Top Khaki Shorts Brands for Effortless Style

Khaki shorts have long been a staple in many wardrobes, offering a perfect blend of style and comfort for warm-weather occasions. With countless brands available, it can be daunting to select the ones that consistently deliver on quality, fit, and design. Renowned names in fashion frequently top the list for their reliable offerings in this category, but emerging brands are also making waves with innovative designs and sustainable materials. For a comprehensive guide to the best brands for khaki shorts, see below.

Illustration of khaki shorts

Best brands of khaki shorts in 2025

J.Crew

J.Crew is renowned for producing high-quality khaki shorts, leveraging precision engineering and sustainable practices. Their 10.5" Stretch Chino Short, for example, is made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, ensuring comfort and flexibility. The brand is committed to sustainably sourcing 100% of its key fibers by 2025 and crafts products in Fair Trade Certified(tm) facilities. These shorts feature a zip fly, slant pockets, and back welt pockets, making them a versatile and stylish choice. With options in various lengths, such as 5", 7", and 10.5" inseams, J.Crew caters to diverse preferences.

Levi's

Levi's brand stands out as a leading producer of high-quality khaki shorts, with a rich history dating back to 1873 and a global presence in over 110 countries. The brand experienced a 5% global growth in Q3 2024, its best quarterly performance in two years, and maintains its position as the #1 women's denim brand in the US with an 11% growth in the women's segment. Levi's khaki shorts, along with other products, contribute to the brand's strong market share, particularly in the Americas and Europe. The company's focus on Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales has driven a 12% increase in DTC revenue in Q3 2024, enhancing its gross margin to a record 60%. Despite challenges with other brands like Dockers, Levi's continues to elevate its image and attract high-income consumers.

Dockers

Dockers, a brand under Levi Strauss & Co., is renowned for producing high-quality khaki shorts that have been a staple in men's fashion for decades. Since its inception in 1985, Dockers has revolutionized casual business wear, introducing the concept of Casual Fridays and becoming a favorite among professionals and casual wear enthusiasts alike. Despite recent challenges, with Dockers revenue down 15% year-over-year, the brand remains a significant player in the market. Dockers khaki shorts are known for their comfort, style, and versatility, having been adopted by various subcultures and remaining relevant for almost 200 years since the origins of khaki fabric. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation continues to make it a top choice for men's shorts.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned as one of the top producers of khaki shorts, embodying the classic American spirit with high-quality, elegant designs. Founded in 1967, the brand has built a strong reputation for its premium apparel, including the iconic Polo Ralph Lauren line, which has been a staple in men's luxury casual and sportswear markets since 1968. As of Q3 2024, Ralph Lauren holds a market share of approximately 4.59% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry, showcasing its enduring presence. The brand's commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and detail has made its products, such as the Double-Knit 7.75" Inseam Shorts, highly rated by consumers. With a global presence across 493 directly operated stores in 30 countries, Ralph Lauren continues to capture the essence of American fashion. Discover more about their collection of men's khaki shorts.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned for producing high-quality, eco-friendly khaki shorts, such as the Men's Lightweight All-Wear 6" Hemp Shorts, made from a 76% organic cotton and 24% hemp blend, ensuring cool-wearing comfort and durability. These shorts feature classic flat-front chino styling, Fair Trade Certified™ sewing, and an anti-pilling finish. Patagonia's commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices sets it apart as a leader in the outdoor apparel industry. The brand's Ironclad Guarantee ensures customer satisfaction, and their focus on environmental responsibility aligns with the values of many consumers. With options available in 6" and 10" inseams, Patagonia caters to a wide range of preferences.

Bonobos

Bonobos is renowned as one of the best producers of khaki shorts, offering a wide range of styles and fits that cater to various needs. Founded in 2007 by Stanford Business School students Andy Dunn and Brian Spaly, Bonobos has innovated men's apparel, particularly with its curved waistband and medium rise designs that eliminate the "khaki diaper butt" issue. The brand's Stretch Organic Cotton Chinos and Rec Shorts are highly praised for their comfort, versatility, and quality, with features like UPF 50+ sun protection and moisture-wicking fabric. Bonobos has expanded its product line to include suits, dress shirts, outerwear, and more, and has partnered with major retailers like Nordstrom. The brand was acquired by Express and WHP Global in May 2023 for $75 million. For more insights, check out this review of Bonobos Stretch Organic Cotton Chinos.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a renowned global apparel and accessories brand, founded in 1978 in Mill Valley, CA, known for its high-quality, versatile pieces, including exceptional khaki shorts. The brand, with over 400 company-operated and franchise stores, is committed to sustainability and biodiversity, making it a premier destination for attainable luxury and heritage classics. Banana Republic's khaki shorts are crafted with expert attention to detail, reflecting the brand's legacy of upcycling and sustainable practices. The brand's commitment to circular design and more sustainable styles has made it a leader in the industry. With a rich history of inspiring modern explorers, Banana Republic continues to offer timeless style for men and women.

L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean is renowned for producing high-quality khaki shorts, such as the Men's Lakewashed Stretch Khaki Shorts, which are made from 98% cotton and 2% spandex for enhanced comfort and flexibility. These shorts are praised for their soft, breathable fabric and all-day comfort. The brand also offers the ultrarugged Men's L.L.Bean Allagash Cargo Shorts, known for their functional design, lightweight construction, and multiple pockets. Customers appreciate the meticulous construction and practical features of these shorts. With a long history of delivering durable and comfortable clothing, L.L.Bean remains a trusted choice for khaki shorts.

Old Navy

Old Navy, despite recent challenges, remains a significant player in the apparel market, particularly known for its affordable and stylish clothing. However, the brand has faced issues such as supply chain disruptions and merchandising missteps, including a shortage of key men's styles like khaki shorts. In 2022, Old Navy struggled with inventory that missed trends, such as not offering in-demand denim styles and over-indexing on plus-sized and casual products. Despite these challenges, Old Navy achieved $9 billion in sales in the previous year and is on track to reach its $10 billion sales goal. The brand's issues are being addressed with plans to bring in new leadership to enhance operational rigor and creative vision. Learn more about their latest offerings on their official website.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is renowned as one of the best producers of khaki shorts, known for their high-quality and durable products. In 2023, the company generated approximately 3.5 billion US dollars in global net sales, highlighting its strong market presence. Columbia's shorts, such as the Flex ROC(tm) and Silver Ridge(tm) Utility Shorts, are highly rated by consumers, with many models receiving 4 to 5-star ratings. The company's public float of 28,650,000 shares and a short interest percentage of 12.32% indicate a balanced investor sentiment. Columbia's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.