2 min read
EVERY SUMMER, THE same conversation around men’s shorts turns into the same old argument: are shorter inseams still king, or are baggier styles making a comeback? After trying every silhouette, I’ve landed on one conclusion: bigger is better. Oversized shorts just make more sense when the temperatures climb. The roomier fit lets air circulate around instead of trapping heat against your legs, which means I’m far less likely to end the day feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. They also happen to be easier to style. Whether I’m wearing a fitted tank, a cropped tee, or a breezy linen shirt, a relaxed pair of shorts keeps everything looking balanced instead of top-heavy.
Shop the Best Big Shorts on Amazon
The best part is that “big shorts” no longer means one specific look. You can find roomy carpenter shorts, tailored pleated pairs, athletic mesh styles, denim jorts, laid-back sweat shorts, and everything in between. If you’re shopping on Amazon, you’ve come to the right place. I dug through a bunch of listings to find the best big shorts actually worth buying from easy pull-on pairs for weekends to polished options for the office that look far more expensive than their price tags.
If I’m trying to give my outfit a little more personality, bigger denim shorts are the first pair I reach for. They add texture and only get better the more I wear them. I like them with a simple white tee and sneakers, but they’re just as good with a camp shirt when I want something a little more put together.
Read More: Best Denim Shorts
These are the shorts I throw on for simple comfort. Whether I’m working from home, running errands, or grabbing coffee on the weekend, a good pair of sweat shorts feels just as cozy as my favorite joggers.
When the forecast starts creeping into the 90s, linen shorts become non-negotiable. It’s lightweight, breathable, and lets plenty of air low through, so I don’t end up feeling sticky halfway through the day. Not to mention, this capri-length cut feels nostalgic and is very on-trend right now.
Read More: Best Linen Pants
Not every office calls for chinos in the middle of summer. A tailored pair of shorts like this one from Dickies strikes the sweet spot between relaxed and professional, especially when I pair them with a polo or button-down.
Cargos have officially redeemed themselves. The newer versions skip the bulky, overly baggy fit and instead offer a cleaner silhouette with just enough pocket space to stash my phone, wallet, keys, and anything else I don’t want weighing down my pockets.
When you need something on the dressier side, big pleated shorts will always do the trick. They have a more refined drape than your average, which makes it easy to pair with loafers and a polo shirt.
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Best Linen Pants for Men | Best Tank Tops for Men | Best Shorts | Best Moisture-wicking Underwear for Men | Best Moisture-wicking Shirts | Best Short-Sleeve Button-Up Shirts | Best Summer Pants | Best Undershirts for Men | Best Workout Shirts | Best Boxers for Men | Best T-Shirts for Men
As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
