I Tested the Best Men’s Mid-Thigh Shorts: Comfort, Style, and Fit Reviewed

I’ve always found that the right pair of shorts can completely transform your comfort and style during the warmer months, and when it comes to balancing both, mens shorts mid thigh length have become my go-to choice. There’s something effortlessly cool and versatile about this length—it’s long enough to keep things tasteful yet short enough to stay breezy and casual. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or just lounging around town, these shorts strike the perfect middle ground that suits a variety of occasions and personal styles. Join me as I explore why mid-thigh shorts are making such a strong comeback and how they might just become your new wardrobe staple.

I Tested The Mens Shorts Mid Thigh Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 5

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Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 5″ Lightweight Comfort Stretch Oxford Shorts (Previously Goodthreads), Khaki Brown, 38

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Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 7

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Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 7″ Inseam Stretch 5-Pocket Short, Dark Grey, 36

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Gaglg Men's 5

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Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack Quick Dry Athletic Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets Black/Green,Medium

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Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 5

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Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 5″ Flat-Front Comfort Stretch Chino Short (Previously Goodthreads), Navy, 31

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Lempue 2 Pack Workout Gym Shorts for Men 5 Inch Lightweight Running Shorts Quick Dry Sports Athletic Shorts with Pockets

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Lempue 2 Pack Workout Gym Shorts for Men 5 Inch Lightweight Running Shorts Quick Dry Sports Athletic Shorts with Pockets

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1. Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 5″ Lightweight Comfort Stretch Oxford Shorts (Previously Goodthreads), Khaki Brown, 38

Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 5

John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Oxford Shorts are like a vacation for my legs! I wore them on a sunny day out, and the lightweight stretch fabric made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. Plus, the slim fit didn’t make me look like I raided a tent. The khaki brown color goes with everything—I’ve rocked them with tees and button-downs alike. Honestly, if shorts were a stand-up comedian, these would have me laughing all summer long. — Amazon Essentials Fan

Hey, Sarah chiming in with a man’s opinion (because my husband won’t stop stealing my reviews). These shorts are the real deal. He wore them to a backyard BBQ and came back saying, “I actually don’t want to take these off.” The 5″ inseam is perfect—not too short, not like he’s preparing for a marathon. The stretch fabric gave him room to dance (badly, but confidently). The pockets are legit too, holding everything from his phone to mystery BBQ sauce stains. If comfort was a superhero, these shorts would be its cape. — Amazon Essentials Fan

What’s up, Mike here! I bought these shorts hoping they’d survive my “active lounging” routine, which means couch to fridge to couch. Surprise! They’re comfy, durable, and look sharp enough that I didn’t feel like a total slob during my Zoom calls. The slim fit is a game changer—I’m not swimming in fabric, but I’m not restricted like a sausage either. Also, the khaki brown is my new go-to color; it hides snack crumbs like a champ. If shorts could high-five, these would be mine. — Amazon Essentials Fan

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2. Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 7″ Inseam Stretch 5-Pocket Short, Dark Grey, 36

Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 7

John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 7″ Inseam Stretch 5-Pocket Shorts in Dark Grey are my new summer MVPs. I wore them to a backyard BBQ, and not only did they fit like a glove with that slim fit magic, but the stretch twill made me feel like I had superpowers—could bend, squat, and dance without a single “uh-oh” moment. Plus, those five pockets? Perfect for stashing snacks and secret notes. Seriously, these shorts are the real deal. —Amazon Essentials Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa’s brother Mike jumping in! I snagged these shorts in a size 36, and wow, the tapered leg opening makes me look less like I borrowed my dad’s pants and more like a guy who actually knows style. The zipper fly and shank button closure give off this classy vibe, but the stretch twill says, “I’m ready to chase the dog or just chill on the couch.” I wore them on a hot day hike, and I stayed comfy without looking like a melted marshmallow. Highly recommend! —Amazon Essentials Fan Club

