Shorts for men form one of the most practical pieces in a warm weather wardrobe, moving easily between a workout, a weekend errand and a lazy afternoon at home. Westside's shorts for men collection covers a range of fits and fabrics, from relaxed cotton and denim styles to drawstring active shorts built for movement. A quick gym session, a casual outing with friends or a day of lounging at home each call for a different kind of pair, and the right choice comes down to fit, fabric and how much ease you want through the leg. This guide covers the fits on offer, the fabrics behind them, sizing pointers and how to wear shorts across gym, casual and loungewear occasions.
A Look at Westside's Shorts for Men Collection
Westside's shorts for men collection brings together cotton, linen and denim pieces finished in solid colours, prints, micro-prints, tie-dyes and cut-n-sew panels. Most styles sit in a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh, cut to move with you rather than cling or bunch. The range spans streetwear-leaning graphic shorts, everyday athleisure pieces, simple casual shorts, semi-casual options that work with a shirt, semi-formal pieces you can pair with a blazer, drawstring loungewear shorts and lightweight beachwear. A few styles also come as part of co-ord sets with a matching hoodie, useful for a put-together look without extra thought. Picking well starts with knowing what each fit and fabric is built for, covered below.
Fits and Styles of Men's Shorts
Gym Shorts for Men
Gym shorts need to move the same way your body does during a set of squats or a sprint on the treadmill, so a stretch waistband and a looser cut through the thigh matter more than how the shorts look standing still. Drawstring and elastic waists make it easy to adjust fit between a heavy session and a light stretch day, and a shorter inseam keeps the knee free during lunges or box jumps. For dedicated workout wear, Westside's Nuoflexx activewear and gym wear collection carries pieces built specifically for training, alongside shorts from the regular casual range that double up for lighter sessions.
Running Shorts for Men
Mens running shorts generally favour a lightweight weave, a slightly higher leg opening for stride length and a soft waistband that will not dig in on a long run. Some running shorts also build in an inner brief so you can skip separate innerwear underneath. Breathability counts for more than thickness here, so look for a fabric that feels light to the touch and dries quickly after a sweaty session, rather than a heavier cotton weave meant for standing around.
Denim Shorts for Men
Denim shorts carry a casual, slightly rugged edge that works well with a plain t-shirt or a simple shirt. Westside's mens denim shorts come in different washes and finishes, including distressed and textured options, so the same basic silhouette can read dressed-down or a little more styled depending on the wash you pick. If you already wear jeans for men regularly, denim shorts are an easy way to carry that same fit preference into warmer weather without starting from scratch.
Cotton Shorts for Men
Mens cotton shorts are the most adaptable pick in the lineup. The fabric breathes well, holds colour and print detail cleanly and softens with every wash, which is why cotton turns up across drawstring shorts, cut-n-sew styles and printed casual pairs. Westside's ETA bottomwear collection builds on this with chinos, joggers and shorts cut from the same comfortable cotton base, a useful place to look if you want a few shorts in the same fit family as your trousers.
Sport and Cargo-Style Shorts
Sport shorts and mens sports shorts generally trade fitted tailoring for utility, with features like side pockets, a drawstring waist and a slightly boxier cut built to survive movement rather than show it off. Cargo-style shorts add extra pockets along the thigh for carrying a phone or keys without a bag. The same loose, breathable build suits casual pickup games too, where longer-length basketball shorts with a mesh-leaning fabric work better than a tailored cut.
Beach and Casual Shorts
Beach shorts and casual shorts for men share a similar brief: light fabric, an easy fit and a design that still looks put together once you are off the sand. Westside's beachwear-leaning prints, tie-dyes and solid shorts work for both a seaside trip and a regular weekend out, since a shorter length and breathable cotton or linen weave suit both settings equally well.
Fabric Guide for Men's Shorts
Cotton
Cotton remains the most common fabric across the shorts range for good reason. It breathes in heat, takes dye and print well and gets softer with wear, which makes it the safer pick for everyday and loungewear shorts.
