The Best Golf Shorts of 2026
Our three testers, from a fast-swinging 3-handicap to an 18-handicap senior, swung, squatted and walked full rounds in each pair, where heat, sweat and a full turn show what a fitting room can’t. These are the 12 best golf shorts of 2026, each matched to the golfer it fits best.
Tested and written by Ryan Heiman, Founder and Head Reviewer
Best Golf Shorts Overall: adidas Ultimate365 Golf Shorts
- Three real golfersA fast-swinging 3-handicap, a 12-handicap who slices and an 18-handicap senior, so we judge every pair on more than one build.
- Full rounds, not a fitting roomWe swing, walk and squat to read putts in every pair, because pinching and riding up only show up on the course.
- Judged on what mattersWe rate fit, stretch, breathability, pockets, style, durability and value, and how well each pair suits the courses you play.
- Fully independentNo brand can buy a spot on this list. Every pick is earned in testing.
Independent Golf Reviews is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Our top picks
The adidas Ultimate365 is the best golf short for most golfers: $70 buys four-way stretch, a gripper waistband that keeps your shirt tucked and a choice of 7-, 8.5- and 10-inch inseams. If you want a dressier, water-resistant short, get the $128 Peter Millar Surge, and if you want the most comfortable pair, get the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit. Golfers in hot climates should start with the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight, athletic builds with the Under Armour Drive Tapered, big and tall golfers with the PGA TOUR Flat Front, and budget buyers with the Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit, from about $20.
What kind of golfer are you?
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Best Golf Shorts Overall
adidas Ultimate365 Golf Shorts
One $70 short in three inseams, with four-way stretch and a waistband that keeps your shirt tucked
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Best Premium Golf Shorts
Peter Millar Surge Performance Shorts
A tailored, water-resistant performance short that looks as sharp at the clubhouse as on the course
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Best Budget Golf Shorts
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Golf Shorts
A real golf short with a shirt-gripping waistband and a tee pocket, from about $20
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Most Comfortable Golf Shorts
lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Golf Shorts
Room through the seat and thighs, a smooth water-resistant fabric and the smartest pockets here
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Best Tailored Golf Shorts
G/FORE All Play Cotton Stretch Shorts
Italian stretch-cotton gabardine in a tailored cut, for golfers who want shorts that look like tailoring
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Best Athletic Fit Golf Shorts
Under Armour Drive Tapered Golf Shorts
Room in the seat and thighs, a tapered leg and 10% elastane, for golfers with strong legs
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Best Golf Shorts for Hot Weather
FootJoy Dunes Lightweight Golf Shorts
FootJoy’s lightest golf short, with 15% elastane and a gripper waist for long, hot rounds
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Best Golf Shorts for On and Off the Course
TravisMathew Wanderlust Shorts
A tough, lightweight ripstop short in three lengths that looks as good at lunch as on the course
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Best Pull-On Golf Shorts
Johnnie-O Fusion Knit Performance Pull-On Shorts
Looks like a chino, pulls on like a gym short, with the most stretch of any pick
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Best Big and Tall Golf Shorts
PGA TOUR Flat Front Golf Shorts with Expandable Waistband
A waistband that expands up to 4 inches, and Big & Tall sizes to a 56 waist, for under $50
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Best Women’s Golf Shorts
adidas Women’s Ultimate365+ Twistweave 5-Inch Golf Shorts
A classic twill short with adidas’s springy Twistweave stretch and a grip waistband, in sizes 2 to 16
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Most Underrated Golf Shorts
A plain, well-made short with real stretch and deep pockets, from a brand known for loud polos
Our picks in detail
Each review below explains the problem the short solves, who it suits and who should skip it.
Our IGR score, out of 5, sums up how each pair of golf shorts did in our testing for the golfers it’s made for.
Best Golf Shorts Overall
adidas Ultimate365 Golf Shorts
Most golfers want one pair of shorts that moves with their swing, stays cool and looks right at any course. The Ultimate365 does all of that for $70, and it comes in 7-, 8.5- and 10-inch inseams, so golfers of almost any height can get the length their club expects. It’s the short we’d tell most golfers to buy first.
Why we picked it
Movement. adidas makes the Ultimate365 from a thin, lightweight fabric of recycled polyester with 12% spandex, which gives it four-way stretch. That means it stretches across and along the leg, so it doesn’t pull when you squat to read a putt or turn hard through the ball. The 8.5- and 10-inch versions have a stretch waist with belt loops and adidas-branded silicone gripper tape inside, which keeps your shirt tucked in through the last hole.
