The Best Shorts We’ve Actually Tested (2026)
Our pick: Lululemon Swim Trunks (10/10). Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, and lasts multiple seasons. Typically $78. We bought and tested 8 shorts to pick it.
Below: the full ranking by our honest rating — real prices, what we’d buy, and what we’d skip.
| # | Shorts | Rating | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lululemon Swim Trunks | 10/10 | $78 | Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, and lasts multiple seasons. | Check price → |
| 2 | Faherty All Day Shorts | 9/10 | — | These live up to the hype: the ultimate hybrid short that looks tailored but performs like a swim trunk. | Check price → |
| 3 | Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts | 9/10 | $68 | Blur the line between sweat shorts and chinos—casual but worthy of their 4.5/5 reputation and three years of constant use. | Check price → |
| 4 | Go Shorty | 8.5/10 | $88 | The lululemon Commission Shorts are the go-to chino short for active men—three builds let you dial in the right fabric. | Check price → |
| 5 | Myles Everyday Short | 8.5/10 | $68 | After 4+ years of testing, a top pick for the most versatile short that works from gym to errands to social settings. | Check price → |
| 6 | Myles Weekend Sweat Short | 8.5/10 | — | Premium shorts with a 5-year guarantee—comfortable, durable, and worth the $68 price for the quality. | Check price → |
| 7 | Olivers Capital Short | 8.5/10 | — | The perfect summer short that beats lululemon on stretch and water resistance, backed by Olivers' excellent 365-day repair policy. | Check price → |
| 8 | Olivers All Over Short | 6.5/10 | $75 | Excellent performance but the new leg logo kills what made them special—pick the Myles instead. | Read review |
1. Lululemon Swim Trunks
Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, and lasts multiple seasons.
What we liked: Looks like regular shorts, not beach-specific; Fast-drying; Lasts multiple seasons without fading.
2. Faherty All Day Shorts
These live up to the hype: the ultimate hybrid short that looks tailored but performs like a swim trunk.
What we liked: Dries exceptionally fast (reviewer found it suspiciously quick); 4-way stretch and comfortable all day; Hybrid design: tailored chino appearance with swim-trunk performance.
What we’d skip: Pattern colors read more as swim trunks than formal chinos; Can't use fabric softeners without damaging water-repellent finish.
3. Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts
Blur the line between sweat shorts and chinos—casual but worthy of their 4.5/5 reputation and three years of constant use.
What we liked: Zippered pockets keep keys/phone secure; Incredibly stretchy and breathable; Durable after 3+ years of regular use.
What we’d skip: Lint accumulates on fabric, especially darker colors; Not recommended for gym or athletic activities.