What are the best men's shorts?

In brief:

1. Celio leads the 2026 men’s shorts ranking with 240 g/m2 chino cotton between 20 and 45 euros, distributed in over 1000 points of sale in France
2. Jules and Uniqlo complete the top 3 with shorts between 20 and 50 euros, quality on par with Celio but a narrower range at Uniqlo
3. Lacoste (90-140 euros) and Levi’s (50-80 euros) dominate the mid-range with sportswear heritage and 260 g/m2 cotton
4. Premium brands Sandro and The Kooples range from 140 to 240 euros, while Brice, Kiabi and H&M cover the entry level between 8 and 50 euros

Top 10 best men’s shorts brands in 2026

This comparison reviews the 10 most recommended brands for buying men’s shorts in France in 2026. Each brand is evaluated on five objective criteria: price range, main fabric used, range depth (number of models and cuts available), stylistic positioning and estimated durability. The overall score synthesizes these criteria weighted by value for money.

The table reveals two clear dynamics. First, Celio, Jules and Uniqlo occupy the value-for-money podium thanks to 240 g/m2 chino cotton for an entry ticket below 50 euros, a rare combination on the French market. Second, premium brands (Lacoste, The Kooples, Sandro) justify their positioning with higher grammage or noble materials (linen, organic cotton) and durability of 7 to 10 years, but at a price three to five times higher. The fast fashion segment (Kiabi, H&M) remains relevant for occasional use but is penalized by a lifespan below 2 years.

Celio tops the men’s shorts ranking

Celio takes first place in the 2026 comparison thanks to a combination hard to match on the French market: men’s shorts in 240 g/m2 chino cotton priced between 20 and 45 euros, a range of over 50 models covering all styles (chino, bermuda, jogging, cargo, denim, linen) and a distribution network of over 1000 points of sale in metropolitan France and overseas territories. The brand, founded in Paris in 1985 by Marc and Laurent Grosman, has established itself as the French benchmark for accessible menswear.

Key features of Celio men’s shorts

• 240 g/m2 chino cotton: grammage identical to brands two to three times more expensive, provides structured hold without a rigid feel and maintains shape after repeated washes
• Price range 20-45 euros: 50 to 70 percent cheaper than Lacoste at equivalent finishing quality, saving 70 to 100 euros per piece
• Immediate in-store availability: over 1000 points of sale versus 27 for Uniqlo and about 80 for Lacoste, limiting stockouts at peak summer
• Complete range of cuts: regular, slim, cargo, bermuda, adapted to most male body types
• Renewed summer collections: 3 to 4 annual drops between April and July that refresh the color offer (beige, khaki, navy blue, white, prints)

The Celio men’s chino shorts in 240 g/m2 cotton at 29.99 euros remains the brand’s historical best-seller for the spring-summer season, with over 1.5 million pieces sold annually according to figures communicated by the group in 2025. For a complete summer men’s wardrobe, Celio pairs easily with a polo or linen shirt for a casual look. Celio shorts also combine with the pieces presented in our men’s fashion trends spring 2026 guide for a coherent wardrobe.

The 9 other men’s shorts brands in the ranking

Jules, Celio’s direct French competitor

Jules, founded in Roubaix in 1994, positions itself as a frontal competitor to Celio with an almost identical offering: men’s shorts in 240 g/m2 chino cotton between 25 and 50 euros, over 40 models in the catalog and a network of 500 stores in France. The brand differentiates itself with a slightly slimmer cut and communication more focused on the 25-35 age group. Quality equivalent to Celio, but a range 20 percent smaller and an entry price 5 euros higher.

Uniqlo, Japanese technical at accessible prices

Uniqlo has offered since its arrival in France in 2009 a range of men’s shorts between 20 and 40 euros positioned on technicality: cotton-linen for summer, dry-ex for sport, stretch blend for urban comfort. Fewer cuts available (around 15 models), but irreproachable Japanese finishing quality and estimated durability of 4 to 6 years. The linen-cotton shorts at 29.90 euros remain the market’s thermal comfort benchmark. Network limited to 27 stores in France.

Lacoste, the iconic premium sportswear

Lacoste has dominated the premium sportswear segment since 1933. Lacoste men’s shorts use 260 g/m2 chino cotton (grammage higher than Celio) with the thermobonded embroidered crocodile. Price between 90 and 140 euros, meaning 3 to 5 times more expensive than Celio. Exceptional durability estimated between 7 and 10 years. The tennis-golf positioning remains assumed and differentiating, with specific sport cuts (ribbed ventilation, zipped pockets).

