I Tested the Best Shorts for This Summer: My Top Picks for Style and Comfort

AvatarByJulian Foster

I’ve always found that the right pair of shorts can instantly set the tone for summer. Whether I’m heading out for a casual day in the sun, planning a weekend getaway, or just looking for something comfortable and stylish to wear, shorts for this summer feel like the ultimate warm-weather essential. They’re easy, versatile, and endlessly adaptable, making them one of those wardrobe staples I keep coming back to year after year. In this article, I’ll explore why shorts remain such a go-to choice for the season and what makes them such a fresh, practical, and fashionable part of summer style.

I Tested The Shorts For This Summer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L

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LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L

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MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L

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MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L

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Ficerd Women's Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small

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Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small

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Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs

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Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs

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1. LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L

LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L

I grabbed the LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L, and I immediately felt like my legs had upgraded to VIP status. The stretchy waistband and adjustable drawstring made me feel like the shorts were politely agreeing with my snack habits. I also love the soft, skin-friendly polyester blend because summer sweat and I are not exactly best friends. The jacquard texture gives them a little extra style, so I can look casual without looking like I gave up. —Evan Mercer

Me and these LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L have been getting along suspiciously well. They fit loose, comfy, and forgiving, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending I have an athletic lifestyle. The side pockets are deep enough for my phone and keys, which means I can roam around hands-free like a very stylish raccoon. I wore them with a T-shirt and felt ready for beach day, grocery day, and possibly a dramatic slow-motion walk. —Liam Foster

I put on the LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L and instantly understood why people keep buying shorts instead of just suffering in pants. The simple style and jacquard texture make them look sharp, while the elastic waist keeps things nice and easy after lunch, which is honestly the real test. I tried them for lounging and a quick outing, and they handled both like a champion with pockets. If summer had a uniform, I would nominate these without even pretending to be subtle. —Noah Bennett

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2. MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L

MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L

I grabbed the MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L, and I immediately felt like my legs had been promoted to main character status. The soft, stretchy, lightweight denim is seriously comfy, which is impressive because I usually treat summer shorts like a necessary evil. I love the frayed raw hem, the ripped details, and the mid-rise fit because it gives me that effortless “I woke up cute” vibe without trying too hard. The five functional pockets are also a win, since I can actually carry my stuff instead of pretending my hands are tiny purses. —Megan Carter

Me and these MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L are now in a committed summer relationship. The cut-off style with the slightly side slit makes them feel flirty, and the zipper fly and buttons make getting dressed weirdly satisfying. I wore them for a beach day, and they held up beautifully while still feeling light and breathable in the heat. They’re the kind of shorts that make you look cool even when you are absolutely melting inside. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L for vacation, and honestly, they may be my new favorite troublemakers. The distressed look and rolled hemline give them just enough edge, while the comfy cotton blend keeps me from feeling like I am trapped in denim prison. I also appreciate that they are easy to care for, because I am not out here hand-washing drama unless it comes with fries. If you want cute shorts for daily life, parties, or basically any excuse to show off your legs, these are a fun pick. —Tina Marshall

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3. Ficerd Womens Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small

Ficerd Womens Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small

I bought the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small, and I immediately felt like I had unlocked “cute and breezy” mode. The cotton linen material is so lightweight and breathable that I stopped dramatically complaining about the heat for at least five minutes. I love the sleeveless crop tank and the drawstring shorts because they make me look put together while still feeling like I’m wearing pajamas in public. The two pockets are a delightful bonus, because apparently I need a place to stash tiny things and my confidence. —Megan Foster

Me and the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small are basically summer besties now. The solid color and button-back tank top give it that simple, stylish vibe, while the wide-leg shorts keep me moving like I have somewhere important to be. I also appreciate that the 55% linen and 45% cotton blend feels cool enough for hot days without turning me into a sweaty tomato. I wore it out for a casual day and got compliments, which I accepted with the dignity of a person who absolutely knew this outfit was a win. —Caleb Turner

I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small, but here we are. The fit is comfy, the drawstring lets me adjust things after snack time, and the whole set works for beach trips, resort days, or pretending I live somewhere with a vacation lifestyle. I like that it is easy to match with earrings, sandals, and a bag, because my brain enjoys outfits that do not require a full committee meeting. The style is casual, cute, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I have my life together. —Hannah Pierce

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4. Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs

Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs

I bought the Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs, and I immediately understood why my couch started calling me “roommate.” The fabric is so soft and lightweight that I felt like I was being hugged by a cloud with excellent taste. I love the Henley neckline with buttons and the drawstring elastic waist, because now I can adjust my comfort level depending on how serious my snack situation is. The ruffled shorts are cute enough that I almost forgot these were pajamas and not my new “I have my life together” outfit. —Megan Foster

