GOLF.com: 7 Golf Shorts Worth Wearing This Summer—2026 Edition

Golf Shorts Have Evolved—Here's What Matters in 2026

The era of below-the-knee baggy golf shorts is fading fast. GOLF.com's 2026 summer roundup highlights seven models that reflect where the sport's apparel is headed: slimmer fits, shorter inseams, and performance fabrics that move with your swing rather than against it.

Breaking Down the Inseam Options

7-Inch: The Athletic Modern Look

The TravisMathew Wanderlust and Nike Dri-FIT Good represent the shorter end of the spectrum. Both use four-way stretch construction and deliver a sporty silhouette that doesn't tip into casual running shorts territory. For golfers comfortable showing some quad, these are the move.

8–9 Inch: The Safe Middle Ground

Chubbies Everyday Performance and Under Armour UA Drive land at 8 inches, while Johnnie-O Fusion Knit Pull-On settles at 9. The Johnnie-O is especially notable—it pulls on like athletic shorts but reads like tailored chinos on the course. Under Armour's UA Storm technology adds weather resistance without killing breathability.

10-Inch: For the Traditionalist

adidas Ultimate365 makes the case for longer shorts without looking oversized. Designed especially for taller golfers, it proves that traditional length and modern performance aren't mutually exclusive.

Versatility as the Common Thread

All seven picks emphasize off-course wearability—from travel days to casual dinners. The Vuori Aim Short stands out here, available in seven colorways and tailored enough for post-round dining.

Strokeslab's Take

Shorts that restrict hip rotation are a genuine performance liability. The shift to four-way stretch as the new standard means golfers no longer need to compromise between style and mobility—a win for both scores and wardrobes.