When the going gets hot, it’s time to rock some classic jean shorts. Okay, okay, so maybe that’s not entirely true, as this particular garment tends to go in and out of fashion. Heck, even when in fashion, denim shorts can be considered something of a retro style statement. Compare that to traditional men’s jeans, which seem to be forever trending. Is it because they cover up those pale and hairy legs? Possibly.
Anyway, the good news (or bad news, depending on how one feels about those aforementioned hairy legs) is that men’s jean shorts—also known as jorts—are back in popular demand. And with popular demand comes great supply, resulting in a variety of different washes, cuts, fits, and styles. Don’t sleep on the resurgence when you can score some quality denim instead because brands such as Carhartt, Levi’s, Saint Laurent, and Dickies are throwing their jorts in the ring. We’ve selected a few of our favourites below.
Related: The adidas Gazelle Indoor is a Gucci Gazelle Without the Gucci Price Tag.
How Man of Many Chose the Best Jean Shorts for Men
When it comes to selecting our list of the best jean shorts for men, the process was simple. Knowing a thing or two about denim plays an important role, and we’ve been in the business of fashion since we were founded back in 2012. Our list takes into account material composition, price point, brand name, cut of denim, and over-style to determine our favourites. From there, we look at some of the most popular options on the market, because keeping up with trends is just as important. If there’s a pair of denim shorts you think we should check out, get in contact. Now, let’s check out the list below.
Best Jean Shorts for Men at a Glance
Our list of the best jean shorts for men goes like this.
- Best jean shorts for men overall: Levi’s Standard Jean Shorts
- Best designer jean shorts: Saint Laurent Relaxed-Fit Shorts in Black Denim
- Best value for money jean shorts: Butter Goods Spinner Denim Shorts
- Best black denim jeans shorts: Kenzo Himawari Denim Shorts
Table of contents
- How Man of Many Chose the Best Jean Shorts for Men
- Best Jean Shorts for Men at a Glance
- 1. Carhartt Ruck Single Knee Short – Blue Light True Wash
- 2. Levi’s Standard Jean Shorts
- 3. Dickies 11″ Relaxed Fit Carpenter Denim Short
- 4. Acne Studios Loose-Fit Denim Shorts
- 5. Butter Goods Spinner Denim Shorts
- 6. Evisu Seagull Print Denim Shorts
- 7. FRAME L’Homme Cut-Off Short in Bates Rips
- 8. Saint Laurent Relaxed-Fit Shorts in Black Denim
- 9. Ksubi Chopper Short Spray Out Yellow
- 10. Kenzo Himawari Denim Shorts
- Everything You Should Know About Jean Shorts
- General FAQ
Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.
1. Carhartt Ruck Single Knee Short – Blue Light True Wash
Crafting quality workwear since the late 19th century, Carhartt is a perennial favourite amongst the exact kind of men who’d rock jean shorts regardless of any concurrent style trend (i.e. hardworking dads). This also makes it one of our favourite brands full-stop, and their lineup of jean shorts is only rivalled by perennial denim brand Levi’s. This particular pair combines a classic light blue profile with sturdy construction and thoughtful details such as tool pockets and a hammer loop.
Material: 100% Cotton
Fit: Regular
Stitching: Triple stitched
Price: from AUD$120
Buy it here (Carhartt) Buy it here (The ICONIC) Buy it here (Farfetch)
2. Levi’s Standard Jean Shorts
No one does denim quite like Levi’s. The brand remains the absolute master of this domain from one decade to the next and anyone in the market for comfortable men’s jean shorts should look no further than the classic Standard Jean Shorts. A favourite of ours because they offer quality, in the form of 99% cotton construction, with a standard zip fly and a five-pocket design. We always recommend keeping things classic when it comes to jorts and Levi’s knows how to oblige. Beautifully basic in all the best ways.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
Fit: Regular
Price: from AUD$90
Buy it here (Levi’s) Buy it here (Myer) Buy it here (The ICONIC)
3. Dickies 11″ Relaxed Fit Carpenter Denim Short
Just like Carhartt, Dickies is another workwear brand we can’t look past when it comes to the best denim shorts for men. Known for crafting long-lasting workwear and other wardrobe staples, they bring that same tier of quality to these relaxed jean shorts. A good choice for those who are looking for a heavier-weight model, the 100% heavyweight cotton denim construction is first class. The shorts sit comfortably just below the waistline with extra room in the seat and thigh. Choose between a variety of colours, our personal favourites being Rinsed Black and Light Indigo.
Material: 100% Heavyweight Cotton
Fit: Relaxed
Stitching: Triple stitched
Price: from AUD$80
Buy it here (Dickies) Buy it here (Surf Stitch) Buy it here (Fast Times)
4. Acne Studios Loose-Fit Denim Shorts
Acne Studios prove that the best men’s denim shorts aren’t just for dads with these black stonewashed classics. The natural stepping stone from a mid-tier designer brand, Acne Studios has had its finger on the pulse of fashion for three decades and counting thanks to premium designs with equally premium cuts and constructions. Take these jorts for example, which are made in Italy from 100% cotton and feature a front button and zip fastening. They run knee-length and deliver simplicity and luxury in equal measure.