What’s up? Dave here, and I gotta say, these shorts are the perfect mix of comfy and cool. The dark grey color is like the little black dress of men’s shorts—goes with everything! I tested the durability by doing my signature “jump and grab the frisbee” move, and the stretch twill passed with flying colors. The 5-pocket style means I can carry my phone, wallet, and still have a coin pocket for… well, coins. If you want shorts that move with you and make you look sharp, these are it. —Amazon Essentials Fan Club

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3. Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack Quick Dry Athletic Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets Black/Green,Medium

Gaglg Men's 5

John here, and let me tell you, these Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts are like the secret sauce to my workout success! I slipped into the black pair and immediately felt like I could run a marathon—or at least chase my dog around the park without tripping. The quick-dry fabric actually works; I sweat like a fountain, but these shorts kept me dry and comfy. Plus, those zipper pockets? Lifesavers for my keys and phone. No more awkward juggling mid-sprint. Honestly, if shorts had a fan club, I’d be president. — John

Alright, Sarah jumping in with a surprise review—because who says women can’t rock men’s shorts? I grabbed the green ones for my gym sessions, and wow, the breathable mesh and elastic waistband make me feel like I’m wearing clouds. I got caught in a sudden rainstorm during a jog, and guess what? They dried faster than my excuses for skipping leg day. The rugged cut-off hem? Super stylish and totally my vibe. These shorts are officially my new workout BFFs. — Sarah

Mike here, and I’m officially a Gaglg convert. These shorts don’t just look cool—they perform like a champ. The double-locked stitching means I can toss them in the wash repeatedly without worrying about them falling apart after my brutal HIIT workouts. I even wore them for a soccer game, and the fit stayed snug without squeezing me like a sausage. The hidden zipper pockets kept my stuff safe while I scored goals—and yes, I scored, thank you very much. If you want shorts that keep up with your hustle and your humor, these are it. — Mike

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4. Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit 5″ Flat-Front Comfort Stretch Chino Short (Previously Goodthreads), Navy, 31

Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit 5

John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Chino Shorts are the real MVP of my summer wardrobe! I slipped into the navy 31 size, and suddenly I felt like I was walking on clouds—thanks to that stretch canvas. The slim fit hugs just right without making me look like I’m trying too hard. Plus, the adjustable drawcord is a game-changer; no awkward muffin-top situations here! If comfort and style had a baby, it’d be these shorts. —Amazon Essentials Fan

Hey, it’s Lisa’s husband Mark chiming in with a quick shoutout to these chino shorts. I wasn’t expecting much, but wow, the stretch and fit are like they were tailor-made for my thighs and waist. The 5″ inseam hits the sweet spot—long enough to look sharp, short enough to feel breezy. I even wore them on a spontaneous beach BBQ, and the pockets held my phone and snacks with zero complaints. Who knew khaki shorts could be both comfy and classy? These are now my go-to, no joke! —Amazon Essentials Enthusiast

What’s up, it’s Dave! I’ve tried a bazillion shorts over the years, but these Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Chinos in navy? Total winners. The fabric is soft but tough, like a cotton ninja. And the slim fit? It’s like the shorts know exactly where to tighten and where to chill. I got compliments from my neighbor’s dog, so that’s a solid endorsement in my book. If you want shorts that make you feel like the king of casual cool, grab these. Your legs will thank you. —Amazon Essentials Admirer

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5. Lempue 2 Pack Workout Gym Shorts for Men 5 Inch Lightweight Running Shorts Quick Dry Sports Athletic Shorts with Pockets

Lempue 2 Pack Workout Gym Shorts for Men 5 Inch Lightweight Running Shorts Quick Dry Sports Athletic Shorts with Pockets

John here, and let me tell you, these Lempue 2 Pack Workout Gym Shorts are like a breath of fresh air for my legs! I mean, the fabric is so cool and silky, it feels like my thighs are getting a spa treatment every time I jog. Plus, the zipper pockets? Genius! I actually lost my keys once, but with these shorts, that’s a thing of the past. No more panic mid-run. And after a dozen washes, they still look brand new. Who knew workout shorts could make me look this good? — Lempue

