Ah, you gotta love summer. The days are long, and that means more time for golf.
But you know when you say to yourself, I’m waking up early and getting out there just as the sun’s rising. And then it’s 10am and it’s hot as blazes?
Yeah, I get it.
You’re going to need a pair of shorts to keep you cool when you’re starting to lag on hole 12.
These are the best golf shorts you can find.
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6 Best Golf Shorts for Men
Best Overall: TRUWEAR Prodigy Performance Shorts
TRUWEAR almost overengineers their clothes for maximum comfort. There are a few key things to the TRUWEAR Prodigy Performance Shorts that make them the best golf shorts in my opinion.
I’m a big fan of the hidden elastic waist—the waist looks just like any classic chino short waist, but it’s actually got a few inches of give.
That means these shorts stay comfortable even during the times when you pack on a few too many pounds. They’ll stay comfortable as you get back down to your ideal playing weight, too.
And the best part is that the waistband has rubber nubs in it so your shirt stays tucked in when you swing.
Besides that, the Prodigy Shorts have two zippered back pockets for added security, and there’s a hidden zipper in one of the front pockets so you can store a card safely.
Plus, the front pockets are deep so you can stow a few balls there if you’ve been hooking off to the right all day and you’re playing on a tight course.
What I Like
- The waistband is the most comfortable for any short I’ve tried. Plus the rubberize branding helps keep your shirt in place all day.
- 4-way stretch moisture-wicking fabric feels as lightweight and easy as it can get on the course.
- The three zippered pockets ensure you can stow anything securely.
What I Don’t Like
- They’re only available in blue, black, and navy—which covers the bases but I’d love to see more color options.
What Other Reviewers Say
On TRUWEAR’s site, these shorts have nearly 50 reviews at the time of writing. They’re all positive, with the only negative comment I found being that the zipper is sharp. But otherwise, reviewers seem to like that the shorts are professional looking, stay clean, and are comfortable throughout hot days.
The Verdict
The TRUWEAR Prodigy short is my top choice for a golfing short because of its waistband. I love the added stretch in the waist, plus the rubberized branding grips your shirt and keeps it tucked in when you take a rip with your driver.
You don’t have to sit there re-adjusting your shirt all day. You can just play golf.
Plus, these shorts are lightweight, stretchy, and breathable so you stay comfortable even on the hottest days out on the links.
This is my top choice for a golfing short because of its waistband. I love the added stretch in the waist, plus the rubberized branding grips your shirt and keeps it tucked in when you take a rip with your driver. Plus, they're lightweight, stretchy, and breathable so you stay comfortable even on the hottest days out on the links.
Best Slim Fit: Travis Mathew Beck
Travis Mathew is a golfing style brand, so it only makes sense that they have some of the best golf shorts in the game.
For guys who like a slim fit, I recommend the Travis Mathew Beck.
It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like the TRUWEAR Prodigy—for instance, the pockets are all standard with no secret zippers or anything like that.
But they have a texturized fabric that looks more like a casual short that you might also want to wear out on a hot Saturday evening.
Plus, the thighs are slim throughout and there’s a little taper in the leg opening so you get a solid slim fit that won’t give you that “chicken-legs” look.
What I Like
- Simple design and construction keeps these shorts lightweight and comfortable.
- The texture in the fabric gives these shorts a little extra spice that very few other casual shorts I’ve seen have.
- The fit is slim through the thigh and the opening is a bit tapered, which is unusual for a short and definitely makes you look taller.
What I Don’t Like
- They’re only available with a 10” inseam, which is fairly long for my tastes.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Beck averages a 4.8-star average with over 500 reviews at the time of writing. I saw more than a couple reviewers claim they “live” in their shorts now.
The Verdict
For guys looking for a slimmer fit for their golf shorts, the Travis Mathew Beck shorts are the way to go.
With a 10” inseam, you can expect these to fall at your knee, but the slimmer leg opening doesn’t look loose or baggy, even for guys with smaller calves.
The Beck is ideal for all the movement and bending one does on the course, but they have a refined texture that looks just as good out on the street.
Best for Big Guys: Mizzen + Main ProFlex
Comfort is the name of the game. Well, actually, golf is the name of the game. But comfort is nice to have, too.
