A pair of shorts might seem like a simple purchase, but the difference between a great pair and a disappointing one often only becomes clear after a few wears. A waistband that slips down, fabric that feels too warm, or pockets that won’t fit your phone can quickly make a men’s short impractical.
So don’t just focus on colour or brand name. These three pitfalls crop up time and again:
The right choice depends mainly on the activity. If you’re looking for one pair of men’s shorts for multiple situations, you’ll need to strike a balance between comfort, drying time, freedom of movement and style.
Don’t just look at S, M, L, XL or 3XL. Compare the size guide with your own waist and hip measurements. A style with an elasticated waist and internal drawcord offers more adjustability than a fixed waistband.
Also pay attention to the fit:
Available sizes vary by product. The range includes styles from S up to 3XL, but always check the stock and size guide on the product page.
For everyday wear, men’s cotton shorts or cotton blends are often a logical choice. According to the product information, the PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Short is made from 68% cotton and 32% polyester. That makes the material different from a fully cotton style and affects how the shorts dry and hang.
For sport and swimming, you’ll more often see polyester:
Care instructions are not a minor detail. Some sports styles shouldn’t be tumble dried or ironed. Follow the label to minimise shrinkage, distortion and damage to prints or trims.
A knee-length short offers more coverage and works well for casual wear. An above-the-knee style can be more comfortable for running, fitness or other sports. Also check whether the pockets are big enough for your phone and keys.
For intense activities, a built-in liner, gusset or mesh panels are relevant details. They don’t automatically say everything about comfort for everyone, but they do indicate what the design is intended for. The Under Armour Launch 7'' 2-in-1 Shorts are listed as having a built-in knitted inner short, an internal phone pocket and reflective details.
Why it fits the profile: A black short with knee length, side pockets and an adjustable elasticated waist is useful for home, errands and casual outfits.
The product information states the material composition, waist with internal drawcord and side pockets, so you don’t have to rely on looks alone.
68% cotton and 32% polyester; according to PUMA, the style contains at least 50% recycled materials.
Why it fits the profile: This lightweight style suits training, running and casual outdoor use without losing the look of a classic black men’s short.
The specification lists the fabric, length, waist with drawcord and side pockets. According to PUMA, dryCELL technology is designed to wick moisture away from the body during activity.
100% polyester; above-the-knee length; according to PUMA, made with 100% recycled material, excluding trims and decorations.
Why it fits the profile: The 2-in-1 construction is designed for running and training, with an outer short and a built-in close-fitting inner short.
The product information lists the inner short, internal phone pocket, drawcord and reflective details. This means the key functional features can be checked in advance.
Outer fabric 100% polyester; inner short 90% polyester and 10% elastane; mesh panels for ventilation according to the product description.
Why it fits the profile: The loose fit and mesh construction are ideal for basketball, football, warm days and a sporty casual look.
The size information lists waist ranges, a loose fit and an inner lining. This helps you match the room to move to your own measurements.
100% polyester; elasticated waist with drawcord; sizes from S to 3XL are listed in the size guide.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
For everyday wear, men’s casual shorts with side pockets, an adjustable waist and a comfortable cotton blend are practical. A knee-length PUMA ESS No. 1 Logo Short is designed, according to the product information, for casual use and active moments.
Men’s sports shorts are usually focused on freedom of movement, ventilation and wicking away sweat during activity. A men’s swim short often uses polyester and a drawcord, making it suitable for the pool and beach. Don’t automatically use a swim short as a running short: the lining, length and pockets can be different.
Measure your waist circumference where you want to wear the shorts and compare it with the size guide for the specific product. Also consider the desired fit. With a close-fitting style, a larger size may be more comfortable; with a loose fit, the waist measurement is the main factor. Always check the available size before ordering, especially if you’re looking for a men’s short in 3XL.