Inseam options. Few golf shorts come in three lengths for the same price. The 8.5-inch is the one most golfers should start with: it sits just above the knee on most builds and passes almost any dress code. Taller golfers, and anyone at a traditional club, should look at the 10-inch, while the 7-inch, which has a button front and a five-pocket look, suits shorter golfers or a more modern style. All three come in waists 28 to 44.
Heat and weather. The fabric wicks sweat, and the 8.5-inch version adds a water-repellent finish that sheds morning dew and light showers. The 8.5-inch comes in 10 colors, and adidas asks you to wash it cold and skip the fabric softener, which helps the stretch last. The Ultimate365 line is also our top pick in our golf pants and golf shirts guides.
Who it’s for
Golfers of any handicap who want one pair for every round, tall and short golfers who struggle to find the right length, and anyone who plays in the heat and wants a light, stretchy short at a fair price.
Look elsewhere if: you want a dressier short for a private club; the Peter Millar Surge has a more tailored look. If you want the most room through the seat and thighs, try the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Premium Golf Shorts
Peter Millar Surge Performance Shorts
If you play a private club, or just want your shorts to look pressed on the 18th green, a basic performance short won’t cut it. The Surge pairs Peter Millar’s tailored cut with four-way stretch and a water-resistant fabric that shrugs off dew. At $128 it costs nearly twice as much as the Ultimate365, but it’s the premium short most golfers will get the most from.
Why we picked it
Tailored look. Peter Millar cuts the Surge in its Tailored Fit, trimmer than a classic golf short without being tight, with a 9-inch inseam that sits just above the knee and suits any dress code. It comes in 6 understated colors, from British Cream and Oatmeal to Navy and Windy Blue, so it pairs with almost any polo.
Performance. The 100% polyester fabric has what Peter Millar calls maximum four-way stretch, wicks sweat and is water-resistant, so a wet first tee or a passing shower won’t soak through. Two angled quarter-top front pockets are easy to reach into, and a concealed security pocket keeps a key or a card safe.
Easy care and sizes. It’s machine washable cold and dries on low, and Peter Millar says not to iron it. Waists run 30 to 44, a wider range than the G/FORE All Play and lululemon ABC, which both stop at 40.
Who it’s for
Private club members who want a dressier short, golfers who play early tee times with dew on the grass, and anyone who wants premium quality without paying $200.
Look elsewhere if: you want the roomiest, most comfortable fit; the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit gives your thighs more room. If you want a tailored look in cotton instead of polyester, try the G/FORE All Play.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Budget Golf Shorts
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Golf Shorts
Not everyone wants to spend $70 or more on a pair of shorts, especially if you need several pairs for a summer of golf. Amazon’s own golf short gets the basics right for a fraction of that: a 9-inch inseam, a classic fit with room in the thigh, a waistband that grips your shirt and a small pocket for tees. It won’t move like our pricier picks, but nothing else here comes close for the money.
Why we picked it
Golf details. This isn’t a gym short with a golf label. It has a zip fly, a waistband that grips your shirt so it stays tucked in, and classic front and back pockets plus a small fifth pocket for tees, ball markers or coins. The 9-inch inseam is a safe length at almost any course.
Fit. Amazon cuts it in a classic fit, generous through the hip and thigh, and it sits below your natural waist. Waists run 29 to 42, and there’s a Big & Tall version, so it suits most builds. It comes in about a dozen colors, from Black, Navy and Stone to Olive and Washed Red.
The trade-off. The fabric is a lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester with just 2% elastane, so it has only a gentle stretch. You’ll feel the difference on a deep squat compared with an Ultimate365 or a Drive Tapered. Amazon’s own listing also notes that buyers often return it for a tight fit, so check the size chart and go up a size if you’re between.
Who it’s for
Golfers on a budget, beginners who don’t want to spend much on golf clothes yet, and anyone who needs several pairs for a summer of rounds.
Look elsewhere if: you want real stretch; the adidas Ultimate365 moves far better for $70. If you need an expandable waist, the PGA TOUR Flat Front costs about the same.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Most Comfortable Golf Shorts
lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Golf Shorts
Plenty of golf shorts stretch, but many still feel tight across the seat and thighs once you bend over a putt or sit in a cart. lululemon’s ABC Classic-Fit Golf Short gives you room where you need it, with a smooth fabric and a waistband that gives as you move. At $108 it isn’t cheap, but it’s the most comfortable short on this list.
Why we picked it
Comfort. lululemon cuts the ABC Classic-Fit to give your glutes and thighs breathing room, and adds stretch elastic panels to the waistband, so it gives a little when you bend, squat or sit in the cart. The nylon fabric, with 5% elastane, feels smooth against the skin. In our lululemon golf apparel review, the ABC shorts fit our founder’s regular 34-inch waist perfectly, with ample stretch and a fit that never felt tight.
