When summer rolls around, and the sun begins to blaze, shorts are an essential piece in any man’s wardrobe. Yet, sometimes, regular shorts just don’t quite cut it for certain outfits.
The best pleated shorts for men strike a perfect balance between form and function. Not only can these shorts be worn for formal events, but they can also fit a wide variety of different warm-weather activities. With tons of different styles and designs to choose from, there’s a pair of pleated shorts for every man out there.
This list breaks down some of the best pleated shorts for men to consider in their search for something new. Whether you have money to spend or you want something that works within your budget, this list should have you covered.
So, let’s check out some of these options to upgrade your style this summer.
Key Takeaways
To compile this list, I looked at plenty of different options on the market, being sure to consider factors such as style, inseam, and material. Overall, the best pleated shorts for men come from
Another excellent pair to consider is the 7-inch Gurkha Shorts from Todd Synder.
In This Article
Best Overall: Percival Pleated Linen Shorts
Why they’re great: These
Who are these for? These shorts offer a ton of flexibility for different kinds of styles. They’re the perfect option for men seeking shorts that can balance a classic design with modern features.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These shorts come in only a handful of colors (green, red, and navy). It would be nice to see some other colors offered, such as beige or black, since these are two of the most popular short colors.
Material: 100% Linen | Sizes Available: 28–38 | Colors Available: 3 | Inseam: 5.9–7.9 Inches | Care: Hand Wash Only
Best Budget: Haggar Men’s Cool 18 Pro Straight Fit Pleated Short
Why they’re great: These Straight Fit Pleated Shorts from Haggar are made with UV protected polyester that also features 4-way stretch. The expandable waistband offers full flexibility, and the simple design makes them easy to pair with different outfits.
These shorts efficiently wick away sweat while on your body, and they’re machine washable for when it’s time to clean them. All of that makes them some of the best pleated shorts for men.
Who are these for? The inexpensive price tag makes these shorts a great option for any man on a budget. They’re also available in big and tall sizes to accommodate a variety of body types.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The 9.5-inch inseam might be a bit long for men who tend to wear shorter cuts. That being said, this length is likely an ideal fit for men who prefer longer shorts.
Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: 32–60 | Colors Available: 10 | Inseam: 9.5 Inches | Care: Machine Wash
Best on Amazon: PGA TOUR Men’s Double Pleat Golf Shorts
Why they’re great: These Double Pleat Golf Shorts from PGA TOUR are designed with athleticism in mind. The stretch seams not only allow for a full range of motion but they also increase the durability of these pants. The expandable waistband ensures that these shorts are always comfortable, no matter the activity you’re doing.
Who are these for? These men’s pleated shorts were designed to be worn while golfing, which means that they’re a great choice for physical activities–especially when out in the sun.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The polyester fabric is fairly thin and tends to hold onto wrinkles after being washed. You might need to iron or steam these shorts if you want them to look crisp and clean.
Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: 30–44 | Colors Available: 7 | Inseam: 9 Inches | Care: Machine Wash
Best Luxury: Todd Snyder 7-Inch Gurkha Short
Why they’re great: If you want a pair of men’s pleated shorts that are not only luxurious but also unique, then the Todd Snyder Gurkha Shorts are probably your best bet. The design of these shorts was inspired by uniforms worn by Nepalese soldiers–including the cummerbund waistband.
The aggressive front pleats combined with the eye-catching design make these shorts a real showstopper, placing them among the best pleated shorts for men.
Who are these for? These are the perfect option for men who want shorts that are both classy and luxurious. The jungle-like design will definitely compliment any outfit with a bit of a rustic feel.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The unique waistband might be a bit complicated to figure out at first–especially if you don’t have any prior experience with cummerbund pants.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: 28–38 | Colors Available: 6 | Inseam: 7 Inches | Care: Machine Wash Cold
Best Everyday: Dandy Del Mar The Rhodes Twill Short
Why they’re great: The simple yet versatile design of these Dandy Del Mar Rhodes Shorts makes them well-equipped for everyday usage. The construction is extremely high-quality, all the way down to the welt pockets and jacquard lining. Not to mention, the washed cotton twill is very durable and will only get better with age.
