7 Best Khaki Shorts for Men: Classic Summer Looks in 2024

The best khaki shorts for men are some of the most versatile garments a guy can own. But finding a pair that doesn’t feel like cardboard can be a true challenge, so I’ve spent years hunting down the top options.

Instead of the formless, inflexible fabric that hangs off the hips, the best khaki shorts for men are softer, supple, and a pair of bottoms that you’ll actually want to wear. Plus, the choices on this list are extra easy to style, whether you want to dress them up for a warm summer day or look effortlessly cool in a casual get-up.

Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it here. Keep reading to discover the best men’s khaki shorts that’ll bring some summer sophistication to any guy’s wardrobe.

Key Takeaways

Boy, did I learn a ton about khakis! I searched the internet high and low for the best, and here they are for your convenience. The overall best khaki shorts for men are the L’Estrange 12 Shorts, which have an elastic waist, hidden drawcord, and lightweight construction.

Since they are a lighter colorway than classic khaki shorts, if you’re seeking a more traditional pair, the Dockers Classic Khaki Shorts are a top choice if you’re looking for a straight-leg fit on a budget.

Why they’re great: Rather than super structured, stiff khaki, these cotton shorts are incredibly soft and definitely some of the most comfortable around. Instead of a waistband that digs into your side, these have a hidden elastic for all-day comfort, plus an internal drawcord for a customizable fit.

Available in two inseam lengths (7 inch inseam shorts and a longer 9 inch style), these are the top khaki shorts for men to carry you through the hottest days of summer.

Who are these for? If you don’t like the military khaki style — you know, the dark brown pairs that extend to your knees — these are a modern rendition that are well worth your while.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These khaki shorts are more beige chinos than true khaki, but close enough in my book.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Sizes Available: XS–2XL | Inseam: 7” and 9” | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Style: Tailored

Why they’re great: Italian mastermind Luca Faloni is always my first stop for sophisticated menswear, khaki shorts included. This pair is slightly less rigid than your standard run-of-the-mill men’s khaki shorts, made from a soft whipcord cotton, combined with a touch of elastane for stretch.

They have all the durability and practicality of the best men’s khaki shorts, minus the industrial production and unflattering cut. Dress them up with a crisp button-down, or keep them casual with a white T-shirt and sneakers.

Who are these for? For the guy seeking his new summer staple, these shorts will be all you reach for during the dog days. Great for city strolls, backyard barbeques, or even the office, these are a strong contender for the best shorts ever.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: I must admit, these aren’t technically khaki. They’re a cotton type of shorts in a camel beige colorway, but hey, no one has to know, right?

Material: 97% whipcord cotton, 3% elastane | Sizes Available: 28–40 | Inseam: 10” | Care: Machine wash, air dry | Style: Tailored 

Why they’re great: When thinking of the most classic khaki shorts for men, these are what commonly come to mind. If you’ve never owned a pair of Dockers bottoms, all I have to say is don’t knock them till you try them.

These are some of the most rugged shorts known to man, designed for daily wear without breaking a sweat. They have unmatched durability, a quality twill fabric, and a price point that simply cannot be beaten.

Who are these for? If you’re looking for incredible value with your khaki shorts, these are a top pick. It’s hard to find this type of quality for such a reasonable cost, so if you’re a guy on a budget, then these are the ultimate pick. They also come in standard and tall fits for custom sizing and three khaki colorways.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These men’s khaki shorts are great as work or lounge shorts, but you can’t really get away with them for more formal occasions. They also run slightly small.

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes Available: 29–44 | Inseam: 10.5” | Care: Machine wash | Style: Straight leg

Why they’re great: They’re the kings of prep, so it should be no surprise that Vineyard Vines makes some of the best khaki shorts for men. These are an excellent option if you prefer a lighter colorway and a more sophisticated look. They’re perfectly stretchy while still maintaining plenty of structure and have more of a chino feel than a khaki one.

Who are these for? I imagine any guy seeking something to wear on the golf course will eat these bad boys up. They’re also an apt choice for men gunning for a more tailored fit.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some men state that these shorts are slightly longer than they imagined they’d be. Additionally, the fabric composition includes spandex but the shorts don’t have a ton of stretch.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Sizes Available: 28–46 | Inseam: 9” | Care: Machine wash | Style: Tailored straight leg

Why they’re great: These are the best khaki shorts for men if you’re seeking a supremely comfortable option. Rather than inflexible material, these shorts are made from a cotton spandex blend with a malleable waistband that sits comfortably against the skin rather than digging into your sides.

Finished with a flattering straight fit and a perfect length, these khaki shorts are casual wear at their very best.

Who are these for? Struggling to find comfortable men’s shorts? These are a premium solution that won’t break the bank. From long park hangs to evenings on the town, these khaki shorts will see you through it all.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You may find that these men’s khaki shorts have more of a baggier fit than a tailored one.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Sizes Available: 30–42 | Inseam: 10” | Care: Machine wash | Style: Straight leg

Why they’re great: You know those dudes at the skatepark who are always rocking khaki shorts? Pretty sure 90% of them are wearing this pair.

