The best 7-inch inseam shorts expose just the right amount of leg to cool your crotch but cover enough to keep your modesty intact. They fall between the knee scraping 9-inch inseams and the thigh riding 5-inch inseams. The best 7-inch inseam shorts prove you’re confident enough to show off your legs, and what’s more masculine than confidence? Aside from maybe a bountiful, boisterous beard, nothing. 

Men’s shorts have been relevant for years now, meaning you have many buying options, from gym attire to business casual. Countless choices also mean it’s tough to know what’s amazing and what’s meh.

Lucky for you, I have tirelessly sifted through all the best men’s 7-inch inseam shorts the internet has to offer and picked out the best of the best. Check them out, order your favorites, and rest easy.

 

Chubbies was holding it down for men’s 7-inch inseam shorts even during the dark days of the uber-baggy 90s. Chubbies has been short-short heroes for decades, and these bad boys are their star performers.

The 3% spandex makes these shorts the ultimate pair for comfort and versatility. They’d look at home on the golf course, kill at brunch, and still make it home in time for Sunday night football. All that, and they come in half a dozen color staples like khaki, navy blue, gray, and black. 

They all have silly names like “The Dark N’ Stormies” and “The Khakinators” (come on, Chubbies), but that never stops us from recommending these elevated chinos to anyone who asks.

Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex | Style: Chino | Sizes Available: 30-40 | Colors: Many block colors | Care: Machine wash

There is no denying Vuori’s Banks shorts are the star of the 7-inch inseam shorts in the athleisure scene. Not only does the breathable, quick-drying recycled polyester make them a workout essential, but loungewear lovers will greet them with open arms thanks to their insane level of comfort. 

These shorts contain at least four bottles worth of recycled polyester and have deodorizers to mitigate gym-time sac stank. With 18 different colors and patterns to boot, you’re almost guaranteed to find one you love. Maybe buy a few, though, because you might never want to take them off.

Material: 45% Recycled Polyester, 45% Polyester, 10% Elastane | Style: Activewear | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors: 18 different options | Care: Machine wash

J. Crew is another fashion hot-shot that added elastane to transform their old lines. These aren’t just khakis anymore; they’re stretch khakis. That stretchiness makes these shorts so much comfier. 

J. Crew has long been a preppy wardrobe staple, and these stretch khakis look to expand on that. These stretchy shorts are perfect for business casual days, a trip to the bar, or a quick gym trip in a pinch. We wouldn’t go running for hours in them, but they at least give your legs the range of movement they need to get in some squats.

Material: Cotton/elastane | Style: Flat front | Sizes Available: 28-38 | Colors: 12 block colors | Care: Machine wash

Sensible fashionistas adopted the most practical piece of clothing there is from the military – cargos. Now that they’re cool again, you no longer have to bother a purse-wearing significant other or leave extras at home. You’re good as long as your pockets don’t look like chipmunk cheeks.

They market this pair as fishing shorts (probably because they can fit a “beverage” in the front pockets), but you can wear cargos anywhere. Add a bucket hat with these cargos to go full-fisherman and enjoy the peak of summer fashion; hot dad chic.

For other looks like this, check out more of our favorite cargo shorts.

Material: 100% Cotton | Style: Cargo | Sizes Available: S-6X | Colors: Teal, Red, Beige, Black, Navy, Khaki | Care: Machine wash

Mesh shorts are a must for any closet, and Uniqlo makes one of the best. Their ultra-stretch active shorts DRY-EX technology isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It works incredibly well and keeps your shorts from becoming a horrendous ball-sauna mid-workout.

The days of workout clothes being frowned upon in public are over (at least covid gave us something good), and these are the perfect shorts to take advantage of that. They don’t look like mesh basketball shorts at first glance, and that’s the beauty. They look good enough to wear almost anywhere – calling them business casual pushes it. 

Material: Polyester (40% Recycled) | Style: Activewear | Sizes Available: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, Beige, Navy | Care: Machine wash

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Nike took the prize for best running shorts. They’ve been Twitter’s favorite shorts for a few years, and it looks like that will repeat for years to come.