Who are these for? These men’s pleated shorts offer an excellent balance of style and comfort for daily wear. They can easily be worn for casual events out with friends or dressed up for formal occasions.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Unfortunately, these shorts are available in only one color at this time (blue). The lineup might benefit from a few more color options to add a bit of variety.
Material: Washed Cotton Twill | Sizes Available: 28–38 | Colors Available: 1 | Inseam: 4.5–5.5 Inches | Care: Machine Wash
Best for Travel: Suitsupply Sand Straight Leg Shorts
Why they’re great: These Straight Leg Shorts from Suitsupply feature a drawstring closure, making them super easy to get on. The classy, double-pleat design is subtle but still makes a noticeable impression. These shorts are also woven with more than 120 years of experience and the highest level of craftsmanship.
Who are these for? This is an excellent pair of pleated shorts for men to throw on during the warmer months. The emphasis on comfort also makes them perfect for any man who travels frequently.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: As per the instructions, these men’s pleated shorts are meant to be dry-cleaned. This might make the cleaning process a bit more complicated, but it ensures that these shorts remain brand new for a long time to come.
Material: 55% Cotton, 45% Linen | Sizes Available: 26–44 | Colors Available: 1 | Inseam: Not specified but I’d guess 7–9 Inches | Care: Dry Clean Only
Buying Considerations For The Best Pleated Shorts For Men
Style
There are plenty of different types of shorts out there, men’s pleated shorts being one of them. That being said, there’s also a subcategory of different pleated shorts styles to choose from on the market. Some styles feature more modern designs, opting for sleeker silhouettes–others feature designs that feel classic and timeless.
Additionally, you should also consider the number of pleats on each leg. The standard for most men’s pleated shorts is 1 or 2, but you may find some with as many as 3 or 4 pleats. It’s a good idea to ask yourself what kind of style you want to aim for when picking up a pair of pleated shorts.
Inseam
The inseam of your shorts can make a big difference in the way you wear them. Standard inseam lengths range from 5 inches to 11 inches. That being said, some cuts might be shorter or longer, depending on the style.
Shorter inseams are generally more popular these days because they feel more “stylish” and modern. Longer inseams are typically worn for athletic activities such as golfing, where aesthetics don’t matter as much. For those who want the most versatility, 7-inch inseams are a great middle-ground that can work with plenty of different outfits.
Material
The material of your shorts is another important factor to consider before purchasing. Many pleated shorts these days are made with linen because of its light and breathable nature. Likewise, you can find plenty of polyester pleated shorts that offer water resistance and UV protection.
Cotton shorts are also pretty popular, and sometimes, you can find a blend of materials. Different fabrics serve different purposes, so it’s best to consider how you plan to wear your shorts before deciding on the right pair for you.
How We Chose
Many brands attempt to hype up their products, even if the quality doesn’t necessarily match the marketing. It can be very difficult to find products that live up to the advertisements and are actually worth the money. This is the exact reason we’ve vetted each pair of shorts on this list to make your life easier.
All of these options were evaluated according to the criteria below for consideration as the best pleated shorts for men.
Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a good reputation? It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s super important to us.
Customer Reviews: Do a majority of customers stand by their purchase, or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?
Personal Experience: Have I had a positive personal experience with the product or brand in question? Don’t worry, I’m not one to hold back.
Value: Do you get your money’s worth? You work hard for it, so let’s not just throw it away willy-nilly.
Why Trust Us?
Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and diligent product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.
His reviews span everything from travel clothes to tech pants, which reflects a thorough understanding of what many men are searching for. Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their style.
This blend of personal experience, customer insight, and extensive research makes Ryan’s advice on FashionBeans a valuable asset to the modern man.
Final Verdict
To sum it all up, the Pleated Linen Shorts from
FAQ
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Wearing high-waisted men’s pleated shorts can boost your style significantly, but how should they be worn? The best way to wear these shorts is by complimenting them with other semi-formal pieces. Additionally, these shorts are meant to be worn during the warmer months or while traveling to warm climates.
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A casual example might be a pair of khaki pleated shorts, a nice tee, and a pair of loafers to tie it all together. This is just a single outfit idea, as there are plenty of different ways pleated shorts can be worn depending on your style preferences.
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FashionBeans Editors