Top Men’s Shorts for Summer 2025-Shorter Shorts, Smarter Style:

As summer approaches, the spotlight turns once again to warm-weather essentials — and few items in a man’s wardrobe are more essential than a good pair of shorts. This year, the humble short has been reimagined, restyled, and, quite literally, shortened. As someone who lives in the UK but escapes to the south of France for a month every summer, I take packing seriously — especially when it comes to versatile pieces that work from market mornings to long evenings by the river. With temperatures expected to soar and comfort high on the priority list, I’ve been carefully selecting the best shorts for 2025 — focusing not just on style, but fit, fabric, and function.

The Trend: Why Men’s Shorts Are Getting Shorter in 2025

This summer, men’s shorts are leaving modesty behind. The 2025 trend leans heavily into shorter inseams — think 5-inch, 4-inch, and even 3-inch lengths — a clear nod to retro athletic styles and fashion’s current obsession with confidence and body positivity. From high-street brands to designer runways, the message is consistent: it's time to show some leg. Shorter silhouettes are not only cooler in hot weather, but they also bring a sharper, more tailored look that works whether you're heading to a beach bar or layering with a relaxed shirt for a city stroll.

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1. Banana Republic 5″ Core Temp Short – Smart, Sleek & Ready for the Heat

If you're after a pair of shorts that combines polish with performance, the Banana Republic 5″ Core Temp Short is one of the best picks this season. It’s the kind of short that manages to look refined while handling the heat like a pro — exactly what I need for my month-long escape to the south of France.

The 5-inch inseam is perfectly on trend for summer 2025, offering just the right amount of leg without crossing into too-bold territory. It’s flattering, tailored, and versatile enough to wear from a morning coffee run to a relaxed evening by the river. The structure of these shorts gives off that classic chino feel — not too casual, not too formal — making them ideal for days when I want to look effortlessly put together.

What really makes these stand out is the fabric. They’re soft, slightly stretchy, and designed to regulate your temperature — which, believe me, makes a difference when the midday sun hits hard in the south. I also appreciate how lightweight they are in a suitcase. They pack flat, resist wrinkling, and dry quickly, which is a bonus when you’re travelling with limited space and don’t want to rely on an iron.

Available in classic neutrals and a few bold seasonal colours, they’re an easy staple to build outfits around. I’ve packed a navy pair and a sand colour — both of which go perfectly with a linen shirt or a fitted tee and a pair of espadrilles.

If you're only buying one pair of shorts this summer, this is the kind of piece that earns its place in your wardrobe and your suitcase. Available at Banana Republic.

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2. Abercrombie Classic Fleece Short (6″) – Casual Comfort with Clean Lines

For those laid-back summer days—whether you're lounging poolside or wandering through Provencal markets—the Abercrombie Classic Fleece Short is a standout choice. Sporting a 6-inch inseam, it strikes a balance between trend-forward and timeless, offering leg coverage that’s comfortably above the knee.

Crafted from Abercrombie’s signature softAF cotton-blend fleece, these shorts embody relaxed luxury. The heavier waistband with external drawcord not only secures your fit but adds a refined detail that elevates this from simple loungewear to street-ready attire. With side pockets and a discreet beveled back pocket, they’re built for function as much as comfort—ideal for stashing sunglasses or a pocket-sized guidebook for your French getaway.

In terms of fit, expect the glide-and-go ease of a pull-on short, with a relaxed silhouette that moves naturally without billowing or clinging. I’ve paired them effortlessly with lightweight tees and sandals for morning errands, yet they’re polished enough with a crisp linen shirt and loafers for impromptu evening drinks by the water.

What seals the deal for me? These shorts feel intentionally comfortable—not sloppy. They respect the modern aesthetic of minimal tailoring and soft comfort, making them an understated hero in a travel wardrobe. And at a mid-range price point, they offer excellent value, especially when snapped up during sales.

If your summer calendar includes lazy afternoons, scenic strolls, or casual café sessions—and you want to look put together without overthinking—this fleece short earns serious style points. Available at Abercrombie.

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3. Zara Oversized Linen-Viscose Short – Breezy, Relaxed and Refined

Next on the roster is Zara’s oversized linen-viscose short—an effortlessly elevated take on summer dressing. Linen, of course, is a perennial warm-weather favourite, but paired with viscose and cut in an oversized silhouette, this piece delivers next-level breathability and movement—ideal for those sultry South of France days.

