Joybuy Insights

How to choose men’s shorts without making a costly mistake: a practical guide for sport and everyday wear

A pair of shorts may seem simple to choose, but the difference between a great buy and a disappointing one often comes down to the details. A waistband that slips during exercise, fabric that feels too warm or pockets that won’t keep your phone in place are common problems with men’s shorts.

So don’t focus only on colour or brand. Pay particular attention to the fit, fabric composition, length, waistband adjustability and intended use. Below, we run through the key things to consider and match them to a few specific styles.

Common pitfalls when choosing men’s shorts

1. An elasticated waistband without proper adjustment

An elasticated waistband can be comfortable, but it doesn’t always provide enough support. Shorts can shift, especially when you’re running, working out or playing team sports. An internal or external drawstring lets you adjust the fit more easily.

Also check that the waistband isn’t too tight when you sit or move. Measure your natural waist and compare it with the product’s size guide. Sizes M to XXL can vary between brands and styles.

2. Lightweight fabric that doesn’t suit your activity

Lightweight polyester is a practical choice for men’s sports shorts, training and warm weather. Mesh can feel more breathable, but its open construction may provide less coverage. For relaxing at home, travelling or everyday wear, a softer French Terry fabric may feel more comfortable.

A common mistake is choosing one type of fabric for every situation. Men’s mesh shorts are better suited to basketball, football or summer activities. Men’s sweat shorts make more sense for relaxing days, warm-ups and casual wear.

3. Mistaking marketing claims for guaranteed performance

Terms such as ‘moisture-wicking’, ‘quick-drying’ or ‘sustainable’ don’t automatically mean the same performance from every product. Check the specific product details, including the fibre composition, fabric weight, lining and care instructions.

According to PUMA, its dryCELL technology is designed to wick moisture away from the skin. This is a brand claim; how it feels in practice may depend on the intensity of your activity, the temperature and your personal preference. When choosing sustainable men’s shorts, it’s also important to check what percentage of recycled material is actually stated. For example, a product may contain at least 50% recycled materials, excluding details and trims.

Key specifications to check

Fit and length

A regular fit generally gives you more room to move without being as loose as a loose fit. A length above the knee is practical for running and working out. Knee-length shorts offer more coverage and work well for casual wear.

For a loose fit, pay attention to the waist and hip measurements, not just the letter size. A relaxed style may be comfortable for basketball, but less suitable if you’re looking for a closer fit.

Fabric and when to wear them

  • 100% polyester: lightweight, suitable for men’s training shorts and often easy to wash.
  • Cotton-polyester blend: feels softer and works well for lounging and casual wear.
  • French Terry: smooth on the outside and softer on the inside; suitable for warm-ups and everyday wear.
  • Mesh: breathable construction with plenty of room to move, especially suitable for high-intensity summer activities.

Always check the care instructions. Some sports fabrics shouldn’t be washed at high temperatures or ironed. With cotton blends, the drying method can affect the fit.

Pockets and waistband adjustment

Practical side pockets are handy for keys or a small wallet. For running, an open pocket may not be suitable if you need your phone to stay securely in place. A drawstring helps stop your shorts from slipping as you move, but make sure it doesn’t rub or hang too low.

Black men’s shorts are easy to coordinate and show light stains less readily than lighter colours. Check whether the style includes colour-care advice, such as washing with similar colours.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
PUMA men’s black Ess Woven shorts

PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven Collection M

Why it suits this profile: This style combines lightweight woven polyester with an adjustable waistband and side pockets. That makes it useful for training, running and casual wear outdoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The internal drawstrings help prevent the shorts from shifting. The product description also mentions an above-the-knee length and practical side pockets.

Key benefits and features

100% polyester, medium rise, elasticated waistband and a black design. According to PUMA, the material is made from recycled sources, excluding details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
PUMA men’s grey French Terry shorts

PUMA Men's Shorts Medium Gray Heather PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Collection XL

Why it suits this profile: The French Terry fabric and knee-length cut are a good match if you’re looking for comfortable men’s shorts for home, travel, light training and everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The combination of an elasticated waistband, internal drawstring and side pockets means comfort doesn’t come at the expense of practicality.

Key benefits and features

68% cotton and 32% polyester, knee length, medium rise and, according to the product information, at least 50% recycled materials.

Suitable for: Specific activities and intensive use
Black and white Stripes mesh shorts

Stripes Mesh Shorts Blk Blk Wht 3XL

Why it suits this profile: The loose fit, roomy cut and mesh construction are designed to give you plenty of freedom to move during basketball, football, training or everyday summer wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size guide gives waist measurements for each size, while the elasticated waistband and drawstring provide extra adjustability. That means you don’t have to rely on S, M or XXL alone.

Key benefits and features

100% polyester, 130 g/m² mesh, lightweight lining and sizes from S to 6XL, according to the product information.

PUMA or Under Armour men’s shorts?

PUMA men’s shorts include both lightweight woven styles and softer French Terry options. The woven styles make sense for sports where ventilation and low weight matter. Cotton blends are better suited to casual wear and relaxing.

Under Armour men’s shorts are also available in several styles. The Rival Terry 6-In Short is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester and has a regular fit, open hand pockets and an adjustable waistband. The Rival Fleece Shorts use the same fibre blend, but have a brushed interior and a longer 25 cm inseam. This makes them more suitable for cooler days, warm-ups and lounging than for intense cardio in summer.

Choosing your size without guesswork

Ideally, follow these steps:

  1. Measure around your natural waist without pulling the tape measure tight.
  2. Check your hip measurement if you’re choosing a loose fit or mesh style.
  3. Compare your measurements with the specific size guide for the product.
  4. Check the inseam if you’re deciding between an above-the-knee and knee-length style.
  5. See whether the product is described as true to size, regular fit or loose fit.

The styles in this selection come in a range of sizes. The PUMA styles are listed in sizes including M, L, XL and XXL. According to the product information, the mesh shorts are available up to 6XL. Always check the current size options on the product page before ordering.

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 men’s shorts

Which men’s shorts are suitable for running?

Choose a lightweight polyester style with an adjustable waistband and an above-the-knee length. Side pockets are handy for small items, but check they’re deep enough for what you need. For intense runs, a loose mesh pocket may not hold your phone securely.

How should you wash men’s sports shorts to help them last longer?

Always follow the care label. Polyester can usually be washed at a moderate temperature with similar colours; avoid bleach. Some styles shouldn’t be tumble-dried or ironed. According to the product information, don’t use fabric softener with Under Armour Rival styles.

Are men’s sweat shorts suitable for the gym?

It depends on your workout. French Terry and fleece feel comfortable for weight training, warm-ups and gentler workouts. For intense cardio, lightweight woven or mesh shorts may feel more comfortable, as they generally feel less warm.