The Best Shorts for Summer: Men’s & Women’s Summer Shorts Picks

How to Style:

• Pair these heavy denim cuts with an oversized graphic tee, or embrace football-shirt fashion with a retro jersey. 

Footwear Match:

• Ground the heavy silhouette of your denim with classic, clean court shoes. The iconic Nike Air Force 1 Low Trainer in White is a flawless choice, or swap them out for the tech-heavy look of the New Balance 1906R Trainer in Grey & Black to add a modern running-shoe edge.

Tech Cargos & Woven Shorts

Cargo shorts are very much back in style. Utilitarian streetwear has completely reclaimed the silhouette. 

Today's cargos are sleek, technical, and lightweight - far removed from the bulky, awkward designs of the past. Men's woven shorts and cargo styles will fit right into your summer shorts rotation.

The Celebre Tech Cargo Short in Whispered Taupe is the best example of how to do utility right. The clean, neutral palette and streamlined zip pockets keep the silhouette sharp rather than bulky. 

For a darker, stealthier option, the Celebre Tech Cargo Short in Black is highly versatile and handles daily wear with ease.

Those who prefer a clean finish (without the side cargo pockets) should try the Alpyrex Astra Woven Short in Black/Urban Charcoal. These shorts are made from a premium, lightweight polyester weave that’s highly wind-resistant and ideal for gorpcore outfits.

Leaning fully into the technical-trail aesthetic is easy, as outdoor brands have fully crossed over into streetwear. The Berghaus Wayside 30 Tech Short in Day Flower/Hale Navy features durable fabric, utility zip pockets, and a classic outdoor silhouette that works just as well on the street. 

Alternatively, the lightweight Berghaus Pavey Short in Jet Black/Dayflower delivers high-performance comfort with moisture-wicking technology and clean contrast branding, making it a solid choice for long festival weekends.

How to Style:

• Keep the technical aesthetic flowing by pairing these with a lightweight, breathable nylon overshirt or a clean windbreaker. Check out the best festival jackets to find the ultimate lightweight outerwear pairing.

Footwear Match:

• Play into the tech-wear theme by lacing up the Nike P-6000 Trainers in White/Black/Metallic Silver. The metallic mesh panels complement the structured, technical fabric of the shorts.

Technical Performance & Active Cuts

When summer plans involve festival fields, outdoor workouts, or just surviving humid city afternoons, technical activewear is your best friend. These shorts are designed for breathability and freedom of movement.

The Monterrain Rush 2.0 Woven Running Short in Jet Black features lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric and subtle reflective detailing that makes them as functional at midnight raves as they are during morning runs. 

The Trailberg Essentials Short in Black offers mega comfort with an adjustable waistband and a highly durable woven finish.

For putting in the miles on hot afternoons, the Nike Run Challenger 7-Inch Unlined Short in Midnight Navy/Reflective Silver and the classic Asics Core 7-Inch Short in Black deliver distraction-free performance with mesh panel inserts for ventilation.

How to Style:

• Pair these with a matching performance tee or throw on an unzipped lightweight hoodie. They’re a great base layer for rave styling and festival outfits.

Footwear Match:

• Keep it sporty and ultra-comfortable with the Saucony Progrid Omni 9 Trainer in White/Touch Pink/White, which brings a heavy dose of throwback runner energy to your active rotation.

The Edit: Summer Shorts for Women

From retro-inspired knits to oversized street shapes, this year's selection of women's summer shorts is absolutely fire. Here’s a breakdown of the key styles making waves.

Boxer Style & Lounge Shorts

For a flawless combination of style and pure comfort, women's boxer-style shorts are the defining trend of the season. Borrowing their relaxed fit, elasticated waistbands, and lightweight fabrics from traditional sleepwear, these pieces have been elevated into streetwear essentials.

For those who prefer a heavier, more structured fit, premium jersey fleece is an absolute must-have for airport outfits and transitional summer evenings. To swap breezy cotton for structured warmth, browse our curated range of women's fleece shorts to secure that laid-back aesthetic.

The Nike Phoenix Fleece Medium-Rise 4-Inch Short in Sail/Black is a staple. With its wide, ribbed waistband and thick, premium fleece fabric, it offers a structured drape that doesn't feel overly slouchy. 

For a sportier vibe, the New Balance Trackside Fleece Short in Black Cement delivers varsity-inspired aesthetics with soft-touch cotton-blend fleece, ideal for casual coffee runs.

How to Style:

• Balance the relaxed, unstructured nature of these shorts by pairing them with a more fitted top. Think ribbed tank tops, crop tees, or even an oversized button-down shirt left open.