Pockets. These are the best-thought-out pockets on this list. One front pocket has a hidden phone sleeve, a small drop-in pocket on the right holds your tees, and the back pockets close with snaps and fit a phone or a scorecard.
Weather and options. The fabric is water-resistant, abrasion-resistant and rated UPF 40+, so it handles dew, a light shower and a long day in the sun. It comes in 7- and 9-inch inseams and waists 28 to 40, in about a dozen colors including Black, White, True Navy and Rainforest Green. It’s sold only by lululemon, in its stores and online.
Who it’s for
Golfers who put comfort first, golfers with bigger thighs or seats who find slim shorts tight, and anyone who wants one pair for the course and the rest of the day.
Look elsewhere if: you want to buy from a golf store or Amazon, since lululemon sells it only through its own stores and site. If $108 is too much, the adidas Ultimate365 costs $70.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Tailored Golf Shorts
G/FORE All Play Cotton Stretch Shorts
Most golf shorts are made of shiny polyester, and they look it. If you want shorts that look like well-made trousers cut off above the knee, the G/FORE All Play is the pair. It’s made from stretch cotton gabardine woven in Italy, cut for a tailored fit and clean enough for lunch at the club. At $215 it’s the priciest short here, and it’s built for looks first.
Why we picked it
Fabric. G/FORE uses a stretch cotton gabardine made in Italy, 97% cotton and 3% elastane. Gabardine is a tight, smooth twill with the drape of good dress trousers, and G/FORE calls this one breathable and incredibly lightweight. A bi-stretch weave adds mobility, so it moves through your swing far better than plain cotton.
Tailored fit. G/FORE designs it for a tailored fit, with an 8.5-inch inseam and just two front and two back pockets, so nothing breaks the clean lines. Dress it up with a polo for the club or down with a T-shirt off the course. Waists run 30 to 40, in Twilight, Snow, Pumice and Light Sage.
The trade-offs. Cotton absorbs sweat and dries more slowly than the polyester and nylon in most picks here, so in humid heat it won’t feel as cool as the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight. Wash it cold and inside out, and tumble dry low. At $215, it costs more than three Ultimate365s.
Who it’s for
Private club golfers who want the most polished look, golfers who prefer the feel of cotton to polyester, and anyone who wants one pair to wear from the first tee to dinner.
Look elsewhere if: you play in humid heat; the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight is built to stay cool. If you want a tailored look for less, the Peter Millar Surge costs $128.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Athletic Fit Golf Shorts
Under Armour Drive Tapered Golf Shorts
Golfers with strong legs know the problem: shorts that fit the thighs are baggy everywhere else, and shorts that look trim pinch when you squat. The Drive Tapered fixes that with room through the seat and thigh and a leg that narrows toward the hem, in a stretchy, water-repellent fabric. For athletic builds, it’s the best fit here.
Why we picked it
Athletic fit. Under Armour cuts the Drive Tapered with room through the seat and thigh, then narrows the leg toward the hem for a cleaner, more modern look. If standard golf shorts flap around your knees, or slim ones pinch your quads, this is the cut to try. UA’s regular Drive short uses the same fabric with a straighter leg.
Stretch and grip. The stretch-woven twill is 90% polyester and 10% elastane, with four-way stretch that moves in every direction. The stretch waistband has an internal grip that holds your shirt in place through your swing. UA Storm technology repels water without hurting breathability, and an odor-control treatment helps on hot days.
Length. The current Drive Tapered has a 10-inch inseam, one of the longest here, which suits tall golfers and strict dress codes. If you want shorter, UA’s regular Drive short comes in an 8-inch version. The Drive Tapered costs $70, with waists 28 to 44 and a flat-front, 4-pocket design.
Who it’s for
Golfers with strong legs and glutes, athletic builds who find classic shorts baggy, and tall golfers who want a longer inseam.
Look elsewhere if: you want a shorter inseam; the TravisMathew Wanderlust comes in 6, 7 and 9 inches. If you want a looser, classic fit, try the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Golf Shorts for Hot Weather
FootJoy Dunes Lightweight Golf Shorts
In real heat, heavy fabric is the enemy: it traps warmth, soaks up sweat and clings by the back nine. The Dunes Lightweight is FootJoy’s lightest golf short, built to stay cool and move freely, and it replaces the Lightweight short FootJoy sold for years. If you play in summer heat, start here.
