This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Raven Minyard received her BA in English and Creative Writing from Sweet Briar College in 2020. While in college, she served as the Coeditor-in-Chief of Sweet Briar's literary magazine Red Clay and has since gone on to write for publications such as The Zillennial Zine and Halloween Every Night. Raven recalls reading articles from wikiHow's early days during her childhood and is thrilled to now write for their content team. She enjoys learning about new interests and topics with each article she writes and hopes to help audiences of all backgrounds continue to learn new and exciting things.
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You’ve probably worn a pair of shorts in the summer or when you hit the gym, but have you ever stopped to consider how many types of shorts there are? Shorts may be considered casual attire in general, but there are actually casual, athletic, and even formal types worn on different occasions. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into all the most common types of shorts, including when to wear them and how to style them, with tips from image consultant Elle Monus and personal stylist Neepa Sikdar.
Common Types of Men’s Shorts
- Cargo shorts: Cargo shorts are made from hardy fabrics and have multiple, deep pockets.
- Bermuda shorts: Bermuda shorts are short trousers that stop above the knee. They’re more formal than other types of shorts.
- Chino shorts: Chino shorts are made of cotton-twill fabric and have a slim, fitted silhouette.
- Board shorts: Board shorts are loose-fitting, quick-drying shorts designed for surfing and other water activities.
Steps
Casual Shorts
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1Baggy Shorts Baggy shorts are comfortable and intentionally loose-fitting.[1] They’re very casual and often have lots of pockets, like cargo shorts. They typically end just above the knee and can be made of a variety of fabrics.
- When to wear: Wear baggy shorts to informal events, or when you want to relax.
- How to style: Pair baggy shorts with a more fitted shirt to create balance.
Meet the wikiHow Experts
Elle Monus is an image consultant and the co-founder of True Image Group. She has over 11 years of experience and specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling.
Neepa Sikdar is a personal stylist and the founder of Accessible Style. She has over 18 years of experience and has worked with brands such as Nordstrom and J. Crew.
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2Boxer Shorts Boxers are shorts designed to be worn as underwear or sleepwear. They have a relaxed fit and are made from soft materials, like cotton. Boxer shorts often feature an elastic or buttoned waistband and a front fly opening.[2]
- When to wear: Wear boxers to bed or when lounging around your house. They generally aren’t acceptable to wear in public.
- How to style: Since boxers are sleepwear, pair them with a comfortable T-shirt or tank top, or wear them by themselves.
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3Cargo Shorts Cargo shorts are a casual style of shorts characterized by multiple large pockets. They were originally designed for the military, but have since transitioned into mainstream fashion. They’re typically made from hardy fabrics like cotton and are popular for outdoor activities.[3]
- When to wear: Wear a pair of cargo shorts when you need to carry a lot of belongings in your pockets or when you want loose, breathable shorts to keep you cool on a hot day.
- How to style: Keep things casual with a solid T-shirt or tank top and a pair of sneakers.
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4Chino Shorts Chino shorts are a summer-friendly version of chino pants. They’re typically made of cotton-twill fabric and have a slim, fitted silhouette, often coming in colors such as navy, olive, and light blue.[4]
- When to wear: Wear chinos when you want to strike a balance between casual and smart wear. Chinos are great for anything from a beach trip to a casual dinner.
- How to style: Pair chinos with a button-down shirt and a pair of sneakers, loafers, or sandals.
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5Cotton Shorts Cotton shorts can be any length, color, style, or pattern—they just have to be made of cotton. They provide all-day comfort due to their breathable fabric and are perfect for warm weather and casual activities.[5]
- When to wear: Wear cotton shorts for any casual activity, from running errands to enjoying a stroll through the park.
- How to style: Keep things casual with a simple T-shirt or hoodie, or throw on a sweater or button-down for a smart-casual look.
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6Cut-Off Shorts Cut-offs are any shorts that were cut from a longer pair of pants, or intentionally designed to look as though they were. Most cut-offs are made of denim, but they can also be made of other fabrics, like corduroy, linen, or chambray. They frequently feature frayed, threadbare edges.[6]
- When to wear: Rock a pair of cut-offs when you want a relaxed, carefree look with a bit of edge. Wear them to relax, or make a fashion statement at events like music festivals.
