Finding the perfect golf shorts can feel like a world-class challenge.
Luckily, I’ve done the legwork (pun intended) for you. I’ve worn, stretched and played in countless golf shorts in order to find you the best of the best. Here’s what I learned about the ever-expanding category of golf shorts.
Table of Contents
How Golf Shorts Were Ranked
Golf shorts were tested in the real world — on and off the golf course — and examined for comfort, stretch, fit and features. Price and availability was also considered.
Best Overall Golf Shorts – Lululemon Commission Golf Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You value comfort. The Lululemon Commission Golf Shorts are extremely stretchy and comfortable.
► You want versatility. The zippered golf ball pocket and tee pocket make these shorts very useful on the golf course.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You are looking for a budget option. At nearly $100, the Lululemon Commission golf shorts are on the pricier side.
✖︎ You care about stain resistance. Stains tend to stick around on these.
Bottom Line
The Lululemon Commission golf shorts are the best for everyone. They’re comfortable, stretchy and designed specifically for golf. I love the included tee pocket and ball pocket as well as the silicone waistband to keep your shirt tucked in (if you’re into that).
As with any Lululemon product, the brand’s quality guarantee gives peace of mind that, if your shorts don’t perform, you’ll get your money back.
Runner Up – Johnnie-O Cross Country Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You value comfort. The Cross Country shorts are stretchy and comfortable in all conditions.
► You love features. The magnetic back scorecard pocket is an ingenious design feature that I absolutely loved.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You are looking for a budget option. At nearly $100, the Cross Country shorts aren’t cheap.
✖︎ You need options. Few color options may be a turnoff for some.
Bottom Line
The Johnnie-O Cross Country shorts are an easy recommendation. They’re comfortable, functional and well put together. The magnetic back pockets are an awesome feature and the four-way stretch fabric is great for golfing or lounging.
Most Comfortable Golf Shorts – Kjus Iver Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► Comfort is top priority. The Kjus Iver shorts make it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
► You value water resistance. Kjus uses a PFC-free DWR coating to make these stretchy golf shorts resistant to stains and water.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You’re balling on a budget. The steep price tag may be a turnoff for some.
✖︎ You need a shorter inseam. The Kjus Iver shorts are only offered with a 10-inch inseam.
Bottom Line
The Kjus Iver Shorts are everything you need in a top-performing golf short. They’re wildly comfortable, super-stretchy and feature a stain-resistant finish. The side-mounted zippered pocket is great for tees, balls and other on-course accessories. And, with more than 15 color options, you’re sure to find a pair of Iver shorts that fit your style.
Best Premium Golf Shorts: Kjus Ike Texture Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You aren’t constrained by budget. At $200, the Kjus Ike Texture shorts are not for the faint of heart (or wallet).
► You need stretch. The ultra-stretchy fabric of the Ike Texture shorts provides plenty of forgiveness.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You’re not a fan of texture. The textured fabric may not be to your taste.
✖︎ You need a shorter inseam. The Kjus Ike Texture shorts are only offered with a 10-inch inseam.
Bottom Line
Besides providing a comfortable fit, the stretchy construction of the Ike Texture shorts is stain- and water-resistant, thanks to a special DWR treatment. The textured fabric may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I like the different feeling it provides.
While only offered with a 10-inch inseam, the six different color/pattern options are welcome.
Best Mid-Priced Golf Shorts – Vuori Aim Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You’re on a budget. The Vuori Aim shorts provide excellent value at less than $80.
► You want a slimmer overall fit. The Vuori Aim Shorts are best suited for the athletic body type.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You’re a stickler for tucked-in shirts. No silicone waistband makes it harder to keep your shirt tucked in.
✖︎ You’re afraid to show off a little thigh. With an 8.5-inch inseam, you might want to look elsewhere if hiding your thighs is a priority.
Bottom Line
The Vuori Aim shorts are an excellent mid-priced option in a space that’s growing more expensive. The helpful zippered pockets and all-way stretchy material make these versatile and comfortable. The shorter inseam may turn some off but the Aim shorts are billed as more of a modern tailored fitting golf short, anyway.
Best Value Golf Shorts – Fabletics The Only Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You’re on a tight budget. Fabletics subscription model makes these shorts very affordable.
► You’ve got the legs. The Only shorts are definitely designed for someone with quads more similar to Saquan Barkely rather than Will Zalatoris.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You want super-premium quality. Fabletics The Only shorts are great but not of the same quality as other, more expensive, options.
✖︎ You’re keen on traditional golf attire. The shorter inseam and athletic fit are anything but traditional. No pleating here.
Bottom Line
Fabletics The Only short is a fantastic value made possible through Fabletic’s subscription model. New subscribers can pick up these stretchy, athletic golf shorts for just $15. Those who opt to buy the shorts outright as a non-member will pay $75 which is still a decent value for what you’re getting.
Best Hybrid Golf Shorts – TravisMathew Beck Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You want something versatile. The Beck shorts are great on and off the course.
► You run hot. The Beck shorts are extremely breathable and lightweight.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You’re a fan of bright colors. Your color options here are more subdued than most.
✖︎ You lose stuff easily. No zippered pockets is a bummer
Bottom Line
The TravisMathew Beck shorts are the best hybrid golf shorts. Designed for use on and off the course, the Beck shorts can handle it all. Whether you’re hiking up the fairway to find your golf ball or hiking through the mountains on Saturday with the dog, the Beck shorts are ready for adventure.
Best Dressy Golf Shorts – Peter Millar Surge Performance Shorts
👍 Buy This If
► You want something sophisticated. The Surge Performance shorts are more dressy than athletic.
► You value simplicity. The Surge Performance shorts are simple: no frills, no features.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You’re on a tight budget. Peter Millar is always pricey.
✖︎ You want wiggle room. These shorts provide a more tailored fit with some (but not plentiful) stretch.
Bottom Line
The Peter Millar Surge Performance shorts are sophisticated and refined. While very comfortable, these shorts are designed for the more athletic body. The four-way stretchy fabric is nice but doesn’t provide the same amount of stretch as some others. All that said, the Surge Performance shorts are a perfect blend of dressy and functional for the golf course.
Other Top Golf Shorts (In Five Words or Less)
- Johnnie-O Dauphin Shorts: Super stretchy and UPF protection
- FJ Lightweight Shorts: Lightweight comfort and silicone waistband
- TravisMathew Starnes Shorts: Breathable fabric and great fit
- adidas Go-To Shorts: The best for thicker thighs
- adidas ULTIMATE365 Shorts: Insane stretch and flattering fit
- Under Armour Iso-Chill Shorts: Very breathable and very comfortable
- VRST Shorts: Slim fit with good stretch
Golf Shorts That Just Missed the Cut
- Stitch Tech Short: Not stretchy enough for my liking; little to no give around the waist and legs
- Original Penguin Pete Shorts: Great stretch but very tight fit around the thighs
- NIKE Dri-Fit Shorts: Comfortable waistband but lacks stretch in high-movement areas
In Short
There are so many options when it comes to choosing a pair of golf shorts and not all are created equal. That’s why we created this guide—to help you make an informed decision.
Taking into consideration price, fit, style and features, I’m confident you’re well on your way to finding the perfect golf short for your game. Whether you value extreme stretch or want something that lounges as well as it plays, there’s a golf short for you.
Scott
7 months ago
Public Rec makes some great shorts – not cheap, but the length is better matched to the waist size.
Connor Lindeman
7 months ago
Will have to check them out! Thanks!