The best men’s shorts are the difference between a summer wardrobe that works and one that doesn’t. Whether you’re pairing them with a linen shirt for a garden party, a plain tee for the weekend, or an overshirt for an evening out, the right pair does a lot of heavy lifting.
Not all men’s shorts are created equal, though. Fabric, fit, inseam length and construction vary dramatically between brands, and price is no guarantee of quality. To help you find the right pair for 2026, we’ve rounded up the best men’s shorts available right now — starting with two of London’s own, Percival and Wax London, before moving through the usual heavy hitters. From sharp British tailoring to affordable everyday essentials, these are the styles worth adding to your wardrobe this summer.
Best Tailored Shorts for Men: Percival Blake Double Pleated Shorts, Black
Percival’s bestselling short, and it’s easy to see why. Cut from 100% cotton with a double-pleated front, side waist adjusters and buttoned welt pockets round the back, the Blake sits closer to trouser tailoring than typical summer shorts — sharp enough for a smart do, easy enough for the beer garden. It’s a limited run, so black sells out fast each restock.
Why we love it: Proper tailoring detail — pleats, adjusters, welt pockets — in a short you can genuinely wear to something.
Best Linen Tailored Shorts: Percival Pleated Linen Shorts, Navy
The linen version of Percival’s pleated tailoring, cut from 100% linen with a neat front pleat and an above-the-knee length. Navy is the more versatile of the two core colourways — smart enough to pair with the matching linen blazer, easy enough to wear open-necked with a Cuban shirt and loafers for the full suit-meets-sun look.
Why we love it: Genuinely breathable 100% linen with a tailored finish most linen shorts skip entirely.
Best Denim Tailored Shorts: Percival Blake Double Pleated Denim Shorts, Dark Indigo
Smart shorts with trouser tendencies. The Blake formula — double pleats, side adjusters, proper welt pockets — translated into sturdy dark indigo denim with contrast yellow topstitching. Another limited run of under 200 pairs, so this one moves quickly whenever it restocks. Pair with the matching Harley Denim Shirt for a head-to-toe indigo moment, or style it down with an oversized tee.
Why we love it: Denim with genuine tailoring codes rather than a plain five-pocket cut-off.
Percival Striped Tailored Shorts, Cream
Classic pinstripes taken somewhere warmer. Cut from a breathable linen blend with a soft handle and a clean front pleat for shape, this is summer tailoring for anyone who wants their shorts to look considered rather than thrown on. Another limited run, so if the stripe catches your eye, don’t sit on it.
Why we love it: A genuinely smart short that still reads as summer, not office-on-a-Friday.
Best Performance Shorts for Men: Percival PCVL 2-in-1 Shorts, Black
Not every short on this list needs to be tailored, and Percival’s sportswear line proves it. The PCVL 2-in-1 is built for actual training: 4-way stretch Aerolite fabric, moisture-wicking, an ultra-lightweight 95gsm build, and a secure inner pocket for keys or a card. If your “shorts wardrobe” needs to cover the gym as well as the beer garden, this is the one to add.
Why we love it: A genuine performance short from a brand better known for tailoring — useful if you don’t want a separate gym-kit brand.
Best Washed Linen Shorts: Wax London Kurt, Navy
Wax London’s staple relaxed-fit Kurt short, back for another summer in 100% linen. A fully elasticated waistband with an internal drawcord means zero fuss getting dressed, while the washed finish gives it a lived-in look straight out of the bag. Navy is the easiest of the Kurt colourways to build a whole wardrobe around.
Why we love it: Genuinely no-effort dressing — elasticated, breathable, and still looks properly put together.
Wax London Kurt, Beige
Same easy construction as the Navy Kurt — 100% linen, elasticated drawcord waist, relaxed regular-length fit — in a warmer washed beige that pairs naturally with tan leather and a white tee. If you already own the navy, this is the obvious second colourway to add.
Why we love it: The neutral alternative to navy, and just as easy to wear on repeat.
Wax London Dalston Mid-Blue Denim Shorts
Wax London’s take on the classic denim short, in a timeless mid-blue wash with a wide leg for a relaxed silhouette. It delivers comfort without sacrificing edge — a genuinely easy pair to throw on with a plain tee and trainers, or dress up slightly with an open shirt for evening.
