7 Best Plus Size Athletic Shorts for Big & Tall Men

There’s a massive difference between a standard pair of shorts made bigger and a pair designed from the ground up for a larger frame. Simply adding inches to a pattern just doesn't work—it creates a poor fit in the seat, thighs, and waist. The best plus size athletic shorts for men are thoughtfully engineered with details like extra room where it counts and durable stretch fabrics that move with you. This guide is all about highlighting the brands that truly understand the big and tall build. We’ll show you options that offer a superior fit because they were created with your body in mind from day one.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on the details that matter: A great pair of shorts is defined by its construction, not its logo. Prioritize moisture-wicking fabric, a wide waistband that stays put without pinching, and pockets that are actually deep enough for your phone.
• Trust the tape measure, not the tag: Sizing is inconsistent across brands. Measuring your waist and preferred inseam is the most reliable way to find a perfect fit on the first try and avoid the frustration of returns.
• Shop with brands that get it: You’ll find a better, more comfortable fit from companies that specialize in big and tall clothing. They design for larger frames from the ground up, rather than simply scaling up a standard pattern.

The Best Athletic Shorts for Big & Tall Men

Finding a great pair of athletic shorts shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt. For too long, bigger guys have had to settle for shorts that are too tight, too short, or made from flimsy fabric that doesn't last. The good news is that more brands are finally creating high-quality athletic wear designed specifically for big and tall frames. We've sorted through the options to find the shorts that deliver on comfort, fit, and style, so you can spend less time searching and more time moving.

This list covers everything from premium, performance-driven gear to reliable, budget-friendly basics. Whether you're hitting the gym, running errands, or just lounging at home, there's a pair here for you. We're looking at brands that truly understand the needs of a larger build—think wider leg openings, secure waistbands that don't dig in, and durable fabrics with the right amount of stretch. We’ll cover our own Strongsize shorts, which were built from the ground up for the perfect big and tall fit, as well as established names like Under Armour and Champion that offer dedicated extended size collections. We'll even look at some solid, affordable options from brands like Hanes and NELEUS for when you just need to stock up.

Strongsize: For Unbeatable Comfort and Fit

We designed our All-Day Athletic Shorts because we were tired of the compromises. Instead of just sizing up a standard pattern, we built our shorts from scratch with the big and tall guy in mind. That means a comfortable fit through the hips and thighs, a waistband that stays put without pinching, and a length that provides coverage without getting in the way. Made with a premium, moisture-wicking fabric that has just the right amount of stretch, these shorts are durable enough for a workout but comfortable enough for all-day wear. With sizes from XL to 8XL, we focused on creating a fit that feels custom-made, so you can move with total confidence.

Under Armour: Performance-Ready Big & Tall Gear

If you’re looking for high-performance gear, Under Armour is a name you can trust. Their Big & Tall collection isn't an afterthought; it features the same technical fabrics and thoughtful design as their standard sizes. Known for their moisture-wicking materials and athletic cuts, these shorts are built for serious activity. You can find a great selection of their shorts at specialty retailers like Westport Big & Tall, which curates options specifically for larger frames. While they come at a premium price point, the quality and performance make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who takes their workouts seriously and wants gear that can keep up.

Champion: A Classic Choice in Big & Tall Sizes

Champion has been a staple in athletic wear for decades, and for good reason. They offer classic, no-fuss designs that are comfortable, durable, and reliable. Their big and tall line provides that same dependable quality in extended sizes, making them a go-to for everyday gym shorts or casual loungewear. You can find a wide variety of their styles, from classic mesh shorts to comfortable cotton blends, at retailers like King Size. Champion is a great middle-ground option if you want a recognizable brand name and solid construction without the high-performance price tag. They’re the kind of shorts you can count on season after season.

