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.
If you are looking for an outdoorsy style of shorts then there are few styles better than Fatigue Shorts. Identified by their trapezoidal front pockets, these are the shorter version of the much more common fatigue pants—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a wide array of fatigue short options out there.
While this list is certainly only a jumping off point, we hope you’ll find the articles we chose to be compelling options when you’re short shopping this summer.
1) Rogue Territory: Fatigue Shorts in Neppy Denim
Rogue Territory is best known for their selvedge jeans, and they’ve brought same expertise to the Fatigue Shorts in Neppy denim.
Made from a 9 oz. 2×1 Japanese denim, these shorts transform their lightweight material into a rugged, summer garment. They chose to construct these shorts with tonal stitching, making the iconic front pocket blend into the rest of the leg.
These shorts are finished with an elasticated waist, increasing their comfort well beyond that a simple, lightweight denim short.
Available for $159 from Rivet and Hide.
2) Engineered Garments: Fatigue Shorts
If you are looking for a classically designed pair of Fatigue Shorts then Engineered Garments is a serious contender.
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Available in a wide range of colors, these shorts feature the classic trapezoidal front pocket and flapped, button back pockets, along with a drawstring waistband to ensure a great fit.
They are made in the USA from a 100% cotton fabric, resulting in a top-quality, breathable short as the weather continues to get hotter.
Available for $151 from BlackBlue.
3) Stan Ray: Fatigue Short
If you are interested in getting your first pair of fatigue shorts or want a pair that is a little on the longer side, then Stan Ray’s relatively inexpensive Fatigue Shorts are a great option.
Made from a durable, cotton twill in a relaxed fit, these fatigue shorts are likely a fair bit bulkier than many of you might prefer, but these decisions work well together—and if those are features you appreciate you are unlikely to find a more compelling option.
Available for £70 from Stan Ray.
4) Norse Projects: Aaro 60/40 Fatigue Shorts
For those who are more interested in tech fabrics these Norse Projects Aaro 60/40 Fatigue Shorts might be just the ticket.
These appropriately named shorts are constructed from a 64%/36% cotton/nylon blend fabric, which features a water repellent coating to make them even better if you are stuck in the occasion drizzle.
With traditional fatigue front pockets and non-flapped, button back pockets, these shorts are surprisingly easy to wear both casually and as formally as any pair of shorts will allow.
Available for $250 from Norse Projects.
5) Bleu de Paname: Fatigue Shorts
Like many of the other brands on this list, Blue de Paname is fantastic at creating their own interpretations of classic patterns.
Their version of Fatigue Shorts is constructed from a 100% cotton ripstop fabric these shorts are again a bit on the fuller and longer side, which is quite common for the style.
They feature the regular, patch from pockets as well as patch back pockets, differentiating these shorts from many others on this list.
Available for $149 from End Clothing.
Plus One – Momotaro: GTB 10oz. Selvedge Bush Shorts
If you are looking for a pair of fatigue shorts that are a bit off the beaten path then Momotaro’s GTB 10oz. Selvedge Bush Shorts are an obvious choice.
These denim fatigue shorts feature secondary, snap front pockets on top of the regular fatigue pockets, snapped and flapped back pockets, double snap waistband, and interesting belt-loop spacing above the front pockets.
While not everyone will find themselves reaching for these shorts when they get up on a warm, summer’s morning, they are a fantastic choice for occasional wear or if you are one of the select few who want to wear these daily to maximize short fades.
Available for $165 from Okayama Denim.