Why we picked it
Light and cool. FootJoy engineered the Dunes to be its lightest golf short, with an ultra-lightweight feel that keeps you cool and comfortable. The fabric is 85% polyester and 15% elastane, and it’s easy to care for, resisting wrinkles and shrinking, so it looks the same on the 18th green as on the first tee.
Moves with you. That 15% elastane is more than any other pick here except the knit Johnnie-O, and it gives four-way stretch for a full range of motion. The engineered stretch waistband has a built-in gripper to keep your shirt tucked, and a button closure keeps the look classic.
Golf-ready. A flat front, two deep side pockets and golf pockets for your accessories and scorecard make it a proper golf short, and the 9-inch inseam suits almost any dress code. It costs $90, in waists 30 to 42 and 9 colors, from Navy, Khaki and Stone to Lavender Aura and Peach.
Who it’s for
Golfers in hot climates, golfers who walk and sweat through summer rounds, and anyone who finds most golf shorts heavy.
Look elsewhere if: you want a shorter inseam; the Bad Birdie is 7¾ inches. If you want a lightweight short for less, the adidas Ultimate365 costs $70.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Golf Shorts for On and Off the Course
TravisMathew Wanderlust Shorts
Lots of golfers want one pair of shorts they can wear to the course, then to lunch, then on a trip, without looking like they just walked off the 18th green. The Wanderlust is built for that: a light, durable ripstop fabric with four-way stretch, a casual chino look and 6-, 7- and 9-inch inseams. It’s the short we’d pack for a golf trip.
Why we picked it
Versatile look. TravisMathew designs the Wanderlust for life on and off the course. Side entry pockets and single welt back pockets give it the look of a casual chino, so it doesn’t scream golf when you leave the course. The 9-inch comes in 10 colors, from Black and Khaki to Copen Blue and Roan Rouge.
Fabric. The Wanderlust fabric is 88% polyester and 12% elastane, with four-way stretch and a micro-ripstop weave. Ripstop is a fine grid weave that resists tears and wear, so the shorts stand up to travel and daily use without feeling heavy. It’s wash-and-wear: machine wash cold on gentle and tumble dry low.
Lengths. Choose a 6-, 7- or 9-inch inseam for $89.95, in waists 30 to 42. The 6- and 7-inch suit a modern look and casual courses, while the 9-inch is the safe pick for stricter clubs. There’s also a Wanderlust E-Waist with an elastic waistband and a 7.5-inch inseam for $84.95. TravisMathew is also our on-and-off-course pick in our golf shirts guide.
Who it’s for
Golfers who travel, golfers who head straight from the course to lunch or the bar, and shorter golfers who want a 6- or 7-inch inseam.
Look elsewhere if: you need a dressier short for a strict private club; the Peter Millar Surge looks more tailored. If you want a waistband with a shirt gripper, the adidas Ultimate365 has one.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Pull-On Golf Shorts
Johnnie-O Fusion Knit Performance Pull-On Shorts
Some golfers just want to skip the button, zip and belt, and pull on a pair of shorts that stretches with them all day. The trouble is that most pull-on shorts look like gym shorts, and gym shorts don’t pass dress codes. The Fusion Knit solves that: it looks like a chino, with a faux button at the front, but it pulls on and stretches like a performance short.
Why we picked it
Pull-on comfort. There’s no fly to fasten. The stretch waistband pulls on and moves with you, and a faux button at the front gives it the look of a classic chino short. For a long day, in the cart or on foot, it’s the easiest short here to wear.
Knit stretch. Johnnie-O makes it from a knit fabric of 79% nylon and 21% spandex, the most stretch of any short on this list, with four-way stretch. It’s lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant, so it packs well for a golf trip.
Details. The welt back pockets close with magnets, so what’s in them stays put, and a tonal Johnnie-O logo sits on the center back belt loop. It comes in 7- and 9-inch inseams, waists 30 to 40 and 6 colors, including Khaki, Stone, Navy and Black, for $108. Wash it cold on gentle and tumble dry low.
Who it’s for
Golfers who hate buttons and belts, golfers who travel and want shorts that pack well, and anyone who wants the most stretch without the gym-short look.
Look elsewhere if: you like to fine-tune your waist with a belt; a fly-front short like the adidas Ultimate365 fits more precisely. If $108 is too much, the PGA TOUR Flat Front has an expandable waist for far less.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Big and Tall Golf Shorts
PGA TOUR Flat Front Golf Shorts with Expandable Waistband
Big golfers have two problems with golf shorts: finding their size at all, and finding a waist that stays comfortable after lunch and a cart ride. PGA TOUR’s flat-front short solves both for very little money. Its hidden elastic waistband expands and contracts up to 4 inches, and its Big & Tall version runs to a 56 waist. It’s the easiest way for a big golfer to get a short that fits.
