Types of Shorts — 30 Styles for Men, Women & Every Activity

Quick answer: The main types of shorts fall into five categories — casual (chino, denim, Bermuda), athletic (gym, running, basketball, cycling/biker), swim (board shorts, swim trunks), workwear (cargo, duck canvas work shorts), and loungewear (sweatshorts). Length ranges from 3-inch running shorts to 11-inch Bermuda shorts, and fabric ranges from cotton twill to moisture-wicking polyester depending on the activity.

Shorts are one of the most functionally diverse garments in any wardrobe — the same word covers a 3-inch compression short built for running and an 11-inch tailored chino short worn to a summer office. Picking the wrong type for the wrong activity is the most common shorts-buying mistake: cotton denim shorts at the gym chafe and don't breathe; athletic mesh shorts at a business casual event read as underdressed.

This guide covers every major type of shorts — for men, women, and unisex use — organized by category, with fabric guidance, length charts, and how to choose the right style for your specific activity or program.

Casual & Everyday Shorts

Chino Shorts

Chino shorts are the tailored, cotton-twill standard for business casual and smart-casual summer wear — a flat-front or pleated construction in khaki, navy, or olive that pairs with a polo or button-down. The most versatile men's short for office and social settings alike.

Denim / Jean Shorts

Denim shorts (jorts, when styled casually) come in multiple sub-types: cutoff denim shorts (raw hem, DIY-cut from full-length jeans), high-waisted denim shorts (a women's fashion staple), and tailored denim shorts (finished hem, more polished construction). Denim shorts range from very short (2-3 inch inseam) to Bermuda-length (9-11 inch).

Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts sit at or just above the knee (9-11 inch inseam) — the most conservative, dressiest short length, appropriate for offices with a relaxed summer dress code, resort wear, and golf. Available in chino, denim, and linen fabrications.

Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts add multiple patch pockets (typically 2 side cargo pockets plus standard front/back pockets) for functional storage — the standard for outdoor work, camping, and utility-focused casual wear. Available in lightweight cotton for summer or heavier duck canvas for workwear durability.

Sweat Shorts

Sweat shorts (or sweatshorts) use the same fleece construction as a sweatshirt — soft cotton-poly fleece with an elastic waistband, built for loungewear and casual athletic-adjacent wear rather than performance activity.

Linen Shorts

Linen shorts are the warm-weather fabric upgrade from cotton chino — more breathable, more textured, and more resort-appropriate, popular for beach vacations and summer smart-casual events.

Types of Gym & Athletic Shorts

Running Shorts

Running shorts are built for minimal weight and maximum range of motion — typically 3-5 inch inseam, lightweight polyester or nylon, often with a built-in liner. Split-leg running shorts (with a slit up the side seam) provide the most unrestricted stride.

Basketball Shorts

Basketball shorts are longer and looser than running shorts (9-11 inch inseam), made from lightweight woven polyester with mesh side panels for airflow — designed for lateral movement and a relaxed, non-restrictive fit during play.

Compression Shorts

Compression shorts use tight, stretch spandex-blend fabric that hugs the body — worn either as a standalone base layer or underneath basketball or running shorts for muscle support and moisture management during high-intensity activity.

Gym Shorts (General Training)

Gym shorts for general strength training and workouts typically split into two camps: woven polyester shorts (lightweight, quick-dry, 5-7 inch inseam) and knit/fleece shorts (softer, less structured, better for stretching and mobility work).

Golf Shorts

Golf shorts combine chino-like tailored styling with performance stretch fabric — a flat-front, Bermuda-length short (9-10 inch inseam) built to move through a golf swing while still looking appropriate for a clubhouse dress code.

Hiking Shorts

Hiking shorts use durable, quick-drying nylon or nylon-blend fabric, often with a gusseted crotch for extra range of motion on the trail and UPF sun protection built into the fabric.

Types of Cycling & Biker Shorts

Padded Cycling Shorts

True cycling shorts include a padded chamois insert at the seat and crotch to reduce friction and pressure during long rides — made from a compressive spandex-Lycra blend that moves with pedaling motion without bunching.

Bib Shorts

Bib shorts extend cycling shorts with attached suspender-style straps over the shoulders, eliminating a waistband that can dig in during a long ride — the choice of serious and competitive cyclists.

Biker Shorts (Fashion / Casual)

"Biker shorts" in the fashion and streetwear sense refers to fitted, knee-length spandex shorts without a cycling pad — a casual and athleisure staple, especially in women's fashion, worn standalone or layered under an oversized tee or dress.

✓ Style Tip: The key distinction: true cycling shorts have a padded chamois insert and are meant for actual biking; fashion biker shorts are unpadded and meant for everyday styling. They look similar but serve completely different purposes.

Board Shorts & Swimwear

Board Shorts

Board shorts are longer (18-22 inch length), quick-dry polyester or nylon swim shorts with a drawstring waist and side pockets — designed for surfing, paddleboarding, and any water activity needing more coverage and durability than a swim trunk.

