Different Types of Men's Shorts and How to Wear Them

Different Types of Men's Shorts and How to Wear Them

Not all shorts are built for the same occasion. Some handle the beach. Others work at the pub. A few do both without missing a beat. Knowing the different types of men's shorts and how to wear them means you stop guessing and start picking the right pair for the right day.

This guide covers the main shorts types, how to style each one, and what to keep in mind when building an outfit rotation that actually works for the Australian lifestyle.

Why Choosing the Right Men's Shorts Matters

The wrong pair of shorts can ruin an outfit before you leave the house. Too long and you look like it's 2003. Too baggy and everything falls apart regardless of the shirt. Get the fit, fabric, and style right and you can move from a Saturday barbie to a casual dinner without changing.

Choosing the right mens shorts styles comes down to three things: what you are doing, where you are going, and how the shorts fit your build. Frankster keeps that simple, with an Australian range made around one focus: better pairs for the days you actually wear them.

Different Types of Men's Shorts Explained

There are more kinds of shorts for men than most men realise. Here is a breakdown of the main styles and what each one is actually good for.

Chino Shorts

Chinos are the most versatile bottom fit in any wardrobe. They sit above the knee, hold their shape through a full day of wear, and move comfortably between casual and smart casual settings without needing much effort.

Frankster's The Everydays are cut from a 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend, garment-dyed after construction so the colour settles into the fabric for a softer, more lived-in finish. The chino shorts feature partially elastic waistband that moves with you through the day without pinching. Two deep side pockets, a back pocket, and a hidden zip pocket on the right round out the details most chino brands skip.

Best for: Everyday outings, casual dining, smart casual events, travel

Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts have earned a better reputation than their early-2000s versions deserved. The modern take slims the silhouette, upgrades the fabric, and keeps the pockets functional without making the whole thing look like a utility vest.

Frankster's The Aussies are built from a 57% Lyocell, 42% cotton and 1% elastane blend. That lyocell content is what these cargos apart. Softer than cotton, more resistant to wear, and better at holding shape through repeated washes. The cargo shorts come with deep side pockets, two back pockets, and a hidden zip pocket that sits flat against the hip. More storage than most blokes will ever need.

Best for: Casual outings that need pocket space, travel, outdoor activities

Athletic & Gym Shorts

Actives are built for movement. The fabrics are typically technical blends that wick moisture and stretch without restriction. They are made for the gym, the run, the golf course, or any activity where comfort and range of motion matter more than polish.

Frankster's The Actives tick every box on that list, with sizes from XS to 4XL. Water-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, anti-microbial, and built with UPF50+ sun protection. The active shorts run on a polyester and elastane blend with four-way stretch and come with five deep zippered pockets including a built-in tee holder. Equally at home on the golf course and the gym floor.

Best for: Training, golf, hiking, active days out

Swim Shorts

Swim types do more work than their name suggests. The right pair goes from the surf to the beachside bar without looking out of place. Quick-dry fabric and a secure waistband are what separate a quality swim short from one that becomes a wet dead weight the moment it hits water.

Best for: Beach days, pool sessions, coastal holidays

Cotton Shorts

Cotton shorts are the everyday default for a reason. The fabric breathes well, washes easily, and stays comfortable through long Australian days without holding heat the way synthetics can.

Frankster's range of cotton shorts for men includes 34 styles across The Everydays and The Comfies, available in sizes XS to 4XL and designed in Australia for everyday wear. Whether you want a structured chino cut or a relaxed lounge fit, the cotton range covers both without compromising on comfort.

Best for: Everyday casual wear, lounging, warm weather, beach-to-street outfits

Frankster’s men's shorts collection covers every style in this guide, fit-tested on real Aussie blokes across every build. Do not just take our word for it. Over 3,000 five-star reviews from Australian customers back that up.

---

How to Style Men's Shorts for Different Occasions

Knowing how to style mens shorts depends on where you are going. 

The same pair can work in multiple settings, here are shorts outfit ideas for the most common occasions.

Occasion	Type	Top	Footwear	Key Rule
Casual Everyday	Cotton or chino shorts	Plain tee or relaxed polo	Canvas sneakers, thongs	Fit clean, nothing boxy
Smart Casual	Chino shorts, neutral tones	Linen button-up or fitted polo	Loafers, leather sneakers, boat shoes	Add a belt, swap the thongs
Beach & Vacation	Swim shorts or lightweight cotton	Open linen shirt, casual tee	Thongs, slides	Breathable and loose on top
Street Style	Cargo or chino shorts	Graphic tee or oversized tee	Clean sneakers	One bold piece at a time

Tip: We recommend sticking to a 7" to 9" inseam for most builds. Avoid going too loud with both pieces at once. If the bottoms are a bolder colour or pattern, keep the top neutral and let one element lead. For footwear, skip the heavy boots. Loafers, sneakers, or thongs will carry any outfit further.