Why we picked it
Expandable waist. A hidden elastic waistband expands and contracts up to 4 inches as you move, sit and eat, so you don’t have to choose between a waist that fits on the first tee and one that fits on the 18th. The flat front keeps it looking like a regular golf short, not an elastic one.
Sizes. The Expandable Waistband short comes in waists 30 to 44 for about $27. Past a 44, PGA TOUR’s Big & Tall flat-front short runs from 44 to 56 with its Active Waistband, which stretches up to 2 inches, grips your shirt and adds UPF 15 sun protection, for about $48.75. Both have a 9-inch inseam and a classic fit with a straight leg and a little extra room in the thigh.
The trade-off. The fabric is 100% polyester with mechanical stretch, meaning the stretch comes from the weave rather than from spandex, so it gives less than the four-way stretch in our pricier picks. It still wicks sweat and blocks UV, and both versions are sold by Amazon.
Who it’s for
Big and tall golfers up to a 56 waist, golfers whose waist changes through a round, and budget buyers who want comfort for under $50.
Look elsewhere if: you’re a 44 waist or under and want more stretch; the adidas Ultimate365 runs to a 44 with four-way stretch. If you want a dressier short in a bigger size, the Peter Millar Surge also runs to a 44.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Best Women’s Golf Shorts
adidas Women’s Ultimate365+ Twistweave 5-Inch Golf Shorts
Most women want golf shorts that move freely through the swing but still look polished at the clubhouse. The Ultimate365+ Twistweave does both: a classic twill look, adidas’s springy Twistweave stretch, a sporty 5-inch inseam and a waistband built to grip. At $80, it’s the women’s short we’d start with.
Why we picked it
Twistweave stretch. adidas builds this short from Twistweave, a 100% recycled polyester twill made with twisted yarns that act like a spring. That gives you lightweight stretch and freedom to move through your swing, without the shiny look of many performance fabrics. Twistweave is also behind our women’s pick in our golf pants guide, the adidas Ultimate365 Twistweave pant.
Golf details. It has a zip fly with a button, belt loops, front pockets, back welt pockets and vents at the side hems, so it looks like a classic short, not gym wear. adidas’s 360Grip waistband sits at a mid rise, and the regular fit strikes a balance between snug and relaxed.
Sizes and colors. It comes in US sizes 2 to 16, in Black, White, Beige, Collegiate Navy and Crystal Sky, for $80, from adidas and Amazon. Wash it cold, tumble dry low and skip the fabric softener. The 5-inch inseam is a sporty length, so check the dress code first if your club asks for longer shorts.
Who it’s for
Women who want a polished, chino-style short, golfers who want real stretch through the swing, and anyone who already likes adidas’s Ultimate365 fit.
Look elsewhere if: you want more coverage or play a club that asks for longer shorts; a Bermuda-length women’s short will suit you better.
Where to buy
Prices update daily.
Most Underrated Golf Shorts
Bad Birdie Golf Shorts
Most golfers know Bad Birdie for its bold, patterned polos and walk straight past its shorts. That’s a mistake. The Bad Birdie Golf Short is plain on purpose, with four-way stretch, an interior elastic waistband that keeps your shirt tucked and deep pockets, for $78. In our review, it impressed us more than its simple look suggests.
Why we picked it
Fit and stretch. In our Bad Birdie apparel review, the shorts had the right combination of stretch, shape, fit and length, with a lightweight, stretchy fabric. Bad Birdie’s 4-way stretch fabric is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, so it still looks crisp at the clubhouse.
Pockets and waist. The pockets are deep, and nothing fell out of them getting on and off the cart in our testing. There are side-slant front pockets, two open back pockets, a classic zip-and-button fly with belt loops, and an interior elastic waistband that keeps your shirt tucked through hard swings.
Length and options. The 7¾-inch inseam sits between the short and classic lengths, a modern look that still suits most courses. It comes in waists 30 to 38, in colors including Black, Dark Navy, Washed Sage and Fig, for $78. The Washed Sage looks great with Bad Birdie’s bolder polos.
Who it’s for
Golfers who like a modern, slightly shorter length, golfers who want deep pockets that hold everything, and anyone who already wears Bad Birdie polos.
Look elsewhere if: your waist is over 38; the adidas Ultimate365 runs to a 44. If you want a 9-inch inseam, try the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight.
Compare our picks
All 12 picks side by side on fit, inseams, fabric, stretch and price.