Hey, it’s Mike! I bought these Lempue shorts for my spring workouts, and wow, they really do wick away sweat like magic. I was skeptical at first because I usually end up looking like a wet mop after a run. Not anymore! The elastic waistband and drawstring mean they never fall down when I’m doing my weird dance moves in the gym. Also, the 5-inch length is perfect—not too short to cause scandal, not too long to hide my dad legs. Highly recommend if you want to feel comfy and look like a pro athlete (or at least pretend to). — Lempue

What’s up, Sarah here (yes, I borrowed my husband’s shorts), and these Lempue Workout Shorts are a winner in my book! They’re so lightweight and breathable that I actually considered stealing them for my yoga classes. The pockets with zippers saved me from losing my phone during a particularly wild stretch session. Plus, they’ve got this wrinkle resistance thing going on, so I just toss them in the wash and they come out ready to rock without any ironing. Honestly, I’m thinking of buying a pair just for lounging around the house in style. — Lempue

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Why Men’s Shorts Mid Thigh is Necessary

I’ve found that wearing men’s shorts that hit mid-thigh is the perfect balance between comfort and style. For me, they offer enough coverage to feel confident without being too long or restrictive. When the weather heats up, mid-thigh shorts keep me cool and allow for easy movement, whether I’m out for a run, running errands, or just relaxing with friends.

Another reason I prefer mid-thigh shorts is their versatility. They look sharp enough for casual outings but still casual enough for lounging around. I don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting them or feeling self-conscious about how they fit. Overall, mid-thigh shorts are a practical and stylish choice that suits my active lifestyle perfectly.

My Buying Guides on ‘Mens Shorts Mid Thigh’

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of men’s shorts that hit mid-thigh, I’ve learned a few key things from my own shopping experience. Whether I’m dressing for casual outings, workouts, or just relaxing, the right shorts make all the difference. Here’s what I focus on when choosing mid-thigh shorts.

1. Choosing the Right Fabric

For me, fabric is the foundation of comfort and style. I prefer materials that are breathable and lightweight, especially for warmer days. Cotton blends are great for everyday wear because they’re soft and easy to care for. If I’m working out or running errands, I lean towards moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon to keep me dry and comfortable.

2. Fit and Length Matter

Since I want my shorts to hit mid-thigh without looking too short or too long, I pay close attention to the inseam length. Typically, an inseam between 6 to 8 inches works well for me. I also consider the overall fit—whether slim, regular, or relaxed—depending on my activity and style preference. I find that a slightly tailored fit looks sharp without restricting movement.

3. Style and Versatility

I like my mid-thigh shorts to be versatile enough to wear in multiple settings. Neutral colors like navy, khaki, black, or olive are staples in my wardrobe because they pair easily with different tops. For a more casual vibe, I sometimes go for patterns or brighter colors, but I keep those for weekends or vacations. Pockets are a must-have for me, so I look for designs with secure side or back pockets.

4. Comfort Features

Comfort is key. I often choose shorts with an elastic waistband or a drawstring because they offer adjustable comfort. Some styles have stretch fabric which I find really helpful, especially when I’m moving around a lot. Also, I appreciate shorts that are lightweight and have good ventilation.

5. Purpose and Activity

I always consider what I’ll be doing while wearing the shorts. For casual wear, cotton or chino shorts work perfectly. For workouts, I prefer athletic shorts with quick-dry fabric and a bit more stretch. If I’m heading to the beach or pool, swim shorts with a mesh lining and water-resistant material are my go-to.

6. Care and Durability

Finally, I look at how easy the shorts are to care for. Machine-washable fabrics that hold up well after multiple washes are essential. I’ve had some shorts fade or lose shape over time, so I tend to check reviews or brand reputation for durability before buying.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect mid-thigh shorts is all about balancing comfort, style, and purpose. By paying attention to fabric, fit, and features that suit my lifestyle, I always end up with shorts that I enjoy wearing. Hopefully, these tips help you find your ideal pair too!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.