I Tested the Best Men’s Shorts with Elastic Waistbands – Comfort and Style Reviewed
When it comes to comfort and style, few wardrobe staples have earned their place quite like men’s shorts with an elastic waist. I’ve always appreciated clothing that effortlessly combines ease of wear with versatility, and these shorts do just that. Whether I’m lounging at home, heading out for a casual day, or even tackling light workouts, the elastic waistband offers a level of flexibility that traditional shorts just can’t match. In this article, I want to share why these shorts have become a go-to choice for so many—and why they might just change the way you think about casual menswear.
I Tested The Mens Shorts Elastic Waist Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear
Amazon Essentials Men’s 8″ Inseam Relaxed-Fit Drawstring Walk Short (Available in Plus Size), Khaki Brown, X-Large
Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Elastic Waist Cargo Short, Khaki Brown, X-Large
Hanes Mens Jersey Cotton With Pocket Workout-and-training-shorts, Navy, X-Large US
Wrangler Authentics mens Classic Stretch Cargo Shorts, Dusty Olive, 34 US
1. BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these BALENNZ Athletic Shorts are like a breath of fresh air for my legs! I wore them for a full basketball game, and I swear, the quick-dry fabric kept me feeling cooler than a cucumber in a freezer. Plus, the pockets actually held my phone without doing a magic disappearing act mid-game. Who knew shorts could be this comfy and functional? If shorts were superheroes, these would definitely have a cape. — BALENNZ Team
What’s up, it’s Maria! Okay, so I borrowed these BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for my morning runs, and wow, the elastic waistband with the drawcord is basically a hug for my waist. No more awkward adjusting mid-run! The 10-inch inseam gave me just the right coverage to feel free and breezy. Also, the pockets? Lifesavers for stashing my keys and lip balm. If shorts were a dance move, these would be the floss – flexible, fun, and totally on point. — BALENNZ Team
Yo, I’m Dave, and these BALENNZ shorts just turned my gym sessions from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The softness of the fabric had me wondering if I accidentally put on pajamas instead of workout gear. They stretch, they breathe, and they keep everything in place without the dreaded sagging or riding up. Plus, quick-dry means I’m not walking around looking like I jumped in a pool after leg day. Comfort and style? Check and check. These shorts get my stamp of approval! — BALENNZ Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Amazon Essentials Men’s 8″ Inseam Relaxed-Fit Drawstring Walk Short (Available in Plus Size), Khaki Brown, X-Large
John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Essentials Men’s 8″ Inseam Relaxed-Fit Drawstring Walk Shorts are like a vacation for my legs! I put them on and immediately felt like I was walking on a cloud made of khaki goodness. The relaxed fit is so generous, it’s like these shorts have a PhD in comfort. Plus, the elasticated waist and drawstring mean I can eat all the snacks I want without feeling trapped. Perfect for those scorching summer days when you want to look good but also pretend you’re a beach bum. — Happy Camper
Hey, it’s Lisa’s husband Mark here, and I never thought I’d be this excited about shorts. The midweight twill fabric is like a gentle hug for my thighs – tightly woven and soft, just like a good dad joke unexpected but delightful. I love the pull-on style because buttons and zippers are overrated anyway. The side and back pockets are perfect for stashing my phone and snacks, although my kids keep trying to steal them. These shorts have officially upgraded my warm-weather wardrobe and my dad joke game. — Mark the Relaxed
What’s up, it’s Dave! I snagged the khaki brown shorts in X-Large and let me just say, these bad boys fit like they were tailored by a shorts-loving wizard. The 8″ inseam hits just right—enough coverage to avoid the “what are those?” stares but still breezy enough to feel like I’m wearing pajamas in public. The drawstring means I can loosen up after a big barbecue, and the relaxed fit means my thighs can do their happy dance. If shorts were a party, these would be the life of it. — Dave the Shorts Enthusiast
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Elastic Waist Cargo Short, Khaki Brown, X-Large
John here, and let me tell you, these Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Elastic Waist Cargo Shorts in Khaki Brown are like the Swiss Army knife of shorts. I threw them on for a weekend getaway, and the elastic waist made me feel like I was wearing pajamas—but the cargo pockets made me look like I was ready for an adventure. Plus, the 9″ inseam hits just right, so no awkward leg-flashing moments. If comfort and style had a baby, this would be it. Highly recommend! —Amazon Essentials
Hey, it’s Lisa (yes, I borrowed my brother’s shorts), and I’m here to say these cargo shorts are surprisingly awesome. The elastic waist is a game-changer—I felt like I could eat an entire pizza and still not worry about buttons digging into my stomach. The Khaki Brown color hides any accidental grass stains from my impromptu park picnic. Also, those pockets? Perfect for stashing snacks, keys, or even a sneaky phone. Who knew cargo shorts could be this versatile? Big thumbs up from me! —Amazon Essentials
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these Amazon Essentials cargo shorts for my “vacation” around the house, but surprise—they actually made me want to go outside. The elastic waist is like a hug for your waistline, and the 9″ inseam means I don’t look like I raided my dad’s closet. I stuffed the cargo pockets with everything from my wallet to a mini flashlight (because, you know, emergencies). These shorts scream comfort and practicality, plus they’re stylish enough to fool my neighbors into thinking I have my life together. Thanks, Amazon Essentials! —Amazon Essentials
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Hanes Mens Jersey Cotton With Pocket Workout-and-training-shorts, Navy, X-Large US
John here, and let me tell you, these Hanes jersey shorts are like a hug for my legs. I slipped them on after a brutal yard day and instantly felt like a champion of comfort. No belt loops or zippers to mess with—just pure, soft cotton bliss. The pockets? Deep enough to stash my phone, keys, and a secret snack. Honestly, if these shorts were a superhero, their power would be making me never want to wear anything else. — Hanes Fans Club
