7 Best Basketball Shorts for Men, According to Fashion and Fitness Editors

Despite having the shortest length on this list, New Balance’s basketball shorts still stand tall next to the competition. We love the 5-inch inseam, which looks sharp compared to the traditional billowy silhouettes that look like parachutes on your legs. This design is cut closer to the body, offering a more tailored fit that’s flattering, whether you’re shooting hoops or grabbing an impromptu lunch with friends.

Shorter shorts means more breeze, especially if you’re playing outdoors. You’ve got more leg room to breathe, since there’s no excess fabric. Even during the most intense gameplay, we found the material wicks away sweat efficiently, keeping you cool as a cucumber. From a comfort perspective, the waistband is flexible like a soft rubber band and offers a wide range of movement, allowing you to dribble, drive and shoot without feeling restricted.

Our style editors say that New Balance’s mesh short is stylish enough to wear off the court. We’ve even paired it with a button-down shirt for a low-key, casual look.

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GymShark’s newest basketball short brings that streetwear vibe with its sharp, tailored fit and trendy colorways like ash blue and fog purple. The pair is fully lined, with luxe materials, and have a nice, hefty weight to them—but not too thick or unbearable in hotter temps. We also like that there’s open side pockets and subtle branding that keep the look clean and modern. It perfectly blends performance and style that makes it great to wear off the court, whether you’re catching an outdoor movie or heading to a music festival this summer.

A 7-inch inseam on basketball shorts is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, the modest length maintains excellent airflow and breathability, helping to keep you cool and comfortable during your games or workouts. Another highlight is its premium mesh texture, which is built to stay intact after going through rounds of washes.

It’s impossible to curate a list of the best basketball shorts without featuring a design from Champion. For decades, the OG athletic brand has been churning out quality sports apparel that bridges the gap between style and function. The same can be said about this budget-friendly pair, which has a standard fit that provides a classic, chill aesthetic. Our editors found that its laid-back shape is not too snug or too loose—rather just right for shooting a three-pointer or attending a backyard barbecue.

Unlike other options in this list, this one is produced with double dry technology, a proprietary fabric that quickly evaporates moisture and controls sweat buildup. Based on our testing, we found that it kept us feeling dry and fresh, post-workout. We found that the fabric is super durable and stands up to frequent wear and tear, making them a reliable choice for regular play. On top of that, it feels insanely soft, like a second skin.