Specs come from each manufacturer. Prices are Amazon’s and update hourly.
How we test golf shorts
Every pair on this page went through the same process. Most of what matters in a golf short only shows up on the course, so that’s where we do most of our testing, over full rounds, including hot ones. I’m a 3 handicap with a fast swing. Our other two testers are a 12-handicap who slices and an 18-handicap senior, so we judge fit on more than one build, and Leah Gruber covers our women’s apparel.
The full method is on our how we test page.
- 01Check the build
We start with each short’s fabric, cut, waistband, pockets and inseam, so we know who it’s built for before it goes on the course.
- 02Swing, squat and walk
A full turn, a deep squat to read a putt and a round of walking show whether a pair pinches, rides up or loses its shape. The best stretch moves with you and keeps its structure.
- 03Wear them in the heat
We judge how well each fabric breathes, whether it traps heat or clings as the day warms up, and how it feels against the skin, since a pair that’s fine in dry heat can feel very different in humidity.
- 04Load the pockets and live with them
We carry tees, ball markers, a scorecard and a yardage book to test pocket depth and access, check how each pair looks with a golf shirt and holds up over multiple rounds, then weigh it against the price. Then we write it up, good and bad.
How to choose the right golf shorts
Three things decide the right golf shorts for you: the inseam, the fabric, and how the cut and waist suit your build. Get those right and you’ll forget you’re wearing them, which is the whole point.
Start with your build and the weather you play in using the table below, then use the sections that follow to narrow it down.
Start with your build and your weather
Pick the row that sounds most like you and the rounds you play most. Each row gives you a starting fit and fabric and the feature that matters most, plus the picks that suit that golfer best.
Athletic build
- Fit
- Tapered or regular, with room in the seat
- Fabric
- Polyester with 10% or more elastane
- Look for
- Four-way stretch and a gripper waistband
Picks from this list that suit you
Need more room
- Fit
- Classic fit, straight leg
- Fabric
- Stretch fabric or an expandable waist
- Look for
- Your size range first, then room in the thigh
Picks from this list that suit you
Hot climate
- Fit
- Any fit, 7 to 9 inches
- Fabric
- The lightest polyester or nylon blend
- Look for
- Light colors and a sweat-wicking fabric
Picks from this list that suit you
Cool mornings
- Fit
- Classic or tailored, 9 to 10 inches
- Fabric
- Water-resistant or water-repellent fabric
- Look for
- A finish that sheds dew, and a longer inseam
Picks from this list that suit you
These are starting points, not rules. Try shorts on with a squat and a practice swing before you cut the tags, and check the return policy, because sizing varies from brand to brand.
Inseam: 7, 9 or 10 inches
The inseam is the length from the crotch seam to the hem, and it decides where your shorts end on your leg. For most golfers the right length ends just above the kneecap when you stand, so the hem never catches your knee at address. Your height matters more than your waist here: the same 9-inch short sits higher on a tall golfer than on a short one.
7 inches is the modern, shorter look, best for shorter golfers and casual or resort courses. The TravisMathew Wanderlust, lululemon ABC and Johnnie-O Fusion Knit all come in 7 inches. 9 inches is the classic golf length and the safest choice at any club. It’s the only length for the Peter Millar Surge, FootJoy Dunes and Amazon Essentials, and the Ultimate365 is close at 8.5. 10 inches suits tall golfers and the strictest clubs: the UA Drive Tapered and the 10-inch Ultimate365 are the longest here.
Dress codes: what most clubs allow
Almost every course in the US allows golf shorts, but most with a dress code want tailored ones: a flat front or chino style, a proper waistband with belt loops, and a hem near the knee. Gym shorts, mesh athletic shorts, cargo shorts, denim and swim trunks are the usual no’s. Every pick on this page is a tailored golf short built to meet those rules.
Length is where clubs differ. Public, resort and most semi-private courses rarely care whether your shorts are 7 or 10 inches. Traditional private clubs often ask for shorts that reach close to the knee, and a few still don’t allow shorts at all. If you’re playing somewhere new, check the club’s website or call the pro shop. A 9-inch short in a solid color works almost everywhere.
Fabrics for hot weather
In the heat you want a thin, light fabric that pulls sweat off your skin. Polyester and nylon blends do that best, which is why nearly every pick here uses them. The FootJoy Dunes Lightweight is FootJoy’s lightest golf short, the Ultimate365 uses a thin, wicking fabric, and the Bad Birdie is quick-drying. Cotton, like the Italian gabardine in the G/FORE All Play, feels great and breathes, but it soaks up sweat and dries slowly, so it’s better on dry days than in humidity.
