Short shorts are officially back, and this time they're here to stay. What was once considered too bold or relegated to gym wear has become the go-to choice for blokes across Australia. Modern 5" short shorts aren't restrictive or unflattering anymore. They're confident, flattering, and designed for real life, with less fabric.
The thing is, most Australian men still default to longer, baggy shorts. The hesitation is understandable. Poorly-designed short shorts can feel too tight, too sporty, or simply uncomfortable. However, premium brands have managed to create men's short shorts that are genuinely comfortable.
We have tested short shorts the way they're meant to be worn (at the beach, backyard barbecues, running weekend errands) to compare the best short shorts brands right now.
How We Evaluated the Best Short Shorts
To find the best short shorts, we compared brands on:
- Inseam length: 5" VS 7"
- Fit: slim VS relaxed
- Fabric performance in Australian heat
- Pocket placement: bulk matters more on shorter cuts
- Versatility: whether these shorts work beyond just beach days
Modern short shorts and outdated versions have three key differences.
First, nowadays, the 5" inseam sits at the mid-thigh. This is a flattering cut that works on most body types, replacing the former overly short and restrictive gym shorts.
Second, they have a buttery-soft and stretchy cotton blend (98% cotton and 2% elastane). This replaces rigid fabrics with no give.
Third, they offer more smart design details like partially elastic waistbands and hidden zip pockets. They're genuinely suited to everyday wear.
We also looked at colour retention after multiple washes and whether you'd actually reach for the shorts as your regular pair, season after season.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand | Inseam | Fit | Best For | Key Feature |
| Frankster The Shorties | 5" | Modern tailored | Everyday versatility | Hidden zip pocket + stretch cotton |
| Kojo Fit Ultra Stretch | 5" | Athletic fit | Active lifestyles | High-performance stretch |
| Patagonia Baggies | 5" | Relaxed | Outdoor adventures | Quick-dry technical fabric |
| Country Road | 5-6" | Classic | Traditional quality | Premium construction |
The Best Short Shorts in Australia
1. Frankster "The Shorties" – Best Short Shorts Overall
Price: $89.95 | Shop Here
Blue skies, salty air, and The Shorties on your legs. These aren't just shorter versions of regular shorts. They're purpose-built men's short-length shorts designed for comfort and confidence.
Why The Shorties Take the Top Spot
The 5" inseam on these shorts sits perfectly mid-thigh, so first of all, you avoid looking like you've raided your teenage wardrobe. Plus, the stretchy cotton blend (98% cotton, 2% elastane) adapts to your everyday activities without riding up or feeling too restrictive.
The Shorties have four large pockets, including a hidden zippered pocket on the right-hand side. For once, you can actually carry your phone, wallet, and tomorrow's kebab money without your shorts looking too bulky. That hidden pocket is also positioned perfectly so that it doesn't dig in when you sit down.
The partially elastic waistband is another game-changer. The old, traditional fixed waistbands can feel restrictive when there's less fabric, but The Shorties easily adapt to your day. Belt loops are there for when you feel like dressing your thighs up for the office.
Key Features
- 98% cotton, 2% elastane stretch fabric
- 5" inseam (mid-thigh length)
- Partially elastic waistband for adaptive fit
- Hidden zippered security pocket
- Two large side pockets plus a back pocket
- Belt loops for versatility
- Available in multiple colours
- Designed and tested in Melbourne
Best For
Beach strolls, leg day show-offs, weekend errands, backyard barbecues. These short shorts work for anyone who wants men's short chino shorts that can handle everything you throw at them.
Potential Drawbacks
The 5" inseam is the only length, so if you're after something longer, you'll need to look elsewhere. They're also a bolder choice for conservative wardrobes, although most blokes find the look less daring than expected once they try them on.
The Bottom Line
These shorts have the same stretchy cotton as the Everydays, just with less fabric. They've also got all the comfort of chino shorts but with a 5" inseam.
2. Kojo Fit Ultra Stretch Chino Shorts – Best for Athletic Builds
Price: $89 | Available at Kojo Fit
Kojo Fit built these shorts for blokes who take their fitness seriously but still want to look put-together off the gym floor. The brand's focus on athletic wear shows in the fabric composition (a highly technical stretch blend) and the way these shorts move with you during high-intensity activities.
The 5" inseam works well for showing off the leg development you've earned in the squat rack, but there's a trade-off. The athletic fit runs slimmer through the thigh than Frankster's The Shorties, which some blokes love for the tailored look but others find restrictive after leg day. The fabric performs brilliantly during workouts, wicking moisture effectively and drying fast.
Where Kojo Fit falls short is everyday versatility. The athletic styling reads more "activewear" than "casual shorts you can wear anywhere". There are no belt loops, the pockets lack the thoughtful design of The Shorties' hidden zip compartment, and the overall aesthetic screams gym rather than weekend barbecue. At $89, they're competitively priced, but you're getting shorts purpose-built for one lifestyle rather than genuinely multi-functional design.
Best For: Blokes with athletic builds who prioritise performance features and don't mind shorts that look distinctly sporty.
3. Patagonia Baggies 5" – Best Technical Performance
Price: $99.95 | Available at Patagonia
Patagonia's Baggies have earned cult status among outdoor enthusiasts, and the 5" version brings that same technical prowess to a shorter cut. These shorts excel in water-based activities, featuring quick-dry nylon that performs brilliantly at the beach or by the pool. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish means water beads off rather than soaking in.