- How to style: Pair your cut-offs with a loose T-shirt and a pair of sandals or sneakers for a simple summer outfit.
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7Jean Shorts (Jorts) Jean shorts (also known as jorts or denim shorts) are simply shorts made from denim, like jeans. These casual shorts have a laid-back vibe and come in a wide range of washes and colors, from light blue to dark indigo.
- When to wear: Wear denim shorts on casual outings, such as outdoor activities or running errands.
- How to style: Rock jean shorts with a graphic T-shirt or an oversized flannel for a chill aesthetic. For women, Monus says, “Add heels and a sheer blousey top with a cute bralette” to style denim shorts for a night out.[7]
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8Linen Shorts As the name suggests, linen shorts are any shorts made of linen. Linen is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for warm climates. Many linen shorts have a relaxed fit, stop below the knee, and include details like pleats, cuffs, or buttons for added style.[8]
- When to wear: Linen shorts are ideal for hot weather when you need clothing that’s loose and breathable.
- How to style: For a summery outfit, pair your linen shorts with a matching linen shirt and a pair of espadrilles.
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9Pajama Shorts Because they’re loungewear, pajama shorts are typically made of soft, breathable fabric, like cotton or silk. They often have an elastic or drawstring waistband and come in many different colors and patterns. They’re primarily used for sleeping, but can make a fashion statement when styled appropriately.
- When to wear: Wear pajama shorts to sleep or when lounging around the house.
- How to style: Wear a pajama top or T-shirt for sleeping, or coordinate them with a cardigan or matching top to make a fashion statement.
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10Suspender Shorts Suspender shorts come with an attached pair of suspenders and are typically made of durable fabric, like twill or cotton. These shorts became popular in the 1920s and add a vintage, preppy vibe to an outfit.
- When to wear: Opt for suspender shorts if you don’t want to wear a belt, or if you want a more stylish look.
- How to style: Pair suspender shorts with a clean, white shirt and a pair of loafers for a stylish, vintage-inspired look.
Formal Shorts
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1Bermuda Shorts Also known as walk shorts or dress shorts, Bermuda shorts are short trousers that stop just above the knee. In Bermuda, they’re considered appropriate business attire for men when made of suit-like material and worn with knee-high socks, a dress shirt, a tie, and a blazer.[9]
- When to wear: Wear Bermuda shorts casually, or with the appropriate formal attire when the weather is warm.
- How to style: Bermuda shorts are typically worn with knee-high socks, a button-down shirt, and a blazer.
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2Golf Shorts Golf shorts are tailored shorts made of moisture-wicking material. They allow for unrestricted movement during a golf swing and are designed to be suitable for a golf course dress code, which often doesn’t allow denim, cargo, or athletic shorts. They feature specific pockets, like one designed for a ball marker, and have a non-slip waistband to keep a shirt tucked in.[10]
- When to wear: Wear golf shorts when you’re playing golf and need to fit the course’s dress code requirements.
- How to style: Wear a collared polo shirt, a belt that complements your golf shorts, and golf shoes. Add a baseball cap or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes while playing golf.
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3Madras (Plaid Shorts) Originating in Madras, India, madras are plaid shorts admired for their vibrant, checkered design. They’re made from cotton and add a preppy vibe to any outfit.[11]
- When to wear: Wear madras in the summer, when you want to dress up your outfit with a unique pattern.
- How to style: For a classic look, pair your madras with a solid-colored shirt and some boat shoes.
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4Tailored Shorts Tailored shorts are a polished, structured style of shorts that are typically made from high-quality fabrics like wool or linen. They feature clean lines, a fitted waist, and darts or pleats, making them the perfect blend of formal and casual.[12]
- When to wear: Wear tailored shorts if you work in a smart-casual office or for a date night.
- How to style: For a sophisticated look, pair tailored shorts with a blazer and leather loafers.
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5Tennis Shorts Tennis shorts are athletic shorts specifically designed for tennis. They’re made from lightweight, breathable, and stretchy fabric to allow for a full range of motion during the game, and they have deep pockets for storing tennis balls. They’re considered formal shorts because professional and club events often require a specific dress code, such as the all-white rule at Wimbledon.[13]
- When to wear: Wear tennis shorts when playing tennis or attending a tennis-related event.
- How to style: Pair your tennis shorts with an athletic top, like a polo or T-shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric, and tennis shoes. Consider a headband or visor to keep your hair out of your face while you play.
