Types of Shorts are a universal wardrobe essential, worn across seasons, genders, and fashion categories. From athleisure to casualwear, loungewear, swimwear, sportswear, and streetwear — there are countless types of shorts designed for different body shapes, activities, and occasions. As a global short manufacturer and one of the leading small to medium sized manufacturing companies in China, MY APPAREL MANUFACTURER produces custom shorts for men and women in a wide range of fabrics, silhouettes, and performance features.
In this guide, you will explore 24 different types of shorts, their defining features, ideal use cases, and where each style fits in modern apparel collections. This breakdown will help brands, sourcing teams, and designers make better choices in development, fabric selection, and market positioning.
1. Denim Shorts
A global staple, denim shorts are rugged, stylish, and timeless. These shorts fall under types of shorts denim, popular in streetwear and casualwear. As a seasoned manufacturer short expert, MY APPAREL MANUFACTURER produces denim shorts in stretch, rigid, distressed, acid-wash, and vintage looks for both men and women.
2. Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts are knee-length and modest, commonly seen in types of shorts bermuda cargo trends. Ideal for casual outings and smart-casual wear, they offer comfort and coverage.
3. Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts feature side pockets and utility panels. When buyers search for types of shorts cargo, they want functional and durable designs. These are especially popular in men’s outdoor and street fashion.
4. Chino Shorts
Chino shorts are neat, soft, and semi-formal. Often seen in premium summer collections, they fall under types of shorts clothing used in elevated casualwear.
5. Running Shorts
Running shorts are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying. These are a key category in types of athletic shorts and types of athletic shorts for women, designed for performance and breathability.
6. Board Shorts
Made for surfers and swimmers, board shorts are long, quick-dry, and often made from polyester blends.
7. Bike Shorts
Bike shorts are tight-fit, stretchable, and performance-driven. They are popular in types of athletic shorts for women, athleisure, and cycling apparel. Made from nylon/spandex or polyester/spandex blends, these shorts require excellent 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking performance, and anti-roll waistbands. As a leading manufacturer short supplier, My Apparel Manufacturer also offers flatlock stitching to prevent friction during movement. Their popularity in both gymwear and street fashion makes them a high-demand style for activewear brands.
8. Paperbag Shorts
Paperbag shorts are high-waisted with a gathered, ruched waistband that creates a feminine silhouette. This style is widely used in women’s casual wear and vacation fashion. The manufacturing focus is on soft fabrics like cotton, linen, twill, or chiffon. When producing these shorts, attention to waistband elasticity, belt loops, and drape quality is essential. Fashion brands favor paperbag shorts because they offer flattering body lines and pair easily with crop tops and bodysuits.
9. Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts offer a sharp, structured, and semi-formal look, often seen in co-ord sets and resort fashion. These shorts require precision in cutting, lining, hemming, and pleating. As a short manufacturer for premium brands, My Apparel Manufacturer uses woven fabrics such as suiting blends, polyester-viscose, or stretch crepe to achieve a refined look. This category appeals to luxury, office-casual, and modern fashion lines.
10. High-Waisted Shorts
High-waisted shorts visually elongate the legs and shape the waist, making them a best-selling category in types of shorts for women. Production usually involves darts, shaping panels, and secure zipper or button closures. They can be made in denim, linen, cotton, or synthetic blends, depending on the collection theme. Their versatility ensures strong repeat sales for fashion labels.
11. Pleated Shorts
Pleated shorts feature single or double pleats on the front, adding room and structure. They offer a polished, dressier appearance suitable for semi-formal and smart-casual outfits. For large-scale production, fabric behavior is important — pleats must hold their shape without bulk. As a short manufacturer, My Apparel Manufacturer reinforces pleat seams for long-lasting silhouette retention.
12. Skort
A skort combines the elegance of a skirt with the practicality of shorts underneath. It is widely used in golf, tennis, school uniforms, and women’s casual wear. Ideal fabrics include stretch woven, ponte knit, or polyester blends. Skorts require layered pattern engineering, making them a product that benefits from an experienced OEM partner.