The relaxed fit offers maximum freedom of movement, particularly appreciated during activities like surfing or hiking. However, that same relaxed cut can look a bit too casual for everyday wear around town. The elastic waistband with drawstring is comfortable but limits styling options compared to The Shorties' belt loops and partially elastic design.
The real limitation? These shorts are built for technical performance, not everyday versatility. The nylon fabric, while perfect for water sports, doesn't have the natural breathability of cotton for all-day comfort in regular settings. They also lack secure pocket options (no hidden zip), which matters when you're carrying valuables during your day. At $99.95, you're paying for Patagonia's outdoor credentials and environmental commitments, but getting shorts that work best in specific contexts rather than as your daily go-to.
Best For: Outdoor adventurers who need technical performance and plan to get these shorts wet regularly.
4. Country Road Short Shorts – Best Traditional Quality
Price: $119.95 | Available at Country Road
There's lots to like about Country Road's short shorts. They use 100% heavyweight cotton that feels good on the skin, and there's reinforced stitching throughout. The trade-off? There's zero stretch.
At $119.95, they're the priciest option we tested. The quality of the material justifies the price a little, but the lack of modern comfort features makes it harder for us to recommend them for everyday wear.
Best For: Traditionalists who prioritise construction quality over contemporary comfort features.
Short Shorts vs Classic Shorts: Which Should You Choose?
The 5" VS 7" inseam debate dominates conversations about short shorts, and for good reason. It completely transforms how the shorts look and feel.
The 5" Inseam Advantage
Short shorts with a 5" inseam come down to mid-thigh, keeping you cooler in the Australian heat. They're popular for a season: they look contemporary, feel less restrictive, and work brilliantly for active summer days.
The shorter cut stops the fabric from bunching up when you sit. It also dries quicker after a dip in the ocean.
When 7" Makes Sense
Classic 7" shorts (like the Everydays) still have their place. They have a more conservative look that works well for smart-casual settings. The longer inseam provides more coverage. So, if your wardrobe leans traditional or you need shorts for casual work settings, 7" is the safer choice.
Why Short Shorts Are Dominating Summer 2026
Younger blokes have embraced the 5" cut as standard summer wear, and that confidence is spreading across all age groups. The stretchy cotton blends ditch the restrictive feeling you get with older shorts. If you're building a summer wardrobe, you'll probably want both. However, if you're choosing just one, the 5" inseam is in right now.
What to Look for When Buying Short Shorts
Get the inseam right: The 5" inseam sits around mid-thigh on most body types. Anything shorter looks like running shorts, and anything longer isn't really a short short. Try them on if possible, as leg length affects how the same inseam looks on different blokes.
Stretch matters more on shorter cuts: Don't buy 100% cotton short shorts. Look for 98% cotton with 2% elastane, at a minimum. That small bit of stretch feels less restrictive and prevents the shorts from constantly riding up.
Pocket placement changes everything: Bulky pockets create unflattering lines on your thighs. Look for designs where the pockets lie flat when empty. Hidden zip pockets (like on The Shorties) don't add visible bulk. However, cargo-style pockets stick out permanently.
Fabric quality determines longevity: Cheap short shorts fade fast and lose shape after a few washes. Premium stretch cotton maintains its colour even after chlorine exposure and time under the harsh Australian sun. Remember to check reviews for pilling complaints. The best short shorts should look fresh after a full summer season.
Versatility beyond beach days: Look for designs with belt loops, neutral colour options, and quality construction that doesn't scream "activewear only". The Shorties' partially elastic waistband with belt loops suits most occasions, whereas pure elastic waistbands limit you to very casual settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short shorts in style for men in 2026?
Yes, and they're more mainstream than ever. Short shorts with 5" inseams have moved beyond trend territory into standard summer wear for blokes across Australia.
What changed? Modern designs ditched the restrictive, overly sporty feel of older versions. Premium brands use stretch cotton fabrics and thoughtful design details. Younger generations have fully embraced the look, and that confidence is spreading across all age groups.
The key is choosing contemporary designs with proper fit and quality fabrics, not the gym shorts of decades past.
What inseam length counts as short shorts?
A 5" inseam is the standard for short shorts, sitting mid-thigh on most body types. This length offers the signature look and benefits (freedom of movement, better heat management) without looking like running shorts.
Anything under 5" starts looking too athletic for casual wear. Meanwhile, 6-7" inseams fall into the regular shorts category.
Can taller or bigger guys wear short shorts?
Absolutely. The 5" inseam works on different body types because it's measured from the crotch seam, not from your waistband down. Taller blokes should still find that the shorts sit mid-thigh. The difference is that they'll show slightly more leg overall. Bigger guys will benefit from a partially elastic waistband and from avoiding tight fits.
Are short shorts appropriate for everyday wear?
Yes, when designed properly. Look for shorts with belt loops (so that you can dress them up slightly), quality construction that doesn't look purely athletic, and neutral colours that pair with various tops. Avoid short shorts with pure elastic waistbands or overly sporty styling for anything beyond extremely casual settings.
How should short shorts fit?
Short shorts should sit mid-thigh without riding up when you sit or move. The waistband should rest comfortably at your waist without digging in or sliding down. Look for a fit that's tailored but not tight; you should be able to move freely without fabric pulling or restricting.
Pocket bulk matters more on shorter cuts, so avoid designs where pockets bulge out even when empty. When trying your shorts on, sit down, walk around, and bend over. If they feel restrictive or constantly ride up, size up or try a different brand with better stretch fabric.
