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15 Best Golf Shorts to Wear in 2024
No matter your inseam preference, look no further than these course-ready styles.
First, an admission. Here at Esquire, our golfing enthusiasts tend to avoid wearing shorts on the golf course. It could be a number of things, but the main reason is often, on days when the thermometer is about to burst, pants can make you feel taller looking down at the ball in your stance, more professional, even. (In fact, PGA Tour pros aren't even allowed to rock shorts.) Because golf is mostly a mental game, maybe they think it makes them hit better...But you? You are normal. When it's hot and you're playing golf, please wear shorts.
Depending on where you're playing, the course's dress code may lead you directly toward the right style of shorts, but as standards begin to loosen up everywhere, the term "golf shorts" has come to mean more than one thing. Gone are the days of sliding into an ill-fitting pair of cargo shorts; you now have endless stylish and comfortable options to choose from.
Although every course has its different rules, we know that not everyone is regularly playing a track that'll allow your '97 Celtics replica shorts on its tee boxes, which is why the shorts below are mostly made up of chino shorts that support belt usage. But don't limit yourself—if you're not tucking in a polo, the opportunities to build a fit that speaks to both you and tips your hat to the dress code are limitless. And if you are, well, we've got some tried and true suggestions here for you, too.
Lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Shorts
Lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Shorts
Pros
- Sweat-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Wrinkle-resistant
Cons
- Sells-out fast
As easy to wear and easy to style as they come, Lulu's best-selling shorts have all the right stuff. Equipped with secure pockets and stretchy fabric, they'll keep up with you on even the toughest course.
| Waist Sizes | 28-40 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 54% Recycled polyester, 46% Elastomultiester |
| Colors | 7 |
| Fit | Classic |
Adidas Adicross Delivery Printed Shorts
Adidas Adicross Delivery Printed Shorts
Pros
- Front and back pockets
- Stretchy fabric
- Elastic waist with belt and buckle
Cons
- Only available in one print
If you're gonna go printed, make sure it's not corny. Not only do we dig the leopard pattern, but we also love the baggy silhouette and long inseam for a mix-up on the short shorts you'll see most of the season.
| Waist Sizes | S-2XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane dobby |
| Colors | 1 |
| Fit | Regular |
Uniqlo Chino Shorts
Uniqlo Chino Shorts
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Durable and flattering
- Versatile wear
Cons
- Can run small
A pair of shorts you'll want in your arsenal whether you play golf or not—but they work perfectly for the game.
| Waist sizes | XS-3XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% Cotton |
| Colors | 6 |
| Fit | Regular |
Sid Mashburn Garment-Dyed Short
Sid Mashburn Garment-Dyed Short
Pros
- Split-back waist
- Multiple color options
- Machine-washable
- Gets better with age
Cons
- On the pricier side
Sid Mashburn chose a 7" inseam here to find a happy medium between long and short, formal and casual. These shorts are also soft but not too soft, which makes them truly an all-purpose option.
| Waist Sizes | 28-44 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Lightweight twill |
| Colors | 10 |
| Fit | Classic |
Todd Snyder Pleated Hudson Shorts
Pros
- Clean, tailored look
- Machine-washable
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Limited colors available
The problem with most pleated shorts is length. Todd Snyder split the difference here with a pair of mid-length cotton-linen shorts with a coin pocket that’s perfect for a ball marker.
| Waist sizes | 28-38 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 59% Cotton, 41% Linen |
| Colors | 2 |
| Fit | Regular |
Mizzen+Main Helmsman Shorts
Mizzen+Main Helmsman Shorts
Pros
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Lightweight and durable
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Can run large
Golf shorts you can wear over and over again—the perfect pair to keep in your bag for those days where it's hotter than expected.
| Waist sizes | 29W-40W |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester 88%, Spandex 12% |
| Colors | 8 |
| Fit | Classic |
Bonobos Easy Lightweight Shorts
Bonobos Easy Lightweight Shorts
Pros
- Looks like a polished Chino
- Zip fly with button closure
- All-day comfort
Cons
- Sizing can be inconsistent with other Bonobos products
You're wearing shorts for a reason—it's spicy out. This lightweight option from bottoms-experts, Bonobos, will help make for a breezy round.
| Waist sizes | XS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 98% Cotton | 2% Elastane |
| Colors | 1 |
| Fit | Relaxed |
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Twill Polo Prepster Shorts
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Twill Polo Prepster Shorts
Pros
- Comfortable drawstring waist
- The right amount of stretch
Cons
- Shorter inseam than similar styles
These are the perfect pair of shorts for days when you're not tucking in your top. They have everything you love about comfortable, active shorts without the belt loops—talk about a win (we just hope we can say the same about your golf game).
