Best Golf Shorts in 2026: Lightweight Picks for Hot Rounds

The Adidas Ultimate365 shorts have been a staple on tour for years, and the 2026 version refines what was already a winning formula. At around $55, these deliver roughly 80% of the performance you’d get from shorts costing twice as much — making them the smartest buy for most recreational golfers.

The stretch waistband is the standout feature here. It provides about an inch of give without looking like an elastic-waist dad short. The fabric is a polyester-elastane blend that moves well in all directions and dries remarkably fast when you sweat through a humid afternoon round.

Adidas nails the fit on these — not too slim, not too baggy. They sit at a comfortable mid-rise that works whether you tuck your shirt in or leave it out (where dress codes allow). The silicone gripper on the interior waistband keeps your polo tucked without constant adjustment.

The only knock is that the fabric isn’t quite as soft or premium-feeling as the Lululemon or Travis Mathew options. It’s clearly a synthetic athletic material, which some guys prefer and others don’t. But for the price, the performance-to-cost ratio here is unmatched.

Pros:

• Excellent price at ~$55
• Stretch waistband adds comfort without looking casual
• Silicone shirt gripper keeps your polo in place
• Wide color range every season
• Tour-proven performance

Cons:

• Fabric feels more “athletic” than premium
• Can fade slightly after many washes
• Pockets are adequate but not exceptional

If you prefer a more modern, tailored silhouette, the Nike Dri-FIT Tour shorts deliver the slimmest cut on this list without sacrificing mobility. These are what you see on younger tour players who want that athletic, fitted look — and they’ve trickled down to the retail market beautifully.

Nike’s Dri-FIT technology is the real deal for moisture management. The fabric pulls sweat away from your skin and spreads it across the surface for rapid evaporation. During testing in 95-degree heat, these stayed noticeably drier than most competitors. The fabric also has a slight texture that prevents that sticky-skin feeling when you’re really perspiring.

The slim fit tapers nicely through the thigh and hits above the knee at the 8-inch inseam option. If you have larger thighs from squatting or cycling, size up — these run tighter than most golf shorts. The 10-inch option provides a more traditional length while keeping the slim profile.

Build quality is excellent with reinforced seams and a substantial feeling zipper. The front pockets are deep enough for a phone without it bouncing around during your swing. Nike’s design team clearly understands what golfers need from their pockets.

Pros:

• Best slim/tailored fit available
• Superior moisture wicking with Dri-FIT
• Modern aesthetic that looks great
• Deep, functional pockets
• Reinforced construction

Cons:

• Slim fit isn’t for everyone — size up if in doubt
• $75 is mid-range pricing
• Limited stretch compared to Under Armour

Under Armour’s Drive Short takes the crown for pure stretch and mobility. If you have an aggressive lower body move in your swing — think deep squats, wide stances, or a big hip turn — these are the shorts that will never hold you back. The 4-way stretch fabric has more give than any other option I’ve tested.

The material is a microthread fabric that’s incredibly lightweight. At just under 6 ounces, you barely notice you’re wearing them. This lightness combines with the stretch to create a sensation of unrestricted freedom that’s hard to go back from once you’ve experienced it. Your practice swings feel the same as your real swings — no fabric resistance.

UA’s moisture transport system works well, though not quite at Nike’s Dri-FIT level. Where these shine is in the recovery — the fabric snaps back to its original shape after being stretched, meaning they don’t bag out at the knees or seat after 18 holes. Many stretchy shorts lose their shape; these don’t.

The fit is what I’d call “athletic straight” — roomier than Nike’s slim but more modern than a classic fit. They work well for a variety of body types without requiring careful sizing decisions.

Pros:

• Best-in-class 4-way stretch
• Ultralight at ~6 oz
• Excellent shape retention
• Works for various body types
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Moisture wicking is good but not the best
• Some colorways look more athletic than dressy
• Waistband can feel slightly wide

PUMA has always pushed the fashion envelope in golf, and the Dealer Short continues that tradition. These are the shorts you buy when you want to look sharp — really sharp. The colorways are bolder than what Adidas or Nike typically offer, and the cut is designed to look good, not just perform well.

That said, these aren’t just about looks. The CLOUDSPUN fabric (a cotton-poly blend exclusive to PUMA) provides genuine stretch and softness that feels closer to premium casual shorts than typical golf wear. They breathe well in heat and have enough structure to maintain a crisp appearance throughout your round.

The 8-inch inseam hits at a modern length that shows off your kicks — which matters if you’re rocking some fresh golf shoes. The flat-front design is clean and contemporary, and the back pockets are welt-style for a streamlined look. PUMA includes a silicone waist gripper similar to Adidas.

At $65, these sit in a sweet spot between budget and premium. You’re paying a slight style tax over the Adidas Ultimate365, but the design and fabric quality justify it. If you’re the type who coordinates your outfit before a round, these deserve a spot in your rotation.

Pros:

• Best-looking shorts on this list
• Bold, unique colorway options
• CLOUDSPUN fabric is soft and stretchy
• Modern 8″ inseam length
• Clean flat-front design

Cons:

• Style-forward colors may not suit conservative clubs
• Slightly less technical than pure performance options
• Limited inseam choices

Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to spend $80+ on shorts they might stain with sunscreen and grass. The Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Short proves you can look presentable on the course for just $25. Are they as good as the Lululemon? Of course not. But they’re far better than you’d expect at this price.

