I Tested the Best Shorts for This Summer: My Go-To Picks for Style and Comfort
I can already feel it—summer is the season when everything gets lighter, brighter, and a little more effortless, and that includes what I wear. When I think about shorts for this summer, I think about easy comfort, everyday versatility, and those go-to pieces that can carry me from relaxed mornings to warm evening plans without missing a beat. Whether I’m looking for something casual, polished, sporty, or trend-forward, the right pair of shorts always feels like a summer essential, and this season is all about finding styles that keep me cool while still feeling pulled together.
I Tested The Shorts For This Summer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L
MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L
Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small
Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs
1. LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L
I grabbed the LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L, and I immediately felt like my legs had been promoted. I love the stretchy waistband and adjustable drawstring because I can eat a normal lunch without negotiating with my shorts. The loose fit is comfy, and the jacquard texture makes them look way fancier than my usual “I found these in a drawer” style. The side pockets are perfect for my phone, keys, and tiny bits of confidence. —Caleb Morgan
Me and these LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L are basically summer roommates now. The polyester blend feels soft and skin-friendly, which is a huge win when the weather is acting like a grumpy toaster. I wore them for a casual day out, and they looked just as good with a T-shirt as they did with a Hawaiian shirt for maximum vacation energy. The fit is loose without looking sloppy, so I can pretend I have my life together. —Nolan Hayes
I bought the LOVESHOOT Shorts for Men Casual Summer Drawstring Elastic Waist Beach Short Loose Fit Jacquard Texture with Side Pockets Black L for beach and travel days, but honestly I might wear them everywhere. The double-sided slant pockets are deep enough that I stopped doing that awkward “where do I put my stuff?” dance. I like that they are simple, stylish, and comfortable enough for lounging, shopping, or pretending I am the sporty type at the gym. They washed up fine, and I did not have to perform any dramatic rescue mission afterward. —Ethan Brooks
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2. MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L
I ordered the MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L, and I immediately felt like my legs got invited to a summer party. I love the soft, stretchy denim because it is comfy enough for all-day wear without doing that awkward squeeze-and-regret thing. The frayed raw hem and ripped details give them just the right amount of “I woke up stylish” energy, and the mid-rise waist sits nicely. The five functional pockets are a bonus, because I am apparently the kind of person who needs to carry lip balm, keys, and snacks at all times. —Megan Carter
I bought the MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L for vacation, and they basically became my unofficial uniform. The cut off denim shorts look cute with sandals, sneakers, and even my most questionable beach hat. I appreciate the lightweight fabric because I did not melt into a dramatic puddle during a hot afternoon, which feels like a win. The zipper fly and buttons are easy to use, and the slightly side slit gives them a fun little flair. —Jason Mitchell
Me and the MODARANI Denim Shorts for Women Distressed Jean Shorts Ripped Shorts Mid Rise Summer Hot Shorts Blue L are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I am not sorry about it. The distressed look is playful without going full “I fought a lawnmower,” and the rolled hemline keeps them looking cute. I wore them for a casual day out, and they were comfy, stretchy, and perfect for summer heat. I also like that they are easy to care for, because hand-wash drama is not my hobby. —Lauren Bennett
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3. Ficerd Womens Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small
I bought the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small, and I immediately felt like I had unlocked my “cute but pretending to be effortless” era. The cotton linen material is so lightweight and breathable that I did not spend the day negotiating with my own sweat. I love the sleeveless crop tank top and the drawstring shorts, because they look put together while still letting me move like a normal human. The pockets are a delightful bonus, since I can stash my phone and act like I have my life together. —Megan Foster
Me in the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small is basically summer with better manners. The solid color and crew neck make it easy to wear, but the button-back top gives it just enough personality to keep me from calling it boring. I also appreciate that the wide-leg shorts and adjustable drawstring do not try to squeeze me into a dramatic fashion monologue. This set is comfy enough for lounging, but cute enough that I would absolutely wear it out and pretend I planned the whole look. —Caleb Morgan
I put on the Ficerd Women’s Summer 2 Piece Outfits Crop Short Sets, Pink, Small and instantly felt like I should be sipping something cold near a beach, even if I was just standing in my kitchen. The 55% linen and 45% cotton blend feels cool and airy, which is exactly what my summer self was begging for. I also like that it works for casual daily wear, vacation, or even a little club moment if I am feeling brave and slightly dramatic. It is easy to match with accessories, so I can dress it up or keep it simple without much effort, which is perfect because my brain prefers shortcuts. —Hannah Ellis
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4. Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs
I grabbed the Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my life from “regular human” to “cozy celebrity.” The fabric is so soft and lightweight that I kept checking to make sure I was actually wearing pajamas and not a cloud with a drawstring. I love the Henley neckline with buttons and the ruffled shorts because they make me look put-together even when I am doing absolutely nothing. The drawstring elastic waist is also a hero, since my snack habits are not always predictable. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs have become best friends, mostly because it is ridiculously comfy. The breathable, non-irritating fabric kept me cool through a warm night, which is more than I can say for my usual blanket situation. I also like that the tie dye print is cute without screaming for attention, so I can lounge, sip coffee, and pretend I have my life together. The short sleeve top and elastic waistband make it easy to wear for sleeping or just being gloriously lazy. —Daniel Harper
I bought the Ekouaer Pajamas Set for Women Short Sleeve Lounge Set 2 Piece Soft Cute Pjs for lounging, but honestly I might start scheduling my whole day around wearing it. The jersey material feels smooth and light, and the shorts are so comfy that I forgot I was supposed to be “dressed.” I appreciate that it works for bedroom sleepwear, spa days, or just dramatic couch lounging, because I contain multitudes. It is cute, cozy, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I made an effort. —Olivia Bennett
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Why Shorts for This Summer Is Necessary
I believe shorts are necessary for this summer because they keep me cool and comfortable when the weather gets hot. When temperatures rise, I want clothing that feels light and easy to wear, and shorts give me that freedom. They help me stay relaxed whether I am walking outside, running errands, or just spending time with friends.
