Slopes, wind, breaks, hazards, club selection—there’s plenty to think about on the golf course. Your shorts shouldn’t be one of them. In fact, the best golf shorts should move with you and look good whether you’re lining up a shot or grabbing a drink at the clubhouse. With so many styles to choose from, I spoke with the founder of a golf apparel brand to find out what really matters when shopping for golf shorts. Based on those insights, I believe the Lululemon Commission Shorts are best for most golfers—they’re stretchy, sweat-wicking, quick-drying and can be dressed up or down.
These are the best golf shorts based on comfort, fit, fabrics and storage options.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
To find the best golf shorts, I considered a handful of key factors beyond general comfort: fit and fabric, for freedom of movement; storage, because having enough pockets without unwanted bulk is essential; weather preparedness, to handle hot, humid rounds or unexpected showers; and style, so you look just as good off the course as you do on it. The picks in this guide suit a range of different preferences and playing conditions. Read on to see six of the best golf shorts of 2025, plus four runners-up we also like.
Lululemon might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of golf shorts, but after chatting with a few golfers about their go-to styles, I was surprised to hear almost all of them mention the Canadian label. A little more digging confirmed that a lot of golfers swear by the Commission Short.
Made from a stretchy, breathable fabric blend, it has the polished look of dress shorts but acts more like an athletic short. By combining a casual fit with performance fabrics, it moves with you instead of holding you back, so you can drive the ball or focus on a tough putt without your shorts getting in the way. Plus, there are plenty of pockets for tees, gloves and a scorecard, and a hidden zipper pocket keeps your drink-cart cash secure. But the biggest selling point is the sheer comfort and versatility—you can wear these shorts on and off course without feeling underdressed.
Of course, versatility has its trade-offs. Some shorts like the Adidas Ultimate365 are more breathable, while others like the Bonobos Highland Tour are more refined. But few shorts strike a balance of style and comfort like this pair. And if you keep an eye on Lululemon’s occasional sales, you can snag a pair at a solid discount.
If flexibility is your top priority, the PGA Tour Flat Front Shorts are a great choice. They feature strategically woven seams (the brand calls it MotionFlux 360 technology) designed to improve your range of motion by letting you swing freely without bunching. The polyester-spandex blend offers just a hint of stretch, and it’s moisture-wicking to help keep you cool and dry, even on sweltering, humid days. Plus, the lined waistband keeps your shirt neatly tucked in from the first tee to the final putt—no constant adjusting or fiddling required.
Polyester-heavy fabrics can sometimes feel less breathable than natural blends, and these shorts aren’t quite as soft as some high-end options like the Lululemon Commission Short. But unless you’re playing in extreme heat, the lightweight design and moisture-wicking properties do a solid job of managing sweat.
I hadn’t heard of CRZ Yoga before talking with experienced golfers, but the brand quickly stood out as a solid alternative if you’re not looking to drop $100 on a pair of shorts. The All-Day Comfy Golf Shorts live up to their name, thanks to a stretchy, quick-drying polyester construction. They may look like classic khakis, but they’re much lighter and more versatile. And because they’re designed specifically for golf, they come with dedicated pockets for your phone, cards and keys, plus a hidden zipper pocket for cash or small valuables. And best of all, they’re less than half the price of similar shorts without sacrificing an ounce comfort or durability.
With that said, most synthetic golf shorts use fabric blends to maximize performance, so it’s a little disappointing that this pair is 100% polyester. On its own, polyester tends to trap heat, making it less breathable than cotton or a blended fabric. It also holds onto odor, so you’ll probably wash these shorts more often if you tend to sweat. Still, these are minor drawbacks most golfers won’t notice, especially when you can grab two or three colors (there are over 10 to choose from) for the price of one pair of high-end shorts.
When you need classic-looking golf shorts that fit just right, the Bonobos Highland Tour Golf Shorts are hard to beat. They have that clean, tailored look you’d expect from Bonobos, but come packed with thoughtful features to keep you comfortable on the course. A gel-lined waistband, for example, creates a secure fit without feeling too tight, while lightweight, water-repellent fabric helps keep you dry through unexpected drizzles. Plus, with built-in UPF-rated sun protection, you’ll get an extra layer of defense against long rounds in the sun.
