Summer is officially here, which means it’s crucial that you have a go-to pair of shorts (or multiple) in your outfit rotation.
Yes, we know. Plenty of people sacrifice their body temperature and try to play it cool all in the name of getting a fit off. But let’s be real. You’re hot as hell underneath that heavyweight hoodie and sturdy pair of cargos.
It’s time to embrace it. Get yourself some shorts. We promise you’ll wish you started wearing them sooner. Whether you’re an avid shorts wearer already or not, we decided to do some of the searching for you. Here are 10 pairs of stylish shorts we think are perfect for the summertime.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.
Summer is officially here, which means it’s crucial that you have a go-to pair of shorts (or multiple) in your outfit rotation.
Yes, we know. Plenty of people sacrifice their body temperature and try to play it cool all in the name of getting a fit off. But let’s be real. You’re hot as hell underneath that heavyweight hoodie and sturdy pair of cargos.
It’s time to embrace it. Get yourself some shorts. We promise you’ll wish you started wearing them sooner. Whether you’re an avid shorts wearer already or not, we decided to do some of the searching for you. Here are 10 pairs of stylish shorts we think are perfect for the summertime.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.
Outdoor Voices RecTrek Shorts
Price: $66
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
Outdoor Voices is a brand rooted in recreation, so you know they make a great pair of shorts. Not only is this nylon pair wind and water resistant, but it also comes with multiple pockets including a back pocket that can be zipped closed for maximum security. But the best part of these shorts has to be the multi-toned wavy paneling to add a bit more personality on those days you just feel like tossing on a plain white T-shirt.
Levi’s 412 Denim Shorts
Price: $29
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
Not everyone can pull off denim shorts without looking like they’re cosplaying as Stone Cold Steve Austin. But if you are someone looking for a pair of jean shorts this summer, you might as well go with the brand that invented blue jeans. These Levi’s don’t come with any fancy bells and whistles like some other designer pairs, but they will certainly get the job done for a long time. Plus, for $29, you can’t really beat it.
Adsum Black Trail Shorts
Price: $80
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
Plenty of brands make trail shorts. But the quality you’ll get from Adsum isn’t alway guaranteed. This pair of black trail shorts comes complete with two giant contrasting grey pockets for all your storage needs. They’re also made of quick-drying fabric in case you get caught in a sun shower (or get a bit too sweaty in the hot summer sun, it happens).
Wales Bonner x Adidas Originals Edition Shorts
Price: $150
Where to Buy It: SSENSE
Missed out on the metallic silver Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas that you can’t stop seeing on your social media feeds? How about some silver Wales Bonner x Adidas running shorts instead? They aren’t quite as good as the shoes, but they’re a stylish consolation prize nonetheless if you’re looking to get into your ‘70s running bag this summer.
Eric Emanuel Shorts
Price: Varies
Where to Buy It: StockX
The hype may have cooled down a bit on Eric Emanuel’s mesh shorts. To some, that massive amount of hype they garnered in recent years has turned them into a faux pas. But don’t let the internet comments fool you, you would still be hard pressed to find a better pair of mesh shorts on the market. New pairs still sell out instantly when Eric Emanuel drops them, but you can find plenty of great older releases on the aftermarket for a bit of a markup. This pair covered in a Persian rug-inspired print is one we recommend going after if you want something a bit more unique than the classic solid-colored options.
Uniqlo Swim Active Shorts
Price: $39.90
Where to Buy It: Uniqlo
Isn’t Uniqlo the best? If you’re looking for staple pieces at affordable pricepoints, Uniqlo has got you covered. Shorts for the summertime are no different. These water-repellent nylon shorts are perfect for the trail, the pool, or anything in between. And they come in an array of colors too. For just under $40, these are a solid option.
Carhartt WIP Cole Organic Cotton Moraga Twill Cargo Shorts
Price: $148
Where to Buy It: Nordstrom
We are of the belief that everyone should have a classic pair of cargo shorts in their closet. This olive green pair from Carhartt WIP will do the job. They’re made of Moraga twill, a lightweight fabric, which makes them perfect for combatting the baking summer sun.
New Balance Made in USA Core Short
Price: $144.99
Where to Buy It: New Balance
Teddy Santis hasn’t just been making amazing sneakers since he became the creative director of New Balance’s Made in USA line in 2021. After all, he’s the founder of Aimé Leon Dore. You thought he wouldn’t cook up some excellent apparel too? Case in point, these super thick French Terry shorts. The pine green colorway is our favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. The contrasting cream drawstring and subtle red NB logo are perfect finishing touches.
Champion Long Mesh Shorts
Price: $23
Where to Buy It: Champion
If you just need something to get you through the summer, you can’t go wrong with some classic mesh shorts from Champion. There isn’t much more to say here. But for just above $20, this is easily the best bang for your buck? What are you still doing here? Go cop them in a few colors.
Bode Winter Garden Rugby Short
Price: $430
Where to Buy It: Bodega
You don’t have to be a Bode stan who lives in the Lower East Side to appreciate some of the pieces that Emily Bode designs. I’m not one of those people. But I love these shorts. The colorful floral embroidery provides the perfect pop of color. They’re linen, so you know you are going to stay cool in them. The one downside is the hefty price tag. But we all can afford to splurge once in a while, right?