Footwear Match:

• These look so good with low-profile, minimalist footwear. Slide into the classic adidas Originals Samba OG Trainer in Footwear White/Silver Metallic or opt for the sleek, ballet-core aesthetic of the adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet Trainer in Aurora Coffee.

Retro Crochet, Towelling & Textures

Shorts with added texture in fresh materials are some of the most popular picks this summer. They’re an easy way to make a simple T-shirt-and-shorts outfit look premium.

Alongside crochet, delicate textures like pointelle knit and retro micro-patterns are taking over. 

The Forena Pinella Short in Twilight Jam features a mega on-trend, vintage-inspired strip design that feels light and breathable in high summer heat. 

For those who love subtle detailing, the Forena Dotty Mini Short in Citrus Frost brings a pastel-toned colour palette to the polka dot trend.

To introduce some bold retro pattern into your ‘fit, the Cernucci Polka Dot Mini Short in White/Black pairs a nostalgic print with a fitted silhouette that turns heads.

The star of this trend is the adidas Originals Summer Glow Crochet 3-Stripes Short in Preloved Brown/Semi Green. Featuring a woven, open-knit crochet construction and contrasting stripes, they’re so on-trend- so get yours whilst you still can. 

For a softer texture, the adidas Originals Summer Glow Towelling Stripes Short in Easy Yellow/Semi Green brings that laid-back, poolside aesthetic to your everyday rotation.

How to Style:

• Pair these with a matching crochet or towelling top for a co-ord look, or throw them over swimwear for the ultimate beach-to-street transition. They’re a must-have addition when packing your bags for a holiday.

Footwear Match:

• Lean into the bold, textured aesthetic by grounding your outfit with chunky, expressive sneakers. The New Balance 9060 Trainers in Pink Overdye add the perfect amount of futuristic, sculpted volume to balance the retro shorts.

Heavy Denim & Utility Jorts

Just like men's, women’s streetwear is currently dominated by wide-leg, knee-length denim. This fashion-approved cut is the antidote to super-short designs, offering a structured, skate-inspired look that is a must-have this summer. To build your denim look, browse the full range of women's denim shorts.

The Lorenzo Skyla Jort in Mid Blue Denim is a stellar entry point to the trend, featuring a raw, relaxed hem and a classic mid-wash finish. 

For something with more edge, the Dripmade Stud Denim Jort in Light Blue Wash features metallic stud detailing that instantly elevates it into a statement piece.

How to Style:

• Embrace the full matchday aesthetic by tucking in a vintage football shirt. Our football matchday style guide is packed with ideas for pulling off this sporty, subcultural look flawlessly.

Footwear Match:

• The bold, mechanical look of the Nike Shox TL Trainer in Neutral Grey/Silver/Playful Pink looks incredible when contrasted against the rugged, heavy-set denim of jorts.

Athletic Retro & Trackside Classics

Track heritage has taken over the streets, and retro running silhouettes are in high demand right now. If you want to lean into sporty nostalgia with premium, comfortable fabrics, these athletic classics are essential additions to your warm-weather rotation.

The adidas Originals Firebird Short in Orange Tint/Off White is a direct nod to trackside legacy, bringing a punchy pop of retro orange colourway to your rotation, finished with the iconic embroidered Trefoil. 

For a more classic retro-running vibe, the adidas Originals 3stripe Sprinter Short in Aurora Coffee/Sandy Pink features an ultra-comfy lightweight fabric and a high-contrast piping detail.

For those who want a sleek, contoured silhouette that transitions effortlessly from the gym to the street, high-waisted active styles are essential. You can secure a locked-in look by checking out our women's seamless shorts collection.

The Myprotein Tempo Short in Black features an ultra-comfy, seamless knit construction with sweat-wicking properties that sculpt the body while keeping you cool under the sun. It delivers that coveted off-duty model aesthetic that pairs perfectly with oversized track jackets and chunky tech runners.

How to Style:

• Keep the sportswear energy by pairing these with a boxy, cropped tee or a clean white tank top. 

Footwear Match:

• These look incredible with vintage-inspired low-profile sneakers like the adidas Originals Samba Jane in White/Aluminium/Core Black, bridging the gap between trackside athletic heritage and modern street style.

The Best Summer Shorts: Quick-Fire Recommendations

We’ve put together a rapid breakdown of the best summer shorts for men and women, tailored to different style preferences:

Men's Highlights

Best for Retro Baggy Proportions:

• Lorenzo Jewel Jort in Blue Stone Wash. The '90s skate aesthetic that sits amazingly over chunky runners.

Best for Technical Gorpcore Fits:

• Celebre Tech Cargo Short in Whispered Taupe. Sleek utility pockets and lightweight fabric make this an elite choice for technical streetwear.

