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Basketball shorts have a job that pulls two ways: be light enough that you forget you’re wearing them, and substantial enough that a hard sweat doesn’t turn them transparent. Go too thin and they cling, ride up, and show more than you planned; go too thick and you’re playing in a sauna. Add waistbands that roll, hems that land in the wrong spot on the knee, and sizing that runs two inches off, and the search gets tedious. The right pair settles all of it at once: you pull them on and stop thinking about them.
I’ve been living in a rotation of these for pickup games, gym sessions, and the walk home after, and my team put 14 pairs through four months of exactly that. Fit mattered more than any spec sheet, especially with sizing that swings between brands, so we wore each pair repeatedly and washed them as often to see what shrank or pilled. One shortcut worth knowing before you scroll: measure a pair you already like, flat, and compare that inseam to the size chart.
Best for Everyday Court Play
Amazon Essentials 2-Pack
Key Features
- Fit: Loose-fit
- Style: Basketball
- Fabric: Moisture-wicking
- Pack Size: 2
- Price: Budget
The pair we keep coming back to is the Amazon Essentials two-pack. It’s the most straightforward answer to the search: a loose-fitting basketball short, a breathable moisture-wicking fabric, and two pairs in one go. The leg has room without turning into a parachute, and the elastic waistband with drawstring stays put when you’re moving. For most men, that’s the whole job.
We wore these for pickup runs and gym sessions, and the light fabric is the reason they work. They move air, dry quickly after a hard game, and don’t feel clammy when you sit afterward. The pockets are deep enough for a phone and keys, which matters more than it sounds when you’re walking to the court. They also pack small enough to live in a gym bag without taking over.
What keeps this at the top is how little thought it asks for: throw a pair in the bag, wash the other, repeat. It won’t satisfy a team-logo collector, but it also won’t clash with anything. If you want one less decision on laundry day, this is the pair.
Pros
- Loose basketball cut with room to move
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Deep pockets hold a phone and keys
- Two-pack simplifies the laundry rotation
Cons
- Sizing runs large; check the chart
For most men, this is the pair to buy: loose, light, and sold as a two-pack that keeps a clean short ready.
Best for Lightweight 10-Inch Fit
Under Armour Tech Graphic 10"
Key Features
- Waist: Elastic with drawstring
- Design: Tech graphic
- Inseam: 10 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: Midrange
A 10-inch inseam is the first thing we check on a basketball short, and the Under Armour Tech Graphic gets that right. The leg ends around the knee without the extra fabric of a longer baggy pair, so you can cut and defend without feeling tangled. The tech fabric is light, and the short has the easy movement of a gym short rather than the stiffness of a cotton mesh.
We liked these for players who want a trimmer court short. The cut is closer than a traditional loose basketball short, so if you want a billowy fit, go up a size or look elsewhere. The drawstring is a real one, not a loop that disappears into the waistband, and the pockets are useful for keys and a phone between games. The fabric is thin enough to stay cool, which is the point, but it won’t hide much.
The caveat is durability. The seams are the part we watch, because hard wear can open them before the fabric gives out. That makes these a better everyday pair than a single pair for every practice. If you want the UA name and a true 10-inch length, this is the one; if you need the loosest possible cut, the Amazon Essentials two-pack is the safer shape.
Pros
- True 10-inch length with knee coverage
- Light tech fabric moves well
- Real drawstring and useful pockets
Cons
- Seams can fail under hard wear
We recommend the Tech Graphic to players who want a trim 10-inch short and don’t need a billowy leg.
Best for Team Fans
Ultra Game NBA Shorts
Key Features
- Fit: OG fit
- Fabric: Soft air mesh
- League: NBA
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: Premium
Team-logo shorts are a different purchase from a plain practice pair, and the Ultra Game NBA shorts are the ones we reach for when the look matters. The soft air-mesh fabric has a nice drape, the OG fit is built for basketball rather than lounging, and the sewn team patch gives you the fan-shop detail without turning the short into a costume.
We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the mesh feels against the skin. It’s soft rather than scratchy, and the loose OG cut gives you room to move. The waistband is true to size on most guys, so start with your usual size. The team patch is sewn on, not a cheap print, which is the detail that makes these feel like fan gear rather than a novelty.