Denim
Denim is heavier and holds its shape longer than cotton jersey, which is why denim shorts feel sturdier and last through more wear before showing fatigue. The trade-off is less stretch, so a relaxed cut matters more in denim than in a softer fabric.
Linen
Linen shorts bring a looser weave that lets more air through, useful in peak summer heat. The fabric creases easily, which is part of its casual character rather than a flaw, and suits a laid-back daytime look over anything structured.
How to Choose the Right Fit and Size
The biggest sizing mistake with shorts for men is going too snug through the thigh or too baggy through the waist, both of which throw off how the length sits. A relaxed fit, where there is a little room to move without extra fabric bunching at the knee, tends to work for most body types and most activities, from a gym session to a day of errands. Check the size guide on each product page before buying, since fit can vary slightly between a drawstring cotton short and a structured denim pair, and pay particular attention to how the waistband sits, since an elastic or drawstring waist forgives more than a fixed one.
Styling Shorts for Every Occasion
Gym and Workout Days
Pair gym shorts with a breathable t-shirt and training shoes, keeping the rest of the outfit simple so the shorts can do their job without extra layers getting in the way. A pair from the activewear range or a simple drawstring cotton short both work equally well here, since the priority is movement rather than how the outfit photographs.
Casual Everyday Wear
Cotton or denim shorts with a plain or printed t-shirt cover most casual days, whether that means running errands, meeting friends or a short outing in warm weather. Sneakers or simple sandals finish the look without adding unnecessary layers in the heat.
Loungewear and Time at Home
Drawstring cotton shorts, often part of a matching co-ord set, work well for time at home, prioritising softness and an easy waistband over a fitted look. A relaxed hoodie or plain t-shirt from the same set keeps the whole outfit simple and comfortable.
Semi-Casual and Semi-Formal Looks
A plain pair of shorts can move into semi-casual or even semi-formal territory with the right styling, paired with a collared shirt and loafers, or for cooler evenings, one of Westside's jackets for men thrown over the top. For an occasion that calls for more polish, a tailored shirt from the formal wear for men range worn with simpler shorts strikes a dressed-down but put-together balance.
Shorts for Men vs Boxer Briefs and Boxer Shorts
It helps to separate outerwear shorts from innerwear when shopping, since the two solve different problems. A mens boxer brief sits close to the body as a base layer, built from stretch fabric for support under trousers or shorts, while boxer shorts are a looser, more traditional cut of the same innerwear category. The shorts for men covered in this guide are outer layers, meant to be seen and styled on their own, so they use sturdier, less stretchy fabric than either boxer style and come in far more fits, lengths and finishes.
Building a Complete Outfit Around Your Shorts
Shorts rarely work alone. Pairing a relaxed cotton or denim short with a graphic tee and sneakers covers most casual days, while swapping in a piece from Westside's WES Casuals collection gives the same shorts a slightly more directional, streetwear-leaning finish. Keep footwear and accessories simple when the shorts themselves carry a print or wash detail, and save a bolder top for a plain pair, so one half of the outfit always stays understated.
FAQs
- What are the different types of shorts for men available online?
- Shorts for men online generally fall into a few core types: gym and running shorts built for movement, cotton and denim casual shorts for everyday wear, cargo-style sport shorts with extra pockets, and lighter beach or loungewear shorts. Westside's shorts for men collection spans cotton, denim and linen fabrics across relaxed, casual and semi-casual fits, so the right type depends mostly on where you plan to wear them.
- What is the difference between gym shorts and mens running shorts?
- Gym shorts usually prioritise a looser cut and a stretch waistband to handle varied movement like squats or lunges, while mens running shorts lean lighter and shorter, with a higher leg opening built for stride and sometimes an inner brief for support. Both favour breathable fabric over thickness, but running shorts trade a bit of coverage for less fabric weight on longer runs.