Swim Trunks

Swim trunks are shorter and more fitted than board shorts, typically with a mesh liner and elastic waistband — the standard casual swimwear for pool and beach use where board-sport durability isn't required.

Types of Shorts for Women & Ladies

High-Waisted Shorts

High-waisted shorts sit at or above the natural waistline — the dominant silhouette in current women's denim and casual shorts, flattering across body types and pairing well with cropped tops.

Mom Shorts

Mom shorts are a specific high-waisted denim silhouette with a relaxed, slightly looser leg than skinny-fit shorts — a deliberately vintage-inspired 90s aesthetic that has become a dominant casual denim short style.

Paperbag Waist Shorts

Paperbag waist shorts feature a gathered, cinched waistband (tied with a fabric belt) that creates a bunched "paperbag" effect above the hip — a trend-forward high-waisted style popular in linen and cotton twill.

Culottes / Shorts

Culottes (or wide-leg shorts) use a flowy, wide-leg cut that reads visually similar to a skirt — a more dressed-up alternative to fitted shorts for warm-weather professional or semi-formal settings.

Skort

A skort combines a skirt's outer appearance with built-in shorts underneath — standard for tennis, golf, and any activity wanting the coverage and function of shorts with the visual line of a skirt.

Lounge Shorts

Lounge shorts use soft, stretchy jersey or French terry fabric with a relaxed, comfort-first fit — built for at-home wear rather than public activity or athletic use.

Workwear & Utility Shorts

Duck Canvas Work Shorts

Duck canvas work shorts use the same heavyweight, durable cotton canvas construction found in work jackets and pants — built for job-site abrasion resistance rather than comfort or style, standard for landscaping and construction warm-weather uniforms.

Cargo Work Shorts

Cargo work shorts combine duck canvas or ripstop durability with multiple utility pockets for tools and equipment — the summer alternative to full-length work pants for outdoor trade programs.

The New Section — Shorts Fabric Guide: Types of Material for Shorts

The fabric determines what a pair of shorts is actually good for — here is the complete material breakdown:

The New Section — Shorts Length Guide: Choosing the Right Inseam

Shorts length is measured by inseam (inner leg seam length) in inches — the single most important spec for matching a short to its intended use.

When ordering shorts for a group or team program, always confirm inseam length preference alongside waist size — the same waist measurement across two different inseam lengths produces very different-looking shorts on the same body.

Wholesale Shorts for Team, School & Corporate Programs

For bulk shorts programs — athletic teams, summer events, workwear crews — matching the right fabric and length to the actual activity avoids costly reorders and complaints.

Explore wholesale shorts at Simplstc Apparel — custom screen printing, embroidery, and DTF printing from 12 pieces, no setup fee. Free shipping over $149.99.

FAQs — Types of Shorts

What are the main types of shorts?

The main categories are casual (chino, denim, Bermuda, cargo), athletic (running, basketball, compression, gym, golf), cycling/biker (padded cycling shorts, bib shorts, fashion biker shorts), swim (board shorts, swim trunks), women's-specific (high-waisted, mom shorts, paperbag waist, skorts), and workwear (duck canvas, cargo work shorts).

What is the difference between biker shorts and cycling shorts?

True cycling shorts include a padded chamois insert for comfort during actual biking and are made from compressive spandex-Lycra fabric. Fashion biker shorts look similar (fitted, knee-length, spandex) but have no padding and are designed for everyday casual styling rather than cycling performance.

What types of shorts are best for the gym?

Woven polyester shorts (lightweight, quick-dry, 5-7 inch inseam) are best for general training and cardio, while compression shorts provide muscle support for high-intensity workouts. Basketball-style shorts with mesh panels work well for activities needing more airflow and range of motion.

What is the best fabric for shorts?

It depends on use: cotton twill for business casual chino shorts, polyester or nylon for athletic and swim shorts, spandex-Lycra blends for compression and cycling shorts, and duck canvas for durable workwear shorts. See the full fabric guide above for a complete breakdown by shorts type.

What length should shorts be?

Shorts length is measured by inseam: 2-5 inches for athletic/running shorts, 6-9 inches for standard casual and golf shorts, and 9-11 inches for Bermuda and business casual shorts. Choose length based on activity and dress code rather than trend alone.

What are mom shorts?

Mom shorts are a high-waisted denim short style with a relaxed, slightly looser leg than fitted or skinny shorts — a deliberately vintage 90s-inspired silhouette that has become one of the dominant casual denim short styles for women.

Where can I buy wholesale shorts for a team or event?

Simplstc Apparel carries wholesale shorts across every category — athletic, casual, and workwear — from brands including Sport-Tek, Augusta Sportswear, Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Carhartt. Custom decoration available from 12 pieces, no setup fee, free shipping over $149.99.