As for storage, you get a dedicated scorecard pocket and a zippered back pocket to keep small essentials secure. While the zipper on the rear pocket might not be a great feature if you prefer to store your gloves or scorecard on that side (it could cause unwanted wear and tear over time), it’s a small and unlikely price to pay. Because you’ve got nearly 10 colors, three fits, 14 waist sizes and two inseam lengths to choose from, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a pair that fits right and feels good—something you can’t always say about formal apparel.
Those of us with skinny legs (myself included) struggle to find shorts that fit well around the waist and thighs, but the Mizzen + Main Helmsman Shorts are designed with a slimmer, modern fit that complements leaner builds without feeling restrictive. The four-way stretch fabric makes it easy to move through every swing, while mesh-lined pockets add breathability and help keep bulk to a minimum. A zippered back pocket provides a secure spot for smaller items, and the lightweight, quick-drying fabric blend makes them comfortable for hours on end.
Obviously, the slimmer fit isn’t ideal for golfers with bigger thighs, so don’t reach for these if you find comfort in regular-fit shorts. And if you have skinny legs but still prefer a relaxed fit, you may want to size up or look at roomier options like the CRZ Yoga All-Day Comfy Golf Shorts. But for those who appreciate a clean, slim look with plenty of performance-driven features, the Helmsman Shorts deliver without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
The Adidas Ultimate365 Golf Shorts prove that a quality pair of well-fitting shorts doesn’t have to constrict your legs like a python. Designed for athletic builds, this style offers a tailored-yet-stretchy fit that accommodates bigger thighs without feeling too tight or restrictive. The soft, breathable fabric moves well, and a water-repellent coating helps wick away moisture, whether you’re playing in humid conditions or caught in the rain. For taller golfers, the 10-inch inseam option provides a little extra coverage, and with over a dozen colors to choose from, there’s a shade for most kits.
The only potential downside is that the fabric, while stretchy, is more structured than some ultra-lightweight options. In other words, these shorts are a bit stiffer and designed to hold their shape. But for golfers who want a versatile style that balances performance and comfort through the crotch and thighs, the Ultimate365 Shorts are a reliable option.
G/Fore Maverick Shorts ($125): G/Fore’s four-way stretch Maverick shorts are made from a blend of polyester and spandex to help you swing with confidence. They contain mesh pockets for your on-course essentials, and a built-in liner that boosts comfort. At $125, they’re the priciest pair in this guide, but G/Fore knows a thing or two about comfortable golf clothing—you get what you pay for.
Nike Tour Chino Golf Shorts ($80): Nike’s formal take on golf pants features a water-repellent finish to keep drizzle at bay and mesh-lined pockets for your ball, tees and scorecard. The relaxed cut is easy to wear for hours, and it transitions nicely from the course to the clubhouse.
Rhone Commuter Shorts ($98): Rhone Commuter Shorts aren’t technically golf shorts, but they offer plenty of stretch and a few well-placed pockets to meet the needs of most golfers. In fact, they look and feel a lot like our top pick, the Lululemon Commission Shorts. If the 7-inch inseam leaves you feeling a bit too exposed, check out the 9-inch Commuter Shorts instead.
Under Armour Drive Chill Vented ($80): As the name implies, Under Armour’s Drive Chill Vented shorts manage sweat to maintain comfort. The combination of Iso-Chill and ArmourVent fabrics feels breathable and cool, so even a hot round in the Florida sun won’t interrupt your game. The style is finished with four pockets and a fluorine-free water repellent treatment.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear team writes dozens of equipment and apparel guides each year, covering everything from running shoes to massage guns to winter base layers. We also cover a range of golf equipment and apparel, including rangefinders, shoes and shorts.
Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has reviewed outdoor gear and apparel for over six years. While he isn’t an avid golfer, he spends a lot of time evaluating performance fabrics and how they fit on your body, which applies to golf and athletic shorts. He also spends time at the range every now and then to unwind after a long day of work.
To provide accurate buying advice, we spoke with Scott Morrison, co-founder of Radmor, the first golf apparel brand to eliminate the use of virgin polyester in its clothing. His insights on fit, fabric and functionality helped us identify what makes a pair of golf shorts truly great.
Beyond expert opinions, we looked into real-world feedback by cross-referencing our picks with online reviews from golfers who have actually bought and played in these shorts. We also spoke with golfers on the Forbes Vetted team to learn more about their favorite styles. All of these insights helped us confirm which pairs truly perform on the course, and which aren’t worth the investment.
How We Chose The Best Golf Shorts
Comfortable, well-fitting golf shorts can influence how you look, feel and play. We focused on key details like fit, storage, weather readiness and performance to make sure our picks are both functional and good-looking.
