7 Best Shorts for Short Men to Rock in Summer 2024

I hear that in a guy’s life, you get to pick only two out of the following three: a successful career, devastatingly good looks, and a height over 5’8”. If you’ve wound up with the first two rather than a towering stature, then you can probably benefit from the best shorts for short men.

Instead of extending past the knees for a ’90s rapper style, the shorts on this list feature a shorter inseam length to cater to smaller guys without sacrificing a contemporary look and feel. If you’re ready to upgrade your summer wardrobe in a meaningful way, below are the seven best shorts for short men to help you feel confident no matter the size of your frame.

Key Takeaways

I’ve finally emerged from my research cocoon with the results. For a wear anywhere style that can be dressed up or kept casual, the best shorts for short men are the L’Estrange 12 Shorts, which feature a 7” inseam length to cater to shorter guys, plus an elastic waistband and high quality cotton construction. If you’re shopping on a budget, the Meripex Apparel Short Shorts are an excellent alternative with a 5.5” inseam and plenty of color options.

Keep reading to discover more of the best shorts for short men.

Why they’re great: Out of all the best shorts for short dudes, this pair reigns supreme. L’Estrange has mastered the art of a quality basic, and these shorts will carry you through every hot season with ease. They’re effortless to style and impossibly comfortable with an elastic waistband, internal drawcord, and a super soft cotton construction. Plus, they have enviable durability and are tested for up to fifty washes (that’s a whole lot of wear).

Who are these for? Available in 7” and 9” inseam lengths, these are the best for short men looking for something that will hit above the knee. The 7-inch inseam shorts are ideal for guys under 5’6” who want to show off a bit of thigh while looking sharp and polished.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’d love to see a bit more variety in colorways for these shorts for men. But as far as the garment itself is concerned, it’s close to perfection, which is no surprise considering L’Estrange also makes some of the best men’s pants.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Sizes Available: XS–2XL | Colors Available: 6 | Inseam: 7” | Care: Machine wash, air dry

Why they’re great: Seersucker can look like either a crumpled newspaper or the country club’s finest. These shorts channel the latter and are an excellent choice for vertically challenged guys. They stop just above the knee on gents hovering around 5’5” and have an adjustable waistband for a personalized fit. The perfect summer staple and ultimate beach companion, these breezy shorts are the key to any effortless warm weather outfit.

Who are these for? Made in Portugal from lightweight fabric, these are the best shorts for short men looking for something with a little less structure. Rather than rigid cotton, they are light and airy—think sunsets on Cape Cod or afternoons by the pool in the Hamptons.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Given their more laid-back feel, these shorts are a bit harder to dress up than other pairs on this list. It’s also worth knowing that they’ll shrink slightly after the first wash.

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes Available: XS–2XL | Colors Available: 2 | Inseam: 6”  | Care: Machine wash gentle, air dry

Why they’re great: Designed by a couple of college guys chasing their pursuit of shorter inseams, these are some of the best shorts for short guys. Following a similar look and fit of Chubbies, these are a solid alternative with an elastic waistband and 5.5” inseam length.

Aside from the comprehensive sizing options, comfortable fit, and affordable pricing, a big draw to these shorts is the extensive colorways, ranging from soft neutrals to bold and bright.

Who are these for? If you’re seeking vibrant shorts or a pair with plenty of give, then these are a fantastic option. Unlike many short shorts, these are constructed with four-way stretch, giving you plenty of room to move and groove for all of your warm weather antics.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The sizing on these can be a little wonky. If you want the perfect fit, it’s well worth consulting the sizing chart.

Material: 98% cotton, 3% spandex | Sizes Available: S–4XL | Colors Available: 14 | Inseam: 5.5” | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Why they’re great: With a slightly longer inseam length than other pairs on this list, these are the best shorts for men looking for a smart style. They’re true chino shorts and simple to dress up, making them appropriate for any nice warm-weather events. Wear them with a button-down, a belt, and boat shoes for effortless summer smart casual shorts.

Who are these for? For any shorter gentleman who may not want his thighs on full display, the 6” inseam offers slightly more coverage. If you’re around 5’5”, then they’ll hit almost knee length and have a bit of elastane in the material to move with you instead of against you.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Men of average height may find these shorts a bit shorter than they’d like. Unless that’s the look you’re going for. Thighs out, baby!

Material: 97% cotton, 3% elastane | Sizes Available: 30–44 | Colors Available: 12 | Inseam: 6” | Care: Machine wash

Why they’re great: Chubbies are arguably the original shorts for short men with an extra abbreviated inseam. They’re perfectly preppy and uncommonly comfortable, with an elastic waistband, a tailored fit, and a stretchy cotton spandex blend. An unbeatable option for summer shenanigans, these shorts look stellar with tees, polos, and even button-downs for a nicer get up.

Who are these for? Although most shorts for short men hover around 7”, these have a five inch inseam to show off even more thigh. This makes them a prime choice for men who are below 5”4″ and struggle to find shorts that land above the knee.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The sizing for Chubbies can be a bit inconsistent, so if you’re in between, spring for a size down.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 6 | Inseam: 5.5” | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Why they’re great: These Levis shorts are slightly shorter than other styles (namely the 501s) and can be cuffed further if needed. This makes them some of the best shorts for short men gunning for denim.