These shorts sit comfortably above the knee, with the loose fit lending an easygoing elegance. They’re light, airy, and allow for plenty of airflow—perfect for humid afternoons in Nice or evening walks in Aix. The natural texture of the linen-viscose blend drapes beautifully, creating a smart yet free-flowing aesthetic that’s both relaxed and polished.

Functionally, they hit all the right notes: a clean waistband with discreet fastening keeps the focus on the fabric and fit, while side pockets offer practicality without interrupting the sleek lines. I’ve been pairing mine with a slim-fit white tee and leather sandals, but I can already see them working just as well with a lightweight shirt and espadrilles for a refined, resort-ready look.

What makes these truly stand out is their versatility. They transcend their oversized appearance, offering a silhouette that’s intentionally relaxed—not sloppy. Whether I’m packing for a beach day, a countryside lunch, or a summer evening at a terrace bar, these shorts are a smart choice.

Although Zara pricing tends to be competitive, the craftsmanship and fabric mix here make them feel far more premium—a reminder that great summer style doesn’t always need to come with a hefty price tag. Available at Zara.com

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4. Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts – Effortless Comfort with Quiet Elegance

Next on the edit are the Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts—an ideal mix of casual ease and refined simplicity. With a slightly above-the-knee length, they hit the sweet spot for a summer piece that feels just right in every situation.

Crafted from a linen-cotton blend, these shorts offer the perfect texture: relaxed and breathable linen, softened by cotton for a smooth, flexible feel. The light, muted colourways—think sandy beige and soft ivory—make them easy to style and endlessly versatile. I’ve found they pair beautifully with both a crisp white linen shirt and a fitted navy polo.

Their elasticated waistband, complete with an internal drawstring, means a tidy fit without the bulk of buttons or belt loops—ideal for packing light and living lightly. Yet the tailoring is smart enough to look polished when you step into a local boulangerie or share an apéro on a starlit terrace.

Practical details like deep side pockets and a slightly relaxed leg cut add to their travel-friendly appeal. Whether worn with sandals for a riviera brunch or switched to clean white sneakers for exploring coastal towns, they maintain a sense of ease without sacrificing style. At Uniqlo’s approachable price point, these shorts deliver undeniable value. They’re uncomplicated, dependable, and perfectly suited to a warm-weather wardrobe that’s all about understated sophistication and comfort. Available at Uniqlo.com

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5. Northyard 5″ Performance Short – Comfort Meets Craftsmanship

Rounding out my summer shorts lineup is the Northyard 5″ Performance Short, a standout find that checks every box: comfort, quality, affordability—and a surprisingly polished finish.

These shorts combine a modern 5-inch inseam (right on trend for 2025) with a performance-minded fabric that feels soft and moves with you. Whether I’m packing light for a day trip in Cassis or unwinding at a beachside café, they feel reliable yet refined. The material offers gentle stretch and a slight sheen that avoids appearing sporty—leaning more into smart-casual territory.

Stitching and build quality here are excellent — rivaling far more expensive labels — and the price point is remarkably accessible. Northyard has clearly invested in construction: seams are clean, the waistband sits comfortably without digging in, and the pockets hold their shape (no sagging or deformation, even after a day on the move).

I reach for them when I want wardrobe ease, but I still care about the outfit. Whether I pair them with a linen shirt at lunchtime or a slim-fit tee in the evening, they hold their own. At a glance, no one would guess they’re an Amazon find—yet that’s part of the appeal. If you’re seeking a dependable short that blends style, performance, and value, the Northyard is a reliable companion for any summer adventure. Buy on Amazon.com (here)

Conclusion: Your Summer Shortlist

This summer, the message is clear: embrace the shorter cut, choose fabrics that breathe, and don’t be afraid to invest in comfort and style. Whether you prefer tailored or oversized, linen or fleece, every man can find a pair that works for his lifestyle—and his legs. Personally, I’m heading off to the sun-soaked south of France with at least three of these in my suitcase. They’re not just stylish, they’re practical, packable, and ready for whatever the season throws at me—be it a family lunch, a lazy market stroll, or a sunset by the water.

So go ahead, show some leg. You might just enjoy it.

Jerome

Jerome is a full-time lifestyle blogger and fashion reviewer based in the UK. Since 2014, he’s been running Dapper & Groomed, helping men over 40 refine their style with real-world reviews of menswear, everyday essentials, and timeless wardrobe upgrades.