The best bamboo shorts for men and what length does
Short answer: Shorts for home and shorts for going out are two different things. At home, softness and a good waistband matter most. Outside, the cut matters, along with pockets that can hold a phone without pulling the shorts crooked.
Length decides the use
Short legs are cooler and give more freedom when you move. Longer legs look calmer when you are out among other people. Think first about where you will wear them most, and choose the length from that. A pair for the garden and a pair for the sofa do not need to be the same. See the range in bamboo shorts for men.
Short legs for warm days
On a warm day, air around your legs makes the biggest difference. A short leg lets heat escape and does not stick to your thigh when you sit on a chair or in the car. For walking around town, though, some people find it a little bare. That is why many wear short styles at home and at the beach.
Longer legs for town
A leg that reaches just above the knee looks calm and finished with a plain T-shirt. It covers your thighs when you sit down, and it does not ride up as easily when you walk. For a trip into town, dinner in the garden or travelling, this is the length most men end up wearing most often in summer.
Drawstring waistband
A soft waistband with a drawstring can be adjusted through the day and after meals. That detail is what makes a pair of shorts the one you reach for first. A waistband without a cord can work, but it pinches when you sit for long and does not give after a big meal. Check that the cord is secured and cannot slip inside.
Pockets that hold
A phone in a loose jersey pocket pulls the shorts crooked and bumps against your thigh as you walk. If the pocket is sewn into the side seam, the weight spreads better and the phone stays put. If you often carry keys and a wallet, look for a pocket deep enough that nothing falls out when you sit on a bench.
Fit over the hips
Shorts should fit so you can squat without the back seam pulling. If they are too narrow over the hips, the legs ride up and the fabric strains at the seams. If they are too wide, the fabric bunches in folds at the front. Try them on sitting down, because that is where you notice whether the size and fit are right.
For home and for sleep
If you want to sleep in them, a softer pair without pockets is better. Pockets and extra seams press when you lie on your side, and a thick waistband can be felt against your stomach all night. A pair used only at night also lasts longer, because it gets less wear. See the soft styles in sleep pants for men.
When you sit a lot
If you sit for many hours at a time, for example at a desk at home, the fabric matters as much as the length. Bamboo viscose is soft and smooth against the skin and moves moisture away from your legs. So it does not get clammy as quickly when you have been sitting for a while. A pair with some stretch moves with you.
Washing and drying
Wash the shorts at 40 degrees inside out and without fabric softener. Softener leaves a coating on the fibres, which makes the fabric less absorbent. Let them air dry rather than using high heat in the tumble dryer, as heat can make the fabric shrink and the waistband go slack. The full instructions are in washing and care.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep in shorts with pockets?
You can, but seams and pockets press when you lie on your side. A pair without pockets and with a soft waistband is better if you mainly want to wear them at night.
How long should shorts be?
At home, a short style is comfortable and cool. Outside, a leg that reaches just above the knee looks calmest and rides up less when you sit down than a shorter one.
Do bamboo shorts shrink in the wash?
They can shrink a little if they get too much heat. Wash at 40 degrees and let them air dry, and they will keep their length and shape through many washes.
See our range of bamboo shorts for men.