Color matters too. Light colors like white, stone and khaki reflect the sun and stay cooler than black or navy on a bright day. If you burn easily, look for a sun-protection rating: the lululemon ABC is rated UPF 40+, and the Big & Tall version of the PGA TOUR Flat Front is rated UPF 15. Water-repellent finishes on the 8.5-inch Ultimate365, Peter Millar Surge and UA Drive Tapered help on dewy mornings, but they’re no substitute for the rain pants in our golf rain gear guide.
Stretch: how much you need
Most stretch comes from elastane, also sold as spandex, blended into the fabric. The more of it there is, the more a short gives when you squat, climb out of a bunker or turn hard through the ball. Our picks range from 2% elastane in the Amazon Essentials, which gives only a gentle stretch, to 12% in the Ultimate365 and Wanderlust, 15% in the FootJoy Dunes and 21% in the knit Johnnie-O Fusion Knit.
Four-way stretch gives across and along the fabric, so it moves in every direction, while two-way stretch gives in only one. Some fabrics stretch through the weave alone, called mechanical stretch: the Peter Millar Surge and Bad Birdie are 100% polyester yet still stretch four ways, while the PGA TOUR Flat Front’s mechanical stretch gives less. More stretch isn’t always better, since very stretchy fabric can bag at the seat by the back nine. Look for a short that springs back when you stand up, and wash it cold without fabric softener so the stretch lasts.
Pull-on vs fly-front
Most golf shorts close like trousers, with a zip fly, a button and belt loops. That gives you the most precise fit, because a belt fine-tunes the waist, and it’s the safest look at a strict club. The best of them add a stretch waistband with a gripper inside to keep your shirt tucked, like the Ultimate365, UA Drive Tapered, FootJoy Dunes, Bad Birdie and Amazon Essentials.
Pull-on shorts skip the fly and use a stretch waistband. They’re the most comfortable choice for long days and travel, but you can’t adjust them with a belt, and cheap ones look like gym shorts. The Johnnie-O Fusion Knit gets around that with a faux button, so it reads as a chino, and TravisMathew makes an elastic-waist version of the Wanderlust. If you want the look of a fly-front with some give, the PGA TOUR Flat Front hides an elastic waistband that expands up to 4 inches.
Fit for your build
Golf shorts come in four main cuts. A classic fit, like the lululemon ABC, Amazon Essentials and PGA TOUR Flat Front, gives you room through the seat and thigh with a straight leg. A regular fit, like the Ultimate365, sits in the middle. A tailored fit, like the Peter Millar Surge and G/FORE All Play, is trimmer and dressier. A tapered fit, like the UA Drive Tapered, keeps room in the seat and thigh but narrows toward the hem.
If you have strong legs or a big seat, start with a tapered or classic fit, because a tailored short that fits your thighs will often gape at the waist. If you’re slim, a tailored fit looks sharper and won’t flap in the wind. Big golfers should check the size range first: most picks stop at a 40 or 44 waist, while PGA TOUR’s Big & Tall flat-front short runs to 56 and Amazon Essentials makes a Big & Tall version too. If the seat pulls or the hem rides up when you squat, go up a size or change the cut.
Pockets, care and what to spend
Golf pockets need to hold tees, a ball marker, a scorecard and often a phone, and keep them there when you sit in a cart. Deep front pockets help, and so do extras like the hidden phone sleeve and tee pocket on the lululemon ABC, the tee pocket on the Amazon Essentials, the magnetic back pockets on the Johnnie-O Fusion Knit and the concealed security pocket on the Peter Millar Surge. To keep any pair looking right, wash it cold, tumble dry low or hang it, and skip the fabric softener.
You don’t need to spend much. About $70 buys a great short like the Ultimate365 or UA Drive Tapered, and $20 to $30 buys a decent one from Amazon Essentials or PGA TOUR. Spending $90 to $130 gets you better fabric, smarter pockets or a dressier look, and past that you’re paying for materials like the Italian cotton in the G/FORE All Play. Most golfers are best served by two or three good pairs in neutral colors that match their polos. Our golf shirts guide covers those, and our golf pants guide covers cooler days.
Golf Shorts FAQs
What are the best golf shorts of 2026?
The adidas Ultimate365. For $70 you get a light fabric with four-way stretch, a waistband with gripper tape that keeps your shirt tucked, and a choice of 7-, 8.5- and 10-inch inseams in waists 28 to 44, so it fits more golfers than any other short here.
If you want a dressier, water-resistant short, the Peter Millar Surge is our premium pick at $128. If comfort matters most, get the lululemon ABC Classic-Fit, and if you play in real heat, get the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight.
