Joybuy Insights

How to choose men’s shorts: find a comfortable pair for sport and everyday wear

A good pair of men’s shorts needs to do more than just look tidy in a product photo. You want to be able to walk, train, relax at home, or spend a warm day in town wearing them. Yet all too often, after buying, you find the waistband digs in, the fabric feels too warm, or the pockets aren’t very practical.

When you compare men’s shorts, these three pitfalls tend to crop up:

  • An elastic waistband without proper adjustment: elastic alone doesn’t always keep the shorts secure. An internal drawcord can help you tailor the fit.
  • A material claim without context: “breathable”, “lightweight” or “quick-drying” doesn’t tell you much without details about the fibres, lining and construction. Mesh shorts for men generally feel airier than a thicker cotton version, but they may be less suitable for a smart-casual outfit.
  • Unclear sizing: a size M varies from brand to brand and model to model. So look at the waist range, fit and size guide rather than just the letter size.

Which features of men’s shorts should you check?

1. Material and intended use

For everyday wear, cotton men’s shorts are often comfortable thanks to their soft feel. A cotton blend can also crease less and be more practical with regular washing. According to the product description, the PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Shorts are made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester. The fabric is described as French Terry in the grey version.

For training and more intense movement, a lightweight polyester weave is a better choice. The PUMA Ess Woven Shorts are described as 100% polyester in the product description. The manufacturer mentions dryCELL technology; this is a claim from PUMA’s own product information and should not be read as a guaranteed result for every user.

Mesh shorts for men have a more open structure and can be suitable for basketball, football, fitness or warm days. Do check whether there is an inner lining and whether the fabric is too see-through. According to the product data, the Stripes Mesh Shorts feature a mesh outer fabric of 130 g/m² and a polyester lining of 110 g/m².

2. Waist, length and fit

A pair of shorts with an elasticated waistband is practical when you’re often switching between sitting, walking and moving. Pay attention to three details:

  • Internal drawcord: this lets you fasten the waist more precisely.
  • Rise: a medium rise usually sits around the natural waist, but always check the product images and size guide.
  • Length: knee length offers more coverage; a style above the knee can be more comfortable during sport.

A loose fit gives you more room to move, but can feel less streamlined when running or cycling. A slimmer cut looks neater for casual wear, but shouldn’t pull across the thighs.

3. Pocket design and care

Side pockets are useful for keys, cards or a phone, but watch out for depth and fastenings. For sport, zip pockets are sometimes more practical; for lounge shorts for men, open side pockets are usually fine.

Also check the care label before you order. According to the product information, the PUMA ESS Logo Shorts should be washed inside out and with similar colours, among other things. For the woven PUMA shorts, washing at 30 °C on a delicate cycle is recommended, and tumble drying is not advised. According to the product data, the Stripes Mesh Shorts can be washed at a maximum of 40 °C and tumble dried on a low setting. Proper care helps maintain the shape and colour for longer, but doesn’t automatically extend the lifespan.

Our recommendations by user type

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 this fits the profile: This black model combines a recognisable sporty design with a cotton blend, side pockets and an adjustable waist. That makes it useful for everyday wear, walking and relaxing at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The internal drawcords mean you don’t have to rely solely on the elastic and the letter size. The product description also mentions a knee-length cut and practical side pockets.

Key benefit & highlights

68% cotton and 32% polyester; embroidered PUMA logo; elasticated waist with internal drawcord; according to the product information, at least 50% recycled materials.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
LEE LOUNGE SHORT WHITE RIVER-CHARCOAL MARL-S

LEE LOUNGE SHORT WHITE RIVER-CHARCOAL MARL-S

Why this fits the profile: The relaxed fit and neutral look suit quiet days, weekends and casual combinations with a T-shirt, shirt or trainers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions a relaxed fit and lightweight, breathable fabric. Do always check the label on arrival, as material and care information can vary by version.

Key benefit & highlights

60% cotton and 40% polyester according to the product data; relaxed fit; lightweight construction; easy to style for everyday wear.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven

PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven

Why this fits the profile: This lightweight model is designed for training, running and active outdoor use. The above-the-knee length and medium rise offer a sporty fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications mention 100% polyester, a lightweight woven construction and an adjustable waist. This makes it clearer what the model is intended for than with general claims like “sporty” or “cool”.

Key benefit & highlights

100% polyester according to the product description; side pockets; internal drawcord; according to PUMA’s own product information, dryCELL technology and 100% recycled material, excluding trims and decoration.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about men’s shorts

Which men’s shorts are suitable for warm days?

Choose a lightweight style with a loose fit and a fabric that isn’t unnecessarily heavy. Mesh shorts for men and woven polyester models can feel airier. For relaxed everyday wear, a cotton blend may be more comfortable. Also check whether the shorts have a lining and whether it feels too warm.

How do I determine the right size for a pair of shorts?

Measure your waist where you want to wear the shorts and compare that measurement with the size guide for the specific product. Also pay attention to the fit: “loose fit” gives more room, while a regular or slimmer cut sits closer to the body. An internal drawcord offers extra adjustment, but doesn’t replace choosing the correct size.

How can I make my shorts last longer?

Follow the care label, wash dark colours with similar colours and avoid too hot a programme when it isn’t recommended. Turn shorts with a logo or decoration inside out. For synthetic sports shorts, it’s best to air dry them if the product information advises against using a tumble dryer. This helps limit unnecessary wear to the fabric, waistband and print.