Levi’s, durable American heritage

Levi’s, an American brand founded in 1853, offers men’s shorts between 50 and 80 euros, mainly in denim (501, 511 versions) and 260 g/m2 chino cotton. The brand capitalizes on its heritage to offer shorts in a palette of classic cuts (regular, slim, relaxed) with a minimalist embroidered logo. Durability of 6 to 8 years, network of over 50 points of sale in France. Levi’s denim shorts perfectly complete a summer look with men’s derby shoes or espadrilles.

The Kooples, trendy Parisian premium

The Kooples, founded in 2008 in Paris, offers premium men’s shorts between 140 and 190 euros in organic cotton or premium Italian linen. The brand differentiates itself with fitted cuts, a sharp color palette and careful finishing (contrasting topstitching, patch pockets). Durability of 5 to 7 years, lower than Lacoste despite comparable pricing. Targets urban 28-40 year-olds.

Sandro, minimalist Parisian premium

Sandro occupies the premium segment with men’s shorts between 160 and 240 euros in Italian linen and organic cotton. The minimalist French positioning favors clean lines, neutral colors (ecru, sand, black, navy) and noble materials. Durability of 5 to 7 years. Range limited to 12 main models, renewed each spring-summer season.

Brice, the undervalued French classic

Brice, subsidiary of the Beaumanoir group, offers men’s shorts between 30 and 55 euros in 220 g/m2 chino cotton (grammage slightly lower than the top 3). Network of 350 stores in France, classic adult positioning with regular cuts. Durability of 3 to 4 years, one notch below Celio and Jules, but a wide range of 35 models covering all summer uses.

Kiabi, voluminous entry level

Kiabi, founded in Roubaix in 1978, dominates the entry level with men’s shorts between 8 and 18 euros in 180 g/m2 blended cotton. Over 60 models in the catalog, renewed very frequently. Durability limited to 2-3 years, less dense fabric, but unbeatable price-accessibility ratio for occasional use, backup shorts or specific vacation needs.

H&M, European fast fashion

H&M closes the ranking with men’s shorts between 12 and 25 euros in polyester blended cotton. Over 70 models available, permanent capsule collections and fast fashion. Durability limited to 1-2 years due to the polyester blend which quickly loses its shape. Relevant positioning to follow summer trends without investing, but penalized on longevity and thermal comfort.

How to choose good men’s shorts by profile

For a versatile summer wardrobe

Celio and Jules remain the most relevant choices with an average budget of 25 to 45 euros per shorts. The range width covers all uses (casual office, weekend, terrace) and allows owning 3 to 4 different cuts for less than 150 euros. Prioritize 240 g/m2 chino cotton for an optimal lifespan of 3 to 5 years.

For a long-term investment

Lacoste remains the best choice in 2026 for durable premium shorts, with 260 g/m2 cotton that lasts between 7 and 10 years. The entry ticket at 90 euros is amortized over 8 years at 12 euros per year, comparable to Celio shorts renewed every 3 years. Levi’s constitutes a credible alternative between 50 and 80 euros, especially on denim versions.

For an affirmed premium style

The Kooples and Sandro target urban profiles seeking sharp cuts and noble materials (Italian linen, organic cotton). Budget between 140 and 240 euros, lower durability than Lacoste but a more marked stylistic signature. To combine with premium pieces like a polo or linen shirt for a coherent wardrobe, in line with our men’s suit on a 500 euro budget guide for the formal side.

For technical or sports use

Uniqlo dominates the technical segment with dry-ex shorts between 20 and 30 euros for running, padel or tennis. Lacoste completes the offer on the tennis-golf segment between 90 and 120 euros. Avoid cargo multi-pocket shorts for sport, penalized by weight and chafing.

For a tight budget or occasional use

Kiabi and H&M efficiently cover the under-25 euro segment. Avoid shorts below 10 euros with more than 50 percent polyester which degrade after 10 washes and block breathability at peak summer. Prioritize editions with a cotton majority, even at entry level.

“Chino cotton 220 to 260 g/m2 remains the quality standard for durable men’s shorts, while blends below 200 g/m2 lose their hold after 15 to 20 washes.” French Federation of Men’s Ready-to-Wear, 2025 annual report

Mistakes to avoid when buying men’s shorts

1. Choosing an inappropriate length: shorts falling below the knee crush the silhouette except on very tall frames, prioritize 3 to 8 cm above the knee
2. Ignoring cotton grammage: shorts below 200 g/m2 lose their hold on the first wash, regardless of price
3. Prioritizing polyester for price: above 50 percent polyester, shorts block breathability and become uncomfortable at peak summer
4. Neglecting thigh cut: a cut too tight at the thighs restricts mobility, a cut too loose creates a sack effect
5. Underestimating care: wash at 30 degrees maximum, flat drying to preserve the cut, avoid tumble dryer which shrinks chino cotton

To complete the summer wardrobe around shorts, consider complementary pieces like a lightweight men’s sweatshirt for cool summer evenings.

Frequently asked questions