Why we love it: A wide-leg denim short that avoids both the overly baggy ’90s look and the overly slim modern cut.
Best Men’s Shorts 2026: Buck Mason Navy Check 6″ Deck Short
If you’re looking for one pair of shorts to do everything, Buck Mason’s Navy Check Deck Short remains our top all-round recommendation.
The LA-based label has built its reputation on American classics made with proper consideration — fabric choices that go above and beyond, fits that are genuinely thought through. The Deck Short is their best work in the category.
A hybrid build with a touch of stretch and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating means you can go from boat to bar without changing. The navy check pattern is bold enough to be interesting, classic enough to never date. The 6″ inseam hits the sweet spot — not too brief, not too long.
Why we love it: The best do-it-all short on this list. Versatile, well-made, and impossible to get wrong.
Best Holiday Shorts for Men: Buck Mason Natural Pinstripe Seersucker Pleated Short
If you want to look genuinely put-together on holiday without overpacking, this is your shortcut.
Buck Mason’s Seersucker Carry-On Pleated Short is made from lightweight Japanese cotton seersucker — breathable, textured and subtly elevated. The single-pleat front gives it a dressier quality that most holiday shorts simply don’t have.
The natural pinstripe colourway is holiday-white energy done properly. Pair it with a simple linen shirt and leather sandals and you’ve nailed warm-weather dressing without trying.
Why we love it: Lightweight, breathable Japanese cotton and a smart pleated construction that works from beach to bar.
Buck Mason British Khaki Cord Beach Cruiser Short
Cord shorts in summer might sound counterintuitive — but 10-wale cotton corduroy at 5.5″ hits differently to what you might expect.
The British Khaki shade is one of those rare neutrals that works across skin tones and pairs with virtually everything. The “beach cruiser” silhouette is relaxed without being baggy — a clean, versatile shape that suits weekend rides, casual pub gardens and long lunches where you’d rather not think about what you’re wearing.
For anyone who wants to bring some texture into their summer wardrobe, this is the move.
Why we love it: Unusual texture, excellent neutral colourway and a relaxed fit that works across a wide range of occasions.
Best Value Men’s Shorts: Moss Navy Chino Cotton Shorts
Navy chino shorts are the most versatile item in any summer wardrobe. Moss does them properly.
The British menswear stalwart has quietly repositioned itself as a genuinely strong destination for smart-casual — and their chino shorts reflect that shift. Clean tailored cut, quality cotton construction, smart enough for a BBQ and casual enough for the park.
At under £50, these are arguably the easiest decision on this entire list. A white tee, tan leather sandals and these shorts is all the summer formula you need.
Why we love it: Excellent quality for the price, versatile navy colourway and free in-store exchanges for easy sizing.
Best Budget Men’s Shorts: Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Sweat Shorts
Don’t call them tracksuit bottoms.
Uniqlo’s Ultra Stretch Sweat Shorts have effectively invented a category — the elevated lounge short. Four-way stretch fabric, a clean silhouette and a navy colourway that works with practically anything. They look smart enough to wear outside without raising a single eyebrow.
One of the best men’s shorts you can buy at any price, let alone this one. If you’re only buying one budget pick this summer, make it these.
Why we love it: Outstanding value, genuine four-way stretch and a versatility that belies the price point entirely.
Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts
For the hottest days, you need the lightest shorts — and Uniqlo’s Linen Blend Easy Shorts deliver exactly that.
Cotton and linen blended to hit the sweet spot between breathable and structured. The elastic waistband with drawstring means fit is completely hassle-free. This is the short you’ll reach for when the temperature climbs — a few pairs of these on holiday and you’re sorted.
The brown colourway is the standout choice here. Understated, warm and noticeably more considered than the standard navy or black.
Why we love it: Linen-blend breathability, elastic waist convenience and excellent value for a fabric this comfortable.
Uniqlo Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts had a moment where they were considered fashion-criminal. That moment is well and truly over.