The cotton-poly-elastane blend provides decent stretch — enough for a full golf swing without restriction, though not as snappy or recovery-focused as the Under Armour. The classic fit is roomy without being boxy, and the 9-inch inseam lands at a universally flattering length.

These shorts have a surprisingly solid construction with double-stitched seams and a genuine YKK zipper. The fabric is thicker than the premium options, which means slightly less breathability in extreme heat but also more durability for the price point. They wash well and resist fading better than some budget alternatives.

The main compromise is in the finer details: the pockets aren’t as deep, the waistband doesn’t have a gripper, and the fabric doesn’t wick moisture as effectively. But for casual rounds, leagues, or as backup pairs, these are unbeatable value.

Pros:

• Incredible value at ~$25
• Adequate stretch for golf swings
• Solid construction quality
• Multiple colors available
• Good for beginners or backup pairs

Cons:

• Less breathable than premium options
• No moisture-wicking technology
• Basic pocket design
• Thicker fabric retains more heat

Travis Mathew occupies a unique space in golf apparel — it’s the brand for guys who want performance gear that doesn’t look or feel like performance gear. The Beck Short exemplifies this philosophy with a fabric and fit that could pass for high-end casual shorts at a nice restaurant, while secretly packing serious technical features.

The proprietary fabric blend is buttery soft with a subtle texture that screams quality. It stretches in all four directions, wicks moisture effectively, and has a UPF 50 rating for sun protection. But none of these features are obvious to the eye — they just look like really nice shorts. That stealth performance is what you’re paying for.

The 9.5-inch inseam is a slightly non-standard length that Travis Mathew has determined works best for their target customer. It’s slightly longer than modern slim shorts but shorter than dad-length — a Goldilocks zone. The rise is medium and the taper is gentle, creating a universally flattering shape.

At $100, these are the second most expensive on this list. The premium is justified if you value versatility — I wear mine to dinner, to casual Fridays at work, and obviously on the course. That three-way utility actually makes them cost-effective per wear.

Pros:

• Exceptional fabric quality and softness
• Truly versatile on/off course
• Hidden UPF 50 sun protection
• Premium details and construction
• Flattering 9.5″ inseam

Cons:

• $100 price point
• Only one inseam length available
• Limited availability at big-box retailers

FootJoy is synonymous with golf footwear, but their apparel line deserves more attention — particularly the Performance Knit shorts. These use a unique knit construction rather than woven fabric, and the difference in moisture management is dramatic. If you’re a heavy sweater or play primarily in humid climates, these are your best option.

The knit fabric creates tiny channels in the material that actively transport moisture away from your skin to the outer surface. In my testing, visible sweat marks appeared 30-40% later than on woven shorts during identical conditions. The fabric also dries remarkably fast during a round — by the time you’ve walked from green to tee, damp spots have largely evaporated.

The fit is traditional FootJoy — slightly more conservative than Nike or PUMA, but clean and professional. These look right at home at even the most buttoned-up private clubs. The waistband is comfortable with a hook-and-bar closure that sits flat under your shirt.

The knit construction does have one trade-off: these shorts feel slightly different from traditional woven fabric. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s noticeable. Some golfers love the lightweight, almost jersey-like feel; others prefer the structure of a woven short. Try them on if possible.

Pros:

• Best moisture-wicking performance tested
• Rapid dry time between holes
• Unique knit construction
• Professional, traditional appearance
• Excellent for humid climates

Cons:

• Knit feel isn’t for everyone
• $85 is upper-mid pricing
• Conservative styling
• Less stretch than Under Armour

What to Look For in Golf Shorts

Inseam Length

Inseam length is largely personal preference, but it matters more than most golfers realize. A 7-inch inseam creates a modern, athletic look but can ride up during your swing. A 10-inch inseam is more traditional and provides more coverage but can look dated. For most body types, 9 inches hits the sweet spot — professional without being frumpy. Taller golfers (6’2″+) should consider 10 inches, while shorter golfers (5’8″ and under) look best in 7-8 inches.

Stretch

Your golf swing requires significant hip rotation and lateral movement. Shorts without adequate stretch will either restrict your movement (costing you distance) or wear out prematurely at the stress points. Look for 4-way stretch fabric that moves with you in all directions. Two-way stretch is adequate but not ideal — it typically only stretches horizontally, which doesn’t help with deep knee flex or lunging.

Moisture Wicking

If you play in warm climates, moisture-wicking fabric is non-negotiable. Look for terms like “Dri-FIT,” “moisture transport,” or “quick-dry” in the product description. The best fabrics pull sweat away from your skin AND evaporate it quickly. Cheaper options may absorb moisture but hold onto it, leaving you feeling clammy. Polyester-based fabrics generally outperform cotton blends for wicking.

Pockets

Golf shorts need functional pockets — for tees, a ball marker, your phone, and maybe a divot tool. Front pockets should be deep enough that items don’t bounce out during your swing. A zippered back pocket or hidden security pocket is valuable for keeping your car key or wallet safe. Avoid pockets that are too shallow or positioned where they create bulk under your grip.

UV Protection

Your legs get significant sun exposure during a round of golf, and most golfers never apply sunscreen to their thighs. Shorts with built-in UPF ratings (30-50+) provide passive sun protection without the hassle of reapplying sunscreen. This feature is especially valuable for fair-skinned golfers or anyone playing in high-UV environments. Several options on this list include UPF protection — notably the Travis Mathew Beck at UPF 50.

Looking for more golf apparel guidance? Don’t miss our picks for the best golf pants for cooler days, and pair them with one of our recommended golf hats for complete sun protection.