12 of the Best Shorts for Boys

The Children’s Place Pull-on Cargo

The Pull-on Cargos are a classic design that The Children’s Place has been selling for years. These are a great pair of comfy shorts that fit well (because of the adjustable waist tab), and that come in a great selection of colors that are appealing to boys. They are also cargo style, so they have the extra pockets that boys love to carry all of their extra goodies.

The cotton ripstop fabric is pre-washed for added softness, and the ripstop gives it excellent durability, which many boys need since they can be a bit rough on their clothes when running around. You can usually get them on sale, and if you do, they are a great price.

Available from The Children’s Place or Amazon

Old Navy Straight Built-In Flex Twill Shorts

The Old Navy Straight Built-In Flex Twill Shorts are a fantastic pick if you are looking for more of a chino style for your boy. They have an interior adjustable waistband that you can change for the best fit.

The soft-washed cotton twill is a blend of 98% cotton and 2% spandex, so they have a bit of stretch to them that makes them comfy to move around in.

Some of the colors are stylish and a little different than your average pair of shorts. These are surprisingly good quality that you can snag and Old Navy’s low prices.

Available from Old Navy

Gap Kids Pull-On Easy Shorts with Stretch

The Gap Kids Pull-On Easy Shorts with Stretch are a favorite for lots of boys, Some of the solid colors have an almost linen look to them, (although they are a cotton stretch)  that makes them a little dressy while still being the easy-on, easy-off type design that many kids like for the warm weather.

This design also comes in a few fun prints that are cute and can liven up an outfit. The basic features are front and back pockets, along with an elasticized waist and a faux fly. The drawstring isn’t functional, so you won’t be able to use it to cinch the waist.

Reviews mention that this pick is comfy, lightweight, and matches well with either a T-shirt or polo, depending on the occasion.

Available from Gap

Amazon Essentials Boy’s Woven Shorts

Amazon Essentials Boy’s Woven Shorts are a nice quality pick that is affordable for everyone.  They have a classic chino look that can be dressed up or down depending on the top you pair them with.  The material is known for being very sturdy but soft and comes in seven standard colors. They have an adjustable waistband on the inside, so they can stay up without a belt.

Available from Amazon

Tucker + Tate Essential Twill Shorts

Tucker + Tate Essential Twill Shorts are a classic good quality chino style that comes in a decent range of standard colors that will work well with most other clothes in your boy’s closet. They have a drawstring waist that is easy to adjust to get the right fit. The fabric is stretch cotton that allows for a great range of movement for any active boy.

Available from Nordstrom

Spotted Zebra Cargo Shorts

The Spotted Zebra Cargo Shorts are an inexpensive basic play style that you can find on Amazon. They are 100% cotton, so they are light and breathable, although there is no stretch in the fabric, so you need to be a bit careful with the sizing to make sure they are a relatively loose fit especially if you have a very active boy who is on the go all the time.

They have an elastic waistband, but the drawstring ties are not functional; they are only included as a design element, which means you can’t use them to adjust the fit.

Available from  Amazon

French Toast Basic Flat-Front Short

These French Toast Basic Flat-Front Short are a popular option for school uniforms, but they can also work well for dressier occasions or every day if you love crisp chino look for your child.

The fabric is an ultra-durable, wrinkle-free 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend. It isn’t the softest fabric, so it may not be the best option, especially if you are buying for a child who is sensitive to materials.

Available from Amazon

Arizona Little/ Big Kid Boys Cargo

The Arizona Little/ Big Kid Boys Cargo Short that you can find at Target is a smooth cargo style that is inexpensive and comes in a nice variety of colors.

They are a flat front design with side cargo pockets for extra storage. The material is comfortable stretch cotton, so they are an excellent option for active boys.

Available from JC Penny

Primary Boardwalk Short

The Primary Boardwalk Short is a stylish, high-quality pick that comes in a few basic and a few modern unusual colors.

This is a reasonably trim fit, but they are made from stretch cotton, so while they look quite tailored, they are still comfy.

The fabric is also lightweight, so they are cool and breezy for summer wear. They feature front and back pockets and an adjustable waistband so you can get the perfect fit.

Available from Primary

Woven Camp Shorts

These Woven Camp Shorts from Hanna Andersson are a high-quality design that is built to withstand the harshest treatment your kids can put them through.

They are made from a comfortable yet durable peached canvas that is 74% cotton blended with a 26% nylon canvas weave. The fit is loose, and they have both front and back pockets.

They feature an elastic waistband for easy on and off, and a drawstring cord to adjust the fit.

Available from Hanna Andersson

Uniqlo Kids Washed Jersey Easy Shorts

The Uniqlo Kids Washed Jersey Easy Shorts are a casual looser fit that is made to be comfy. The pockets are big, and the length is pretty long, so these are designed for easy movement.

The jersey material is quite thick but very soft, and it holds up well to washing. The waist is relaxed on most boys, so they shouldn’t have any pinching at the waistband.

Available from Uniqlo

Boys’ Pull-On Woven Shorts from Cat & Jack™

The Boys’ Pull-On Woven Shorts from Cat & Jack™ that you can find at Target are a fantastic, inexpensive option that comes in a lot of great colors that are perfect for summer.

They are 100% cotton, so they are cool and breathable. The design is a pull with an elastic waistband with a functional drawstring cord, and it has both front and back pockets.

Available from Target