Uniqlo’s 10.5″ cargo short is clean, well-proportioned and genuinely useful for anyone who hates carrying a bag. Multiple pockets, a relaxed fit and an olive colourway that’s the obvious right choice. A brilliant pick for travel, festivals or simply wanting your hands free.
The key difference between these and the cargos of the mid-2000s? Clean pocket layout, considered proportions and a fabric weight that actually drapes well.
Why we love it: Practical pocket layout, relaxed fit and a price that makes buying two colourways feel entirely reasonable.
Best Linen Shorts for Men: Asket Linen Shorts in Dark Navy
If you want the best linen shorts available for men right now, Asket has them.
The Swedish label built its reputation on permanent wardrobe essentials made transparently, made to last and made to fit properly. Their Linen Shorts are 100% French linen — classic warm-weather construction with a refined casual aesthetic that doesn’t tip into dad-on-holiday territory.
Dark navy is the standout colourway in any linen short — it reads smart, pairs with everything and doesn’t show sweat the way lighter tones do. An added bonus: Asket offers multiple length options alongside standard sizing, so you can get the inseam right rather than settling.
Why we love it: 100% French linen, multiple length options and a versatile colourway that earns its place in any summer wardrobe.
Asket The Shorts in Beige
This is the one you wear three times a week without thinking about it — and never get bored of.
Made from 100% organic cotton twill, crafted in Portugal, with a clean waistband, slanted front pockets and jetted back pockets. Everything is considered. Nothing is overdone.
The beige colourway is a masterclass in understated summer dressing — it works with white, navy, olive, black, whatever you’re throwing on top. Available in two lengths, which is a rare and genuinely useful feature. If you’re between sizes or have a longer leg than average, this is a significant advantage.
Why we love it: Organic cotton twill construction, excellent proportions and a beige colourway that pairs with everything.
Best Luxury Shorts for Men: Sunspel Linen Drawstring Short in Dark Walnut
Sunspel has been making understated luxury menswear in England since 1860. Their Linen Drawstring Short is one of the finest garments on this list.
Italian linen woven by Leomaster, drawstring waist, 8.75″ inside leg — the kind of construction that makes getting dressed feel effortless. Dark Walnut is a rich brown tone that photographs beautifully and wears even better in person. The drape is exceptional.
Yes, you’ll need to dry clean. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Why we love it: Italian linen sourced from Leomaster, exceptional drape and a Dark Walnut colourway that stands apart from the standard navy and beige options.
Sunspel Chino Shorts in Light Stone
98% cotton, 2% elastane — and that 2% is everything.
Sunspel’s chino short is garment-dyed for a soft, lived-in feel straight out of the bag, with a horn button closure, slanted front pockets and single welt back pockets with horn buttons. The tailored waist sits cleanly without being restrictive.
Light Stone is as close to the ideal summer neutral as any colourway gets. Smart enough to wear with a linen shirt, relaxed enough for a low-key weekend. Designed in England, made in Portugal, built to last.
Why we love it: Garment-dyed finish, stretch comfort and a Light Stone colourway that pairs effortlessly with virtually any summer outfit.
Best Denim Shorts for Men: Levi’s 469™ Loose Shorts in Dark Wash
Nobody does denim shorts like Levi’s. The 469 is their best work right now.
A loose fit, dark wash and 12″ inseam that threads the needle between the oversized silhouettes dominating current menswear and something you can actually wear to a restaurant without looking like you’ve raided your teenage wardrobe.
Dark wash is the smarter call over light: more versatile, more grown-up, more wearable across a wider range of settings. Pair with a solid white or black tee and you’re immediately in the right place.
Why we love it: The ideal denim short for 2026 — loose enough to feel current, dark enough to wear anywhere.
Levi’s 478™ Baggy Shorts in Light Wash
For those who want to lean fully into the current moment, the 478 is the one.
Ultra-baggy fit, low rise and a mid-length cut — this is Levi’s most committed nod to ’90s nostalgia and it works. Light wash makes it feel appropriately summery and less serious than darker denim. Wear with a baggy tee, chunky trainers and the quiet confidence that you know exactly what you’re doing.
Because you do.
Why we love it: Oversized ’90s silhouette done properly, with a light wash that keeps it feeling summery rather than heavy.