NELEUS & Hanes: Your Best Budget-Friendly Options

Sometimes you just need a few extra pairs of shorts in your rotation without spending a lot. That’s where brands like NELEUS and Hanes come in. Available at major retailers like Walmart, these brands offer multipacks and single pairs at incredibly accessible prices. While they may not have the advanced technical fabrics of more expensive options, they provide reliable comfort for everyday activities, lounging, or light exercise. They are a practical choice for stocking up on basics, ensuring you always have a clean, comfortable pair of shorts ready to go. For the price, it’s hard to beat the value they offer.

Wolaco: For Durable Compression

If chafing is your main concern, a good pair of compression shorts can be a game-changer. Wolaco makes some of the most durable half-tights on the market, designed to keep you comfortable and secure during any activity. Their shorts are known for being incredibly tough, holding up well against the friction that comes with having thicker thighs. Beyond just preventing chafing, they come loaded with practical features, including four different pockets to hold your phone, keys, and cards without anything bouncing around. According to reviews from runners, they also include a special modesty layer, which is a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall comfort and confidence you feel while wearing them.

Bandit: For High-Performance Storage

For those who need to carry more than just the essentials, finding shorts with enough storage can be a challenge. Bandit solves this problem with their high-performance quarter tights, which feature an impressive seven pockets. This design lets you securely carry everything you need for a long run or a full day out without feeling weighed down. The fabric is silky, smooth, and lightweight, offering a premium feel that moves with you. One of the standout features is the grip tape at the hem, which is extremely effective at keeping the legs from riding up—a common frustration for bigger guys. While the grip might feel a bit snug at first, it ensures your shorts stay exactly where you want them, no matter how much you move.

What Makes a Great Pair of Athletic Shorts?

Finding the right pair of athletic shorts can feel like a mission, especially when standard sizes just don’t cut it. The difference between a great pair and a bad one comes down to a few key details that directly impact comfort, performance, and how you feel wearing them. A good pair of shorts moves with you, keeps you cool, and holds up wash after wash without stretching out or falling apart. It’s not just about finding a pair that fits; it’s about finding a pair that feels like it was made for you. Before you add anything to your cart, here’s a breakdown of the four non-negotiables to look for.

Prioritize Breathable, Sweat-Wicking Fabric

When you’re working out or just moving through your day, the last thing you want is fabric that traps heat and feels heavy with sweat. The best athletic shorts are made from performance fabrics like polyester, nylon, or blends that include spandex. These materials are designed to be lightweight and breathable, allowing air to circulate and keep you cool. More importantly, they have moisture-wicking properties, which means they pull sweat away from your skin to the fabric's surface where it can evaporate quickly. This helps prevent that sticky, weighed-down feeling and reduces the risk of chafing, keeping you comfortable no matter how intense things get.

The Best Materials: Nylon, Spandex, and Elastane

The right fabric is the foundation of a great pair of athletic shorts. Performance materials like nylon and polyester are your best friends because they are engineered to be lightweight and breathable, which helps keep you cool when you’re on the move. The real game-changer, however, is the addition of spandex (also known as elastane). This gives the fabric its essential stretch, allowing the shorts to move with your body without feeling restrictive or tight. This combination of materials creates a powerhouse fabric that not only feels comfortable against your skin but also wicks moisture away, pulling sweat from your body to the surface where it can dry quickly.

The One Fabric to Avoid: Cotton

While cotton is great for a soft t-shirt, it’s the absolute worst choice for athletic shorts. The main issue is that cotton is highly absorbent; it soaks up sweat like a sponge and holds onto it. This trapped moisture makes the fabric heavy, clingy, and slow to dry, creating the perfect storm for discomfort and skin irritation. For bigger guys, this can be a major problem, as that damp, heavy fabric significantly increases the friction that leads to painful chafing. To stay comfortable and dry, always avoid 100% cotton and stick with the synthetic performance blends designed to handle sweat.

Extra Protection: Anti-Chafing Products

Even the best-designed shorts can sometimes use a little help, especially during a long workout or on a particularly hot and humid day. If chafing is a persistent issue for you, consider adding an anti-chafing product to your routine. Sticks and balms like Body Glide create an invisible, non-greasy barrier on your skin that drastically reduces friction where your thighs might rub together. It’s a simple, quick step you can take before getting dressed that provides an extra layer of protection and ensures you can move through your day with total comfort and confidence, without giving chafing a second thought.

