Shorts are one of the most versatile apparel categories in the global fashion and lifestyle market. In fact, the global sports shorts market alone is projected to grow from USD 7.2 billion in 2023 to USD 11.6 billion by 2032 (a CAGR of 5.2 %) – a clear indication of rising demand for performance and casual short styles. From casualwear to activewear, shorts are now a wardrobe essential for both men and women. For apparel brands, understanding the different types of shorts is vital when developing collections that align with customer preferences and seasonal demand.
If you’re a startup, private label, or retailer, knowing which styles and fabrics perform best can help you make smarter design and sourcing decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore all the major types of shorts and their unique characteristics, helping you build collections that stand out in the competitive U.S. apparel market.
Why Shorts Are a Key Category for Apparel Brands
Shorts have evolved beyond simple summer wear—they now represent comfort, performance, and style across multiple categories. For apparel businesses in the USA, the shorts market offers strong growth potential due to:
- Rising demand in athleisure and activewear: With fitness and outdoor lifestyles on the rise, more consumers are looking for breathable, flexible, and functional shorts for daily wear and workouts.
- Unisex and seasonal appeal: Shorts are adaptable across genders and age groups, making them a reliable product category for both summer collections and year-round activewear lines.
- Design versatility: From classic denim to performance fabrics, shorts can be easily customized to reflect a brand’s identity through prints, cuts, and detailing.
As a leading custom shorts manufacturer, Argus Apparel helps brands in the USA create tailored designs that meet modern consumer expectations—balancing comfort, quality, and style.
Different Types of Shorts
The market for shorts is vast and diverse, with countless designs, fits, and functions catering to various customer needs. Whether your brand focuses on streetwear, athleisure, or lifestyle fashion, understanding the different types of shorts helps you create collections that blend comfort, functionality, and trend appeal.
Below is a detailed breakdown of shorts styles for men and women based on length, purpose, gender, and fabric, each offering unique advantages for apparel brands and retailers.
Based on Length
Mini Shorts
Mini shorts are designed for bold, fashion-forward consumers who prefer a sleek and modern silhouette. Often seen in summer or resort collections, these shorts are ideal for casual wear, music festivals, and street fashion. Apparel brands targeting youth or women’s fashion markets often include mini shorts in their seasonal offerings to capture trend-driven audiences.
Mid-Length Shorts
Mid-length shorts are the most versatile option in the market. They typically sit a few inches above the knee, offering the perfect blend of style and comfort. These shorts can be styled up or down, making them a core staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. For clothing brands, this length is ideal for casual wear, lounge collections, or travel-friendly designs.
Knee-Length Shorts
Knee-length shorts offer full coverage while maintaining mobility and comfort. They’re especially popular among activewear and athleisure brands due to their functional design and practical appeal. For men, these shorts are a go-to for gym sessions, cycling, and outdoor sports. Many custom shorts manufacturers, such as Argus Apparel, create knee-length styles in performance fabrics to ensure durability and flexibility.
Based on Purpose
Casual Shorts
Casual shorts are designed for everyday wear and easy styling. Made from soft fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim, they offer breathable comfort and timeless appeal. For lifestyle and leisurewear brands, casual shorts are an essential product category that appeals to a broad consumer base, from students to professionals looking for relaxed attire.
Athletic Shorts
Athletic shorts are engineered for performance. They are lightweight, flexible, and moisture-wicking—perfect for fitness enthusiasts, sports clubs, and gyms. These shorts often feature elastic waistbands, mesh panels, and stretchable materials for maximum comfort during movement. Apparel brands in the activewear segment can experiment with custom prints, reflective trims, and ergonomic cuts to enhance both style and function.
Running Shorts
Running shorts are built for speed and ventilation. Typically crafted from polyester or high-performance blends, they include built-in liners and reflective details for visibility during early morning or late-night runs. These shorts appeal strongly to performance-driven consumers and marathon training markets. Brands focusing on custom short types for athletic use can benefit from adding functional details like zip pockets or compression layers.
Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts are a practical favorite, especially among outdoor and adventure wear brands. Characterized by their multiple utility pockets, sturdy stitching, and tough fabrics, they combine durability with convenience. They are ideal for hiking, camping, and workwear collections. Private label apparel manufacturers like Argus Apparel often customize cargo shorts with reinforced seams and ripstop fabrics for enhanced longevity.
Board Shorts
Board shorts are the go-to option for swimwear and beachwear lines. Made from quick-drying fabrics such as polyester or nylon blends, they provide comfort both in and out of the water. These shorts are often longer and looser, with Velcro waistbands or drawstrings for adjustability. They appeal strongly to surfing, resort, and water-sport brands.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts sit just above the knee and offer a smart-casual look suitable for semi-formal settings. They can be styled with polos, shirts, or blazers, making them a favorite for resort wear and relaxed office collections. For fashion brands targeting a mature or travel-oriented audience, Bermuda shorts bring elegance and comfort together in one piece.