As a skater staple, these have a shorter length than most men’s khaki shorts if you prefer to show a bit of thigh. They have a true khaki colorway and a cotton-poly blend that’s durable for all of your warm-weather adventures, kickflips included.

Who are these for? If you find industrial khaki shorts a bit too long and stiff, then these are an awesome choice, especially for guys with a smaller waist. They’re also easy to style, so throw them on with a graphic tee or your favorite hoodie and Vans.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Broader men or gents with a bit of a belly may find these shorts restricting around the midsection.

Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester | Sizes Available: 28–40 | Inseam: 10” | Care: Machine wash | Style: Tapered

Why they’re great: Eurochic and khaki go hand in hand – this is the pair to pick for an effortless outfit every time. Created by Copenhagen-based brand NN07, these are the best men’s khaki shorts for a sublime fit.

If you’ve found other pairs to be too baggy or long, then these men’s khaki shorts strike a real sweet spot, making them a fan favorite among shorts lovers. Made from a soft cotton twill and a touch of elastane, these shorts look awesome for nicer events with a polo or button-down. Otherwise, keep it laid back with a hoodie and a pair of cool kicks.

Who are these for? These are a nice pick for the gentleman seeking a mature pair of khaki shorts. They’re serving less construction site and more country club… or better yet, Rotterdam in the summer.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Given the straight leg style, these shorts don’t taper towards the cuffs, which may be a turn-off if you’re looking for something more fitted.

Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane | Sizes Available: 28–38 | Inseam: 9.5” | Care: Machine wash | Style: Tailored

Buying Considerations for the Best Khaki Shorts for Men

Material

When choosing the best khaki shorts for men, material is the prime consideration because it greatly impacts their comfort and durability. Classic khaki shorts are traditionally made from a robust khaki fabric, originating in military uniforms.

This is why run-of-the-mill khaki shorts can feel rigid – they employ a similar standard -ssue fabric that’s a bit rougher to the touch but extremely strong.

However, modern khaki shorts for men are often made from a cotton, polyester, or twill blend with a softer material and often a bit of stretch from spandex or elastane.

It’s worth investing in a pair of khaki shorts constructed from a more flexible fabric, since this contributes to breathability and comfort without sacrificing durability or ease of wear.

Length

Length is also a hot topic regarding khaki shorts because they’re notoriously longer than thigh-showcasing short short styles. Normal khaki shorts often extend to the knee with a straight leg, whereas more contemporary khaki shorts, especially those made by skaters or streetwear brands, may have a shorter inseam length.

Although the length comes down to personal preference, generally speaking, shorter khaki shorts are easier to dress up since they look less baggy, and longer options are prime for summer job sites and casual kickbacks.

Style

Arguably, the most important consideration is the style of the shorts since you probably don’t want something that doesn’t suit your vibe.

In their truest form, khaki shorts for men have a straight leg that normally extends to the knee. But many modern khaki shorts take a chino approach with a slight taper and a bit shorter length. The benefit to this style is it’s more tailored than straight-leg khaki shorts for a sleeker look.

That said, the normal khaki style is less restrictive and has a bit more fabric, allowing a decent range of motion and often additional material in the seat of the shorts.

How We Chose

When choosing the best men’s khaki shorts, I wanted to cover a wide variety so that men can find a pair that truly speaks to their unique style. Here’s how I determined the best pairs:

Brand Reputation: All of the options on this list come from well loved men’s shorts brands that make high quality clothing. When choosing khaki shorts for men, there should be no question of their character, so only companies that uphold stringent standards and, at the end of the day, make really nice garments were included on this list.

User Reviews: There is no shortage of men’s khaki shorts, but real customer reviews helped determine the best pairs. From how they look to style advice, user reviews were essential to narrowing the pool.

Ease of Wear: As a breezy summer staple, it was important to choose khaki shorts that were easy to wear and style. The beauty of these babies is that you can throw them on and go – all of the shorts selected are the foundation of a stylish, warm-weather wardrobe.

Price: Finally, the cost of each garment was factored into the selection because nice clothes at an accessible price point is a top priority. From $30 pairs to a couple hundred bucks, there’s a pair of khaki shorts for every guy on this list.

Why Trust Us?

Jane is an experienced fashion writer who lives for warm weather. She’s passionate about helping men build out their summer wardrobes, from her recent articles about lightweight hoodies and linen shirts to this one about khaki shorts.

Her meticulous approach involves hands-on testing, industry research, and detailed analysis of current trends to ensure that her recommendations meet high standards of comfort, durability, and style.

Jane’s experience and dedication make her a reliable source for practical fashion advice, helping you make informed choices about your summer wardrobe.

Final Verdict

For the ultimate pair of men’s khaki shorts for summer, it doesn’t get any better than the L’Estrange 12 Shorts which are extra comfortable, breathable, and easy to style.

If you’re shopping on a budget or are seeking more traditional khaki shorts, the Dockers Classic Khaki Shorts hit the mark every time with affordable pricing and a classic look.