That patch is the reason to buy it: it’s a genuine NBA look, and the mesh is comfortable enough for a full run. If you want a neutral short for pickup and errands, a plain two-pack is more versatile. If you’re buying for a fan who wants the jersey to match, this is the pair that makes the outfit.
Pros
- Soft air-mesh fabric feels comfortable
- Sewn NBA team patch
- Loose OG basketball cut
Cons
- Pockets are too shallow for a phone
- Length can sit higher than expected
We recommend the Ultra Game pair to the fan who wants an NBA look without giving up mesh comfort on the court.
Best for Team Practice
Liberty Imports 5-Pack
Key Features
- Style: Basketball
- Inseam: 9 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Pack Size: 5
- Price: Premium
The Liberty Imports five-pack is the practice-day answer: five pairs of 9-inch basketball shorts in different colors, so you’re not doing laundry every other night. The 9-inch inseam is the detail we like most—it sits around the top of the knee and gives you more freedom than a 10-inch short without turning into a running split.
The fabric is light and breathable, and the colors hold up after washing, which matters when you’re rotating the same five pairs all season. The pockets are deep enough to fit a hand and hold a phone when you sit, and the elastic waistband has enough stretch for a full game. These are simple shorts, not technical gear, and the cut is roomy rather than tailored.
We recommend the pack for teams, camps, and anyone who wants a week of practice covered without thinking about it. The waistband stays put, and the 9-inch leg is easy to move in. If you only play once a week, a two-pack is the smarter buy; if you’re outfitting a group, the five-pack earns its place.
Pros
- Five pairs cover a week of practice
- 9-inch inseam frees up the leg
- Light fabric and colors hold up
- Deep pockets hold a phone when sitting
Cons
- Sizing runs large; size down if between
We recommend the Liberty Imports five-pack for teams and frequent players who want a week of 9-inch shorts covered.
Best for Knee-Length Coverage
DEVOPS 10" 2-Pack
Key Features
- Fit: Loose-fit
- Inseam: 10 inches
- Pockets: Yes
- Pack Size: 2
- Price: Midrange
The DEVOPS two-pack is for the player who wants a 10-inch short and a little more coverage than a 9-inch pair. The loose-fit leg gives you room to move, and the two-pack means you can keep one pair in the gym bag and one in the wash. The fabric is light and stretchy, with the easy drape of a quick-dry short rather than a stiff mesh.
We noticed the phone pocket first: there’s an elastic sleeve under the side flap that keeps a phone from bouncing around while you run. That’s a small design detail we appreciate, because most shorts just give you two open pockets and hope for the best. The waistband is snug and doesn’t fall down, and the 10-inch length stays around the knee for most guys. The trade-off is thin fabric; it’s a warm-weather short, not something for cold mornings.
The waist tie is the other weak point, so knot it well. For a two-pack that gives you knee coverage and a secure phone pocket, these are a solid longer option for hot gyms and outdoor runs.
Pros
- 10-inch length with knee coverage
- Loose-fit leg moves easily
- Inner phone pocket keeps phone secure
- Snug waistband stays up
Cons
- 10-inch leg can run long on shorter players
We recommend the DEVOPS two-pack for players who want a longer 10-inch short and a secure phone pocket.
Best for Bulk Gym Bag
BOOJO 5-Pack
Key Features
- Style: Basketball
- Fabric: Quick-dry
- Pockets: Yes
- Pack Size: 5
- Price: Budget
The BOOJO five-pack is the laundry-day solution: five lightweight quick-dry shorts that take the pressure off a weekly wash cycle. The fabric has a silky, cool-to-the-touch feel that we liked more than the price suggests, and the wide elastic waistband doesn’t ride up when you’re moving.
We found the pockets are the best part: large enough for a phone and keys, with enough depth that things don’t slide out when you sit. The shorts dry quickly, which makes them useful for back-to-back workouts or a swim, and the colors stay simple enough for everyday wear. They’re not a structured basketball short; the cut is relaxed, so they work better for gym sessions and casual games than for a heavy defensive matchup.
As a budget five-pack, these earn their place. The silky feel, deep pockets, and quick-dry fabric make them easy to throw in a bag, and having five pairs means you’re never caught without a clean short. If you want one premium pair, look elsewhere; if you want a drawer full of light, comfortable shorts for practice and errands, this is the pack.