Find a Flexible Waistband and Fabric

A waistband that rolls down, digs into your sides, or feels too restrictive is an instant dealbreaker. Look for shorts with a wide, flat elastic waistband that sits comfortably without pinching and stays securely in place. An internal or external drawcord is also a great feature for dialing in the perfect fit. Beyond the waistband, the fabric itself should have some stretch. A good amount of spandex or elastane blended into the material allows the shorts to move with your body, providing a full range of motion for squats, lunges, or just bending over. You shouldn't have to think about your shorts when you're active—they should just work.

Get Pockets That Actually Hold Your Stuff

Functionality matters, and nothing is more frustrating than pockets that are too shallow to securely hold your phone, keys, or wallet. Many athletic shorts designed for smaller frames completely miss the mark here. When you’re shopping, look for shorts with deep side pockets that can accommodate a modern smartphone without it threatening to fall out every time you sit down. For added security, some shorts offer a zippered pocket, which is perfect for making sure your essentials stay put whether you’re at the gym or on the go. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in everyday wear.

Why Zippered and Snug Pockets Matter

A zippered pocket is all about peace of mind. It’s the difference between focusing on your workout and constantly checking to make sure your keys and wallet are still there. But security is only half the battle. A snug pocket design is just as crucial, especially for holding a modern smartphone. It prevents your phone from bouncing against your leg with every step or rep, which can be incredibly distracting. The best shorts combine both: a secure zipper to keep things from falling out and a snug fit so you can genuinely forget your essentials are even there. This thoughtful combination allows you to focus completely on your activity, knowing everything is safe and stable.

Choose the Right Inseam for Your Height

The inseam—the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg opening—is crucial for getting the right fit and look. The ideal length often comes down to personal preference, but a good starting point for most guys is a length that hits just above the knee. This prevents the fabric from getting in the way during movement and avoids uncomfortable inner-thigh chafing. If you’re on the taller side, you’ll want to look for shorts specifically labeled as "tall" or check the inseam measurement to ensure you get the coverage you want. An inseam that’s too short can ride up, while one that’s too long can feel restrictive.

Finding the Ideal Inseam to Prevent Chafing

Let's be direct: chafing is a major issue for many guys, and it can turn any activity into a painful experience. The single most effective way to combat this is by choosing shorts with the right inseam length. When your thighs rub together, a longer inseam provides a crucial layer of fabric that acts as a barrier, preventing the friction that leads to irritation and raw skin. For most men, an inseam between 7 and 10 inches is the sweet spot for providing enough coverage to stop skin-on-skin contact without feeling overly long or restrictive. This is a detail that brands specializing in big and tall apparel understand well, ensuring their designs offer practical comfort where it matters most.

Look for Smart Design Features

Beyond the basics, some shorts include clever design details that can completely change your experience. These features are often the difference between a good pair of shorts and a great one, showing that the brand has really thought about the person wearing them. Things like built-in liners or special grippers aren’t just gimmicks; they’re practical solutions to common problems like chafing and shorts riding up. When you see these kinds of thoughtful additions, it’s a good sign that you’re looking at a product designed for real-world comfort and performance, not just one that was scaled up to a larger size tag without any extra consideration.

Built-In Liners and 2-in-1 Styles

If chafing is a constant battle, 2-in-1 shorts with built-in liners are a game-changer. These shorts combine a standard, looser-fitting outer short with a snug, supportive inner liner that functions like a compression brief. This design provides excellent support, wicks away sweat, and creates a protective barrier that drastically reduces friction between your thighs. The liner keeps everything comfortably in place, so you can move freely without worrying about irritation. It’s a feature that adds a layer of confidence and comfort, whether you’re running, lifting weights, or just going for a long walk on a hot day.

