Joybuy Insights

Buying men’s shorts: how to choose comfortable shorts for sport and leisure

A good pair of shorts should do more than look sporty. You want plenty of freedom to move during training, a waistband that stays in place and fabric suited to the weather and what you’re doing. When searching for men’s shorts, however, you can quickly come across marketing terms that tell you little about how a product actually performs.

So, pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

  • A loose fit that doesn’t suit every activity: roomy mesh shorts are handy for basketball or football, but may feel less secure when you’re running.
  • Choosing the wrong fabric: cotton feels comfortable for everyday wear, but usually dries more slowly than polyester during intense training.
  • Choosing a size based only on S, M, L or XL: sizing varies between brands and styles. Always check the waist measurement, fit and inside leg length where this information is available.

Which specifications matter when choosing men’s shorts?

1. Choose the fabric to suit how you’ll use them

For men’s sports shorts, polyester and mesh are practical choices. These fabrics are lightweight and are often described in product information as quick-drying. Men’s mesh shorts also have an open structure that can feel more breathable.

For example, the Stripes Mesh Shorts are made from 100% polyester, with a 130 g/m² mesh outer fabric and a 110 g/m² polyester lining. Their loose fit makes them suitable for sports involving lots of movement, such as basketball and football. For everyday wear, a less roomy cut may feel more comfortable.

If you’re mainly looking for relaxed, casual clothing, consider men’s cotton shorts or a cotton blend. The PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo styles are made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester in French Terry fabric. It feels softer than lightweight woven sports polyester, but is less focused on maximum breathability during intense exercise.

2. Check the waistband and fit

An elasticated waistband makes shorts easy to pull on, but the design varies from style to style. Look for:

  • an internal or external drawcord for a more adjustable fit;
  • a regular, slim or loose fit;
  • the rise;
  • the stated waist measurement in centimetres.

Shorts with an elasticated waistband are practical if you plan to wear them for different activities. The PUMA styles have an internal drawcord. The Under Armour Rival Terry has a covered elastic waistband with an external drawcord. This lets you adjust the waist during training or when relaxing.

A loose fit gives you more room around the legs. This can be comfortable for basketball and football, but check that the length and width suit your preferences. A regular fit is usually easier to pair with a T-shirt or polo shirt for everyday wear.

3. Consider the length, pockets and care instructions

Shorts that finish above the knee often give you more freedom to move, while knee-length styles offer more coverage. The PUMA Ess Woven has an above-the-knee length and a medium rise. The PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo and Under Armour Rival Terry are knee-length or have an inside leg length of around 15 cm, depending on the style and size chart.

Pockets are useful for carrying keys or a phone on a walk, but check whether they fasten securely if you’re going running. The styles mentioned have practical side or hand pockets, with no zip fastening specified.

Check the care label, too. According to the product information, the PUMA Ess Woven can be washed at 30 °C and must not be tumble dried. The mesh shorts can be washed at a maximum of 40 °C and tumble dried on a low heat. Always follow the label on the garment.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
PUMA Men's Shorts Black PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Collection M

PUMA Men's Shorts Black PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Collection M

Why it suits this profile: Versatile black shorts for anyone looking for one style to wear when relaxing, doing light training and for casual occasions. Size M is a good choice for shoppers who want to select their size using the stated size chart.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the fabric composition, drawcord waistband, side pockets and washing instructions. So you don’t have to rely on the logo or colour alone.

Key benefits and features

68% cotton and 32% polyester; knee-length; elasticated waistband with internal drawcord; side pockets.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven SS Collection L

PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven SS Collection L

Why it suits this profile: A lightweight woven style for running, training and warm days. The black design is easy to pair with sportswear and casual tops.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list the fabric, length, rise, pockets and fastening. According to PUMA, dryCELL is designed to draw moisture away from the body during exercise; this is a brand claim, not an independently verified result.

Key benefits and features

100% polyester according to the product description; above-the-knee length; side pockets; adjustable internal waistband.

Suitable for: Specific activities and intensive use
Stripes Mesh Shorts Black White L

Stripes Mesh Shorts Black/White L

Why it suits this profile: The loose fit and roomy cut are designed to give you maximum freedom of movement for basketball, football and sporty summer outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details make it clear that this is a loose fit. You’ll know in advance that the shorts are roomy and don’t have the same fit as a regular-fit style.

Key benefits and features

100% polyester; mesh outer fabric and lining; drawcord waist; sizes from S to 6XL according to the product chart.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about men’s shorts

Which men’s shorts are suitable for running?

Choose a lightweight style with an adjustable waistband and fabric described as quick-drying in the product information. Also check whether the pockets fasten securely or are deep enough for your phone. An above-the-knee style can be comfortable if you want plenty of freedom to move.

Are cotton shorts suitable for the gym?

It depends on your workout. Cotton feels comfortable for warm-ups, strength training and relaxing, but polyester shorts may be more practical if you sweat a lot or want a quick-drying fabric. A cotton blend, such as French Terry with polyester, offers a middle ground for training and everyday wear.

How do I choose the right size of men’s shorts?

Measure your waist where the waistband will sit and compare the measurement with the chart for the specific product. Check the fit, too: loose-fit styles are roomier than regular-fit ones. If you’re between sizes, check whether the style has a drawcord and look at the stated waist and hip measurements before ordering.