Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Spring has sprung, and Summer is just around the corner. And you know what that means? It’s time to store your heavyweight denim in the closet for winter and break out the shorts. There are a lot of different styles of shorts so we decided to delve into one of many different niches: drawstring shorts.
1) and WANDERER: Dry Denim Easy Shorts
and WANDERER’s Dry Denim Easy Shorts have a lot going for them, particularly for those you who don’t want to say goodbye to your raws. They are still constructed from denim, but the fabric is a 65%/35% cotton/polyester hybrid. Synthetic fabrics are always a bit divisive but they have the benefit of not absorbing much moisture, which leads faster drying fabric. This pair of shorts is styled with uniquely shaped pockets that wrap around the side of the leg and a map print waistband lining.
Available for $288 from Blue in Green SOHO.
2) Nanamica: Alphadry Stretch Shorts
Nanamica‘s Alphadry Stretch Shorts are quite stylish, especially if you are a fan of tech wear, but their functionality is where they really shine. They are constructed from a quick drying polyester fabric and feature an elasticated drawstring string waist, which ensures a perfect fit. However, the pockets are really what stand out about these shorts. They feature two back pockets, two front hand pockets, and two zippered front hand pockets. It is always a bit nerve-wracking when you go for a run and have to worry about your keys, cell phone, and wallet falling out, but the cleverly designed zippered pockets make sure that is no longer a problem.
Available for $188 from Blue Button Shop.
3) Save Khaki: Vertical Dobby Stripe Easy Shorts
Save Khaki is a great go-to brand for essentials, as they hit the sweet spot between quality and price. Their Vertical Dobby Stripe Shorts are fairly simplistic in design, featuring a contrasting white drawstring, two hand pockets, and a single back pocket. However, it’s really the fabric that is the true standout of these shorts; it is a narrow dobby stripe oxford cloth that looks great from a far, but even better up close.
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Available for $100 from Unionmade.
4) Chimala: Herringbone Drawstring Shorts
These Herringbone Drawstring Shorts by Chimala don’t sound particularly unique when described, but when they are quite unique when you get a chance to actually look at them. They are made from an olive colored cotton herringbone, and feature two front hand pockets, a single geometric back pocket, and an extra wide waistband. The herringbone fabric used for this pair is quite subtle in terms of the pattern, but the extra wide drawstring is made from a different herringbone material that really brings out the pattern of the shorts.
Available for $265 from Unionmade.
5) Aimé Leon Dore: Cotton Basketball Shorts
Aimé Leon Dore’s Cotton Basketball Shorts might seem like everyday athletic shorts at first glace, but they really have a lot more to offer. They are constructed from Japanese cotton and featured an unfinished hem, which gives them a unique look. In addition to everything you’d expect from drawstring shorts, such as the aforementioned drawstring and elasticated waistband, they also feature welted back pockets.
Available for $135 from Need Supply.
Plus One – Reigning Champs: Hybrid Short
Reigning Champ‘s Hybrid Shorts are a great all-around pair of athletic shorts, but with some fairly unique design features. They are constructed from a cotton terrycloth fabric but feature contrasting nylon/spandex pockets and waistband. The front hand pockets are fairly unique in shape, looking more like those you’d expect to see on fatigue pants than athletic shorts, and these shorts also feature a singular back pocket.
Available for $130 from East Dane.
