Joybuy Insights

Choosing Men’s Shorts: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Sport and Everyday Wear

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:

  • An unclear fit: a style may be described as “regular” or “relaxed”, yet the waist, hip width and leg length can vary significantly from one brand to another.
  • Material that doesn’t suit the activity: cotton often feels soft, but it’s less practical for swimming or intense exercise. Polyester generally dries faster, but it can feel different against the skin.
  • Features that aren’t properly specified: a short with pockets doesn’t automatically have a secure phone pocket or zip pocket. Also check whether it has a built-in liner, drawcord or mesh panels.

Which Men’s Shorts Suit Your Needs?

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.

  • Men’s casual shorts: choose a knee-length or above-the-knee style with side pockets and an adjustable waist. Cotton or French terry feels great for everyday wear.
  • Men’s sports shorts: look for lightweight polyester, ventilation panels, a good waistband and a length that doesn’t restrict your movement.
  • Men’s training shorts: an internal drawcord prevents the shorts from shifting during exercise. For more intense training, moisture-wicking materials and mesh panels are practical features.
  • Men’s swim shorts: 100% polyester, a drawcord and a lightweight construction are useful for the pool, beach and holidays. Always check the care instructions after contact with chlorine or seawater.
  • Men’s lounge shorts: a soft, breathable fabric and a relaxed fit matter more than sporty details.
  • Men’s running shorts and 2-in-1 shorts: a built-in, close-fitting inner short can provide extra coverage. A separate phone pocket and reflective details are handy if you’re running outdoors.
  • Men’s mesh shorts: mesh is light and airy, but the open structure and lining vary from style to style. So take a look at the product photos and material details.

Three Specifications to Check Before You Buy

1. Waist, Fit and Size Guide

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:

  • Slim or compression fit: sits close to the body. For example, the Under Armour Hg Armour Shorts are explicitly described as a very close-fitting style. If you prefer a less tight feel or are between sizes, the product information suggests you might want to go up a size.
  • Regular fit: usually a practical middle ground for sport and everyday wear.
  • Loose or relaxed fit: gives more room around the thighs and hips, as seen with the Stripes Mesh Shorts.

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.

2. Material and Care

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:

  • The Reebok Yestin swim shorts are described as being made from 100% polyester, with a polyester lining.
  • The PUMA Ess Woven Short uses 100% polyester, according to the product information.
  • The Stripes Mesh Shorts are specified as 100% polyester, with a mesh outer fabric and lining.

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.

3. Length, Pockets and Freedom of Movement

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.

Recommended Men’s Shorts 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 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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the material composition, waist with internal drawcord and side pockets, so you don’t have to rely on looks alone.

Key benefit & highlights

68% cotton and 32% polyester; according to PUMA, the style contains at least 50% recycled materials.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven

PUMA Men's Shorts Black Ess Woven

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

100% polyester; above-the-knee length; according to PUMA, made with 100% recycled material, excluding trims and decorations.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Under Armour Men's Launch 7 2-In-1 Shorts Black

Under Armour Men's Launch 7'' 2-In-1 Shorts Black Sportstyle Collection XL

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

Outer fabric 100% polyester; inner short 90% polyester and 10% elastane; mesh panels for ventilation according to the product description.

Suitable for: Breezy summer & sport outfits
Stripes Mesh Shorts Black

Stripes Mesh Shorts Black/White L

Why it fits the profile: The loose fit and mesh construction are ideal for basketball, football, warm days and a sporty casual look.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

100% polyester; elasticated waist with drawcord; sizes from S to 3XL are listed in the size guide.

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 everyday wear?

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.

What’s the difference between sports shorts and swim shorts?

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.

How do I determine the right size for men’s shorts?

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.