Hybrid shorts look like the same shorts you’ve always worn in hot weather, but they’re made from fabrics that are both moisture wicking and quick drying. They essentially perform like bathing suits and board shorts without obviously looking like them, hence the term “hybrid”.
With their rise in popularity, we here at IMBOLDN decided to take a closer look at these shorts and provide readers with our editors’ picks for the best hybrid shorts out there.
Proof Equator Cargo Hybrid Short
Proof’s updated take on the cargo short is ready for play, work, or travel. Constructed from 100% polyester with plenty of stretch and lots of pockets, they are the perfect companion to hold all your EDC. The DWR-coating protects from accidental spills or a spontaneous dip in the pool. The shorts have a drawstring waist for the perfect fit and a button fly with zipper closure and belt loops. Available in Dark Navy, Dark Olive, and Slate.
Free Fly Breeze Short
Free Fly’s Breeze Short is crafted from a custom performance fabric (including bamboo) that’s highly breathable and quick-drying, making them perfect for just about any warm-weather activity. The shorts offer built-in 50+ UPF sun protection, an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring, as well as dual side hand pockets, making these shorts not only comfortable, but practical too.
Relwen Drawstring Paddle Hybrid Shorts
Inspired by a standard military standard issue short, Relwen has created a hybrid short that is cut from an ultra-comfortable lightweight shell fabric that’s the perfect blend of cotton and nylon. Known for its attention to detail, Relwen includes a comfort waistband in these shorts that’s contoured for a good fit and seamless for no chafing. In addition, the shorts have a rear patch pocket and two front slash pockets to stash EDC. Available in several colors, including Midnight, an exclusive colorway only available at Huckberry.
Chubbies The Everywhere Stretch Hybrid Short
Chubbies hybrid shorts with their anti-rip and lightweight, stretchy fabric are perfectly suited for long strenuous hikes or just lounging by the pool. With a variety of secure and drop-in pockets to hold your essentials, these shorts are DWR-treated to ward off spills and anti-microbial to defend against odors. And their quick-drying fabric ensures easy transitions from water to land.
Relwen Gingham Air Stretch Hybrid Windshort
Taking comfort to a new level, Relwen’s Gingham athletic short features a matte finished nylon fabric that has 6% spandex for incredible stretch. The inside is made of a soft mesh lining that is cut and sewn together with the shell as one, keeping everything comfortable and in its place. Available in Orange and Blue Gingham, these shorts sport an elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring for a customizable fit.
Wellen Hybrid Cruiser Short
The Wellen Hybrid Cruiser Short provides all-day comfort with its quick-dry stretch fabric. With its rear welt pocket, zipper and shock loop for keys, and a secret zip pocket inside the left hand pocket, you’ll have plenty of room for your gear. The shorts sport a 7½” inseam, so they hit just above the knees and have a zipper fly with vintage military-style slot button.
Faherty Brand All-Day Hybrid Shorts
Beautifully tailored, but don’t let these shorts fool you – they can take whatever is thrown their way. This all-day short is quick-drying, water-repellent, and finished with built-in stretch, making them suitable for both land and water activities. Faherty Brand has crafted these shorts with premium eco-friendly fabric made with recycled plastic bottles. Available in four great colors, the shorts have added stretch for a wide range of motion.
Roark Layover Trail Hybrid Short 3.0
Roark’s new and inspired 18-inch outseam hybrid short is just what you’ll need for those rugged backcountry adventures. Constructed with a four-way stretch for ease of movement, these shorts are quick-drying and incredibly durable. The Trail Hybrid Short features a self-stowing back pocket and drawstring closure waistband with zipper fly and a front extended long zip pocket. The shorts have a back patch pocket with button closure and small stash pocket, too.
beardedgoat Canyon Short
beardedgoat’s Canyon Shorts are rugged hiking shorts that are highly water-resistant and quick-drying for whatever the trail throws at you. Perfect for taking a dip in the lake, because their extra large external pocket bags with draining eyelets will have you dry in no time. The shorts have an elastic waistband with removable built-in belt functional zipper fly and even have a dedicated loop with an included carabiner that holds keys.
Topo Designs River Shorts
Topo Designs River Shorts are built from DWR-treated polyester with 2-way stretch allowing full range of motion. Helping to make the transition from water to land easy, the shorts are quick-drying and moisture-wicking. The River Shorts have a shaped hem with side vent and side seam hand pockets, as well as a back zippered pocket for stashing EDC. Available in three colorways.
Onia Crinkle Nylon Multifunctional Short
Made from quick-drying tech nylon with a unique texture and a reflective sheen, the Crinkle Multifunctional Short is a packable design that stows into a matching pouch when not in use. Perfect for workouts, lounging or water activities, the shorts are detailed with a stretch waist featuring internal drawcords with logo-etched tips.
Relwen Graphic Paddle Hybrid Short
The Relwen Graphic Paddle Hybrid Short gets its inspiration from a classic military standard-issue short. The short is constructed from a thin yet super durable nylon/cotton shell fabric has been prewashed to add softness and prevent shrinking. In addition, it’s designed with a waistband that is contoured for a good fit and is seamless to prevent chafing. The 7-inch inseam provides a fit that hits above the knee.