Material: 100% Cotton
Fit: Loose
Price: from AUD$460
Buy it here (Acne Studios) Buy it here (Farfetch) Buy it here (MR PORTER)
5. Butter Goods Spinner Denim Shorts
Butter Goods hit our radar around five years ago when we sampled a few of the brand’s shorts at a local boutique here in Sydney. Since then, Butter Goods has become a brand that takes style cues from street and skate culture, employing quality and functionality into all its garments. Its take on men’s jean shorts features a baggy fit, a PU patch on the belt loops, and signature embroidery on both the coin pocket and back pocket. As anyone who purchases a pair will quickly discover, extra attention to detail can go a very long way. Get them in Washed Indigo.
Material: 100% Cotton
Fit: Baggy
Buy it here (Butter Goods) Buy it here (Fast Times) Buy it here (END Clothing)
6. Evisu Seagull Print Denim Shorts
You might recognise Evisu as the denim brand of choice for famous hip-hop stars like Jay-Z and Lil Uzi Vert. The label’s long-running focus on distinctive detail and premium fabrics is alive and well when it comes to the Seagull Print Denim Shorts. Hailing from the recent fall collection, they feature artistic seagull prints on the back pockets and a square beltline patch of premium Godhead leather. This is retro style done oh so right.
Material: 100% Cotton
Fit: Regular
Price: from AUD$520
7. FRAME L’Homme Cut-Off Short in Bates Rips
Best known for its versatile fits, premium washes, and forward-thinking styles, LA-based denim brand FRAME recently added men’s jean shorts to its top-selling L’Homme line. Label benchmarks such as the mid-rise waist and straight leg are joined by a raw hem finish that lands just above the knee. Each pair is made from light-wash denim with a touch of stretch for added comfort.
Material: 96% Cotton, 3% Elasterell-Polyester, 1% Elastane
Fit: Mid-rise
Price: from AUD$150
Buy it here (FRAME) Buy it here (Revolve) Buy it here (fwrd)
8. Saint Laurent Relaxed-Fit Shorts in Black Denim
These black jean shorts (Osaka Black, to be exact) are crafted in Japan from the finest cotton, with raw edges, concealed button closures, and a five-pocket design. Speaking of pockets, yours will need to be fairly deep if you want to afford these ultra-hip bad boys, but you probably knew that as soon as you saw the words Saint Laurent.
Material: 100% Cotton
Fit: Relaxed
Price: from AUD$1,000
Buy it here (YSL) Buy it here (Matches) Buy it here (MR PORTER)
9. Ksubi Chopper Short Spray Out Yellow
Australia’s own Ksubi brings its unmistakable touch to men’s jean shorts with this stylish example, aka the Chopper Short Spray Out Yellow. Made from European comfort stretch denim and available in a medium blue vintage wash, they feature a raw hem finish, tasteful rip across the front thigh, and street-inspired branding on the back pocket. It doesn’t get much cooler than this.
Fit: Mid-rise, slim fit
Price: from $195 AUD
Buy it here (Ksubi) Buy it here (SSENSE) Buy it here (FARFETCH)
10. Kenzo Himawari Denim Shorts
French fashion house Kenzo brings retro flavour and minimalist perfection to these black jean shorts for men, which employ a straight cut and streamlined design. Each pair is made from Japanese Kaihara denim and equipped with an eye-catching brand logo on the back pocket. A 1% touch of elastane means wearers can expect prime comfort for a premium price.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Fit: Mid-rise
Price: from USD$340
Buy it here (Kenzo) Buy it here (The ICONIC) Buy it here (FARFETCH)
Everything You Should Know About Jean Shorts
Men’s jean shorts are having a moment and not just amongst working dads or retro-obsessed hipsters. What gives? One might ask. Let’s find out.
A Brief History of Denim Shorts
For the first half of the 20th century, any kind of shorts was considered taboo for men and women alike. In fact, one could even be fined for wearing shorts in public in some cities around the world. But with evolving attitudes came adjoining fashion trends and the emergence of jean shorts.
By the 1970s, denim shorts had officially gone from not to hot in Western society. They remained culturally relevant — especially amongst women — over the decades that followed, with help from public figures such as Catherine Bach (who played Daisy Duke on the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard”) and Cindy Crawford.
Men picked up on the trend though often for functional purposes, such as everyday work or outdoor activity. The category cooled off for a while but now it would appear that men’s denim shorts are back in action, with a growing customer base amongst people of all backgrounds and ages.
Why Are They Popular Again?
Around 2015, denim shorts became popular enough that the nickname “jorts” was officially entered into the dictionary. As to why this particular staple was staging a comeback amongst men, the answer could be as simple as the cyclical nature of fashion trends. It also helps that celebrity figures such as A$AP Rocky, Justin Bieber, Adam Sandler, and Tyler, the Creator have all made public appearances whilst wearing men’s jean shorts.
One might find the denim shorts look to be a tad retro in a very purposeful sort of way, but when is it not in style to resurrect vintage trends? Let’s also remember that shorts of any variety give you more breathing room and mobility when it gets hot outside, making them effortlessly functional. Between all these factors, it’s no wonder that men are once again picking up denim shorts in various fits, washes, cuts, and styles.
General FAQ
Tastes vary but our current picks for the most stylish men's jean shorts are the Butter Goods Spinner Denim Shorts, Evisu's Seagull Print Denim Shorts, and Saint Laurent's Relaxed-Fit Shorts in Black Denim.
In our opinion, Saint Laurent's Relaxed-Fit Shorts in Black Denim are the best black denim jean shorts that money can buy.
All fashion trends are cyclical in nature and men's jean shorts are no exception. Public figures such as Justin Bieber and Tyler, the Creator have also played a role in popularizing this retro-themed apparel.
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