# The 6 Best Summer Shorts for Men on Amazon in 2026 > Best men's summer shorts in 2026: classic chino, stretch drawstring, denim and oxford cotton casual shorts from 5-inch to knee length. Guide: https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/ · Updated 2026-10-06 · By TwelveTabs · Search it live: https://twelvetabs.com/?q=men's%20summer%20shorts&guide=best-summer-shorts-for-men As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Our picks are independently researched, written by TwelveTabs AI and never sponsored. Prices and ratings change often: see the guide for today's. ## The top picks - **A classic cotton twill chino short:** Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit 9-Inch Chino Shorts. A classic-fit cotton twill chino short with a 9-inch cut. Amazon's own summary describes the fabric as thick cotton, and the page labels it a chino. - **A five-pocket denim short:** Wrangler Authentics Men's Comfort Flex Waistband Jean Shorts. A relaxed-fit denim short with a 10-inch inseam, a Comfort Flex waistband, a zipper fly with a button and classic five-pocket styling. - **A stretch chino with a drawstring:** JMIERR Men's Cotton Stretch Drawstring Chino Shorts. A slim-fit chino short in a cotton blend with elastane stretch, an elastic waistband with an internal drawstring, two deep front pockets and two back pockets. - **A knee-length stretch chino:** Volcom Men's Vmonty Stretch 22 Chino Shorts. A stretch chino short with a 22-inch outseam that the listing calls knee-length, a zipper fly, two side pockets and two back welt pockets. - **A classic-fit short with a hidden zip pocket:** Dockers Men's Perfect Short Classic Fit 10.5-Inch. A classic-fit short, generous through the hip and thigh, with a 10.5-inch inseam and a hidden security pocket with a concealed zipper and a coin compartment. - **A short 5-inch oxford cotton cut:** Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 5-Inch Oxford Cotton Shorts. A slim-fit short in lightweight summerweight oxford cotton with added stretch, a fixed waist with a button and hidden zipper, and a 5-inch inseam. Our top pick is the **[Amazon Essentials 9-inch chino](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-1)**, a classic-fit cotton twill chino short that Amazon marks the No. 1 Best Seller in men's flat front shorts. By a summer short we mean a casual short in a woven fabric such as chino twill, oxford cotton or denim, with a zipper or elastic waist and pockets, meant for warm weather. We read 116 Amazon search cards for men's summer shorts and set aside swim trunks, athletic and running shorts, cargo shorts, pajama shorts and two-piece sets before comparing 10 finalists. The [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) is a stretch chino with a drawstring, the [Wrangler](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-2) is a five-pocket denim short, and the [Volcom](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-4) is a knee-length stretch chino. The [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5) has a hidden zip pocket and the [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) is a 5-inch cut in lightweight oxford cotton. ## How to choose summer shorts for men - **Length.** GQ notes that most brands push a 5-inch inseam as the only length that matters, then asks what a 7-inch inseam adds, and Men's Health calls a 7-inch inseam a middle-of-the-road length that suits many body types. Our picks run from the 5-inch [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) to the 10.5-inch [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5). The [Volcom](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-4) lists a 22-inch outseam, a different measure from an inseam, so do not compare the two numbers directly. - **Waistband.** The Unconventional Route's writer wants a flexible waistband and a drawstring so shorts stay up without a belt, and Men's Health picks shorts with a hint of stretch in the waistband. The [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) lists an elastic waistband with an internal drawstring, and the [Wrangler](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-2) lists a Comfort Flex waistband. - **Fabric.** GQ calls linen shorts breezy and lightweight, and Men's Health likes cotton and spandex blends for breathability with some stretch. No pick here is linen: the [Amazon Essentials chino](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-1) is cotton twill, the [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) is summerweight oxford cotton and the [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) is a cotton blend with elastane. - **Pockets.** The Unconventional Route's writer asks for deep pockets and, ideally, one with a zipper. The [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5) lists a hidden zip pocket with a coin compartment, and the [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) lists deep reinforced pockets. - **Sizing.