The Mizzen + Main ProFlex short is decked out with 4-way stretch like you wouldn’t believe. The fit through the thigh and seat is roomier—they’re not “relaxed fit” by any means, but compared to the other shorts on this list, you have a bit more wiggle room.
What I Like
- With a 6% Spandex content, these are the stretchiest and most comfortable shorts on the list.
- Because they’re made with Rayon, they have the classic look of Chino shorts but with a lot more breathability.
- There’s a tiny pocket in the hip that’s perfect for holding tees.
What I Don’t Like
- There are only two colors available and only an 8” inseam available.
What Other Reviewers Say
As you can imagine for any shorts that make it to one of these “best of” lists: the reviews are positive. But I do want to point out something I found in a few reviews that’s worth noting. The Heather Grey color option seemed a bit close to sweatpants for some reviewers.
I only tried the Navy myself, so I don’t have experience with the Heather Grey, but based on what I’m seeing, I’m going to steer you toward the Navy (which I know is a great color option).
The Verdict
The Mizzen + Main ProFlex was built for golf, and bigger guys will love the high level of 4-way stretch and the extra room in the seat and thighs.
The Mizzen + Main ProFlex was built for golf, and bigger guys will love the high level of 4-way stretch and the extra room in the seat and thighs.
Best on a Budget: Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Short
You know, these are surprisingly good. Unlike the other options on this list, the Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Short is 100% cotton, so it’s essentially a classic chino short.
On the positive side, they have the classic look you want on the golf course.
The potential negatives of all cotton shorts are: less stretch, easier to get dirty, and not as forgiving if your weight fluctuates a bit throughout the year.
But for these shorts, the price is right and there are dozens of colors to choose from, so you can pretty easily stock your whole golfing wardrobe with these shorts.
What I Like
- The amount of color options is awesome—from pastels to classic solids, there’s something in there that’ll work for you.
- The 100% cotton fabric gives these the standard chino shorts look.
- The price is right.
What I Don’t Like
- They’re a bit roomier than I normally like. Because I have smaller calves and larger thighs, too wide of a leg opening gives me “chicken-legs.” But bigger guys or dudes with proportional legs likely won’t have the same issue.
The Verdict
If 4-way stretch, secret zippers, and high-tech waistbands all sound a little much for you, and you just want a simple, classic golf short for a value-driven price, then the Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Short is your best bet.
If 4-way stretch, secret zippers, and high-tech waistbands all sound a little much for you, and you just want a simple, classic golf short for a value-driven price, then the Amazon Essentials Stretch Golf Short is your best bet.
Best for Tall Guys: Lululemon Commission Short
The Lululemon Commission Short feels like a workout short but looks like a golfing short. Best of both worlds, right?
It has a 10” inseam, which is perfect for taller guys. If you’re 6’4” or taller, you’ll no doubt have noticed that most normal shorts land somewhere in the mid-thigh.
The 10” inseam likely won’t reach down to your knees (like it does for me, and I’m 6’1”), but it’ll get you close enough to feel comfortable.
What I Like
- These shorts are water resistant so they stay clean looking for a long time (plus they don’t pick up smells).
- There’s a zippered pocket at the side of the right thigh that’s perfect for holding golf balls.
- The buttoned back pocket easily fits a scorecard.
What I Don’t Like
- Of all the shorts on this list, these are the most expensive.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many reviewers say these are the best golf shorts they own, and comfort is the most common reason.
It’s hard to beat polyester and elastane for comfort. Getting the ball after sinking the putt never felt so good.
The Verdict
Tall guys have a hard time finding shorts that actually make it somewhere close to their knees. The Lululemon Commission Short has a longer 10” inseam that will cover your thighs, even if you’re a tall, lanky fellow.
Tall guys have a hard time finding shorts that actually make it somewhere close to their knees. The Lululemon Commission short has a longer 10” inseam that will cover your thighs, even if you’re a tall, lanky fellow.
Best Shorter Shorts: Bonobos Performance Link Shorts
Sky’s out, thighs out, right?
Reading through dozens of reviews, there are a lot of guys (usually the older generation) that wonder why today’s shorts are shorter.
Us millennials just want our kneecaps to breathe, ok?
If you’re looking for golf shorts that show you never skip leg day, check out the Bonobos Performance Link Shorts.
They’re available in two lengths (7” inseam and 9” inseam). I recommend the 7” inseam if you want to get some sun on your legs. But the more modest can also opt for the 9”.
