Pros
- Styled like a classic chino short
- Non-restrictive waistband
- Stretchy fabric allows for easy movement
- Shorts have a long lifespan
- Solid price point
- Available in tons of colors
Cons
- It’s still mostly made of cotton, so it’s not the stretchiest golf short on our list
Chubbies is known for showing off a little leg, but the Classic Short comes in a fairway friendly seven inch inseam (as well as shorter inseams, which we don’t recommend for golf). The cotton and spandex blend is among the lightest and stretchiest fabrics we’ve come across in golf shorts. An elastic waistband has a drawstring hidden inside and belt loops on the outside, which feels like wearing athletic shorts, but allows you to rock a belt when you tuck your shirt in on the course.
If you prefer the style of an old school 100% cotton short, but still want modern athletic performance, this is the one for you. Nailing that combination is how this golf short ended up at the top of our list. We love how well Chubbies pulls off a classic chino look while providing full range of motion.
Read More: Best Golf Shirts
Specs
| Fabric | 98% cotton, 2% spandex |
| Pockets | 2 front, 1 back button flap pocket |
| Inseam | 2″, 4″, 5.5″, 7″ |
Pros
- Wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking fabric
- Awesome price point
- High durability
- Tons of colors available
Cons
- Not as comfortable as most of the other shorts on our list
Ready for action on the course and ready for style flex off the course, these golf shorts come with a straight leg and a tad of stretch for a foolproof budget golf fit. Better yet, they’re under $30—that’s our favorite part. A standout feature in our testing was the shirt gripping waistband. Tucking your shirt back in after ever drive and bunker is no fun. The small pads set into the waistband worked as advertised.
Read more:Best Golf Shoes
| Fabric | 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back, one small inset front pocket |
| Inseam | 9″ |
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Pros
- Insanely comfortable with right amount of stretch
- Water-resistant treatment to fabric
- Wrinkle resistant
- Versatile for everyday wear and travel
Cons
- Slim fitting leg can be snug on bigger thighs
The Adirondack Short hides athletic performance in a relatively dressy package. A unique blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex creates a multicolor weave that resembles a micro-plaid suiting fabric. This tech material is actually packed with ample stretch, high breathability, and enough water resistance to handle some light rain.
Of all the golf shorts we tested, we found this one works best for more elevated looks, without sacrificing performance. Pair it with a white long sleeve polo and some old school blucher golf shoes, and you’ll impress even the most exclusive country clubs.
Specs
| Fabric | Cotton, spandex, and polyester blend |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back |
| Inseam | 7″, 9″ |
Pros
- Comes in 7″ and 9″ inseam
- UPF 40+ protective and water resistant
- Zippered side pocket
- High level of stretch and durability
Cons
- Expensive, so recommended starting with black or navy color first
The ABC Classic golf shorts are made from a water resistant fabric, which has a similar texture and feel to fabrics found in swim trunks. Light drizzles and splashes beaded up and wiped right off in our testing. When we simulated a full downpour with a hose, the shorts dried up quickly.
Another feature that came in handy during our testing is the zip pocket tucked into the side seam, below the left hand pocket. Items placed in here are secured on your hip to minimize movement as you walk and swing. It comes in a seven inch and nine inch inseam, so you can find your preferred fit regardless of your height.
| Fabric | 95% nylon, 5% elastane |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back, 1 side zip pocket |
| Length | 7″, 9″ |
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Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Classic fit with more room at the thigh
- Better comfort than the Amazon Essentials Golf Short
- Tons of colors available
Cons
- Polyester fabric isn’t the most breathable
Tournament-approved golf shorts? That’s a no-brainer for sure. Aside from a stretchy fabric, the waistband is made to be expandable for even more flexibility. And it comes with innate UV protection for when the sun is blazing high. The expandable waistband has an elastic panel concealed in the back, with a standard design upfront. It gives the feel and performance of gym shorts, with an elevated look. We threw a belt on and no one was any the wiser.
| Fabric | 100% Polyester |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back |
| Inseam | 9″ |
Pros
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Long inseam cut does well at still allowing for free swing
Cons
- Longer inseam isn’t our favorite when it comes to styling
Under Armour went long with a 10-inch inseam on this golf short. Even though it drops to around the knee, a lightweight fabric will not drag you down when you putt and swing. The stretchy, durable polyester weave also wicks away sweat to keep you dry and steady.
We found that the length of the UA Tech shorts is actually beneficial on hot, sunny days. The extra coverage keeps the rays off your upper-legs. Even in high heat, the material managed sweat and air flow pretty well.
| Fabric | 100% Polyester |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back |
| Inseam | 10″ |
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Pros
- Available in standard, slim, athletic fits
- UV- and water-resistant fabric
- Large color selection
- Athletic fit cut is good for guys with big quads
Cons
- Breathability is questionable since it’s polyester
From the first to the eightteenth hole, these moisture-wicking, quick-drying golf shorts bring the elevated chinos style to the course. You’ll look sharp and sophisticated whether you’re putting or sipping drinks with friends at the clubhouse.
The inner waistband is lined with rubber grip, which was effective at keeping shirts tucked in on the course. Since there is no elastic in the waist, we found that you really should wear a belt with these shorts. The rubber gripping doesn’t quite help with keeping the shorts from drooping without one.
| Fabric | 100% recycled polyester |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back with zipper |
| Inseam | 7″, 9″ |
Pros
- Water repellent fabric
- Highly wrinkle resistant
- Incredibly thin and lightweight
Cons
- Fabric takes a second to break in before getting its most comfortable
- Only three color options
Super lightweight and virtually friction free, this performance short from Greatness Wins is built for a wide range of athletic pursuits. The polyester and spandex blend is essentially the same material you’ll find in a number of gym shorts. During our testing, it handled tennis, pickleball, biking, and hiking with no issue. Where it really shined, however, is on the fairway.
The classic cut and mid-length inseam fit the ideal golf short look. We found that the inset pocket is perfect for carrying extra golf tees. Since the fabric is treated with the same type of DWR finish that is used on rain coats, rain, sweat, and dirt wipe right off for easy maintenance.
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| Fabric | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Pockets | 2 front, 2 back, 1 inset |
| Inseam | 9″ |
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Pros
- Proper styling you would expect to wear for a private country club tee time
- Four-way stretch and water-resistant
- Versatile style with many colors
- High on comfort and durability
Peter Millar, a tried-and-true golf clothing brand, really brings performance to the table with this golf short. It’s water-resistant, quick-drying, and made with over 10 percent of spandex for a four-way stretch that ensures your full range of motion is unconstricted.
Fit-wise, we like that it is classy enough for a night out but also functional enough for a round on the course. We took this one on vacation and it handled 18 holes, a full day of travel, and an evening of drinks and dining. Just make sure to pack a golf belt and an evening belt.
| Fabric | 88% polyester, 12% spandex |
| Pokets | 2 front, 2 back |
| Inseam | 10″ |
Brad is a contributing style commerce editor. After a decade working for menswear brands including J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, Brad switched from selling fashion to writing about it. His words have appeared in Huckberry, Heddels, and The Manual.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