Silicone Grippers for a Stay-Put Fit

There’s nothing more distracting than having to constantly pull down your shorts during a workout. Shorter inseams, in particular, have a tendency to bunch up and ride up the leg, which can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. Some of the most thoughtfully designed shorts solve this problem with a simple but brilliant feature: silicone grippers. These are thin, tacky strips placed along the inside of the leg hem that gently grip your skin to prevent them from riding up. This small detail ensures your shorts stay exactly where they’re supposed to, no matter how much you move.

The Benefits of Compression and "Squat-Proof" Fabric

A great pair of athletic shorts should give you the confidence to move however you want. That starts with fabric that offers both support and opacity. "Squat-proof" is a term used to describe material that remains completely non-see-through, even when stretched during deep movements like squats or lunges. This allows you to focus on your form without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. At Strongsize, we believe shorts should allow for a full range of motion while providing comfortable compression that supports your muscles. This combination of durable, opaque fabric and flexible support is key to finding shorts that feel secure and empowering.

What Size Range Can You Expect?

Figuring out big and tall sizing can feel like trying to solve a puzzle, especially when every brand seems to have its own rules. But once you understand the basics, you can shop with a lot more confidence. The key is to focus less on the letter or number on the tag and more on how the clothes are actually designed to fit your body. Most specialty brands have moved beyond simple "XXL" labels and now offer sizing that accounts for both your height and width, which makes a huge difference in comfort and style.

A Quick Guide to Big & Tall Sizing

Finding athletic shorts in your size shouldn't feel like a mission. The good news is that more brands are finally offering a solid range of options. In the big and tall world, you’ll typically see sizes from XL up to 8XL, and some retailers even offer big and tall activewear up to a 10XL. You might also see letters like "B" for Big and "T" for Tall. "Big" sizes (like 4XB) are designed with a roomier fit through the waist, seat, and thighs, while "Tall" sizes (like XLT) add extra length to the inseam and rise. This specialized sizing ensures a much better fit than just grabbing a larger size from a standard brand.

Why Sizing Isn't the Same Everywhere

If you've ever ordered a 3XL from two different stores only to find one fits perfectly and the other is too snug, you're not imagining things. There’s no universal standard for clothing sizes, which means a 3XL at one brand can be completely different from another. Each company creates its own patterns based on a specific fit model, leading to major inconsistencies. This is why relying on the tag alone is a recipe for frustration. The single most important thing you can do is to ignore the size label and focus on your actual measurements. Always check the brand’s size chart before you buy, and read customer reviews for real-world feedback on how an item actually fits.

How Much Should a Good Pair of Shorts Cost?

Figuring out what to spend on athletic shorts can feel like a guessing game, but the price tag usually tells a story about the fabric, construction, and features you're getting. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a great pair, but it helps to know what your money gets you. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful option for yard work or a high-performance pair for the gym, there’s something out there for every budget. We’ll break down the typical price ranges so you can decide where you want to invest. Think of it less as a strict rulebook and more as a guide to finding the best value for your needs.

Best Budget-Friendly Shorts (Under $30)

If you’re looking for a solid, no-frills pair of shorts without a hefty price tag, the under-$30 range is your starting point. This is where you’ll find basic mesh or cotton-blend shorts that are perfect for lounging, running errands, or casual workouts. Retailers like Walmart and Amazon Essentials offer a wide selection in this category, making it easy to stock up. While they might not have advanced moisture-wicking tech or premium fabrics, they get the job done for everyday activities. It’s a practical choice if you need multiple pairs or just want something simple that fits comfortably.

Great Mid-Range Options ($30–$70)

This is the sweet spot where quality and price find a happy medium. In the $30 to $70 range, you’ll start seeing shorts made with better materials, like performance polyester blends that offer more stretch and do a better job of wicking away sweat. You can also expect more thoughtful design details, such as zippered pockets, more durable waistbands, and a better overall fit. Brands in this category, often found at specialty stores like DXL, invest more in creating a product that holds up well wash after wash. If you’re active and want shorts that perform without breaking the bank, this is the perfect range to shop in.