** Men's Health says one chino short runs small on guys with thicker thighs and advises going up a size. Amazon's own summaries are mixed on fit for every pick here, so read the size chart. ## Our picks in detail ### 1. Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit 9-Inch Chino Shorts: best for a classic cotton twill chino short **Why it made the list** - Its listing names a classic fit, cotton twill and a chino style, with a 9-inch cut. - Amazon's own summary calls the fabric thick cotton and the shorts well made. - It is the best-known short on the page: Amazon marks it the No. 1 Best Seller in men's flat front shorts. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary is mixed on fit, length and color, with some saying they run small and short. - It also lists rips and splits as a durability problem for some. - The page text we read had no bullets, so its details come from the title and Amazon's summary. One critical snippet says the waist is cut big and another says it runs small. **Skip it if** you want a stretch waistband or a drawstring. The [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) has both. ### 2. Wrangler Authentics Comfort Flex Jean Shorts: best for a five-pocket denim short **Why it made the list** - Its listing names a relaxed fit, a 10-inch inseam and a natural waist. - The Comfort Flex waistband is listed as moving and bending with you. - A zipper fly with a button closure and a five-pocket layout (two front scoop, a watch pocket and two back) are listed. - Amazon marks it the No. 1 Best Seller in men's denim shorts. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary says customers disagree on sizing, with some finding the shorts too long. - Denim is a heavier fabric than twill or oxford cotton (our inference), so it may run warm in peak heat. - The 10-inch inseam is the longest of the casual cuts here after the 22-inch [Volcom](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-4). **Skip it if** you want a lighter fabric or a shorter cut. The [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) is a lightweight 5-inch. ### 3. JMIERR Cotton Stretch Drawstring Chino Shorts: best for a stretch chino with a drawstring **Why it made the list** - Its listing names a cotton blend with some elastane for stretch and breathability. - An elastic waistband with an adjustable internal drawstring is listed, so it can be tightened without a belt. - Two deep front pockets and two back pockets are listed, and the pockets are described as reinforced. - A slim, flat-front cut with a small leather patch is listed. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary is mixed on sizing, color and material, with some saying the colors fade. - One critical snippet says the color faded by the second wash. - The listing text we read gives no inseam, so check the size chart before you order. **Skip it if** you want a relaxed leg. The [Wrangler](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-2) has a relaxed fit. ### 4. Volcom Vmonty Stretch 22 Chino Shorts: best for a knee-length stretch chino **Why it made the list** - Its listing names a modern fit and a 22-inch outseam, in a knee-length cut. - Stretch fabric is listed as moving with you. - Two side pockets, two back welt pockets, a branded shank button and a zipper fly are listed. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary is mixed on fit and stretch, with some saying it is not true to size or has no stretch. - The length is an outseam, which runs longer than the inseams of the other picks. - One critical snippet complains of bad stitching and animal hair on arrival. **Skip it if** you want a shorter short. The [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) has a 5-inch inseam. ### 5. Dockers Perfect Short Classic Fit 10.5-Inch: best for a classic-fit short with a hidden zip pocket **Why it made the list** - Its listing names a classic fit that is generous through the hip and thigh, with a 10.5-inch inseam. - A hidden security pocket with a concealed zipper and a coin compartment is listed. - The khaki on the page is the non-stretch version, so it is a plain, structured short. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary is mixed on sizing and length, with some saying they run small and slightly short. - The listing text we read names no fabric. - The color is called darker than advertised by some in Amazon's summary. **Skip it if** you want stretch. The [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) and the [Volcom](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-4) list it. ### 6. Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit 5-Inch Oxford Shorts: best for a short 5-inch oxford cotton cut **Why it made the list** - Its listing names summerweight oxford cotton with added stretch for the heat. - The cut is slim through the hip and thigh with a tapered leg opening and a 5-inch inseam. - A fixed waist with a center front button and hidden zipper, slanted front pockets and two back welt pockets are listed. - The listing says it can be dressed up with a collared shirt or kept casual with a T-shirt. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary is mixed on sizing and fit, with some saying they run big. - One critical snippet says the legs are baggy for a slim fit. - The listing has a fixed waist, so there is no drawstring or elastic. **Skip it if** you want a longer, knee-length short. The [Volcom](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-4) and the [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5) are longer. ## What we left out, and why We read 116 search cards, 96 of them organic, and read the pages of 10 finalists. We kept six and left out: - **Amazon Essentials Men's 8-Inch Inseam Relaxed-Fit Cotton Drawstring Pull-On Walk Shorts.** A second Amazon Essentials cotton twill short doing the work of the [Amazon Essentials chino](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-1) and the [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3): a relaxed pull-on with a drawstring. - **QPNGRP Men's Casual Drawstring Zipper Pockets Shorts.** Its listing also sells it for sports and home wear, and Amazon's own summary flags zipper quality and durability as weak points. - **Amazon Essentials Men's Classic-Fit 7-Inch Short Shorts.** The same brand and cotton twill type as the [Amazon Essentials chino](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-1), with a shorter cut that the [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) already covers. - **Tansozer Men's Casual Drawstring Beach Shorts.** A cotton, linen and spandex blend, but Amazon's own summary lists durability and sizing as weak points, with pockets that rip. Cargo shorts, swim trunks, athletic and running shorts, compression and golf-performance shorts, pajama shorts and two-piece sets were set aside before the shortlist, because they are a different product from a casual summer short. Our guide to [compression shorts for men](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-compression-shorts-for-men/) covers the athletic kind. No Wirecutter page appears in Google's top results for this topic. ## Questions people ask ### What inseam length should summer shorts have? It depends on the leg. GQ says brands lean on 5 inches, and Men's Health calls 7 inches a middle-of-the-road length that suits many body types. Our picks span the 5-inch [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6), the 10-inch [Wrangler](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-2) and the 10.5-inch [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5). ### Do summer shorts need a drawstring or stretch waistband? Not always, but a flexible waistband helps shorts stay up without a belt, according to The Unconventional Route's writer. The [JMIERR](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-3) lists an elastic waistband with a drawstring, while the [Dockers](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-5) and the [Amazon Essentials oxford short](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-summer-shorts-for-men/#pick-6) have fixed waists. ### What fabric is best for summer shorts? GQ calls linen breezy and lightweight, and Men's Health favors cotton and spandex blends for breathability and stretch. The picks here are cotton twill, oxford cotton, denim and a cotton blend, so none is linen. ### Do these shorts run true to size? Amazon's own summaries are mixed on fit, sizing or length for every pick, and a clothing listing shares one review total across its sizes and colors. Check each listing's size chart before you order. ### How did TwelveTabs choose these shorts? TwelveTabs read the first two pages of Amazon results for men's summer shorts, set aside sponsored repeats, cargo, swim and athletic shorts, and read the pages of 10 finalists. We kept six and checked the buying advice against Men's Health, GQ and The Unconventional Route. AI wrote this guide from that research. To see what TwelveTabs picks today, run the search yourself with the button on this page. ## How we researched On October 6, 2026 we read 116 Amazon search cards for men's summer shorts, 96 organic and 20 sponsored. AI compared them, set aside sponsored repeats, cargo, swim and athletic shorts, and shorts that share one set of ratings across different models, read the pages of 10 finalists and chose six casual summer shorts. AI wrote this guide from that research. Listings change: we read them on October 6, 2026, and a size, color or seller may differ today. A clothing listing shares one review total across its sizes and colors, and Amazon showed one size and color of each, so a figure is not one variant's. Amazon sent each of the 10 finalists' pages to a size or color variant, and one page carried no bullet text. The collector kept about 200 characters of each bullet, so a feature may exist that the text we read does not name. ### Sources - [Men's Health: The Best Men's Shorts](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g28249026/most-flattering-shorts-for-men/) - [GQ: The Best Men's Shorts](https://www.gq.com/story/best-shorts-for-men) - [The Unconventional Route: Best Men's Shorts](https://www.theunconventionalroute.com/best-mens-shorts/)