What I Like
- Bonobos has a huge range of colors and sizing options, including two inseam lengths (the 7” is the best if you’re looking for shorter golf shorts).
- These have a UPF rating and are UV resistant.
- One zippered back pocket and one open—one is secure, the other is easy to access.
What I Don’t Like
- These have the most shallow pockets of any short on the list—not so shallow that it’s a deal-breaker, but you might not be able to store multiple balls comfortably.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Performance Link Short is a bit more snug around the legs than the Bonobos Highland Golf Short (which is their other golf short). If you’re looking for a more classic golf short, the Highlander is a better choice, though I think the other options on this list are better than the Highlander. The Link short is here for those who want shorter golf shorts. So they’re a bit polarizing. But if you’ve got thighs and you don’t care who knows it, the Link is the ticket.
The Verdict
Not all guys want shorts that run down to their knees. Some prefer to have their kneecaps bathing in the midday sun. If that’s you, then the Bonobos Performance Link Short has the 7” inseam you want, and the slimmer leg opening keeps the shorts relatively snug.
If you’ve never skipped leg day, you’re going to love these.
Not all guys want shorts that run down to their knees. Some prefer to have their kneecaps bathing in the midday sun. If that’s you, then the Bonobos Link Short has the 7” inseam you want, and the slimmer leg opening keeps the shorts relatively snug. If you’ve never skipped leg day, you’re going to love these.
3 Things Every Golf Short Should Have
1. Deep Pockets
I have a nasty hook. So sometimes when I’m teeing up and the course requires a little precision to stay in-bounds, I know I’m doomed.
That’s why keeping a few extra balls in my pocket is a must. I know I’m going to use them.
That’s where having deep pockets helps (it would certainly help to have “deep pockets” for my side bets…we’re not there yet, and by the look of my consistent losing streak, we’re not going to be there anytime soon). I mean literally deep pockets.
I think any great golf short should be able to store two extra golf balls without you really even noticing. All of the shorts on this list should do the trick for you.
2. Stretch Fabric
Performance fabrics are the best option for golf shorts: they’re stretchy, comfortable, stain and odor resistant, and breathable. The only short on my list that isn’t made with performance fabric is the Amazon Essentials Stretch Short, which is made with 100% cotton (though they made it on the list because of their budget-friendly nature).
Look for either Spandex or elastane in your golf shorts, as that’s going to give you the most stretch so you can bend and swing with ease.
3. A Secure Pocket
I want zippers, baby. I think every great golf short should have at least one secure pocket with a zipper. I don’t care if it’s the back pocket or a side pocket, but you need somewhere you can stash a credit card or driver’s license without worrying about it falling out on the driving range.
Some shorts, like the TRUWEAR Prodigy, have three zippered pockets. Now that’s security.
Tee Time
Those golf balls aren’t going to go hit themselves.
I say you grab a pair of these shorts pronto and get back out there. It’s going to cool off before you know it, and once the days start getting shorter, your window for golfing opportunities is going to narrow for the season.
To me, the TRUWEAR Prodigy Short is the best golfing short in the game because the waistband is so comfortable and I love the rubber inserts that help keep your shirt tucked after a ripping drive.
This is my top choice for a golfing short because of its waistband. I love the added stretch in the waist, plus the rubberized branding grips your shirt and keeps it tucked in when you take a rip with your driver. Plus, they're lightweight, stretchy, and breathable so you stay comfortable even on the hottest days out on the links.
But I’ve also listed several other great options for guys with different body types, too—really you can’t go wrong with anything on this list.
I’ll see you on the 19th hole.
FAQs
What makes a good golf short?
There are three factors to making the perfect golf short:
1. Deep pockets that can hold at least two golf balls comfortably.
2. Stretch fabric, usually made with Spandex or elastane.
3. At least one zippered pocket for securely carrying a driver’s license or credit card.
How tight should golf shorts be?
Golf shorts shouldn’t feel tight at all, but instead leave room in the seat and thighs. There are slim fit golf shorts available that are trim and classy, but should ideally never fit too tightly across the seat as there’s a lot of bending in golf and the extra fabric will help.
Are 7-inch shorts too short?
No, 7-inch shorts are an ideal length if you want your shorts to fall an inch or two above your knee.