Premium Shorts Worth the Investment ($70+)

When you move into the $70-and-up category, you’re paying for premium quality, advanced fabric technology, and a superior fit. These shorts are built to last, featuring high-performance materials that are lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. They often include details like reinforced seams, anti-chafe construction, and specialized fabrics designed to keep you cool and dry during intense activity. Brands in this space put a ton of research into perfecting the big and tall fit, so you’re less likely to deal with issues like riding up or a restrictive feel. Think of these as an investment—a go-to pair you’ll reach for again and again.

Where Can You Buy Big & Tall Athletic Shorts?

Finding the perfect pair of athletic shorts is half the battle—the other half is knowing where to actually buy them. For years, the options were pretty limited, but thankfully, that’s changing. You’ve got more choices than ever, from specialized online brands to the big & tall section at your favorite department store. Let's break down the best places to look so you can find shorts that fit your body and your lifestyle, without the usual frustration.

Buying Directly from Your Favorite Brands

Going straight to the source is often your best bet. Brands that are built exclusively for big and tall guys (like us at Strongsize) put all their energy into getting the fit, fabric, and details right. We're not just adding a few inches to a standard pattern; we're designing from the ground up for your build. Other online specialists, like Westport Big & Tall, also offer a great selection of high-quality shorts designed for everything from hitting the gym to just relaxing. When you shop with a brand that gets it, you spend less time worrying about fit and more time feeling comfortable.

Shopping at Big & Tall Specialty Stores

Big & tall specialty stores are another fantastic resource. These retailers curate clothing from various brands, all tailored for larger frames. Think of them as a one-stop shop where you know everything is designed with you in mind. Stores like King Size have been in the game for a long time and carry a wide variety of active shorts that balance comfort, style, and durability. It’s a reliable way to see multiple options without having to sift through racks of clothes that won't fit, making the whole process much smoother.

Finding Hidden Gems at Department Stores

Don't overlook department stores, but go in with the right expectations. The big & tall section can be a bit hit-or-miss, but you can definitely find some gems. Retailers like Walmart offer a huge selection of workout shorts from a mix of brands, including familiar names like Hanes and Athletic Works alongside others like NELEUS and AND1. This is a great route if you're looking for budget-friendly options or want to see a lot of different styles in one place. Just be prepared to do a little more digging to find a pair that meets your standards for quality and fit.

Checking Major Retailers like Walmart and Academy

While specialty stores are often the best place to find a perfect fit, you can’t beat the convenience of major retailers like Walmart. They’ve seriously stepped up their game in the big and tall department, offering a surprisingly large selection of athletic shorts. You can find everything from basic mesh shorts by Athletic Works to comfortable everyday options from Hanes. The main draw here is the value—it’s a great place to stock up on reliable basics without breaking the bank. With sizes often going up to 5XL, it’s a practical stop for finding affordable, no-fuss shorts for lounging, yard work, or a casual gym session.

If you're looking for something a bit more performance-focused, Academy Sports + Outdoors is another solid option. They carry extended sizes from major athletic brands like Nike and Adidas, alongside their own house brand, BCG, which offers great value. This is the place to go if you need shorts with specific features for running, training, or other sports. Academy’s selection is curated for activity, so you’re more likely to find shorts with better moisture-wicking fabrics and a more athletic cut. You can easily browse their big and tall shorts online to see what’s available before heading to a store, making it easy to find gear that’s built to move.

Which Style Is Right for You?

Choosing the right athletic shorts comes down to two things: how you want them to fit and where you plan to wear them. Getting clear on this will make it much easier to find a pair you’ll want to live in.

Loose vs. Fitted: How to Choose Your Style

The first big decision is figuring out how you want your shorts to fit. Loose-fitting shorts are the classic choice for a reason—they give you maximum room to move and breathe, making them perfect for everything from a heavy lifting session to just kicking back on the couch. A more fitted style, on the other hand, often uses high-performance stretch fabrics to move with your body. This can give you better support and means less extra material getting in your way during a run or a fast-paced workout. Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer; it just comes down to your personal preference and what you’ll be doing in them.