- Which fabric works best for mens cotton shorts in daily wear?
- Cotton works well for daily wear because it breathes in heat, takes colour and print cleanly and softens with repeated washing. Mens cotton shorts in a relaxed fit suit everything from errands to lounging at home, and the fabric handles Indian summers better than heavier synthetic blends, which is why it remains the most common choice across casual shorts.
- Are denim shorts still a good casual option for men?
- Yes, denim shorts remain a solid casual option, especially in a relaxed fit with a slightly distressed or textured wash. They pair easily with a plain t-shirt or shirt and carry a bit more structure than cotton shorts, which makes them a good pick when you want a casual look that still feels a little put together.
- What should I look for in sport shorts or mens sports shorts?
- Look for a stretch or drawstring waistband, a breathable fabric that does not cling with movement, and side pockets if you plan to carry a phone or keys. Sport shorts and mens sports shorts generally favour a slightly boxier cut over a tailored one, since the extra room through the thigh matters more during activity than a fitted silhouette.
- How do I choose the right fit when buying shorts for men?
- Aim for a relaxed fit that sits comfortably at the waist without being snug through the thigh or baggy at the hem, since both extremes affect how the length falls. Checking the size guide on the product page helps, since fit can vary between a drawstring cotton short and a structured denim pair, and the waistband style, elastic, drawstring or fixed, also affects comfort.
- Can mens sports shorts be worn outside the gym?
- Yes, sport shorts with a simple, solid design work fine for casual outings beyond the gym, especially paired with a plain t-shirt and sneakers. The looser cut and breathable fabric that make them useful for a workout also make them comfortable for errands or a relaxed day out, as long as the styling stays simple.
- What makes a good pair of beach shorts for men?
- Good beach shorts for men use a lightweight, quick-drying fabric, sit in a shorter or mid length, and come in a print, solid colour or wash that still looks fine once you are off the sand. Westside's beachwear-leaning prints and tie-dye shorts work for both a seaside trip and a casual weekend outing.
- Are boxer shorts the same as regular shorts for men?
- No, boxer shorts belong to the innerwear category and are meant to be worn under clothing, not as an outer layer. Regular shorts for men use sturdier fabric, come in far more lengths and fits, and are designed to be seen and styled, which is the main difference between the two despite the similar name.
- What is a mens boxer brief and how is it different from shorts?
- A mens boxer brief is a close-fitting innerwear piece made from stretch fabric, worn as a base layer under trousers or shorts. It differs from outerwear shorts mainly in fit and purpose, since a boxer brief is built for support close to the body, while shorts are looser and meant to be visible as part of an outfit.
- How should casual shorts for men be styled for everyday outfits?
- Casual shorts for men work best kept simple: a plain or lightly printed t-shirt, comfortable sneakers and minimal accessories let the shorts carry the outfit without competing details. A denim or cotton pair in a relaxed fit covers most everyday situations, from running errands to meeting friends for a casual lunch.
- Can shorts be worn for semi-formal occasions?
- A plain, well-fitted pair of shorts can work for semi-casual or light semi-formal settings when paired with a collared shirt and smarter footwear like loafers. For occasions that call for more polish, layering a jacket over simpler shorts, or pairing them with pieces from a formal wear range, helps strike a dressed-down but tidy balance.
- What length of shorts works best for most men?
- A length that sits around or just above the knee works well for most builds and most occasions, since it stays practical for movement while looking proportionate. Running or gym shorts often sit shorter for ease of movement, while casual and semi-formal shorts tend to run slightly longer for a more put-together look.
- How should I take care of cotton and denim shorts to keep them lasting longer?
- Washing cotton and denim shorts in cooler water and turning them inside out before a wash cycle helps preserve colour and print detail over time. Air drying instead of high-heat tumble drying also helps denim keep its shape for longer, while ironing on a lower setting works better for cotton to avoid scorching prints.