13. Linen Shorts
Linen shorts are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for summer and resortwear. They drape naturally and provide a relaxed yet polished look. As a short manufacturer experienced in linen production, we pre-shrink the fabric and use soft-wash finishing to reduce wrinkling and improve comfort. Linen shorts are popular among both men’s and women’s brands due to their premium feel.
14. Sweat Shorts
Sweat shorts are made from fleece, French terry, or cotton blends — ideal for loungewear and athleisure. These shorts emphasize softness, comfort, and durability. They perform very well in the U.S. market because of rising demand for casual and streetwear clothing. Elastic waistbands, drawcords, and brushed interiors are core production features.
15. Leather Shorts
Leather shorts deliver a bold, edgy fashion statement. They can be made from vegan PU leather or genuine leather, depending on the brand. PU leather is the most common for mass production. These shorts require specialized stitching machines, edge binding, and reinforced seams to prevent cracking.
16. Cut-Off Shorts
Cut-off shorts are typically made from denim, featuring raw frayed hems. They are a staple in summer streetwear. As a supplier working with types of shorts denim, My Apparel Manufacturer offers distressing, whiskers, hand-sanding, and frayed-hem washing effects to achieve modern vintage looks.
17. Drawstring Shorts
Drawstring shorts prioritize adjustability and comfort, commonly seen in casual, loungewear, and vacation styles. They are simple, cost-effective to produce, and deliver strong re-order volume because they appeal to a wide market. Cotton, linen, terry, and polyester blends are commonly used.
18. Boxer Shorts
Boxer shorts are relaxed innerwear or sleepwear bottoms made from lightweight cotton or satin. Comfort, breathability, and seamless feeling are the focus. Elastic waistband quality and smooth stitching determine overall product satisfaction.
19. Hot Pants
Hot pants are ultra-short and fitted, often used in clubwear and Y2K fashion. Stretch fabrics like spandex blends are ideal. These shorts require precision in pattern cutting to avoid riding up.
20. Tennis Shorts
Tennis shorts are performance-driven with a clean silhouette and flexible fit. Moisture-wicking fabrics, gusset panels, and breathable mesh are key features. They fall under types of athletic shorts and require sports-level stitching.
21. Swim Shorts
Swim shorts are fast-drying, lightweight, and ideal for beach and pool collections. Polyester microfiber is the top choice. Mesh lining, elastic waistbands, and salt-water-resistant trims are standard production elements.
22. Culotte Shorts
Culotte shorts offer a wide-leg, skirt-like silhouette, creating elegance and movement. They are a popular upgrade from basic fashion shorts, especially for women’s resort fashion.
23. Track Shorts
Track shorts are built for workouts, races, and athletic movement. Features include split hems, lightweight fabrics, and breathable mesh. They fit into types of athletic shorts and require durability testing for professional sports brands.
24. Pleated Skort
The pleated skort combines pleats with the inner-short structure of a skort, offering sporty elegance. It is widely used in tennis, golf, and school uniforms. Extra stitching attention is needed so pleats stay crisp even after multiple washes.
More shorts for every occasion
From types of shorts for men to types of shorts for women and types of shorts women wear, brands can build collections based on fabric, function, and silhouette. Fabric choices connect closely with types of shorts fabric, which include denim, chino, cotton, linen, fleece, polyester, spandex blends, and more.
Conclusion
Shorts are one of the most diverse product categories in apparel. Whether you are designing athleisure, sportswear, fashion, beachwear, or casualwear, choosing the right style, fabric, and fit is key. As a specialist short manufacturer, MY APPAREL MANUFACTURER supports brands with custom development, pattern accuracy, and high-quality production for global markets.
FAQs
Q1: What are the most popular types of shorts?
Denim, cargo, chino, and athletic shorts are globally popular.
Q2: Which fabrics are used for shorts?
 Cotton, linen, denim, polyester, fleece, and spandex blends.
Q3: Are athletic shorts different for men and women?
Yes, types of athletic shorts for women often have different fits and rises than men.
Q4: What is a skort?
A skort is a mix of shorts and a skirt — stylish but functional.
Q5: What are cargo shorts used for?
For utility, storage, and outdoor activity.