Finding Versatile Shorts for Any Occasion

Let's be real—the best shorts are the ones you can wear for almost anything. You want a pair that’s as comfortable at the gym as it is for running errands or lounging on a Sunday afternoon. The key is finding shorts that blend performance with everyday style, so you don't have to change your outfit three times a day. Look for quality materials like soft jersey, breathable mesh, or comfortable cotton blends. Different types of shorts offer different levels of versatility. A clean, simple design will always look more put-together than old-school gym shorts, giving you more options for where you can wear them without feeling underdressed.

Choosing a Style for a Flattering Look

Beyond the basic fit, the style of your shorts plays a huge role in how they look and feel. Small details like the width of the leg opening or where the waistband sits can completely change your silhouette. It’s not about trying to look smaller; it’s about creating a balanced, proportional look that makes you feel confident. The right style choices work with your frame, not against it, ensuring your shorts are flattering from every angle. Understanding these elements will help you pick a pair that doesn’t just fit but also looks great.

How Leg Openings and Hems Change Your Silhouette

The cut of the leg opening is a detail that makes a surprising amount of difference. Shorts with a straight cut that fall directly from your hip create a clean, streamlined line that can help balance your proportions. On the other hand, a slightly wider opening can make your thighs appear slimmer in comparison. What you want to avoid is a leg opening that’s too tight, which can be uncomfortable and unflattering. A well-designed pair of shorts will have a leg opening that’s roomy enough for comfort and movement but tailored enough to look sharp, a detail that thoughtful big and tall brands always consider.

Using Rise to Elongate Your Legs

The rise of your shorts—where the waistband sits on your body—is key for both comfort and style. A mid-rise short that sits at your natural waist is often the most flattering option. It provides good coverage, helps create a smoother line through your midsection, and prevents the dreaded waistband roll-down. Low-rise styles can cut into your stomach and make your torso look disproportionately long. A proper rise ensures your shorts stay put comfortably and helps to visually elongate your legs, contributing to a more balanced and put-together look.

Styling Tips to Complete the Look

Once you’ve found the perfect shorts, a few simple styling choices can tie everything together. The shoes you wear can make a big impact; a pair of sneakers with a clean profile and a slightly thicker sole can add a little height and make your legs appear longer. For an even more streamlined effect, choosing shoes in a neutral color can create an unbroken line. Pairing your shorts with a shirt that fits well is just as important. A t-shirt that’s long enough to provide coverage without being baggy, like our Strongsize tees, ensures your entire outfit looks intentional and well-proportioned.

How to Nail the Perfect Fit

Let’s be honest: inconsistent sizing is one of the biggest frustrations when shopping for clothes, especially for big and tall guys. A 3XL from one brand fits perfectly, while the same size from another feels two sizes too small. This guessing game often ends with the hassle of returns and the feeling that nothing is made for your body. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Taking a few minutes to get your measurements is the single best thing you can do to find shorts that actually fit. When you know your numbers, you can shop with confidence, ignore the arbitrary size on the tag, and focus on what the brand’s size chart tells you. It’s about taking the power back and ensuring that what you add to your cart is what you’ll love to wear. Think of it as creating a personal fit profile. Once you have it, you can use it everywhere you shop, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Below, we’ll walk through exactly how to measure yourself and make sense of any size chart.

The Reality of Shopping for Plus-Size Activewear

Shopping for activewear as a big and tall guy often means heading straight online, because the options in most physical stores are seriously lacking. But buying online brings its own set of hurdles, namely the risk of getting something that doesn't fit. It’s a frustrating cycle of ordering, trying on, and returning. The good news is that with the right approach, you can significantly cut down on the guesswork. It’s all about knowing your measurements and using the tools available to you—like size charts and customer feedback—to make an informed choice from the start.

