Best men’s shorts to take you through summer and beyond

Shorts don’t have to be casual, as shown by this tailored pair from Danish brand Selected Homme. Our tester immediately found these to be a great option for warmer weather when you want to feel more dressed-up but it’s simply too hot for tailored trousers. Available in four neutral colours, these are perfect with a smart shirt tucked in with dress shoes or loafers, or with sandals and a loose linen shirt or T-shirt for exploring. The shorts are made with a recycled polyster and cotton blend, so they are light and have a lower impact on the environment.

Pangaia has a range of basics in tons of colours that we love. Our tester tried these shorts in the blackberry colour, an earthy deep purple with the brand’s signature text. They are made with organic cotton and treated with peppermint oil, so they stay fresh for longer. All the packaging is recycled and biodegradable too!

Our tester found himself gravitating towards these all the time. They are super comfortable, great for sleeping and lounging in or great for casual outfits on a hot day. The quality is obvious when you feel them and try them on and there are lots of colours to choose from – and an option with a longer inseam is available too.

Short shorts are a men’s summer staple this year so don’t be afraid of a five-inch inseam like that of the pull-on performance chino from Everlane. Made with moisture wicking and quick-dry material to keep you cool and dry, these shorts do just that on a warm day. A generous stretch makes these super comfortable and the style is minimal with a simple back pocket and nice big buttons, meaning these shorts pair great with lots of outfits. These are packed for our tester’s holiday to be paired with sandals and a shirt for summer exploring.

If you prefer longer shorts, these linen-blend wide legs from Calvin Klein are the perfect way to try that trend. They’re breezy given the wide leg and fabric. The stony beige colour is great for a minimalist look but there is also a deep orange colour called burnt caramel. To style, try pairing with white socks and loafers, or of course, for a very hot day, match with a pair of sandals. The drawstring is a great addition, giving a little something extra on an otherwise simple pair of shorts.

There is a vintage feeling to these unisex shorts, evoking waspy, carefree living that has become a trend this year. The nylon is light and the pleated detail in the front elevates these above a basic pair of shorts you’d wear to the gym. Pair with white socks and New Balance trainers plus an oversized shirt on top for a perfect relaxed and preppy summer look.

While remaining a neutral colour, these shorts up close have lovely detailed embroidery that evokes a fairytale woodland. A dog exploring around a tree, a man hiking among the foliage and a little house are all depicted. And the Percival tag is in a vibrant green.

The shorts are high quality with a lining to avoid any discomfort from stitching – note: the lining does make them fairly thick, but this adds to the general quality. We think these are great paired with a white or off-white shirt or a plain white T-shirt. And while they are slightly on the more expensive side, they really make a statement.

Available in a wide range of colours, these shorts from aptly-named Danish brand Colorful Standard, are made with organic cotton and are great to throw on for a casual look. The brand is dedicated to creating clothing ethically, ensuring that workers and the environment are not negatively affected by the manufacturing process, while also recycling and using sustainable materials. Our tester tried two colours, pacific blue and storm grey in size M. The fit was great and storm grey is a great neutral tone with the vibrant blue adding a pop of colour to summery outfits.

These cargo shorts by Columbia are great for out-and-about hiking and exploring. There’s a handy pocket to keep belongings safe as you walk in the great outdoors and they come with UPF 50 sun protection built-in as well as sweat-wicking fabric to keep you dry and avoid chafing during a long trek. The belt is great for adjusting the waist for the most comfortable fit and can also be detached, and the shorts are made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, meaning minimal impact on the environment.