I’LL DIE ON the hill that it’s better to be cold than hot, but I’m absolutely jonesing for summer. This past winter has been bleak and, as a native Texan, I’m not acclimated to weeks of freezing temps. I don’t want to layer up in winter coats—even if they’re suited to my morning commute—and I’m tired of clonking around in heavy boots and having dried out skin constantly. Really, I just want to wear a pair of shorts again. The thought of bearing thigh is what’s helping me bear this extended cold.
Part of this coping mechanism is building a new shorts rotation because scoping out new pairs mentally warms my denim-clad legs (you should try it). I’ve been a Huckberry fan for years, and it’s a frequent stop for my online window shopping. It’s a good mix of greatest-hits and IYKYK brands. As I stacked my cart with chino shorts, trunks, linen and fatigues, I realized all my picks were from Huckberry’s in-house labels. If you haven’t checked them out lately—trust me—there’s a lot, and they’re good.
SHOP THE BEST SHORTS AT HUCKBERRY
Flint and Tinder may be best known for the Waxed Trucker, but it’s no one-trick pony. The F&T Chino shorts are a warm-weather essential that can be as dressy or relaxed as you need them to be. Tuck your oxford shirt into them or wear them with a vintage tee—both work. The zip fly and button closure make them office appropriate (if your office allows shorts), instead of relying on a drawstring waistband.
The lightweight cotton is breathable and has a hint of spandex for comfort. With eleven different colors to choose from and three different inseam lengths, you’re guaranteed to find on that works for you. If you’re unsure how much leg you want to show, Style editor Joseph Cheatham can tell you how long your shorts should be.
Denim shorts have made their comeback known and it’s a safe bet you’ll be seeing them again this year. For some, it’s still a sartorial leap, but the Rhythm Denim Shorts just may be the gateway drug you’ve been waiting for. They come in a versatile medium-blue wash and are cut in a relaxed-but-not-JNCO fit. I promise you, they’re easier to pull off than you think.
If warmer days mean movement to you, Huckberry has options that can skew toward athleisure or gorpcore—it’s choose your own adventure. The Proof Equator Shorts are made from a DWR-coated polyester that looks and feels more like a cotton twill. They can go amphibian thanks to mesh pockets which dump water and a drawstring cord at the waist. The Equator shorts come in both 7- and 9-inch inseam lengths, and are available in six different colors. Wear them on hiking trails or the golf course, you’ll be comfortable and look at home on both.
Personally, I’m snagging the Sateen Fatigue shorts because Military duds always look cool, and I thoroughly enjoyed this season of Avery Trufelman’s Articles of Interest podcast on gear. These F&T Fatigues are made from a durable cotton sateen with a hint of spandex for stretch. I like the large patch pockets on the front and the half-elasticized waistband which allows for more mobility.
No rotation is complete without a pair of swim trunks. Whether you prefer the classic look of scalloped trunks or want to switch things up from Baggies, Huckberry has it. The Basin Trunks go in and out of water with ease and can be styled with tees or polos. They have a mesh brief liner for support and drawstring cord at the waist to give you a secure fit. The 7-inch inseam is a universally flattering length that shows just enough leg without risking a too-close-for-comfort sunburn.
I’m also a big fan of the Sevens Sport Shorts for their versatility. Last summer, I forgot a pair of running shorts the week I was at my family’s lake house, and had just started training for the New York City marathon. Instead of driving an hour into town, I figured I’d roll the dice on chafing and just use the Seven Shorts. Turns out, they’re excellent for long runs and hill sprints just as they are for swimming. I also used them to bike around the area and hit different lakes and rivers.
All that being said, if you’re looking to update your lineup of shorts for the seasons ahead, Huckberry has a bunch of stylish pairs to choose from.
SHOP THE BEST SHORTS AT HUCKBERRY
Shop All the Men’s Health Training Guides
Men’s Health Muscle After 40 At Home
This comprehensive, 192-page workout guide includes a 12-week strength training plan that’s designed to build and maintain muscle efficiently using only minimal equipment, with exercises tailored to your specific fitness level. Featuring home-friendly workouts and the best muscle-building moves for guys over 40, this plan will help you pack on muscle without taxing your joints or risking injury, all while saving money and cutting the gym commute.
Men’s Health 28 Day Belly Fat Burner Workout
Blast belly fat and chisel your abs at the same time with this ultimate plan! Developed by expert trainer David Otey, B.S., C.S.C.S., and the editors at Men’s Health, this guide will help you get rid of your gut, reveal epic abs, and reach your body goals in just under a month. This program uses a mix of medium to high-intensity compound exercises that work multiple body parts at once so you can force your body into fat-burning mode and boost muscle growth.
Men’s Health Weight Loss After 40
Ditch the diet and lose weight at 40+! This is the ultimate program to transform your body in just eight weeks. Designed for guys who don’t want to spend their lives in the gym, this next-level plan teaches fat-blasting habits to drop pounds, gain energy, and feel your best.
Men’s Health No Gym Required: Kettlebells
You can change your whole body with just one kettlebell! This 30-day workout plan is the ultimate program designed to help you burn fat, build muscle, and get seriously fit—without ever stepping foot inside a gym. Sculpt bigger arms, build stronger abs, and layer on muscle with no fancy equipment required.
Danny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men’s style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men’s shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