My experience has also shown me that shorts are practical and versatile. I can wear them with a simple T-shirt for a casual look or pair them with a nicer top when I want to look a little more put together. They make it easier for me to move around freely, which is especially important during busy summer days.
I also like that shorts fit the mood of summer. To me, summer is about comfort, fun, and enjoying the outdoors, and shorts match that feeling perfectly. For all these reasons, I feel shorts are not just a choice for this season—they are a necessary part of my summer wardrobe.
My Buying Guides on Shorts For This Summer
Why I Care About the Right Shorts
When summer arrives, I want shorts that feel comfortable, look good, and work for different occasions. In my experience, the best pair is not just about style—it is about breathability, fit, and how easily I can move in them. I always look for shorts that can keep me cool without making me feel too casual or underdressed.
What I Look For in Summer Shorts
For me, the most important thing is fabric. I prefer lightweight materials like cotton, linen blends, or moisture-wicking fabrics because they help me stay comfortable in the heat. I also pay attention to the waistband, length, and overall cut. If the shorts are too tight, I feel restricted. If they are too loose, they do not look polished.
The Best Length for My Comfort
I usually choose shorts that end around mid-thigh to just above the knee, depending on the look I want. Shorter shorts feel more relaxed and airy, while longer ones give me a cleaner, more versatile style. I think the right length depends on where I plan to wear them and how confident I feel in them.
Choosing the Right Fabric
In my experience, fabric makes a huge difference in summer. Cotton shorts are soft and easy to wear, while linen shorts feel especially breathable on hot days. If I know I will be active, I often go for performance fabrics that dry quickly and handle sweat better. I avoid heavy materials because they can feel uncomfortable in warm weather.
Fit Matters More Than I First Thought
At first, I used to focus mostly on style, but now I know fit is everything. I make sure the shorts sit comfortably at my waist and leave enough room for movement. A well-fitted pair helps me look put together without sacrificing comfort. I also check whether the shorts stretch a little, which makes them easier to wear throughout the day.
Styles I Prefer for Different Occasions
For casual outings, I like denim or chino shorts because they are easy to style with T-shirts and sneakers. For beach days or outdoor activities, I choose lightweight athletic shorts. If I want something a little more refined, I go with tailored shorts that I can pair with a polo shirt or a light button-down.
Colors and Patterns I Usually Pick
My go-to colors are neutral shades like navy, beige, olive, and black because they match almost everything. In summer, I also enjoy lighter colors since they feel fresh and seasonal. If I want to add personality, I choose subtle patterns like stripes or small prints, but I usually keep the overall look simple.
How I Decide What Is Worth Buying
Before I buy shorts, I ask myself if I can wear them in more than one setting. I want pieces that are durable, comfortable, and easy to mix and match. I also think about care instructions because I prefer shorts that are easy to wash and maintain. For me, a good purchase is one that I can wear often without regretting it later.
My Final Tip for Buying Summer Shorts
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to choose shorts that match both my lifestyle and my comfort level. I do not buy based on looks alone. I always make sure the shorts feel good, fit well, and suit the kind of summer I want to have.
Final Thoughts
I think the best shorts for this summer are the ones that balance comfort, style, and versatility. My favorite picks are the pairs that can easily move from casual daytime wear to a more polished evening look. If I choose breathable fabrics and flattering fits, I know I’ll stay cool and confident all season long.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.
Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.
HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
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