Best for Trail-Ready Durability:

• Berghaus Wayside 30 Tech Short. Durable construction combined with utilitarian branding makes this ideal for transitioning from trail to pavement.

Best for Festival Heat & Raves:

• Monterrain Rush 2.0 Woven Running Short. Sweat-wicking materials and reflective details keep you comfortable from day to night. Explore more festival-ready looks with our men's festival shop.

Women's Highlights

Best for Effortless Lounge Aesthetics:

• Cernucci Taping Short in Light Blue. Flowy, ultra-comfortable boxer-style design that keeps you cool when temperatures spike.

Best for Textured Style:

• adidas Originals Summer Glow Crochet 3-Stripes Short in Preloved Brown/Semi Green. The textured open-knit design instantly elevates a basic summer fit into an intentional, high-end style statement.

Best for Athletic Heritage:

• adidas Originals Firebird Short in Orange Tint. A bright, energetic retro track piece that brings heritage sportswear straight to the forefront. 

Best for Sculpted Gym-to-Street Wear:

• Myprotein Tempo Short. Super stretchy, seamless performance knit that offers a clean, sculpted silhouette for everyday warm-weather styling.

Best for Rugged Streetwear Proportions:

• Lorenzo Skyla Jort in Mid Blue Denim. A structured mid-wash jort that balances out bold graphic tees and heavy sneaker silhouettes. If you’re preparing for festival season, check out the women's festival shop.

How to Style Shorts and Look Cool This Summer

Knowing how to look fashionable in shorts isn't just about the shorts themselves – it’s about how you manage your overall proportions. When you wear shorts, you’re exposing more leg, which means you need to adjust the rest of your outfit to keep the silhouette balanced.

Master the Oversized Top

One of the easiest ways to look cool in shorts is to pair them with an oversized top. 

Pairing shorter or more fitted shorts, like retro active cuts or boxer styles, with a boxy, heavyweight t-shirt or a slightly slouchy long-sleeve tee creates a flawless contrast. It prevents the outfit from looking too skimpy and adds an instant streetwear sensibility.

When styling jorts, the rules change slightly. Because the shorts themselves are wide and heavy, you’ll want a top that’s boxy but not overly long.

A T-shirt that cuts off right around your belt line keeps your legs looking proportioned while maintaining that coveted baggy shape.

What Tops Go Well With Shorts?

• Boxy Graphic Tees - The absolute gold standard for any streetwear fit.

• Nylon Utility Shirts - Left unbuttoned over a white tank top for a textured, layered look.

• Retro Football Shirts - Ideal for matching with denim jorts for an authentic matchday style.

• Cropped Baby Tees - Perfect for balancing out the high waistband of women's boxer shorts.

Don't Skimp on Socks

In streetwear, ankle socks are generally a no-go when wearing trainers with shorts. Instead, opt for high-quality crew socks. 

Pulling your socks up to mid-calf height balances the visual weight of your trainers and bridges the gap between your footwear and your hemline. Stick to clean white, off-white, or tonal sporty socks that complement your trainers' colourway.

Play with Slim vs. Chunky Footwear Silhouettes

The physical weight of your shoes dictates how your shorts' proportions will translate. While trainers are a street staple, high-summer heatwaves demand relaxed, open-toed alternatives that still maintain your style credentials.

For casual, lounge-focused boxer shorts or soft towelling coordinates, slip into the Crocs Classic Clog in Black or the clean Crocs Classic Clog in White for all-day comfort.

For a more elevated, textured look, pair your premium linen or knit fits with the classic Birkenstock Arizona Vegan Sandal in Black, which brings an organic, earthy feel.

For poolside slides and effortless holiday styling, keep it clean and minimal. The Forena Mimi Flip Flop in Black/White Polka offers a playful touch of print, while the ultra-low-profile Havaianas Slim Flip Flop in White is a timeless packing essential.

On the men's side, the sporty, cushioned Nike Victori One Slide in Grey Fog/Volt is perfect for transitioning from the beach to the city streets.

When wearing heavy jorts or technical cargos:

• Ground your lower half with a chunkier, more structured sneaker like the Nike Shox TL Trainer or the New Balance 1906R. This prevents the wide hemline of your shorts from making your feet look disproportionately small.

When wearing flowy boxer shorts, lightweight crochet, or track shorts:

• You have the freedom to style them with low-profile, sleek court silhouettes. The incredibly popular adidas Originals Samba OG Trainer or a retro terrace classic like the adidas Originals Handball Spezial Trainer brings a clean, streamlined edge that pairs so well with lighter fabrics.

Ready to build your ultimate warm-weather rotation? Discover your next go-to pair of summer shorts by browsing the complete collections of men's shorts and women's shorts today.