What inseam should golf shorts be?
For most golfers, 9 inches, or the 8.5-inch Ultimate365. That length ends just above the knee on an average build, keeps the hem clear of your knee at address and passes almost any dress code.
Go shorter, to 7 inches, if you’re on the shorter side or want a more modern look and your course allows it. Go longer, to 10 inches, if you’re tall or play a traditional club; the UA Drive Tapered and the 10-inch Ultimate365 are the longest shorts here.
Are 7-inch golf shorts allowed on most courses?
At most public, resort and semi-private courses, yes, as long as they’re tailored golf shorts and not gym or cargo shorts. Traditional private clubs are the exception: many ask for shorts that reach close to the knee, and a 7-inch short on a tall golfer can fall short of that.
If you’re not sure, check the club’s dress code online or call the pro shop. A 9-inch short like the FootJoy Dunes Lightweight or Peter Millar Surge is the safe choice anywhere.
What are the best golf shorts for hot weather?
The FootJoy Dunes Lightweight, FootJoy’s lightest golf short. It’s a thin polyester blend with 15% elastane, a gripper waistband and a 9-inch inseam, for $90.
Whatever you buy, choose a light polyester or nylon blend over cotton, which holds sweat, and a light color over black or navy. The Ultimate365 and the quick-drying Bad Birdie are good hot-weather choices too.
Can you wear athletic shorts to play golf?
At a course with a dress code, usually not. Most ask for tailored golf shorts with a proper waistband, which rules out gym shorts, mesh basketball shorts, running shorts and swim trunks. Cargo shorts and denim are usually out too.
If you love the feel of athletic shorts, the Johnnie-O Fusion Knit is the answer: a stretchy knit pull-on short with a faux button that looks like a chino. Golf shorts like the UA Drive Tapered also use four-way stretch fabric, so they move almost as freely.
Are pull-on golf shorts worth it?
Yes, if comfort comes first. A pull-on short has no zip or button, just a stretch waistband, so it moves with you, packs flat and stays comfortable after lunch. The Johnnie-O Fusion Knit is our pick, because its faux button and chino look pass dress codes that would turn away a gym short.
The trade-off is fit. You can’t fine-tune an elastic waist with a belt, so if you’re between sizes, a fly-front short fits better. If you want some give without going pull-on, the PGA TOUR Flat Front hides a waistband that expands up to 4 inches.
How should golf shorts fit?
Golf shorts should sit comfortably at your waist without a tight belt, let you squat to read a putt without the seat pulling, and end just above your knee. The legs shouldn’t be so wide that they flap in the wind or so tight that they ride up when you walk.
Do a quick test before you cut the tags: squat, take a few practice swings and walk around. If the waist digs in or your shirt comes untucked, look for a stretch waistband with a gripper, like the Ultimate365. If the thighs pinch, try a classic fit like the lululemon ABC or a tapered athletic fit like the UA Drive Tapered.
Are expensive golf shorts worth it?
Up to a point. Moving from a $25 short to a $70 one gets you much more stretch and more lengths and colors to choose from. Compare the Amazon Essentials, with 2% elastane and one 9-inch length, to the Ultimate365, with 12% elastane and three lengths.
Past $100 the gains are smaller: smarter pockets, a dressier cut or fabrics like the Italian cotton gabardine in the $215 G/FORE All Play. Those are worth it if you play a private club or wear your shorts off the course, but they won’t help your swing.
How do you wash golf shorts?
Check the label, but most performance golf shorts do best in a cold wash with like colors and a low-heat tumble dry, or hung to dry. Skip fabric softener and bleach: adidas tells you not to use softener on the Ultimate365, and softener can coat performance fabrics and wear out the stretch.
Don’t iron the lululemon ABC or Peter Millar Surge, whose labels say not to, and wash the cotton G/FORE All Play inside out, as G/FORE recommends.
What are the best golf shorts for big guys?
The PGA TOUR Flat Front. The regular version has a hidden waistband that expands up to 4 inches, in waists 30 to 44 for about $27, and the Big & Tall version runs to a 56 waist for about $48.75.
Amazon Essentials also makes a Big & Tall version of its Classic-Fit short. If you’re a 44 waist or under, the Ultimate365 and Peter Millar Surge both run to 44, and the classic fit of the lululemon ABC gives big thighs room in waists up to 40.
Ryan Heiman
Ryan Heiman founded Independent Golf Reviews in 2011 and still tests the clubs himself. He plays to a 3 handicap out of Tucson, Arizona. He writes for everyday golfers, with clear verdicts, honest downsides and a straight answer on which clubs are worth the money.
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