15 Best Basketball Shorts of 2026

Consistent quality and comfort make these Under Armour shorts a popular choice for both gym sessions and daily wear. The lightweight quick-dry fabric suits hot weather workouts, though the material can appear sheer in lighter colors under bright lighting. Pockets are present but lack security during active movement—phones or wallets may slip out when sitting. Ideal for casual gym-goers or those who layer over compression tights, but basketball players needing opaque coverage or secure storage will find better options. Sizing can run small for some body types, so ordering up may improve fit.

Official NBA licensing and soft air mesh deliver the look players wear on court, with the OG loose fit and side pockets that set it apart from simpler standard mesh options. Logos may fade after a few washes and the waistband can loosen over time, so these are best for fans who prioritize authentic team styling over long-term durability. Buyers with larger waist sizes should consider ordering up.

This 5-pack delivers five shorts at a budget-friendly per-pair price, with lightweight fabric that suits summer lounging and light activity. The wide elastic waistband fits comfortably across most body types, and the quick-dry material handles sweat well during warm-ups or casual gym sessions.

The tradeoff comes in the form of possible chemical smell out of the package and occasional QC hiccups like loose stitching or drawstring issues. Those hoping to use these for competitive basketball may find the durability and odor concerns a boundary, but for relaxed rotation wear the value is hard to beat.

The G Gradual shorts deliver uncommon length for tall players, with an 11-inch inseam that reaches the knee or below — a welcome fit not found in most budget options. The lightweight, quick-dry fabric keeps you cool during hot-weather games, though it is thin enough to be somewhat see-through in bright light. The main drawback: the side pockets are shallow, so a phone can work its way out during active play. These shorts suit tall athletes who prioritize coverage and value over secure pocket storage — for phone-toting guards, the top pick’s zippered pockets are a safer bet.

The Amazon Essentials 2-Pack delivers an unbeatable price for two pairs of loose-fit mesh shorts. They’re lightweight and comfortable for casual wear, light gym sessions, or lounging at home. The elastic waistband with drawstring and side pockets hit the basics without fuss.

These shorts work best for someone who wants a low-cost option for occasional use, not for regular basketball play. Durability can vary between units – some buyers have noted seam fraying after a few washes. The polyester material may also hold onto sweat odors, which is less of an issue if you wash after every wear.

The BALENNZ shorts breathe well in hot weather and come at a budget-friendly price, often sold in multipacks. However, the material is thin enough to be see-through in some lighting, and sizing runs small—check measurements before ordering. This makes them better suited for lounging or light gym sessions than competitive basketball.

Five vibrant color options and a reliable 9-inch inseam make this pack a good fit for tall players on a budget. But sizing runs small in some cases – expect to size up – and the shallow pockets can drop larger phones during movement. These tradeoffs explain why it doesn’t break into the top tier.

Champion’s mesh shorts offer a roomy, breathable fit that works well for hot-weather lounging and light gym sessions. The cut runs large, so sizing down may be needed. The primary limitation is a drawstring that can snap or pull out, making them less suitable for activities where you need a secure waistband.

These shorts deliver on lounging comfort with a lightweight, airy feel, but the material is thin enough to be see-through in lighter shades, and the crotch area runs snug. For casual wear or light gym sessions they work fine, but for basketball or active sports, the transparency and tight fit are limiting.

These Hanes mesh shorts offer lightweight comfort for hot days and light gym sessions at a budget-friendly price. However, durability is inconsistent: seams may come apart after a few washes, and sizing can vary between pairs. The drawstring is a single loop that’s tricky to tie securely. Best suited for casual wear rather than regular basketball.

Five shorts at a low per-pair cost – lightweight and comfortable for casual wear. The polyester fabric breathes well in hot weather and the elastic waistband fits most body types. However, lighter colors may be see-through under direct light, and occasional QC issues like holes or missing drawstrings can occur. This is a budget rotation set for lounging or warm-ups, not for competitive basketball.

These Ultra Game shorts deliver an authentic NBA look with a comfortable mesh fit that runs true to size. They offer good value for officially licensed team apparel. However, the logos may fade or peel after a few washes, and the waistband can loosen with extended use. This makes them better suited for casual wear and light basketball rather than regular heavy play.

These are the cheapest UA shorts available, offering the brand’s lightweight mesh for hot-weather comfort and lounging. However, the material is thin enough to be see-through, the pockets lack durability for active use, and the sizing runs small – most buyers will need to size up. For actual basketball play, spending a little more on the Tech Graphic or a model with reinforced pockets makes more sense.

Classic budget mesh shorts with a loose, traditional fit that breathe well in heat. Sizing runs large (consider sizing down), the drawstring is thin, and the shallow pockets won’t securely hold a phone during active play. Oversized fit and pocket depth make these outdated for modern basketball needs.