Highly versatile and easy to style, these jean shorts are as classic as they get, with multiple washes to choose from. Wear them through spring and autumn with a hoodie, and keep cool during summer by styling them with your favorite tees.

Who are these for? Any guy after a pair of durable shorts with a timeless look and relaxed style will relish in these Levis. Sure, they’re not made specifically for short dudes, but jean shorts are easy to crop, allowing you to wear these a little longer or cuffed above the knee.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some men find these shorts run a bit small, so if you’d like a less fitted style, opt for a size or two up.

Material: 70% cotton, 28% lyocell, 2% elastane | Sizes Available: 29–44 | Colors Available: 10 | Inseam: 10” | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry

Why they’re great: These shorts remind me of the Vineyard Vines product line but for a fraction of the cost. They still exude ‘frat boy takes Long Island’ but with slightly more sophistication, especially if you skip the needlepoint belt. With pastel colorways, a cropped length, and four deep pockets, these breathable shorts are wrinkle-resistant and fast drying and have an elastic waistband – for a hefty dose of comfort.

Who are these for? For guys around 5’6” who are hunting for shorts that stop above the knee, these will do the trick. They have a 5.5” inseam length and a tailored fit, which makes them look sleek, even on smaller frames. These shorts are also an apt choice for men craving plenty of colorways and a bit of stretch.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These shorts aren’t backed by as strong a brand name as many others on this list. That said, if you’re caught between this pair and a comparable pair from Amazon Essentials, these win out overall.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Sizes Available: 30–38 | Colors Available: 19 | Inseam: 5.5” | Care: Machine wash cold, low dry

Buying Considerations for the Best Shorts for Short Men

Inseam Length

The primary consideration when choosing the best shorts for short guys is the inseam length, as this denotes how far the shorts will extend down the leg. This is particularly important for shorter men since most shorts are designed for average heights. Choosing a shorter inseam length ensures a contemporary look… because, really, what guy wants his shorts hanging past his knees?

Depending on how much thigh you want to show, shorter men (between 5’3” and 5’6”) should choose shorts with an inseam length between 5.5” and 7”. Pick 7” for a standard length that will stop just above the knee or 5.5” for a bit more skin. 6” can be a real sweet spot, especially if you want to wear your shorts for both formal and casual wear since this length is rather versatile.

Material

Material influences how the shorts look and feel, with cotton blends being the most dependable option for summer. However, you’ll also find plenty of the best shorts for short men in various fabrics like seersucker, linen, and polyester. These materials can give the shorts a breezy, resort-like feel, whereas more structured materials (cotton) are easier to dress up and wear for nicer occasions.

Features

Not all shorts are created equal, so it’s worth considering the unique features each pair offers. Many of the best shorts for short guys have elastic waists, which means that they have an extra comfortable fit, especially when paired with a hidden drawcord. Most also have four pockets, plus additions like moisture-wicking or wrinkle-free fabric and four-way stretch.

The features really come down to personal preference and your intended use for the shorts. If you’re going to be wearing them for more formal dress codes, then it’s worth choosing a pair that you don’t need to iron. But if you want a pair to lounge around in on the beach, then you can get away with a more pared-back option that doesn’t go all out in the feature department.

How We Chose

To find the best shorts for short men, there were a few aspects that were at the front of my mind. Here are the criteria used to choose these products, plus why they matter:

Inseam Length: The top aspect when choosing shorts for short men is inseam length because this has the most significant impact on how the shorts look and feel. Shorter men need shorter inseam lengths, so all of the products on this list were chosen accordingly.

Brand Reputation: Most shorts for short men come from brands backed by a strong reputation. However, some shorts brands featured on this list aren’t as well known, namely because they specialize in shorts for short men.

Versatility: It was also important to choose versatile shorts—you won’t see many lounge options on this list because wearability was a prime consideration for each pair. They should be shorts you can reach for, no matter the occasion.

Price: Since there’s less fabric, you’d think shorts for short men would be less expensive, too. Although this isn’t necessarily the case, the cost of each garment factored into the choices to ensure accessibility and a wide range of products suited to every man’s budget.

Why Trust Us?

Jane is a longtime fashion writer who lives to help men find the best summer apparel, as seen in her recent articles on the best cargo shorts and khaki shorts for men. When she’s not reviewing warm weather clothing for guys, she’s tracking down vintage Levis shorts or window shopping in Paris.

Jane’s meticulous approach involves thorough research and hands-on testing. For this article on the best shorts for short dudes, she evaluated various brands and styles, considering factors like fit, comfort, and style.

By staying updated with the latest trends and consumer feedback, Jane ensures that her recommendations are both practical and stylish. Her commitment to providing trustworthy and valuable advice has made her a reliable source for fashion and grooming guidance.

Final Verdict

As a powerhouse in gentlemen’s basics, the best shorts for short men are the L’Estrange 12 Shorts. The 7” inseam is the perfect length for daily wear, whether formal or casual, and the luxurious construction will easily make them any guy’s summer go-to. If you’re searching for a more affordable pair, the Meripex Apparel Short Shorts have a miniature 5.5” inseam, an elastic waist, and lots of colorways to choose from.