Top Shorts Brands: A Curated Selection for Style and Comfort

Finding the perfect pair of shorts can be a transformative experience, elevating your comfort and style whether you're lounging at home or out on a sunny adventure. In the diverse world of fashion, numerous brands strive to provide the ideal fit, fabric, and design for every taste and occasion. From timeless classics to modern favorites, our curated list promises to introduce you to the top contenders in the shorts arena. Discover your new wardrobe essentials below and upgrade your style effortlessly.

Illustration of shorts

Best brands of shorts in 2025

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned as one of the best producers of shorts, known for its high-quality, sustainable, and environmentally friendly products. The brand has strategically reduced its factory count by 58% to 45 suppliers, ensuring better working conditions and superior product quality. As of 2012, Patagonia's manufacturing operations are spread across 16 countries, including the United States. The company has also embraced the bluesign standard, with 30% of its fabrics being bluesign-approved. Patagonia's steadfast commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices has established it as a leader in the outdoor apparel industry. Explore their collection of high-quality men's shorts to experience their commitment firsthand.

Lululemon

Lululemon Athletica is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality athletic shorts, boasting a strong market presence with a 6.19% market share in the apparel industry as of Q3 2024. Founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, Lululemon has built a cult-like following by focusing on community engagement and high-end fitness gear. The brand's shorts are popular for their comfort, durability, and stylish designs, with product pages featuring diverse models and detailed sizing information to enhance customer experience. As of November 2024, Lululemon's short interest stands at 5.50 million shares, representing 5.18% of the float, indicating a moderate level of short selling activity. With over 500 stores worldwide, Lululemon continues to be a leader in the luxury fitness apparel market.

Nike

Nike is a dominant force in the athletic footwear and apparel market, including shorts, with a strong presence in various categories. As of 2022, Nike holds 38.2% of the total footwear market and 30% of the athletic footwear market, reflecting its significant influence since 2011 when it had a 17.9% share. The company's revenue from footwear constitutes about 64.5% of its total company revenue from 2017 to 2022, highlighting its focus on high-quality athletic products. Nike's product offerings are categorized into key segments such as Running, Basketball, and Sportswear, ensuring a wide range of options for consumers. The company's commitment to innovation and consumer-centric approaches has solidified its position as a leader in the industry.

Adidas

Adidas is renowned as one of the best producers of athletic shorts, leveraging its mission to be the best sports brand in the world by designing and selling top-quality sports products. The brand has a significant market share, with 15.4% in global athletic footwear as of 2022 and a strong presence in the athletic apparel market. Adidas focuses on innovation, as seen in its footwear franchises like UltraBoost and Predator, which drive brand perception and consumer purchase intent. The company has also made strides in catering to female consumers, introducing inclusive sizing collections and specialized products like post-mastectomy sports bras. With a global reach and partnerships with renowned athletes, Adidas continues to shape sport and influence culture. For more information, visit the Adidas official website.

Under Armour

Under Armour is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality athletic shorts, leveraging innovative marketing strategies and product innovations to carve out a significant market share. The brand's HeatGear and ColdGear lines, introduced to keep athletes comfortable in extreme conditions, have been particularly successful. As of Q3 2024, Under Armour holds a market share of 3.07% in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry, with 6.44% of its shares currently sold short, indicating a mix of investor sentiments. Under Armour's global expansion and strategic partnerships, such as with NBA star Stephen Curry, have further solidified its position in the sportswear market. The brand's commitment to performance solutions and empowering athletes has made it a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

The North Face

The North Face is renowned for producing high-quality, versatile shorts, such as the Class V Pull-On Shorts, which boast 68% recycled material, PFC-Free DWR treatment, and FlashDry-XD(tm) technology for enhanced durability and quick-drying properties. These shorts have proven superior in comfort, breathability, and durability, making them ideal for hiking, swimming, and everyday wear. The brand's revenue has seen significant growth, with a 17% increase to $3.6 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2024, and a 35% increase in the Asia-Pacific region. The North Face's commitment to sustainability and performance has solidified its position as a leader in outdoor apparel. With a strong global presence and a loyal customer base, The North Face continues to innovate and expand its product lines.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality shorts, known for its durable and comfortable designs. In 2023, the Columbia brand generated $2.94 billion in net sales, highlighting its strong market presence. Despite a challenging U.S. marketplace and a warm winter affecting Q4 performance, Columbia's global sales, particularly in China and Europe-direct markets, showed healthy growth. The company's multi-year profit improvement program aims to optimize product and brand strategies, ensuring continued excellence in its offerings. With a market share of 2.27% in the apparel industry as of Q3 2024, Columbia remains a significant player in the market.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality shorts, known for their comfort, functionality, and affordability. The brand's shorts, such as the Dry Stretch Easy Shorts, are popular among both men and women, with around half of the customers who purchase shorts being female and the other half male. Uniqlo's innovative fabrics, like AIRism and Dry Ex, enhance the comfort and durability of their shorts. By 2019, Uniqlo had grown to over 2,250 stores globally, contributing to its significant market presence. The brand's strong sales performance, such as a 12.2% year-on-year increase in same-store sales, underscores its success in the fast fashion market.

Levi's

Levi's brand is renowned as one of the best producers of shorts, leveraging its rich history and innovative spirit. Founded in 1853, Levi Strauss & Co. has evolved to meet modern consumer tastes, with its Levi's brand accounting for approximately 86% of the company's total net sales in fiscal year 2017. The brand's global reach spans over 110 countries, and its shorts are part of a diverse product line that includes jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, and related accessories. In 2023, Levi's reported net sales of USD 6,179 million, with a significant portion attributed to its men's products, which accounted for around 64% of the company's total net revenues. The brand's commitment to sustainability, such as introducing waterless manufacturing techniques, further enhances its appeal.

H&M

H&M, a leading producer of shorts, is known for offering high-quality and affordable fashion. Founded in 1947 by Erling Persson, the company operates over 3,872 stores across 77 countries and employs more than 101,000 people as of 2023. H&M sources its products from over 1,027 tier 1 factories, with China and Bangladesh being the largest production markets for clothing. The brand is committed to sustainability, aiming to use only sustainable cotton and participating in initiatives like the Better Cotton Initiative. H&M's online sales account for around 30% of their total sales, indicating a strong consumer preference for their products.