Transition Scout shorts, $78 by Apolis
Come this time of year, you tend to spend a fair amount of time outside. And when it's hot and sunny out, you should probably be wearing shorts. Now, how many pairs of shorts do you need? We can't really say. That all depends on your location, schedule and personal style. What we can tell you is that it's a smart idea to include at least one of these pairs into your warm weather wardrobe. See, this new breed is like the James Bond of shorts. They're stylish, athletic and tough-as-hell. Able to go from a workout, right into the water for a swim and afterwards, they dry off fast enough for you to wear them to a casual al fresco dinner. They're the perfect piece for travel—why pack multiple shorts when one pair (a pair that's practically impossible to stain) does the work of three?
The Best Picks
Capital Shorts
Capital Shorts
Olivers calls their Capital shorts a "commuter short with panache." We'd have to agree. They're made from a water-repellent, moisture wicking four-way stretch fabric, but the material has a low-sheen matte quality to it. Meaning it looks sharp whether paired with a T-shirt or your patterned camp collar shirt.
Capital shorts, $98 by Olivers
Capital shorts, $98 by Olivers
Transition Scout Shorts
Transition Scout Shorts
A handsome pair of shorts with serious chops. To craft these adaptable shorts, Apolis partnered with a California factory which has been manufacturing board shorts for watermen and lifeguards since the '60s. The end result has adjustable waistband tabs, a button fly and beach flap pockets.
Transition Scout shorts, $78 by Apolis
Transition Scout shorts, $78 by Apolis
Nylon Tech Shorts
Nylon Tech Shorts
Relaxed and modern looking, these shorts are finished with an elasticated waistband with drawstring. And while they're definitely lightweight, they don't feel like flimsy gym shorts and the pockets are generous (especially the zipper-secured back pocket).
Nylon Tech shorts, $130 by Maiden Noir
Nylon Tech shorts, $130 by Maiden Noir
Berkshire Shorts
Berkshire Shorts
Made from recycled polyester and organic cotton, these are cut like a pair of chino shorts with an athletic silhouette. The comfortable elastic-back waistband aids in movement and all the pockets can be closed to keep your EDC secure.
Berkshire shorts, $64 by United By Blue
Berkshire shorts, $64 by United By Blue
Commission Shorts
Commission Shorts
These trim shorts, available in five neutral shades, are perfect for travel. They're water-resistant and stretchy enough for workouts, but smart enough to wear to a museum. Plus, the hidden zippered pocket is just large enough to fit a passport.
Commission shorts, $88 by Lululemon
Commission shorts, $88 by Lululemon
Baggies Lights Shorts
Baggies Lights Shorts
The lightest pair featured here, these are made from a light yet durable recycled polyester ripstop fabric that's water-repellent. They've got drain-and-dry mesh pocket bags and the shorts pack away into the right pocket.
Baggies Lights shorts, $49 by Patagonia
Baggies Lights shorts, $49 by Patagonia
All Day Shorts
All Day Shorts
Dubbed the "Beach to Bar" short, the designers wanted a perfectly tailored, flat front short with the quick-dry and technical aspects of swimwear. They also include a hidden back pocket and imbibed the eco-friendly fabric with a fresh guard odor repellent.
All Day shorts, $98 by Faherty
All Day shorts, $98 by Faherty
Biased Opinion
The closer you get to Memorial Day, the more pant legs can be classified as unnecessary.