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.
This summer has been painfully hot for many of us, and what better way to be comfortable than with a nice pair of Lightweight Short. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best options on the market from a wide range of styles in fabrics that breathe well and dry quickly.
1) Topo Designs: Lightweight River Shorts
Topo Designs‘ Lightweight River Shorts are a great option if you’re looking for great, all around lightweight shorts. They’re made of 2-way stretch polyester with a water resistant coating, and features mesh hand pockets, a zippered back pocket, and a built-in web belt.
Available for $69 from Topo Designs.
2) Uniqlo: Ultra Light Shorts
If you are looking for some new, lightweight tech shorts and don’t want to break the bank than there is nowhere better to look than Uniqlo. Their chino-style Ultra Light Shorts are constructed in a stretch polyester with added stretch. They feature all the design elements you’d expect from chino-styled shorts with the addition of mesh hand pockets.
Available for $30 from Uniqlo.
3) Reigning Champ: 9″ Training Shorts
If you want a pair of lightweight shorts that are more athletic in their styling than Reigning Champ’s 9″ Training shorts are a great option. Constructed from a 4-way stretch synthetic fabric that is finished with a water repellent finish, these unlined shorts feature a mesh-lined elasticated/drawstring waistband, mesh hand pockets with zippered closure, and bonded hems.
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Available for $105 from Reigning Champ.
4) Outlier: New Way Shorts
While currently out of stock, Outlier’s New Way shorts are another great option for people wanting a lightweight pair of techwear chino shorts. They are made from a 2-way stretch nylon canvas with water resistant coating and feature a paracord drawstring, four mesh pockets, and a custom Italian button.
Available for $128 from Outlier pending August restock.
5) Battenwear: Camp Shorts
Battenwear’s Camp Shorts are another great option if you are interested in a pair of hiking/climbing inspired shorts. They feature six pockets: two zippered back pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and two snap-closure hand pockets. The elasticated waistband has a built in webbing belt, which cinches closed over a plastic buckle to help optimize fit.
Available for $195 from Heddels Shop.
Plus One – Cayl: Light Trail Shorts
There are a lot of great, unique lightweight tech shorts out there but Cayl’s Light Trail Shorts are some of the most interesting. They’re constructed from two fabrics — the first a 90%/10% nylon/polyurethane blend and the second an 85%/15% nylon/polyurethan blend — which come together to create a great, cohesive piece. These shorts feature a mesh lining, elasticated waistband with drawstring, and YKK zippers.
Available for $155 from Namu.