Based on Gender
Men’s Shorts
Men’s shorts focus on practicality, comfort, and structure. They often feature straight cuts and relaxed fits, allowing ease of movement for both every day and active use. Popular men’s styles include cargo, denim, and athletic shorts. USA-based brands can diversify collections by experimenting with sustainable materials and technical fabrics that enhance breathability and stretch.
Women’s Shorts
Women’s shorts come in a wide variety of silhouettes—from high-waisted denim to relaxed linen designs. They are a staple in summer, resort, and fitness collections. High-waist and fitted shorts highlight form, while loose and flowy designs cater to comfort and versatility. Fashion labels can also explore custom short types with embroidery, prints, or pleats for a more distinctive aesthetic.
Unisex Shorts
Unisex shorts represent the growing inclusive trend in modern fashion. With gender-neutral fits and minimalist designs, they appeal to a wide audience and suit casual, streetwear, or lifestyle lines. Many brands are adopting these styles to promote versatility and inclusivity, aligning with evolving U.S. fashion trends.
Based on Fabric
Choosing the right shorts fabric options can significantly influence comfort, performance, and the overall feel of your product. Here’s a closer look at the most popular materials used in shorts manufacturing:
Cotton Shorts
Soft, natural, and breathable, cotton shorts are perfect for casual wear and everyday use. They’re easy to care for and can be customized with prints or dye effects. Cotton’s versatility makes it a preferred choice for both men’s and women’s collections.
Polyester Shorts
Known for their durability and moisture resistance, polyester shorts are ideal for active wear and outdoor use. They are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying—perfect for gym, running, and performance collections.
Denim Shorts
A classic favorite, denim shorts remain one of the most popular fashion staples worldwide. They provide a casual yet stylish look suitable for multiple demographics. From distressed and ripped styles to tailored cuts, denim shorts continue to dominate streetwear and youth fashion markets.
Linen Shorts
Lightweight and breathable, linen shorts are the top choice for luxury summer collections. Their airy texture makes them perfect for resort wear and warm climates. For brands emphasizing sophistication and comfort, linen shorts offer an elegant, natural appeal.
Performance Fabric Shorts
Performance fabrics are revolutionizing the shorts category. These blends, often featuring spandex, elastane, or nylon, offer stretch, quick-dry capability, and durability. They’re ideal for sportswear, activewear, and athleisure brands that prioritize functionality without compromising on style.
Also check: Types of Men’s Underwear: Complete Style Guide
Choosing the Right Shorts for Your Brand
When designing or sourcing custom shorts, brands should consider:
- Target audience: Are you catering to casual consumers, athletes, or streetwear enthusiasts?
- Fabric durability: Choose materials that match the intended use and quality expectations of your market.
- Seasonal trends: opt for breathable fabrics in summer collections and versatile blends for year-round wear.
With experience in custom apparel manufacturing, Argus Apparel helps USA-based fashion brands choose suitable custom short types, from fabric sourcing to final changes, ensuring every piece aligns with brand identity and consumer demand.
Shorts Trends for 2025
The apparel industry continues to evolve, and shorts remain a core part of modern wardrobes. Some emerging trends include:
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fabrics:
Brands are prioritizing recycled polyester, organic cotton, and eco-blends to meet rising sustainability expectations.
Hybrid Shorts for Work and Leisure:
Consumers now prefer shorts that combine function and fashion—suitable for both casual outings and semi-formal settings.
Streetwear and Oversized Styles:
The oversized and unisex look remains dominant, especially among Gen Z shoppers who value comfort-driven fashion.
By staying ahead of these trends, brands can ensure their collections remain relevant and competitive in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
From casual to athletic, the different types of shorts offer endless opportunities for creative design and market differentiation. Choosing the right length, fabric, and style ensures that your products meet both functional and aesthetic needs.
If you’re looking to create custom shorts that reflect your brand’s identity, partner with Argus Apparel, a trusted name in premium custom shorts manufacturing. Our team provides full-scale solutions, from design and material selection to production, helping apparel brands across the USA build standout collections that customers love.
Ready to create your own line of premium shorts?
At Argus Apparel, we specialize in helping USA-based brands design and manufacture high-quality custom shorts that reflect your unique vision. From selecting the right fabrics to perfecting every stitch, our team ensures your products stand out in both comfort and style.
Partner with Argus Apparel today to bring your custom shorts collection to life—crafted with precision, durability, and modern appeal