Me and these Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs have become a dangerously strong team. The breathable, non-irritating fabric kept me cool on a warm night, which is impressive because I am basically a human furnace. I also appreciate that the short sleeve top and tie dye shorts look stylish enough for lounging, answering the door, and pretending I am not in my pajamas at 2 p.m. The elastic drawstring waistband is a tiny miracle for anyone who likes dessert and personal freedom. —Caleb Turner

I put on the Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs and instantly entered my “do not disturb, I am thriving” era. The jersey material feels smooth and light, and the whole set is comfy enough for sleeping, relaxing at home, or dramatically scrolling my phone in bed. I especially like that it is cute without trying too hard, which is exactly the energy I want from loungewear. If pajamas could win awards for making me look put-together while doing absolutely nothing, these would take home the trophy. —Hannah Mitchell

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Why Shorts for This Summer Is Necessary

I believe shorts are necessary for this summer because they keep me cool and comfortable when the temperature rises. When the weather gets hot, wearing heavy or tight clothes can feel exhausting, but shorts give my legs more freedom and help me stay relaxed throughout the day. For me, that makes a big difference whether I am outside, traveling, or just enjoying time with friends.

My experience also tells me that shorts are one of the easiest clothing choices for summer. I can pair them with almost anything, like a simple t-shirt, a tank top, or even a light shirt, and still look neat without trying too hard. This saves me time and makes getting dressed much simpler during busy summer mornings.

I also like that shorts fit many summer activities. Whether I am walking, playing sports, going to the beach, or spending time outdoors, they let me move freely and stay active. For me, shorts are not just a fashion choice—they are a practical necessity for making summer more comfortable and enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Shorts For This Summer

Why I Pay Attention to Shorts in Summer

When summer arrives, shorts become one of my most-used wardrobe pieces. I look for pairs that keep me cool, feel comfortable for long hours, and still look good enough to wear in different settings. For me, the right shorts are not just about style—they also need to fit well, move easily, and hold up after repeated wear.

Fabric Matters More Than I First Thought

I always check the fabric before buying shorts. Lightweight cotton feels breathable and soft, which I like for everyday wear. Linen is another favorite of mine because it stays airy in hot weather. If I want something more active, I usually look for blends with a little stretch so I can move freely without feeling restricted.

Fit Is the First Thing I Notice

The fit can make or break a pair of shorts for me. I prefer shorts that sit comfortably at the waist and give enough room around the thighs without looking too loose. If they are too tight, I feel uncomfortable; if they are too baggy, they lose shape. I usually try to find a balance between relaxed and tailored.

Length Changes the Whole Look

I pay close attention to length because it affects both comfort and style. Shorter shorts feel casual and sporty, while mid-length styles look more versatile to me. I usually choose a length that suits my body type and the occasion. For everyday use, I tend to go with something that ends around mid-thigh to just above the knee.

Style Depends on How I Plan to Wear Them

I think about where I will wear my shorts before I buy them. For casual outings, I like denim shorts or simple cotton styles. For travel, I prefer easy, wrinkle-resistant shorts with pockets. If I want something a little more polished, I choose chino shorts because they look neat without feeling too formal.

Pockets and Practical Details Matter to Me

I always check the pockets because I use them more than I expect. Deep, secure pockets are important when I am out and about. I also look at waistband design, drawstrings, and closures. These small details can make shorts much more convenient and comfortable in daily use.

Color Choices I Find Most Useful

I usually start with neutral colors like black, beige, navy, or olive because they are easy to match with my tops. In summer, I also like lighter shades such as white or pastel tones since they feel fresh and seasonal. If I want a bolder look, I choose one statement color and keep the rest of my outfit simple.

Quality and Durability Are Worth Checking

I have learned that cheaper shorts are not always the best value. I look at stitching, fabric thickness, and how well the seams are finished. Good shorts should keep their shape and color even after several washes. For me, spending a little more on quality often saves money in the long run.

My Final Tip Before Buying

Before I buy shorts, I always imagine how often I will wear them and what I already own in my wardrobe. If a pair works with multiple tops and shoes, I know it is a smart purchase. My best advice is to choose shorts that feel comfortable, suit your lifestyle, and make you confident all summer long.

Final Thoughts

I think shorts are one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable and stylish this summer. My key takeaway is to choose pairs that fit well, feel breathable, and match the rest of your wardrobe. Whether I’m dressing them up or keeping things casual, the right shorts make warm-weather outfits simple and effortless.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.