| Waist sizes | XS-2XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 97% cotton, 3% elastane |
| Colors | 6 |
| Fit | Classic |
TravisMathew Beck Shorts
TravisMathew Beck Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight with 4-way stretch
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Can pill easily
From the Golf pros at TravisMathew, a stretchy short that delivers on comfort all the way.
| Waist sizes | 30-42 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester/Cotton/Spandex Blend |
| Colors | 8 |
| Fit | Classic |
Dockers x Malbon Playa Shorts
Dockers x Malbon Playa Shorts
Pros
- Doesn't stretch
- Elastic waistband and drawstring closure
- Slanted front pockets
Cons
- Limited colors available
Dockers makes damn good pants and shorts. Malbon makes damn-cool golf apparel. In fact, it's one of the brands that launched a whole new wave in golf style. These shorts deliver on that mix of classic quality and a modern vibe.
| Waist sizes | S-2XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 55% Cotton, 45% Linen |
| Colors | 2 |
| Fit | Regular |
J.Lindeberg Eloy Shorts
Pros
- Technical stretch
- Belt loops
- Tapered silhouette
Cons
- Final sale
Golf shorts that look sleek and will last you quite a while, because the fashion heads at J.L. don't mess around when it comes to quality and outdoor performance.
| Waist sizes | 29-40 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 48% Polyester, 38% Recycled Polyester, 14% Elastane |
| Colors | 2 |
| Fit | Classic |
J.Crew Stretch Chino Shorts
J.Crew Stretch Chino Shorts
Pros
- Currently on sale
- Extra-flex and stretch
- Sustainably-made
Cons
- Sells-out quickly
Tried and true 7-inch shorts from the brand occupying most of your closet. A solid on-and-off-the-course pa(i)r.
| Waist sizes | 28-42 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 98% cotton/2% elastane |
| Colors | 10 |
| Fit | Classic |
Mugsy Spruces Chino Shorts
Mugsy Spruces Chino Shorts
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Sizing can be difficult
These golf shorts by Mugsy Jeans are a hole-in-one (don't judge us for that pun; we couldn't help it). Crafted with a four-way flex Chino fabric, they're soft, breathable, and perfect for any golf day or after-work outing.
| Waist sizes | 28-44 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 55% Cotton, 37% Rayon, 8%Spandex |
| Colors | 12 |
| Fit | Classic |
FootJoy Knit Inseam Shorts
FootJoy Knit Inseam Shorts
Pros
- Anti-wrinkle
- Anti-shrink
- Easy to care for
Cons
- Sizing can be inconsistent
Foot Joy's performance fabric will become your new best friend on the Fairway and will allow you a complete range of motion during your golf swing.
| Waist sizes | 30-44 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% Polyester |
| Colors | 8 |
| Fit | Regular |
Under Armour Drive Tapered Shorts
Under Armour Drive Tapered Shorts
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Durable and super comfortable
- Stretch-engineered waist band
Cons
- Shallow pockets
Ask any pro about Under Armour (a certain Master's champion is their sponsor, after all!), and they'll tell you the same thing: the brand is an expert at creating light and flexible gear that you'll want to train in on and off the course.
| Waist sizes | 30-44 |
|---|---|
| Materials | 90% Polyester/10% Elastane |
| Colors | 3 |
| Fit | Regular |
How To Choose
Length: When deciding on the perfect length for a golf short, a couple of variables come into play. How tall are you? If you're on the shorter side (hey, it's short king spring, after all), you'll want to choose a shorter inseam length for your shorts, between five and seven inches. If you're on the taller side (good for you, no need to brag), your legs are longer, which means you'll want to look for shorts with a longer inseam of between seven and nine inches.
Style: Just like most golfers have a different style swing, your personal style should be reflected in your course apparel. If the most important part of playing the game is the drink cart, grab a pair with a funky print. If you're more of a serious player, stick to the classics like a solid color or minimal striped pattern. Whatever kind of guy you are, you'll want to make sure you find shorts with deep pockets so you can store extra tees, goofballs, scorecards, etc.
Material: As you hit the back nine, you may start to feel it in your body. That's why you need shorts that are lightweight and breathable to give you some relief. Look for fabrics like cotton or polyester to help keep you cool (we're only talking about body temperature here, not your anger level if you keep hitting a bogey), and seek out materials with UV protection to keep you shielded from the sun.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great.
Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. When it comes to golf shorts—especially performance-driven ones, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear.
We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these performance-driven golf shorts are the ones that are simply the best. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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