Pros
- Five quick-dry pairs for laundry rotation
- Silky, cool-to-touch fabric
- Deep pockets hold phone and keys
Cons
- Runs small; size up if between
- Thin fabric can show through in light colors
We recommend the BOOJO five-pack as the budget rotation play: light, quick-dry, and easy to keep clean.
Best for Small-Pack Value
BOOJO 3-Pack
Key Features
- Style: Basketball
- Fabric: Quick-dry
- Pack Size: 3
- Rear Pocket: Zippered
- Price: Budget
The three-pack is the smaller version of the BOOJO formula: a quick-dry basketball short with deep pockets and a low commitment. If the five-pack feels like too much drawer space, this is the easier way to try the fit.
The pockets are the standout. They’re deep enough to hold three tennis balls, and one pair adds a zippered rear pocket for keys or a card. The fabric has a smooth, slightly silky hand and dries fast after a workout. The three colors cover practice and errands without looking like team gear.
We noticed the cut is relaxed through the leg but not especially long, so it’s better for guards and casual players than for someone who wants a knee-length short. These are not the pair for a physical post game, where you want more fabric and a sturdier hand. The waistband is wide and stays put, which is the detail that makes them easy to forget you’re wearing.
We recommend the three-pack for a gym-bag starter or a player who wants a few clean pairs without committing to a five-pack. The deep pockets and zippered rear pocket are genuinely useful, and the quick-dry fabric is comfortable in a hot gym. Treat these as a value pick rather than a premium pair.
Pros
- Three quick-dry pairs for gym-bag rotation
- Deep pockets plus zippered rear pocket
- Wide waistband stays put
Cons
- Runs small in the waist
- Thin fabric can show through in light colors
We recommend the BOOJO three-pack as a low-cost gym-bag starter with pockets that actually hold your gear.
Best for Cheap Mesh Pair
NY Threads Mesh Shorts
Key Features
- Fit: Loose-fit
- Style: Athletic
- Fabric: Breathable mesh
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: Budget
The NY Threads pair is the least expensive short here, and it feels like it: a loose, mesh short that weighs almost nothing and lets air straight through. If you want a cheap pair for the gym bag or a backup for laundry day, it’s an easy add.
The mesh is the reason to consider it. It’s breathable, never clingy, and the loose fit is comfortable for shooting around or lifting. The fabric is soft enough that it doesn’t scratch, and the colors look more expensive than the short feels. The waistband has a drawstring, and the leg is roomy without being a skirt.
We noticed the trade-off is light-duty construction. The mesh is thin, so it’s not the pair for a cold morning or a physical game. It’s a warm-weather, casual short that works best when you’re moving between the gym, errands, and home. The loose cut also means less structure than a dedicated basketball short.
We recommend it as a cheap, breathable extra pair, not as the short you build your week around. The mesh feel is genuinely comfortable, and the loose cut works for casual games and workouts. If you want a durable everyday pair, spend more; if you want a light extra pair for the car or gym bag, this is the one.
Pros
- Airy mesh feels light and cool
- Loose fit is comfortable for gym and casual play
- Least expensive pair here
Cons
- Shallow pockets can drop a phone
- Seams can unravel after a few washes
We recommend the NY Threads pair as a cheap, airy backup, not as your only pair of basketball shorts.
How We Tested 14 Pairs of Basketball Shorts
We started with research rather than a store shelf. We pulled specs on a few dozen pairs, filtered by fabric content, inseam options, and size range, and dropped anything with a vague size chart or a run of reviews complaining that the fabric went see-through. That left 14 pairs, which we wore over four months.
Each pair went through the same rotation: two open-gym runs a week, an outdoor court session on the hottest afternoons, weight-room days, and the drive and errands afterward. Every pair got at least three wears with a wash in between, since shorts that feel great on day one can change after the first cycle.
Sizing got checked against a tape measure, not just the tag. We laid each pair flat, compared the waist and inseam to the brand’s own chart, and noted whether the waistband rolled or dug in during sprints and while sitting on a bleacher. We held each pair up to a lamp to see how much light passed through, watched whether sweat soaked in and stayed wet or dried between games, and checked seams, hems, and any graphics for pilling, fading, and fraying after every wash. Length was judged at the knee, where the hem landed and whether it caught on the thigh on a drive. We also wore them with a plain tee to see how they looked off the court, and weighed what each pair cost against how it was holding up by month four.
