The 10 Best Travel Shorts for Men

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.lululemon / vuoriRegardless of your definition of travel, Patagonia Baggies fit the bill. They are excellent active shorts, sweat-wicking and quick to dry, therefore perfect for hiking and adventuring around town. The elastic waistband and mesh liner make them the easiest thing in our wardrobe to slip on for a last-minute bus ride or journey on the Amtrak.And if you’re flying, yes, they have two front pockets and a secure button back pocket so your phone, boarding pass, and passport are never too far away. That said, pockets are the greatest problem with Baggies. They’re huge and take up most of the front of the short, but to keep that from being a problem, they’re sewn down within the shorts. It’s weird, and you have to experience it—but it does not take away from their greatness. These will always be our favorites.Here’s a little hack if you’re traveling during peak summer heat. Wear golf shorts. Or really any pair of shorts like these from Vuori. Something like this is going to balance comfort, performance, and looks in a perfectly blended cocktail of pure polyester. Dress them up or throw them on unwashed, it doesn’t really matter. On second thought, don’t travel with unwashed shorts, just buy a backup pair.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis is a recommendation from Esquire’s commerce editor, Luke Guillory—what he calls SEC Dad Shorts.Hook & Tackle makes shorts for all the dudes we know who will fill up their pockets with shit, no matter how many pockets they have. That’s the type of guy that won’t go on a road trip or airplane without his trusty cargo shorts. These have all the function and comfort of other cargo shorts, but they look a little bit nicer. And yes, those deep pockets are indeed beer-can-sized.These hybrid Buck Mason shorts are a long-time favorite of ours that are finally back in stock. They are waterproof without looking like swim trunks, and fashionable without being overtly chic. These have a lived-in look that reads more formal, but if you look close you can see a button, elastic waistband, all the signs of a relaxed fit. All those elements point to this being an excellent pair of shorts for those travel days that feel like they won’t end.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowFor something that you can feel good in and feel good about, Faherty offers stylish sustainability in its All Day Short. These shorts blend organic cotton with recycled polyester, making a stretchy, comfortable wear that looks as good as it feels.Let’s just say you’re about to board a plane to an island, any island really but preferably a tropical one. And let’s say you are going to need to be vacation ready the moment you hop off the plane. These chinos from J. Crew are soft and stretchy enough to keep you comfortable the whole ride, but still crisp enough for you to roll from seat to beach chair looking like a million bucks. Choose between a five-, seven-, or nine-inch inseam.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowOkay, so while this isn’t always the most fashion-forward category of menswear, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your guns to the knife fight. Or, in this case, wear your Todd Snyders on a plane, train, or automobile. These breezy 100 percent cotton shorts are elevated by a cummerbund waist and double forward pleats.For a lot of guys, nothing beats the comfort of a pair of gym shorts. But those long, ratty basketball shorts that don’t really stay up anymore aren’t appropriate for the plane. These Pace Breakers from Lululemon have that loose athletic short feel with a look you can dress up and pass off for something closer to casual than athletic. These are the liner-less version that you can slip on over your boxer-briefs. They come in a bunch of vibrant (or muted, the choice is yours) colors and three different inseam lengths.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAnother smart route to go for long travel days is hiking shorts. Not quite as laid back as a running short, but not as formal as a golf short, they tend to hit the right match of comfort and utility. Or, another way to read that, they are like running shorts but tend to have more pockets. The Brinco shorts from Cotopaxi use recycled nylon to craft an incredible all-purpose pair of trunks perfect for land, sea, and air.As I write this, we are towards the end of the Summer 2026 season, so sizing options on these shorts from Sid Mashburn are limited. But if you can find your size, these garment-dyed shorts are a great pair. They are 100 percent cotton, with a 7-inch inseam, and perfect for those travel days when you refuse to look like a tourist.