 10% viscose. Stretch fibres such as elastane can allow more freedom of movement, but the exact composition still matters.

Also check the care label. A product description may mention machine washing or a low drying temperature, but the instructions on the garment itself should always take precedence.

The key specifications to check

Size and fit

For babies and toddlers, boys’ clothing sizes 56 to 122 cover the first few months up to around seven years old. Use the size as a starting point, not a guarantee. If your child is between sizes, an adjustable waistband or a slightly looser fit may be a good option.

For a pair of shorts for everyday wear, these points are worth checking:

  • Does the waistband stay in place without digging in?
  • Is there enough room around the hips and thighs?
  • Can your child sit, crawl, cycle and play comfortably?
  • Are the seams and fastenings positioned sensibly?
  • Is the style suitable for wearing with a nappy, if needed?

Material and composition

The product specifications give you a clearer picture than general marketing terms. Here are a few examples from the range:

  • According to the product information, the Chicco medium blue shorts are made from 100% cotton.
  • The navy Chicco styles contain 90% cotton and 10% viscose.
  • The Chicco bike shorts in medium light blue contain 98% cotton and 2% viscose.
  • The Calvin Klein briefs are listed as 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

Cotton shorts may be a sensible choice for everyday wear, while a style containing elastane or a close-fitting bike short may be more suitable for active days. This doesn’t guarantee a particular wearing experience; the fit and your personal preference still matter.

Care and frequency of use

Before buying, check that the care information suits your household. Clear washing instructions are important for children’s clothes that need to be washed often. Always follow the care label, even if the online product page gives general care information.

If you need several sets, you can combine regular shorts with boys’ underwear. For example, the Calvin Klein 2-pack of boys’ boxers and briefs is intended for everyday wear, but the listed size 128/134 is outside the size range 56 to 122. So take extra care to check that the product is suitable for your child’s measurements.

Product choices by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Chicco 09000462000000 BOYS MEDIUM GREEN 056

Chicco 09000462000000 BOYS MEDIUM GREEN 056

Why it suits this profile: This style is aimed at babies in size 56, with an age recommendation of up to around three months. The green colour is an alternative to blue shorts, and according to the product information, the style is made for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size 056 and age recommendation are clearly stated. That means you don’t have to rely solely on a general age category.

Main benefit & highlights

100% cotton according to the product specifications; size 056 for young babies; easy to coordinate with other basics.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Chicco 09005634000000 BOYS MEDIUM BLUE 110

Chicco 09005634000000 BOYS MEDIUM BLUE 110

Why it suits this profile: These Chicco boys’ shorts are listed in size 110, with an age recommendation of around five years. The medium blue colour works well with everyday outfits, and the composition is clearly stated.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information gives both the size 110 and the 100% cotton composition. This lets you base your choice on verifiable details rather than promotional copy alone.

Main benefit & highlights

100% cotton; medium blue colour; the same product line is also available in other sizes, including 092, 098 and 122.

Suitable for: Specific activities & frequent wear
Chicco 09035417000000 BOYS MEDIUM LIGHT BLUE 086

Chicco 09035417000000 BOYS MEDIUM LIGHT BLUE 086

Why it suits this profile: This is a bike short style in size 086, with an age recommendation of around 18 months. Its close fit may suit play and active movement when you’d prefer something more fitted than regular loose shorts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product name explicitly says “Bike Shorts”, so you can see how they differ from regular shorts before you order.

Main benefit & highlights

98% cotton and 2% viscose according to the product information; light blue colour; available in several sizes, including 074 and 080.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about boys’ shorts

What size boys’ shorts do I need?

First, check your child’s height in centimetres and compare it with the brand’s size guide. Size 56 is usually intended for young babies, while size 122 is often offered for children of around seven years old. The age recommendation is only a guide; your child’s build and the fit are more important.

Are cotton boys’ shorts suitable for everyday wear?

A cotton style may be suitable for everyday wear, but check the exact composition and the care label. The range includes both 100% cotton shorts and styles containing viscose. How a fabric feels and drapes varies depending on the weave and style.

What’s the difference between boys’ shorts and boys’ underwear?

Boys’ shorts are outerwear, while boys’ underwear is worn directly against the skin. Calvin Klein boys’ boxers and briefs are examples of underwear made with cotton and elastane. Take extra care to check the size for these products, as some available styles start at 128/134 and are therefore outside the size range 56 to 122.