Women’s Shorts
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1Booty Shorts Booty shorts, or cheeky shorts, are very small shorts that barely cover your rear and upper thighs. These shorts can be made from any material and often feature details like lace trim, strappy sides, and metallic fabrics.
- When to wear: Wear booty shorts at home, at the beach, or during a night out.
- How to style: For a fun, summery look, pair booty shorts with a crop top, cami, or bralette.
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2Boy Shorts Boy shorts are shorts for women that are designed to resemble men’s boxer shorts. They’re loose and breathable, often made from cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, and offer enough coverage to wear around town.
- When to wear: Boy shorts are ideal for relaxing around the house or running quick errands.
- How to style: Pair boy shorts with a comfortable T-shirt or tank top for a cute, casual outfit.
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3Boyfriend Shorts Boyfriend shorts are a style of women’s shorts that are designed with a deliberately loose and relaxed fit in the hips and thighs, like shorts you may borrow from a boyfriend. They often sit lower on the hips and may feature a cuffed or rolled hem. Boyfriend shorts can be made of denim, linen, or soft knit fabrics.[21]
- When to wear: Rock a pair of boyfriend shorts on a casual outing when you want to enjoy the warm weather.
- How to style: Wear a fitted tank top or crop top to balance the loose shorts.
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4Capri Shorts Capris fall between shorts and full-length pants, usually stopping at or just below the knee. They’re made of breathable fabric to keep you cool, while providing more coverage than traditional shorts.[22]
- When to wear: Wear capris for casual outdoor events, like picnics, running errands, or going on a bike ride.
- How to style: Dress capris up with a nice button-down, or keep things casual with a T-shirt or polo.
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5Culottes Culottes are shorts or capris that have very wide legs, giving them the appearance of a skirt. They originated in the early 20th century as an alternative to skirts when participating in athletic activities. Now, they’re more of a fashion statement.
- When to wear: Wear culottes when you want a practical alternative to a skirt.
- How to style: Dress your culottes up with a nice blouse and a pair of heels, or dress them down with a simple top and a pair of sneakers or sandals.
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6Daisy Dukes Named after the character Daisy Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard, Daisy Dukes are very short, tight-fitting denim shorts. They’re typically made from a pair of cut-off jeans.[23]
- When to wear: Wear Daisy Dukes around the house, or to an appropriate outing, like going to a country bar.
- How to style: For a cute Southern-inspired outfit, pair your Daisy Dukes with a tied flannel shirt and a pair of cowgirl boots.
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7Flared Shorts As the name suggests, flared shorts are simply shorts that flare out a bit at the hem. They’re typically more fitted at the waist and are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials, including denim, cotton, and linen. The style is often reminiscent of clothing from the 70s.
- When to wear: Rock flared shorts when you want a fun, feminine outfit.
- How to style: For a vintage look, pair flared shorts with a cropped or fitted top and a pair of platform sandals or sneakers.
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8High-Waisted Shorts High-waisted shorts are pretty straightforward—they’re shorts with a high waist, typically sitting somewhere above your belly button. They’re designed to lengthen your legs by sitting at your natural waist. High-waisted shorts are available in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns.[24]
- When to wear: Wear high-waisted shorts casually or when you want to make your legs look longer.
- How to style: For a vintage vibe, pair high-waisted shorts with a crop top or a tucked-in blouse.
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9Lace Shorts Lace shorts are typically made from soft fabrics like silk, satin, or cotton, and are overlaid with lace or feature lace embellishments along the hem, waist, or pockets. They often give off a romantic or bohemian vibe.
- When to wear: Wear lace shorts when you want to add a touch of elegance to an otherwise casual outfit.
- How to style: To create a refined look, pair lace shorts with a blouse or more formal top, along with a stylish pair of flats or heels.
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10Paperbag Shorts Paperbag shorts are a specific type of high-waisted shorts that feature a ruffled, cinched waist that resembles a paper bag. These shorts have a looser fit and are made from light, breezy fabrics like cotton or linen.[25]
- When to wear: Rock paperbag shorts when you want a stylish outfit that’s also comfortable and breathable.
- How to style: Pair paperbag shorts with a loose, tucked-in blouse for a laidback vibe, or with a fitted top to balance the outfit.