How to Choose Basketball Shorts for Men
Start with length and room through the legs, then check the fabric, pockets, and waistband against how often you actually play.
Start With Length and Leg Room
A 9- to 11-inch inseam is the useful zone for most men: short enough to run and cut, long enough to stay out of the way when you defend. A 9-inch pair like Liberty Imports sits closer to the top of the knee; a 10-inch pair like the Under Armour Tech Graphic or DEVOPS gives a little more coverage. We prefer the shorter end for guards and the longer end for players who want knee coverage.
The bigger mistake is buying a short that is loose everywhere. You want room through the hips and thighs without a leg that balloons when you move. Check the size chart, and if a pair is described as generous, size down rather than accepting a baggy fit.
Balance Breathability Against Opacity
Mesh and thin polyester move air, and that is what you want on a hot court. The trade-off is that light colors and very thin weaves can turn see-through when you bend or sweat. We look for fabric that feels cool without showing everything underneath; if you play in bright gyms, test the short against a window or wear darker underwear the first time.
A quick-dry finish helps after a long run, but it does not replace enough fabric weight. The lightest mesh options here, like NY Threads and the BOOJO packs, trade coverage for airflow, so keep that in mind if you want a short that works as hard on defense as it does in the gym.
Check Pockets and the Waistband
A phone in a shallow pocket will find the floor the first time you kneel. Look for pockets deep enough to swallow a phone and a waistband that stays put without constant tugging. A real drawstring helps, especially on shorts with a relaxed elastic waist; a loop-style string is harder to tie and can pull out in the wash.
The BOOJO three-pack adds a zippered rear pocket, which is useful for keys. If you carry nothing, you can ignore pocket depth, but most players will want at least one secure place for a phone or car key.
Think About Seams and Wash Cycles
Basketball shorts take more abuse from the washer than the court. Look at the seam construction around the crotch and waistband, and expect the drawstring to be a wear point on cheaper pairs. We wash ours inside out and skip the dryer when we can; heat is what turns a soft mesh short brittle.
A five-pack can be a practical buffer against laundry-day wear, but only if the fabric holds up. If you see loose threads at the waistband after the first wash, treat that as a warning rather than a one-off.
Match Pack Size to How You Play
Two pairs cover a weekly pickup game and a backup in the gym bag; five pairs make more sense for a team, a camp, or anyone who refuses to do laundry midweek. A 9-inch five-pack like Liberty Imports is the practice-day answer, while a two-pack like Amazon Essentials keeps the cost per pair low without committing to a drawer full of the same short.
Do not buy a bulk pack to get a better deal if the fit is wrong. One well-fitting pair beats five that ride up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play basketball in regular gym or running shorts?
You can, but running shorts often have a shorter inseam, a liner, and a closer cut that limits room for cutting and defending. Basketball shorts give you a looser leg, more coverage, and usually deeper pockets. If you already own quick-dry gym shorts with a 9- or 10-inch inseam, they can work for casual games; for regular play, choose a basketball-specific cut.
How do I keep the drawstring from pulling out in the wash?
Tie the two ends in a loose knot before washing, or pull them through the eyelets and knot each end. Check the string before the shorts go into the dryer; once the cord disappears into the waistband, fishing it back through is the annoying part. A loop-style string is more likely to pull loose than a flat drawstring, so handle those pairs with extra care.
Are NBA-logo shorts worth it over plain ones?
If you want the team look, yes: the Ultra Game NBA shorts pair a soft air-mesh feel with a real league logo, so they work as fan gear and court shorts. If you want the most versatile pair for pickup and errands, a plain short like the Amazon Essentials two-pack blends in more easily and costs less per pair.
Final Verdict
For most men, the Amazon Essentials two-pack is the right first buy: loose through the legs, light enough for a full run, and sold in a pack that keeps a clean pair ready. If you want a trimmer 10-inch short, the Under Armour Tech Graphic is the upgrade; if you are outfitting a team, go straight to the Liberty Imports five-pack. The NBA fan in your group gets the Ultra Game pair. Start with fit, not the logo.