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The 15 Best Basketball Shorts to Ball in Style

Take a shot on these pairs.

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best basketball shorts

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

You think you have baller status. You've got the shoes, the bag, and even the shorts. But let's be honest—your shorts are pretty old. The worn mesh is probably tearing at the seams, boasting some smelly gym odor that the countless laundry cycles haven't been able to combat. So if you really want to retain your status, it's time for a new pair of basketball shorts.

Don't just go to the store and pick out the first pair you can find. Put as much thought into shopping for them as you do into your jump shot. There are a few things to consider when selecting your shorts, namely fit, material, and style. First and foremost, you want a pair that are baggy enough to allow for full range of motion, but are snug enough where they won't trip you up. Then, you want to look for breathability, which makes mesh a more favorable material. And lastly, you can search for style, finding a pair of shorts that fit your fashion sense. If you prioritize these three key pieces of criteria, you're going to hit nothing but net.

  • Dri-FIT DNA Basketball Shorts

    Best Standard Basketball Shorts

    Nike Dri-FIT DNA Basketball Shorts

    $50 at Nike
    Read more
  • Mesh Shorts

    Best OG Basketball Shorts

    Champion Mesh Shorts

    Read more
  • Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts

    Most Versatile Basketball Shorts

    Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts

    Read more
  • Mesh Sweat Shorts (5-Pack)

    Best Pack of Basketball Shorts

    Real Essentials Mesh Sweat Shorts (5-Pack)

    Read more
  • Zone Shorts

    Best Stretchy Basketball Shorts

    Vuori Zone Shorts

    Read more

Now excuse our baller puns, and start shopping for your new look. These are the 15 best basketball shorts to ensure you are the best dressed on the court. With one of these pairs, it's a slam dunk.

Best Standard Basketball Shorts

Nike Dri-FIT DNA Basketball Shorts

Dri-FIT DNA Basketball Shorts
Best Standard Basketball Shorts

Nike Dri-FIT DNA Basketball Shorts

$50 at Nike$50 at Dick's Sporting Goods$50 at Nordstrom

Nike's basketball shorts combine fashion and quality to deliver a pair that is iconic on the market. Coming in ample colors and sizes, you can find a pair (or three) that suit your body and style. Made from 75 percent recycled polyester, we also love the sustainable aspect.

Best OG Basketball Shorts

Champion Mesh Shorts

Mesh Shorts
Best OG Basketball Shorts

Champion Mesh Shorts

Now 42% Off

You can't go wrong with Champion's OG classic mesh shorts. Comfortable, lightweight, and lined, they are a solid choice for anyone looking to build out their basketball wardrobe.

Most Versatile Basketball Shorts

Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts

Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts
Most Versatile Basketball Shorts

Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts

A pair of 7" shorts from Lululemon take you from the courts to the gym to everyday life. Pick from 22 different colors and 3 lengths in this performance-driven silhouette. The sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric is keeping you cool as you move.

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Best Pack of Basketball Shorts

Real Essentials Mesh Sweat Shorts (5-Pack)

Mesh Sweat Shorts (5-Pack)
Best Pack of Basketball Shorts

Real Essentials Mesh Sweat Shorts (5-Pack)

Want to get the most bang for your buck? You can't get any better than a 5-pack of mesh shorts from Real Essentials.

Best Stretchy Basketball Shorts

Vuori Zone Shorts

Zone Shorts
Best Stretchy Basketball Shorts

Vuori Zone Shorts

Get in the zone. Literally. Vuori's extremely soft shorts feature 4-way stretch, back and side pockets, a zip pocket, and moisture-wicking capabilities.

Best Performance Basketball Shorts

Alo Yoga Traction Arena Shorts

Traction Arena Shorts
Best Performance Basketball Shorts

Alo Yoga Traction Arena Shorts

This performance short incorporates an interlock waffle fabric to deliver a lightweight silhouette with breathable detailing. And if you're feeling fancy, the infinity blue is a striking shade.

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Best Mesh Basketball Shorts

Todd Snyder x Champion Mesh Shorts

x Champion Mesh Shorts
Best Mesh Basketball Shorts

Todd Snyder x Champion Mesh Shorts

Todd Snyder joins forces with Champion to perfect the mesh shorts in sporty fashion. Hitting mid-thigh, this shorter pair is inspired by varsity styles invoking a retro feel.

Most Affordable Basketball Shorts

Under Armour UA Tech Graphic Shorts

UA Tech Graphic Shorts
Most Affordable Basketball Shorts

Under Armour UA Tech Graphic Shorts

Now 30% Off

As basic as it gets, this affordable pair from Under Armour is sweat-wicking and quick-drying. It's simple, sleek, and a surefire bet.

Best Branded Basketball Shorts

Psycho Bunny Strype Mesh Shorts

Strype Mesh Shorts
Best Branded Basketball Shorts

Psycho Bunny Strype Mesh Shorts

Now 43% Off

From casual lounging to a pickup game, these sports transition seamlessly among activities. The signature bunny patch adds a playfully branded touch.

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Most Iconic Basketball Shorts

Puma x Rhuigi Basketball Shorts

x Rhuigi Basketball Shorts
Most Iconic Basketball Shorts

Puma x Rhuigi Basketball Shorts

Celebrate New York City and the birth of hip-hop while you hoop. The cotton blend may not be as breathable as mesh, but you definitely get style points with this pair.

Best Vintage Basketball Shorts

John Elliott Vintage Mesh Game Shorts

Vintage Mesh Game Shorts
Best Vintage Basketball Shorts

John Elliott Vintage Mesh Game Shorts

A pair of basketball-inspired shorts from John Elliot are keeping your on and off court game equally fresh. Vented cuffs and an elastic drawstring waist showcase traditional elements in this vintage pair.

Best Baggy Basketball Shorts

Domrebel Basketball Drawstring Shorts

Basketball Drawstring Shorts
Best Baggy Basketball Shorts

Domrebel Basketball Drawstring Shorts

The Canadian art and fashion label contrasts white and black in a pair of shorts that are super slick and cool. Hitting just above the knee, it's appropriately baggy with a cinched waist for form.

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Best Spirited Basketball Shorts

Mitchell & Ness x Uninterrupted Swingman Shorts

x Uninterrupted Swingman Shorts
Best Spirited Basketball Shorts

Mitchell & Ness x Uninterrupted Swingman Shorts

Get some standard shorts that rep your team. Obviously, this Celtics pair is pretty irresistible.

Best Non-Basketball Basketball Shorts

Amiri Space-Dyed Drawstring Shorts

Space-Dyed Drawstring Shorts
Best Non-Basketball Basketball Shorts

Amiri Space-Dyed Drawstring Shorts

Now 40% Off

Having been inspired by mesh basketball shorts, this knitted pair is more for fashion than function. Sure, you can wear them on the court, but they're prettier to look at.

Best Designer Basketball Shorts

Givenchy Basketball Shorts

Basketball Shorts
Best Designer Basketball Shorts

Givenchy Basketball Shorts

Need your shorts to be designer? Givenchy's got you covered with a baby blue pair set to turn heads.

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