The Best Basketball Shorts for Men
Imagine combining the height of Yao Ming, the athleticism of LeBron James, the mindset of Kobe Bryant, the skill of Michael Jordan, and the youth of Giannis Antetokounmpo — with that, you'd have a baller that could do everything. Unfortunately, perfection doesn't exist in the human form, but that's not the case in the world of men's athletic wear. Case in point: basketball shorts. Like the greats who sported these shorts, they're nearly unbeatable, especially when it comes to versatility and comfort. Whether you're out for a jog, mowing the lawn, taking a nap, or actually hitting the court, you'll want to have a pair of basketball shorts in your drawer. Check out our shortlist of some of the best ball shorts on the market to make sure your next purchase is nothing but net.
Real Essentials Active Athletic Performance Shorts
The real deal
When it comes to athletic shorts, it’s never a bad idea to keep plenty of extra pairs around — one pair in your gym bag, three at home, one stashed in the office, and maybe one in the backseat of your car, just in case. You’ll be able to do just that with this value pack of performance shorts from Real Essentials, which offers five pairs of polyester shorts in varying colors to suit any of your workout needs. The 9″ inseam is roomy enough for dynamic movement, while the drawstring closure promises a secure fit. Just remember to throw these bad boys in the wash every now and then, especially if you have them stashed in different places.
Pros:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester fabric
- 9″ inseam isn’t too long or too short
- Great range of colors
- Affordable value pack
Cons:
- Material can feel cheap and may rip if used heavily
Devops Loose-Fit Gym Shorts (2-Pack)
Hang loose
Devops may not be a brand you’re familiar with, but its two-pack of gym shorts could convince you to get to know it pretty quickly. The company opts for a 10″ inseam, which is slightly longer than your average basketball shorts and provides a more relaxed fit. Devops also blends a polyester base with a touch of spandex for some added, multi-directional flexibility. All in all, the material and length combine for a breathable, comfortable product that helps keep you cool on the court or the couch — we’re not judging.
Pros:
- Blend of polyester and spandex is more flexible and breathable than other blends
- 10″ inseam is long and loose enough for dynamic movement
- Rated for UPF 50+
Cons:
- Longer inseam may not be as flattering for shorter men
Adidas Men’s Tastigo 19 Shorts
Short and sweet
Okay, you caught us — technically, these are branded as soccer shorts, but don’t let discourage you from flexing them on the court. Adidas has long been an apparel leader in the world of soccer, but dual-sport brands are even more common than dual-sport athletes; Adidas proves it belongs in both arenas of play with the Tastigo 19 shorts. The proprietary Climalite fabric is made of recycled polyester for a lower environmental impact, and it works well to wick away sweat, keeping you dry and cool. Regardless of your chosen sport or activity, this classic look is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Recycled polyester fabric is more environmentally friendly
- Length and cut provide a fitted look for shorter men
- Climalite material wicks away sweat
Cons:
- Sizing may be smaller than some buyers are used to
- Slimmer fit means no pockets
Nike Dri-Fit Icon Shorts
A dri-fit
We’re all about finding solid deals for products that work, but we’re also willing to acknowledge when bigger brand names live up to their hype. In this case, we’re featuring Nike’s Icon shorts for their exceptional sweat-wicking properties. They reside in Nike’s class of moisture-wicking apparel, aptly labeled “Dri-Fit,” which boasts 100% polyester construction to move sweat quickly from the interior of the garment to the exterior. Along with this hi-tech fabric, the classic swoosh and the notched leg opening make for a timeless yet modern pair of basketball shorts.
Pros:
- Classic roomier fit with the notched leg opening
- Proprietary Dri-Fit fabric provides great moisture-wicking
- Lengthy inseam is ideal for basketball players or athletes with longer legs
Cons:
- Higher price tag thanks to a reliable name-brand
Reebok Men’s Lightweight Workout Shorts
The floater
Though some classic mesh basketball shorts offer comfort and flexibility, their long inseams and extra fabric can weigh you down, which only gets worse after you start sweating. For those who love the look of longer athletic shorts but lament the additional weight, consider giving Reebok’s running shorts a spin. They blend polyester and spandex for a lightweight body that offers great stretch and quick-drying capabilities so you can still float down the court well into the fourth quarter. The relaxed fit is ideal for a lot of leg movement, but these shorts just might be your new favorite pajamas, too.
Pros:
- Poly-spandex blend is ultra-light and flexible
- Still retains the moisture-wicking properties of other sport shorts
- Quick-drying capability to keep shorts from gaining water weight
Cons:
- Shorts are only sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Are basketball shorts different from other shorts?
Yes, in the way that basketball shorts have been tailored to those who play the game. Traditionally, they’ve been longer and made of a polyester mesh, offering a more relaxed fit that accommodates quick changes in direction. Some brands now offer lighter fabrics with greater flexibility and breathability or slimmer fits for smaller bodies. At the end of the day, shorts are shorts, but it’s good to know what you prefer in terms of fit and functionality.
What makes a fabric “moisture-wicking”?
While cotton is known for its absorptive properties, fabrics like nylon and polyester are known for their “moisture-wicking” properties, meaning they pull sweat away from the body. Once the moisture reaches the outer layer of the garment, it dries much more quickly, leaving your skin drier. Cotton can be wonderfully soft and durable, but it’s never been the preferred material for athletes since it absorbs sweat and retains it.
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