This specific Nike short is particularly worthwhile. 

These running shorts come in bright neons and have reflective bars, which are valuable features for dusk and dawn runners. They also have a liner that keeps your junk in place on long runs; it won’t be bouncing about on every stride anymore. The liner is comfy, too; it won’t feel like you’re wearing your childhood bathing suit.

Material: 100% Polyester (50% Recycled) | Style: Running | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors: Black, Gray, Blue, Neon Pink, Neon Green, Aquamarine, Salmon | Care: Machine wash

Stretch chinos are the new masters of multi-tasking. Like the Chubbies that won the overall best shorts, the 2% spandex construction is vital. The bit of flexible freedom opens things up for these chinos, yet they feel just as strong and soft as a 100% cotton pair.

These men’s 7-inch inseam shorts function well and look great anywhere. They’re perfect for Fridays at the office, and if you forget your gym shorts, the spandex lets you take these out for a workout or biking session. The main difference between these and the Chubbies is that these aren’t quite as comfy (they are cheaper, though). 

Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Style: Chino | Sizes Available: 30-44 | Colors: Navy, Khaki, Maroon, Baby Blue, White, Beige | Care: Machine wash

Jorts have long been infamous in the men’s fashion world, but as of 2021, they’ve made a comeback. Not only is Levi’s an old staple, but they last forever. They might be divisive, but you’ll look undeniably confident by rocking a look many people are scared to touch. A Canadian tuxedo will only amplify that.

Levi’s has been making the best denim for over 150 years, so they’re our go-to. Plus, legend has it that every time a guy buys his first cut-off jorts, John Cena lands a new acting role. Now that’s something worth fighting for. 

Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Style: Straight cut-off | Sizes Available: 28-38 | Colors: Dark wash, Light wash, Black | Care: Machine wash

If you’re the type who usually flees from in-house department store clothes, now might be the time to fold. Goodthreads shorts are cheap as hell, but there’s a lot more to love than the price. 

Amazon’s fashion is finally worth buying. They’ve added the handful of elastane that’s become a comfort staple, they’re made from quick-drying woven nylon, and they come in nearly a dozen beautiful block colors and patterns. Basically, you can wear them everywhere, from backyard barbecues to city strolls.

Material: 95% Woven Nylon, 5% Elastane | Style: Flat front | Sizes Available: 28-42 | Colors: 11 Colors and patterns | Care: Machine wash

For good reason, Tommy Hilfiger is one of the most beloved names in the fashion world. Their best 7-inch inseam shorts stay true to the ever-important trifecta of looks, comfort, and quality, and these swim trunks fall right in line.

Hilfigers are among the cushiest swim trunks we’ve ever worn. Also, the US flag colors don’t dominate them like Tommy tends to love. These trunks are a must-have for guys who love fun pattern options and want threads that will last.

Material: 59% Cotton, 37% Polyester, 4% Lycra | Style: Swimwear | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Colors: 15 Beach-ey patterns & prints  | Care: Machine wash

What to look for in 7-inch inseam shorts

Style

Style is the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new pair of men’s 7-inch inseam shorts. What’s the best way to find the proper styles for you? Scroll back up and read through to find out, and be sure to check our guide to “the best men’s shorts” for more wardrobe help.

Material

The right material can mean the difference between true swamp-ass and a slightly damp bottom. Cotton is classic and makes for cozy clothing, and most companies are opting to add a little elasticity.

What it really comes down to is preference and utility. You shouldn’t use khakis as gym shorts; save those for work. And you won’t be wearing mesh to chat with your boss. If you need any more help, our guide above should have you covered.

Brand

When you don’t feel like window shopping for hours, sometimes it’s tempting to go back to your favorite brands. You can always count on sites like Chubbies, J. Crew, and Uniqlo (among others) for the best of the best shorts, no matter what inseam length you need.

But if you are into window shopping, maybe try some newer names. There are plenty of amazing brands like Vuori and Goodthreads flying under the radar, so be open-minded.