Ever watch a soccer match and notice how some players seem to glide across the field while others look a bit… restricted? The secret often lies in something simple: their shorts! It might seem like just a piece of fabric, but the right pair of soccer shorts can seriously change how you play the game. When you’re running, kicking, and sliding, you need gear that moves with you, not against you.
Choosing the perfect pair, however, can be a real headache. Do you go for super short or a bit longer? Stretchy material or something more traditional? Getting it wrong means discomfort, chafing, and maybe even losing focus when you need it most. Nobody wants to be thinking about their shorts when the winning goal is on the line!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great soccer short, from the best fabrics to the ideal fit for your style of play. By the end, you will know exactly what features to look for so you can step onto the pitch feeling confident and ready to perform.
Top Soccer Shorts Recommendations
- Men's soccer shorts made in part with recycled materials
- REGULAR FIT: Strikes a comfortable balance between loose and snug
- FEEL DRY, STAY DRY: adidas AEROREADY manages your body's moisture to keep you dry and in the zone
- Ultimate Comfort: Experience unparalleled comfort with athletic shorts for men; designed for flexibility and breathability during workouts; perfect for running or gym sessions
- Versatile Style: Enjoy the stylish design of soccer shorts for men; suitable for various sports and casual wear; easily transition from the field to everyday activities
- Enhanced Performance: Maximize your performance with mens sports shorts; crafted for optimal movement and quick-drying capabilities; ideal for intense training sessions
- Functional Design: Benefit from the practicality of mens soccer shorts; featuring pockets for convenience; perfect for carrying essentials while on the go
- All-Day Wear: Discover the comfort of mens small shorts; made from lightweight materials for all-day wear; perfect for workouts or lounging at home
- Comfy Material: Made from soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric, these boys athletic shorts are designed to keep your little athletes cool, dry, and comfortable during intense sports activities or daily wear
- Stylish Design Features: These boys basketball shorts feature contrast stripes on the sides, adding a sporty and modern look to the classic design. The straight leg cut and loose fit provide a relaxed and comfortable feel while allowing full freedom of movement for active play
- Practical Details: Equipped with an elastic waistband, these gym shorts offer a secure, adjustable, and non-restrictive fit for your little one. While convenient side pockets allow kids to carry small essentials like balls, keys, or snacks. Perfectly combines practicality with a sporty, stylish design
- Versatile for Any Activity: The breathable design and comfortable construction make this boys active shorts ideal for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities such as running, basketball, soccer, volleyball and more
- Easy to Match: Their vibrant color combinations and sleek design of these workout shorts ensure they complement various outfits. Pair them with tank tops, athletic T-shirts, football jerseys or sneakers could create a stylish look
- These athletic shorts combine a regular fit with a drawstring on an elastic waist for a personalized, comfortable feel. adidas AEROREADY technology manages moisture to keep athletes dry and focused during training and intense play. Lightweight design enhances movement on the field.
- REGULAR FIT: Strikes a comfortable balance between loose and snug
- FEEL DRY, STAY DRY: adidas AEROREADY manages your body's moisture to keep you dry and in the zone
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: A drawcord on the elastic waist lets you customize the fit
- Girls' basic athletic shorts for soccer and field sports
- REGULAR FIT: Strikes a comfortable balance between loose and snug
- FEEL DRY, STAY DRY: adidas AEROREADY manages your body's moisture to keep you dry and in the zone
- MID RISE: Mid-rise waist provides comfortable fit
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: A drawcord on the elastic waist lets you customize the fit
- THE SPORTS LOVER'S STAPLE: These shorts are a summer essential for any boy's wardrobe. Featuring our Moisture Transport System that wicks sweat and dries fast, they are perfect for everyday casual apparel and active sports days.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: These shorts feature an elastic waistband and breathable fabric for a more comfortable feel. We use high-quality materials in all our clothing to ensure maximum comfort, longevity and lasting power. 100% Polyester. Machine washable.
- COMPLETE VERSATILITY & DURABILITY: Featuring a tough, durable fabric, these shorts allow for ultimate versatility and superior performance for your active kid. These shorts are ideal for soccer, baseball, basketball, or football practice!
- GREAT FOR GIFTING: Our shorts make great gifts for soccer fans and players! Whether you're prepping your kid for gym class or camp, surprise them with these shorts for a special first day.
- UNDER ARMOUR: Under Armour is built on performance. Our vision is to inspire you with performance solutions you never knew you needed and can't imagine living without.
- Shorts with Climacool for distraction-free performance.