How to Choose the Right Shorts for Your Body Type

Before getting into specific builds, three rules apply to different types of shorts for men regardless of frame:

1. The pinch test — fitted, not tight. Pinch the fabric at the thigh and you should get about an inch on either side.
2. The hem — should taper gently and define the leg, not flare out wide.
3. Fabric — lightweight cotton or linen for casual menswear; four-way stretch or poly-blend for anything active.

With those in place, here is how inseam and fit shift by body type:

Slim or lean build

• Go for a slim or straight fit that follows the leg without excess fabric
• Avoid baggy cuts — too much material around the thigh creates a skirt-like flare that throws off the silhouette
• A 7-inch inseam sitting just above the knee works well

Athletic or muscular build

• Avoid shorts that are too tight across the thigh — they restrict movement and look strained
• A tailored shorts cut with a small amount of stretch gives clean lines without pulling
• Lighter colours help balance out a broader upper body
• Mid-length shorts, just above the knee, keep proportions even

Broader or heavier build

• Straight-leg cuts work better than tapered ones — they do not draw attention to the waist
• Avoid slim-fit shorts, which emphasise the midsection rather than flatter it
• Skip pleated styles — the extra fabric at the front adds visual bulk where you least want it
• A relaxed fit shorts in a stretch fabric sits comfortably through the seat and thigh without pinching
• Never go below the knee — longer shorts make legs look shorter and the overall silhouette heavier

Taller frames

• Aim for above the knee shorts because shorter cuts can look disproportionate on longer legs
• Chino or cargo shorts in mid-length are reliable; both hold their shape at the right length on taller builds
• Avoid anything that finishes mid-thigh, which can look unbalanced against a longer torso

Shorter frames

• A 2 to 3 inch rise above the knee creates the visual impression of more leg length
• Avoid anything that drops to or past the knee — it shortens the silhouette fast
• Slim or straight fits without excess fabric at the thigh keep the proportions clean
• Stick to solid colours or simple patterns rather than bold horizontal details that cut the leg visually

The one rule that holds across all types of shorts for mens: shorts that end just above the knee tend to look the most balanced on the widest range of body types. If you are unsure where to start, length is the first thing to get right.

---

Shorts for Different Seasons in Australia

Australia does not have a hard four-season split. Most of the country runs warm for a large part of the year, and shorts are central to men's summer fashion in Australia, but the right pair shifts by season.

Here is how to think about different types across the seasons:

1. Summer — December to February

The priority is breathability. Lightweight fabrics and shorter cuts handle the heat better than anything else. In the tropical north, quick-dry fabrics matter more than anywhere else — humidity makes heavy cotton uncomfortable fast.

• Fabric: Lightweight cotton blends, 100% linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics
• Style: Swim, active, and cotton shorts all work well. Avoid dark colours in peak heat — they absorb sunlight and add warmth you do not need.

2. Autumn — March to May

Early autumn still runs warm across most of the country. March in Sydney or Brisbane can feel like summer. By May, southern cities cool noticeably. Layer over the top rather than changing the shorts — a button-up, a light knit, or a long-sleeve tee extends the same pair into cooler evenings.

• Fabric: Cotton blends and light chino fabric carry most of the season
• Style: Chinos are the reliable choice — structured enough for cooler days, light enough for warm afternoon.

3. Winter — June to August

This depends almost entirely on where you are. Queensland and WA stay practical for shorts through winter. Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide are a different story through June and July, with most blokes switching to trousers until August eases things slightly.

• Fabric: Mid-weight cotton or stretch chino holds its shape better than linen or very lightweight fabrics in the chill
• Style: Lightweight cargo or chino shorts with a knit or light jacket works well in Brisbane and Perth. In Sydney, shorts stay viable on warmer winter afternoons.

4. Spring — September to November

The easiest season for shorts. Temperatures climb steadily, days get longer, and most of the year's styles come back into rotation. Mornings can still be cool in southern cities through September, so a light layer on top remains useful until midday.

• Fabric: Cotton, linen blends, and technical stretch all work well as temperatures rise
• Style: Chino and active shorts both come back strongly — versatile enough for outdoor activity and casual social settings alike

---

Final Thoughts

The best pair is the one that suits the day without making you think too hard. It should feel easy for a relaxed weekend, clean enough for a smart casual outfit, and comfortable enough to wear on repeat.

Once you understand the types of mens shorts that suit your routine, building a useful rotation becomes simple. Focus on fit first, then fabric, then where you will actually wear each pair.

At Frankster, that is exactly why we keep our focus narrow. Every pair is designed for real Australian days, real bodies, and the kind of comfort that still looks put together when you leave the house.