Summer Shorts Guide

On February 18, 2019, the PGA TOUR announced a change in its Player Appearance guidelines; all players would be allowed to wear shorts during practice and pro-am rounds. It only seemed appropriate that GolfThreads should follow suit and step up our golf shorts coverage.

First of all, let’s cover the basics. Golf Shorts 101, if you will. Avoid shorts with pleats, anything that goes past your knees, and by all means, NO DENIM OR CARGO SHORTS. Ever!

Fit is important. If your shorts fit properly, you will look great. Most men wear shorts that are too big and baggy for their body. Shorts should fit comfortably around your waist without the need of a belt to hold them up (although a belt is always recommended!) Depending on your height and comfort level, the inseam for golf shorts should be somewhere between 8 – 10.5 inches. Pay attention to the rise. If you are like me and have the hips and butt of a hockey player, a higher rise won’t fit properly and can result in front pockets flaring. Without further adieu, here is the 2019 GolfThreads Summer Shorts Guide. Feel free to comment below with any questions you might have.

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Puma Jackpot

The Jackpot has become Puma’s signature short for a reason. They are simply put, a winner. These 100% polyester shorts offer a mesh stretch waistband that comes complete with silicone gripper tape to help keep your shirt tucked in. My favorite detail is the floral-inspired printed pocket-bags and deep pockets. Puma offers the largest variety of colors (16) that will appeal to the bold and conservative styled golfers. The Jackpot short was the longest short (10.5-inch inseam) I tested and I would definitely recommend these for anyone with longer legs or those who prefer a longer length.

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Travis Mathew Beck

TravisMathew describes their Beck shorts as “the most sought-after product we make.” I can see why! These might be the most versatile pair of shorts that I tested. You can wear them anywhere. The Prestige Lifestyle Performance fabric feels amazing. They are lightweight, luxurious, and offer a 4-way enhanced stretch material that will make these a staple in my rotation. The Beck comes in nine different colors. My favorite detail is the “Warning” label on the zipper.

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Bonobos Highland Tour Golf Shorts

Bonobos take their pants seriously and they put the same level of detail into their Highland Tour Golf Shorts. These offer all the features you would want in your golf shorts. They are offered in seven traditional colors. The best part is Bonobos offers two lengths, 8 and 10 inches. I found the 8-inch Highland shorts (pictured above) were the best fitting and most flattering shorts for my body type. The slimmer leg opening helps create the impression of an upside-down trapezoid, which is a much more athletic, flattering silhouette that we should all strive for.

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Redvanly Hanover Golf Shorts

Redvanly Hanover Golf Shorts are hands down the most interesting and innovative pair of shorts I’ve seen in a long time! These are the first ever pull on golf short; featuring a functional front zipper, front and back pockets, and faux button to keep you looking proper at the club. These shorts are made with a lightweight fabric for ultimate stretch and recovery. Four colors are offered in four different sizes (S – XL). I am a 34-inch waist and went with a Medium based on their size guide. As a reminder, shorts shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy through the thigh. I found these to be perfect in length (9 inches) and fit.

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Johnnie-O Mulligan Prep-Formance Shorts

The Johnnie-O Mulligan Shorts in a 34-inch waist was a little small on me. These had a slightly higher rise (meaning they sit more on your natural waist) which brought my bigger hips and butt into play. Fortunately, these shorts are offered in a 35 which fit me perfectly. I’ve always been a fan of the Prep-Formance four-way stretch and their moisture-wicking properties are almost otherworldly. (Not to mention Johnnie-O has one of the best logos in men’s apparel!) The Mulligan shorts come in six different colors and have a 9.5-inch inseam.

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Vineyard Vines Fairway Tech Shorts

If I had to pick a pair of shorts that would appeal to everyone it would be the Vineyard Vines Fairway Tech Shorts. If you are looking to purchase a pair of golf shorts for dad, your son, or significant other, you cannot go wrong with the Fairway Tech Shorts from Vineyard Vines. These classic fitting performance shorts come in a 9-inch length and are offered in six different colors and waist size up to 46 inches.

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Callaway Swing Tech Shorts

Callaway’s Swing Tech Ergo Shorts are a very conservative and classic pair of shorts that have a 10-inch inseam and a slightly higher rise. Swing-Tech is loaded with game enhancing properties. Go look at the shorts in your closet. Go ahead, I will wait…..they all have side seams, don’t they? Not the Callaway Swing Tech Ergo Shorts. The Callaway Ergo seam has eliminated the need for a side seam which limits flexibility where you need it the most, giving you greater stretch and lighter feel. My only gripe about these shorts is that Callaway only offers them in two colors! They do offer Big & Tall sizes which are an often neglected golfing demographic.

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