Why Online Shopping is Often the Only Option

If you've ever ordered a 3XL from two different stores only to find one fits perfectly and the other is too snug, you're not imagining things. There’s no universal standard for clothing sizes, which means a 3XL at one brand can be completely different from another. This is why walking into a store with limited big and tall options is often a waste of time. Online, you have access to brands that specialize in your fit. The single most important thing you can do is to ignore the size label and focus on your actual measurements. Taking a few minutes to measure your waist and hips gives you the power to compare your numbers to a brand’s specific size chart, ensuring a much more accurate fit.

The Importance of Reading Customer Reviews

Once you have your measurements and you’re looking at a size chart, your next best tool is customer reviews. Think of them as a focus group of guys who have already tried the shorts you’re considering. They provide invaluable real-world feedback that a simple chart can’t. Reviews can tell you if a pair of shorts runs true to size, if the fabric has a good amount of stretch, or if they’re roomy enough in the thighs. Look for comments from customers who mention their height and weight, as this can give you an even better idea of how the shorts might fit your own frame. It’s an essential step that can save you the headache of a return.

How to Take Your Measurements Correctly

You only need two key measurements for a great-fitting pair of shorts: your waist and your inseam. Grab a soft tape measure to get started.

Waist: Wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline, which is usually right above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and make sure it’s parallel to the floor. Don’t suck in your stomach—just stand naturally. This number is your true waist size.

Inseam: The inseam determines how long the shorts will be. The easiest way to find your ideal inseam is to grab a pair of shorts you already own and love the length of. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom of the hem. This measurement is your preferred shorts inseam, which you can use to find new pairs with a similar length.

How to Read Any Brand's Size Chart

Once you have your measurements, the size chart is your best friend. Never assume your size is the same across different brands. Always, always check the chart on the product page before buying.

Look for your waist measurement first. Find the number on the chart that corresponds to your measurement. For example, if your waist is 44 inches, you might fall into a 2XL or 3XL, depending on the brand. Next, check the inseam length listed for that size to make sure it matches your preference. Some charts also include a hip measurement, which is helpful if you have larger thighs or a fuller seat. A good men's size guide will give you all the information you need to make the right choice and avoid a disappointing fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are premium, expensive shorts actually worth the money? Think of it as an investment in comfort and durability. While budget-friendly shorts are great for stocking up, a premium pair is often made with more advanced, lightweight fabrics that do a better job of wicking sweat and holding their shape. They also tend to have better construction, like reinforced seams and more secure waistbands, so they’ll last much longer through tough workouts and frequent washing. If you’re active or just really value a great fit, one high-quality pair you love is often a better buy than three mediocre pairs you have to replace.

My shorts always ride up between my thighs. How do I stop that? This is a super common and frustrating problem, and it usually comes down to two things: the inseam length and the leg opening. Shorts that are too short or too wide in the leg can easily bunch up. Look for a pair with an inseam that hits just above your knee, as this length provides enough coverage to stay in place. Also, consider shorts made with a bit of stretch, as the fabric will move with you instead of fighting against you and riding up.

What’s the real difference between "Big" (like 4XB) and "Tall" (like XLT) sizes? This is a great question because it gets to the heart of a better fit. "Big" sizes, often marked with a "B" or "X," are designed for a wider frame. They provide more room through the waist, hips, and thighs without adding unnecessary length. "Tall" sizes, marked with a "T," are built for height. They add extra length to the inseam and the rise (the distance from the waistband to the crotch), ensuring proper coverage without feeling baggy.

I hate online returns. How can I get the fit right on the first try? The single best thing you can do is take two minutes to measure your waist and your ideal inseam. Sizing is inconsistent across brands, so the size on the tag is less important than your actual measurements. Once you have your numbers, compare them to the brand’s specific size chart on the product page. This simple step removes the guesswork and is the most reliable way to ensure the shorts that arrive at your door fit perfectly.

What's the best type of short for wearing both to the gym and for casual errands? For maximum versatility, look for shorts with a clean, simple design and a high-quality fabric. A solid-colored pair made from a performance blend or a soft jersey knit will look more put-together than traditional mesh gym shorts. These styles are comfortable and functional enough for a workout but also look great with a t-shirt or hoodie for everyday wear, so you don't have to change outfits just to leave the house.