Levi’s Carrier Cargo Shorts in Beige
Hold everything — literally.
Levi’s Carrier Cargo Short has a relaxed fit, waist-sitting cut and cargo pockets with actual room to hold things without turning you into a rectangle. Made from durable ripstop nylon with reinforced abrasion resistance, these will still look good years from now.
Beige is the correct colourway for cargo: neutral enough to wear with anything, warm enough to not feel boring. A brilliant pick for travel, outdoor days or just being someone who’d prefer to leave the bag at home.
Why we love it: Durable ripstop construction, practical pockets and a relaxed fit that works for travel, festivals and everyday wear alike.
Best Men’s Shorts at a Glance
| Brand & Style | Best For | Fabric | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percival Blake Double Pleated Shorts, Black | Best tailored short | 100% cotton | approx. £85 |
| Percival Pleated Linen Shorts, Navy | Best linen tailoring | 100% linen | approx. £95 |
| Percival Blake Double Pleated Denim Shorts | Best denim tailoring | 100% cotton denim | approx. £85 |
| Percival Striped Tailored Shorts, Cream | Statement summer tailoring | Linen blend | approx. £95 |
| Percival PCVL 2-in-1 Shorts, Black | Best performance short | 4-way stretch Aerolite | check site |
| Wax London Kurt, Navy | Best washed linen | 100% linen | approx. £95 |
| Wax London Kurt, Beige | Neutral washed linen | 100% linen | approx. £95 |
| Wax London Dalston Denim Shorts | Wide-leg denim | Denim | approx. £100 |
| Buck Mason Navy Check Deck Short | All-round versatility | Stretch hybrid | approx. £100 |
| Buck Mason Seersucker Pleated Short | Holiday wear | Japanese cotton seersucker | approx. £100 |
| Buck Mason Cord Beach Cruiser | Texture & character | Cotton corduroy | approx. £108 |
| Moss Navy Chino Shorts | Best value smart short | Cotton chino | £49.95 |
| Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Sweat Shorts | Best budget buy | Stretch cotton | from £19.90 |
| Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts | Hot weather | Cotton-linen blend | from £24.90 |
| Uniqlo Cargo Shorts | Practicality | Cotton | from £19.90 |
| Asket Linen Shorts Dark Navy | Best linen short | 100% French linen | £120 |
| Asket The Shorts Beige | Everyday workhorse | Organic cotton twill | £110 |
| Sunspel Linen Drawstring Dark Walnut | Investment luxury | 100% Italian linen | from £215 |
| Sunspel Chino Shorts Light Stone | Smart casual | Cotton-elastane | from £155 |
| Levi’s 469™ Loose Dark Wash | Best denim short | Denim | from £50 |
| Levi’s 478™ Baggy Light Wash | Trend-forward denim | Denim | from £60 |
| Levi’s Carrier Cargo Beige | Travel & utility | Ripstop nylon | from £55 |
Why the Best Men’s Shorts Matter More Than You Think
Few garments shape a summer wardrobe more than the right pair of shorts.
They work with linen shirts for smart-casual occasions, plain tees for weekends and overshirts for evenings out. Unlike trousers, shorts are immediately visible — proportions, fabric and fit read instantly. Getting them right takes relatively little effort but makes a significant difference to how put-together you look.
While fashion moves quickly, the core categories remain consistent: a tailored short (Percival’s pleated cottons and linens are leading the pack for 2026), a linen option for heat, a reliable denim cut and a practical cargo. Buy well across those categories and you’re fully equipped for summer.
Every wardrobe upgrade starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length shorts should men wear in 2026?
Both shorter and longer inseams are working right now. A 5″–7″ inseam (like the Buck Mason Deck Short or Percival’s Blake shorts) gives a cleaner, more tailored look suited to smart-casual occasions. A 10″–12″ inseam (Levi’s 469, 478) fits the current ’90s-influenced oversized trend and works well with chunky trainers and an oversized tee. The old rule that shorter is always better no longer applies — wear what suits your frame and the occasion.
What are the best men’s shorts for hot weather?