We looked for shorts with just the right amount of stretch and breathability—styles that move with you through every swing but still look good, even if you’re struggling to hit a solid shot. A good pair of golf shorts should feel light and comfortable, without being too tight, baggy or stiff.
Pockets might not seem like a big deal until you realize you don’t have a spot for your tees, ball, scorecard or glove. We prioritized shorts with well-placed pockets that don’t add bulk or get in the way while you play.
Because golf is played in all kinds of weather, we made sure to include options with moisture-wicking, quick-drying and sun-protective fabrics to help you stay cool and comfortable during long rounds.
While performance is key, we also looked for shorts that transition well off the course. The best options have a clean, classic style that works whether you’re grabbing a post-round drink or heading out for work before hitting the range on your way home.
How To Shop For Golf Shorts
Finding the right golf shorts comes down to more than looking like Rickie Fowler in his orange Sunday attire. Here’s what to consider before making your pick:
Fit And Fabric
A great pair of golf shorts balance comfort, flexibility and style. Look for materials with a bit of stretch, like blends that contain polyester, spandex and/or elastane, so your shorts move with you as you play.
A tailored (but not-too-tight) fit helps your shorts look good while allowing for full range of motion. As Scott Morrison points out, “The best golf shorts combine technical performance with a natural feel.”
Length is another factor to consider. Most golf shorts fall just above the knee, but brands usually offer slightly shorter or longer inseams, depending on personal preference. Keep in mind that additional coverage also keeps your thighs out of the sun.
Fit is personal, but Morrison notes that for golf, “It has to be functional.” Slim-fit styles offer a more tailored look, but stretch and flexibility is key to maximizing movement. Regular fits are the best all-around choice, while relaxed fits improve airflow and comfort.
Storage
Pockets probably sound like an afterthought, but storage can make a big difference—it keeps essentials like tees, ball markers and your scorecard within reach, without adding bulk or feeling awkward. Morrison notes that “Pocket design matters. Angled side pockets make access easy, while zippered back pockets add security.”
Some brands like Radmor even add unique storage features, like a dedicated golf ball pocket in the side seam. Look for deep front pockets and zippered closures to keep small items secure while you move.
Weather Preparedness
If you prefer to play in warm, sunny weather, it’s important to choose shorts made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool and dry. Polyester blends are common because they wick sweat and dry quickly, though Morrison points out that, while synthetics dominate because they manage moisture, “Cotton blends feel more natural and maintain better temperature regulation.” Some fabrics also feature UPF protection to shield you from UV rays. For those who play in humid or rainy conditions, water-resistant finishes can help keep moisture at bay.
Performance technology in golf apparel continues to evolve. Morrison adds that “temperature-regulating textiles, UV-blocking fabrics and water-repellent coatings” are finding their way into apparel as part of an effort to improve comfort in different conditions.
Style
Golf shorts should be functional on the course but versatile enough to wear beyond it. Many options feature clean, classic designs that transition into casual settings. Morrison explains that the best golf shorts are versatile and designed to look just as good at lunch or a casual dinner as they do on the course. The key to style lies in fabric selection, simple colors and a tailored fit that complements your body and doesn’t feel restrictive (because if you feel uncomfortable, you’ll probably look uncomfortable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While some golfers prefer to wear shorts from major golf brands like Callaway and G/Fore, you’ll also see them wearing Lululemon, Adidas and Under Armour. Generally, golfers wear performance shorts made from breathable, stretchy fabrics that are great for comfort and mobility. Styles often range from the classic, tailored look to more modern slim fits.
The PGA Tour dress code explicitly prohibits men from wearing shorts, unless allowed by the hosting Section, or the club hosting the event. With that said, “In Sections which allow male participants to wear shorts, males may wear slacks or golf shorts which are professional looking in appearance.” Sadly, denim is strictly prohibited, which all but rules out golf jorts.
No, 7-inch golf shorts aren’t too short for golf. Inseam length is a personal preference, which is why many best-selling golf shorts come in different lengths to meet the needs of different golfers. Longer lengths (like 9-inch inseams) are more traditional and widely accepted at most courses, but they can restrict movement and feel heavier in hot weather. Shorter lengths (around 5 inches) are more breathable, though they may not meet all dress codes and provide less coverage from the sun. A 7-inch inseam strikes a great balance that’s perfect for most golfers.