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11Romper Shorts Romper shorts, or simply a romper, are a one-piece outfit that consists of a top sewn into a pair of shorts. Rompers are a casual alternative to a full-length jumpsuit and can be worn for a variety of occasions.
- When to wear: Wear a romper to the beach, to brunch, or to a more formal occasion, depending on the style and material.
- How to style: For a daytime look, wear your romper with a pair of sneakers or sandals, and throw on your favorite jacket or sweater. For a nighttime look, wear a pair of heels and your favorite accessories.
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12Scallop Hem Shorts Scallop hem shorts are any type of shorts that have a decorative, curved hem, resembling small scallop shells. These shorts come in a variety of materials and colors, and add a playful, feminine touch to an outfit.
- When to wear: Wear scallop hem shorts to add a whimsical touch to a casual outfit, like when you’re attending a garden party or a picnic.
- How to style: Pair scallop hem shorts with practically anything—your favorite T-shirt, tank top, or blouse.
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13Skorts A skort is a pair of shorts with extra fabric on top, making it look like a skirt. Skorts are perfect for those who are active, but don’t want to sacrifice style for practicality or worry about wardrobe malfunctions.[26]
- When to wear: Wear a skort whenever you want to wear a skirt but need to have more coverage.
- How to style: If you’re doing something active, like hiking or yoga, pair your skort with your favorite athleisure clothes. To dress your skort up, pair it with your favorite blouse, some tights, and a nice pair of flats or heels.
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14Slip Shorts Slip shorts are made of airy materials like silk or cotton and are designed to be worn under dresses or skirts to provide extra coverage and prevent chafing. They’re very thin, so they’re practically invisible under your clothes and don’t show lines.[27]
- When to wear: Wear slip shorts when you need coverage, want to prevent chafing, or want to smooth out your body without adding extra bulk to your outfit.
- How to style: In general, slip shorts are hidden underneath a skirt or dress, but you can wear a pair in a unique color to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.lezhougarment.com/a-guide-to-28-different-types-of-shorts-with-pictures/
- ↑ https://www.lezhougarment.com/a-guide-to-28-different-types-of-shorts-with-pictures/
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-find-best-shorts/
- ↑ https://www.themodestman.com/types-of-shorts/
- ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-wear-shorts/
- ↑ https://debriefshorts.com/blogs/news/everything-there-is-to-know-about-shorts
- ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-wear-shorts/
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/summer-shorts-guide/
- ↑ https://www.kuhl.com/borninthemountains/before-you-buy-golf-shorts?srsltid=AfmBOorFAb4q3ohYYjcXHe9PyeQIpxsLoE4XFZMRWWoTekqV1zAX1ieh
- ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-wear-shorts/
- ↑ https://www.tellar.co.uk/what-are-the-different-styles-of-shorts-a-complete-guide-for-every-body-type
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/summer-shorts-guide/
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/summer-shorts-guide/
- ↑ https://www.scienceforsport.com/compression-garments-do-they-actually-work/?srsltid=AfmBOoqibPGviHTTFPq1paQxN2uXTemU0aZsQRARWrVqypkLEG4U2swn
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/summer-shorts-guide/
- ↑ https://debriefshorts.com/blogs/news/everything-there-is-to-know-about-shorts
- ↑ https://debriefshorts.com/blogs/news/everything-there-is-to-know-about-shorts
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/summer-shorts-guide/
- ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/bathing-suits-for-gentlemen/
- ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-types-of-shorts/
- ↑ https://www.themodestman.com/types-of-shorts/
- ↑ https://debriefshorts.com/blogs/news/everything-there-is-to-know-about-shorts
- ↑ https://www.tellar.co.uk/what-are-the-different-styles-of-shorts-a-complete-guide-for-every-body-type
- ↑ https://www.tellar.co.uk/what-are-the-different-styles-of-shorts-a-complete-guide-for-every-body-type
- ↑ https://www.lezhougarment.com/a-guide-to-28-different-types-of-shorts-with-pictures/
- ↑ https://www.lezhougarment.com/a-guide-to-28-different-types-of-shorts-with-pictures/
- ↑ Elle Monus. Image Consultant. Expert Interview
- ↑ Neepa Sikdar. Personal Stylist. Expert Interview
- ↑ Neepa Sikdar. Personal Stylist. Expert Interview