For genuine heat, linen is the clear answer. The Asket Linen Shorts in Dark Navy, the Sunspel Linen Drawstring Short, Percival’s Pleated Linen Shorts and Wax London’s Kurt shorts are all outstanding — 100% linen, loose or elasticated fits, maximum breathability. For a more affordable option, the Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts perform well above their price point. Avoid synthetic blends in serious heat, as they trap warmth and don’t breathe the way natural fibres do.
Are cargo shorts back in style?
Yes — and genuinely so, not just as nostalgia. Clean-lined, well-proportioned cargo shorts like the Levi’s Carrier Cargo and the Uniqlo Cargo Short are legitimately stylish in 2026. The versions that still don’t work are mid-2000s oversized nylon designs with too many pockets. Stick to neutral colourways, clean pocket layouts and a trainers-and-tee combination and you’ll look exactly right.
What is the best value pair of men’s shorts?
The Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Sweat Shorts at around £19.90 are difficult to argue with — the quality-to-price ratio is genuinely exceptional. For a smarter structured option, the Moss Navy Chino Cotton Shorts at £49.95 or Percival’s Blake Double Pleated Shorts at around £85 deliver proper tailoring detail without moving into designer pricing. For a longer-term investment, the Asket Shorts in Beige at £110 are built to last for years and available in multiple lengths, which is a rare and useful advantage.
How should men’s shorts fit?
The waistband should sit at your natural waist without gaping or pulling — a small amount of stretch fabric, or an elasticated drawcord like Wax London’s Kurt, helps considerably here. Through the thigh, you need enough room to move comfortably without the fabric bunching. Length is personal: above the knee for a tailored look, mid-thigh to just below the knee for a relaxed silhouette. Brands like Asket that offer multiple inseam lengths are worth seeking out if you find standard sizing doesn’t suit your proportions.
Can men wear chino shorts to a wedding?
Yes, in the right context. For garden parties, outdoor summer weddings and smart-casual events, chino shorts are entirely appropriate when styled correctly. The Sunspel Chino Short in Light Stone, Percival’s Striped Tailored Shorts, or the Moss Navy Chino Cotton Shorts all work well for these occasions. The formula: tailored short, quality linen or Oxford cloth shirt, leather loafers or clean trainers. Avoid very short inseams and overly casual fabrics for formal settings.
What shoes should men wear with shorts?
The combination depends on the short and occasion. Leather sandals work well with tailored chino and linen shorts. Chunky trainers (New Balance 990, Nike Air Max) pair naturally with the Levi’s loose and baggy cuts, or Wax London’s Dalston denim short. Loafers elevate any chino or Percival pleated short into smart-casual territory. Simple canvas trainers work with almost everything. Avoid formal lace-ups with shorts and flip-flops with anything tailored.
Are Percival and Wax London good British menswear brands?
Yes, both are genuinely well-regarded London labels rather than fast-fashion imitators. Percival focuses on considered tailoring at accessible prices, with a habit of running limited batches (often under 200 pieces per colourway), so popular styles like the Blake shorts sell out and restock rather than sitting on shelves indefinitely. Wax London leans more relaxed and vintage-inspired, with a strong reputation for washed linen and crinkle-finish fabrics. Both ship UK-wide and are worth checking before defaulting to the bigger, more obvious names.
Is Buck Mason available in the UK?
Buck Mason is primarily a US brand but ships internationally. You can order directly from buckmason.com — prices are listed in USD, so factor in shipping and any applicable customs duties. Given the quality of their product, most UK customers find it worth the additional cost. Check their sizing guide carefully before ordering as fits tend to run true to American sizing.
Final Verdict
If you’re buying just one pair of shorts this summer, the Buck Mason Navy Check Deck Short remains our Editor’s Pick for all-round versatility. But 2026 has genuinely raised the bar on tailored shorts specifically — Percival’s Blake Double Pleated Shorts are the strongest new entry on this list, bringing proper pleats, adjusters and welt pockets to a short that costs a fraction of the designer tailoring options.
Every option on this list serves a genuine purpose. Whether you prioritise British tailoring, luxury, value, linen breathability or a trend-conscious denim silhouette, there is a pair of men’s shorts here that belongs in your wardrobe.