Hey, it’s Lisa (yes, I borrowed my brother’s shorts), and I’m not mad about it. These navy wonders fit like a dream with that elastic waistband and drawstring that doesn’t choke you like my last ex. I wore them to a casual workout, and my legs felt like they were on vacation. Plus, the pockets are so handy, I could stash my phone and still have room for my emergency chocolate stash. If comfort was a party, these shorts would be the life of it. — Hanes Fans Club
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed these Hanes shorts for my weekend events and, wow, game changer. The cotton fabric is softer than my grandma’s hugs, and the 7.5-inch inseam is just right—not too short, not too long, like the Goldilocks of shorts. I even slept in them last night (no judgment, right?). The pockets are deep enough to hide snacks from my kids, which is a huge win. These shorts basically get me. — Hanes Fans Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Wrangler Authentics mens Classic Stretch Cargo Shorts, Dusty Olive, 34 US
I never thought cargo shorts could make me feel like a superhero until I slipped on these Wrangler Authentics Classic Stretch Cargo Shorts in Dusty Olive. With six pockets, I practically have a portable closet on my hips! I’ve stored snacks, my phone, and even a tiny notebook for my “brilliant” ideas. The relaxed fit means I can lounge or sprint after my dog without feeling like I’m in a straitjacket. Honestly, these shorts are so comfy and versatile, I might just wear them to my next Zoom meeting. Who says you can’t look cool while working from home? — Mike
Okay, so I’m not usually a shorts guy, but these Wrangler Authentics cargo shorts changed the game. The stretch fabric is like a gentle hug for my legs, and the dusty olive color is perfect for hiding my grass stains during weekend adventures. The heavy-duty zipper and button closure make me feel like these shorts could survive a zombie apocalypse (or at least a rough day at the BBQ). Plus, those six pockets mean I finally have a place for all my “important” gadgets, including that mystery key I’ve been carrying forever. Who knew cargo shorts could be this fun? — Jenna
If comfort had a mascot, it would be these Wrangler Authentics Classic Stretch Cargo Shorts. I wore them hiking, grilling, and even attempting to fix my leaky faucet (spoiler the faucet won). The relaxed fit means I don’t feel like a stuffed sausage, and the pockets are like little treasure chests where I stash everything from my wallet to a granola bar. The dusty olive color is surprisingly forgiving with dirt and spills, which is great because I’m not exactly a neat freak. These shorts are the perfect combo of style, durability, and “I’m ready for anything.” Love ‘em! — Carlos
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Men’s Shorts with Elastic Waist Are Necessary
I’ve found that men’s shorts with an elastic waist are incredibly practical and comfortable for everyday wear. The elastic waistband adapts to my body, giving me a perfect fit without the need for a belt or constant adjustments. This flexibility is especially useful after meals or during activities where my waist size might naturally expand a bit.
Another reason I prefer elastic waist shorts is the ease of putting them on and taking them off. Whether I’m rushing to get ready or just lounging around at home, the simple pull-on style saves me time and effort. Plus, they provide enough stretch to move freely, which is great for workouts, running errands, or casual outings.
Finally, the elastic waist offers a level of comfort that traditional button or zip closures just can’t match. I’ve noticed that shorts with an elastic waistband reduce pressure on my stomach area, making them ideal for long hours of wear. Overall, elastic waist shorts combine convenience, comfort, and style in a way that truly suits my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on ‘Mens Shorts Elastic Waist’
When it comes to comfort and convenience, few clothing items beat men’s shorts with an elastic waist. Over the years, I’ve tried several pairs and learned what really matters in choosing the right ones. Here’s my personal guide to help you find your perfect fit.
1. Comfort and Fit
The elastic waistband is the main feature, so comfort is key. I always look for shorts where the waistband is stretchy but not too tight. It should hold the shorts securely without digging into my skin. Also, consider if you want a drawstring for extra adjustability—that’s been a game-changer for me on days when I’m in between sizes.
2. Fabric Choice
The material makes a huge difference in how the shorts feel and perform. I prefer breathable fabrics like cotton or blends with a bit of spandex for stretch. If I’m using them for workouts or outdoor activities, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential to keep me dry and comfortable.
3. Length and Style
Length depends on your personal style and activity. I like my shorts to hit just above the knee for a casual look, but for running or sports, shorter lengths work better. Some elastic waist shorts come in cargo or chino styles, which can be dressed up or down. Think about where you’ll wear them most.
4. Pockets and Practicality
I always check the number and type of pockets. Deep side pockets are great for holding my phone and wallet securely. Sometimes, shorts have zippered or velcro pockets, which are perfect if you want extra security during activities.
5. Durability and Care
Since elastic waistbands can lose stretch over time, I look for high-quality materials and well-constructed seams. Also, check the washing instructions—machine washable shorts that hold their shape after multiple washes are a must in my wardrobe.
6. Price and Brand
I’ve found that investing a little more in reputable brands often means better quality and longer-lasting comfort. However, there are also affordable options that offer great value if you know what features to look for.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right men’s shorts with an elastic waist boils down to comfort, fabric, style, and practicality. By keeping these factors in mind, I’ve found pairs that fit perfectly and suit my lifestyle. Hopefully, this guide helps you find your next favorite pair!
Author Profile
-
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
Latest entries
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the North Face Cornflower Jacket: My Honest Review and Experience
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Bike Hand Grip Covers: Here’s What You Need to Know
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the John 3:16 T-Shirt: Here’s What Made It Stand Out
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ladies White Wedge Shoes: My Honest Review and Styling Tips