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
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.
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.