- Regular fit
- Drawcord
- 100% polyester (100% recycled)
- Juniors' lightweight soccer shorts for practice and games
- REGULAR FIT: Strikes a comfortable balance between loose and snug
- FEEL DRY, STAY DRY: adidas AEROREADY manages your body's moisture to keep you dry and in the zone
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: A drawcord on the elastic waist lets you customize the fit
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: This product is made with 100% recycled materials. By reusing materials that have already been created, we help to reduce waste and our reliance on finite resources and reduce the footprint of the products we make
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Soccer Shorts
Getting the right soccer shorts makes a big difference when you play. Good shorts keep you cool, let you move freely, and last a long time. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your game.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these important parts of the shorts:
Fit and Length
- Cut: Soccer shorts should not be too tight or too baggy. A standard athletic fit allows for running and kicking easily.
- Inseam Length: Most players prefer shorts that end mid-thigh. Shorter shorts offer maximum mobility, while longer ones provide slightly more coverage.
Waistband and Drawstring
- Elasticity: A strong elastic waistband keeps the shorts up during intense sprints.
- Drawcord: Always check for a durable internal or external drawstring. You must tie them tightly so they do not slip down during play.
Ventilation and Pockets
- Mesh Panels: Look for mesh fabric, usually on the sides or back. These panels let hot air escape.
- Pockets: Many professional shorts skip pockets to keep the look streamlined and prevent snagging. If you need pockets for keys or phones (for casual wear), make sure they zip shut.
2. Important Materials Matter
The fabric determines how the shorts feel and perform.
Polyester Dominates
Nearly all quality soccer shorts use 100% polyester or a polyester blend. This material is favored because it is:
- Lightweight: You barely feel them when running.
- Durable: They handle sliding tackles and frequent washing well.
- Moisture-Wicking: Polyester pulls sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry.
Understanding Fabric Tech
Many brands add special fabric technology (like Nike Dri-FIT or Adidas Climalite). These names simply mean the polyester is woven or treated to wick sweat even faster. Always choose moisture-wicking fabrics for serious play.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details show you the quality of the construction.
Quality Boosters
- Reinforced Seams: High-quality shorts feature double-stitching, especially where the legs join the body. This prevents tearing.
- Anti-Odor Treatment: Some premium shorts include treatments that stop bacteria growth, keeping them smelling fresher longer.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Fabric: If the material feels very thin or see-through when stretched, the shorts likely will not last many seasons.
- Poor Stitching: Frayed threads right out of the package signal low quality. These shorts will quickly fall apart.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Your intended use should guide your purchase.
For Competitive Play
If you play competitive matches, prioritize breathability and a secure fit. Choose shorts made with advanced moisture-wicking technology. They must allow full range of motion for quick cuts and high kicks. Comfort is key when you wear them for 90 minutes.
For Training and Casual Wear
For practice sessions or just wearing around, durability and comfort are more important than top-tier sweat management. Slightly heavier polyester is often fine here. Pockets might be a nice bonus for carrying gear to and from the field.
Remember, the best shorts let you forget you are wearing them so you can focus only on the ball!
Soccer Shorts Buying Guide FAQ
Q: How should soccer shorts fit around the thigh?
A: Soccer shorts should fit comfortably around your thigh. They should allow you to lift your knees high without the fabric pulling tightly against your muscles. They should not bunch up uncomfortably.
Q: Are cotton shorts okay for soccer?
A: No, cotton is generally not recommended for serious soccer. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds onto it. This makes the shorts heavy, slows down drying, and can cause chafing during long games.
Q: What length is best for youth soccer shorts?
A: Youth players usually wear shorts that end slightly above the knee or at mid-thigh. Coaches often recommend slightly longer shorts for younger kids for better coverage, but mobility is still very important.
Q: Do I need compression shorts underneath my soccer shorts?
A: Compression shorts (or “sliders”) are optional. They help support muscles and prevent chafing, especially if you wear very loose shorts. If your outer shorts fit well, you might not need them.
Q: How do I wash my soccer shorts correctly?
A: Always turn your shorts inside out before washing. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as these can sometimes clog the pores of the moisture-wicking fabric.
Q: Can I use a dryer for my polyester soccer shorts?
A: It is better to air dry them. High heat in a dryer can damage the elastic in the waistband and reduce the effectiveness of the moisture-wicking technology over time.
Q: What is the difference between training shorts and match shorts?
A: Match shorts are usually lighter and have a more tailored, shorter fit for maximum performance. Training shorts might be slightly looser, heavier duty, and sometimes include zippered pockets.
Q: Should I worry about the color fading?
A: Yes, darker colors like black or navy can fade if washed in hot water or dried in direct sunlight frequently. Choose quality brands known for good color retention if you play often.
Q: What makes a drawstring high quality?
A: A high-quality drawstring is flat, wide, and made of a sturdy woven material. Thin, round drawstrings often stretch out or come loose too easily.
Q: Are there specific shorts for goalkeepers?
A: Goalkeepers often choose shorts with slightly more padding around the hips or slightly longer inseams for added protection when diving, but many still wear standard player shorts.