Shorts are what most Indian men live in once they get home, and for a big part of the year they are what we wear outside too: to the gym, the beach, a weekend trip or a quick run to the shop. But the wrong pair shows up fast. Thin cotton turns see-through, waistbands roll and lose stretch, pockets are too shallow for a phone, and polyester shorts feel like a sauna in 35°C heat.
This guide compares the 12 best shorts brands in India for men in 2026, across lounge, casual and sports shorts. Each brand is judged on fabric, fit, length, pockets, typical price and who it suits. After the list you will find a table of shorts types, a fabric guide for Indian weather, a size and length guide, and tips to make your shorts last. Pair them with the best T-shirt brands in India.
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Short Answer: Which Is the Best Shorts Brand in India?
Jockey is the best shorts brand in India for everyday home and casual wear, with soft cotton-rich shorts, deep pockets and a wide size range. For sports and the gym, choose Puma, Adidas or Nike, or Decathlon if you want good running shorts on a small budget. Levi’s and U.S. Polo Assn. are the best for denim, chino and cargo shorts you can wear out, and XYXX and DAMENSCH make the softest lounge shorts. For Indian heat, pick cotton or a cotton-stretch blend for daily wear and quick-dry polyester only for workouts.
Top 12 Shorts Brands in India for Men
The list mixes lounge, casual and sports brands, because most men need at least two kinds of shorts. Prices are typical full prices for one pair in 2026; all of these brands run frequent sales, so you will often pay less.
1. Jockey
Jockey is made in India by Bengaluru-based Page Industries, and its shorts are the most dependable everyday pick in the country. The range covers knit lounge shorts, woven cotton shorts and sports shorts, most of them in super combed cotton with a little elastane for stretch. Waistbands are soft and covered, and most styles have deep side pockets, many with a zip pocket for your phone.
Watch out for: the designs are plain, and the knit shorts can stretch at the knee after many washes.
Price: ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Fabric: Super combed cotton, cotton-elastane, polyester for sports | Best for: Lounge wear, daily home and casual use
Popular styles: Knit lounge shorts, woven shorts, zip-pocket sports shorts
2. Puma
Puma is a German sportswear brand founded in 1948, with a large Indian presence through its own stores and online shop. Its training and running shorts use dryCELL, Puma’s moisture-wicking polyester that pulls sweat off the skin and dries quickly, which helps a lot in humid weather. Casual cotton shorts and logo sweat shorts are available too.
Watch out for: polyester shorts feel warm for all-day casual wear; keep them for workouts.
Price: ₹900 – ₹2,500 | Fabric: dryCELL polyester, cotton blends | Best for: Gym, running and sports
Popular styles: Training shorts, running shorts, cotton sweat shorts
3. Adidas
Adidas, also from Germany, makes some of the most popular gym and football shorts in India. Its AEROREADY fabric is designed to absorb sweat and dry fast, and many styles are made with recycled polyester. The classic three-stripe shorts work as well for a weekend kick-about as for the gym.
Watch out for: full prices are high, and sizes run a little slim, so check the chart.
Price: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | Fabric: AEROREADY polyester, recycled polyester, cotton | Best for: Gym, football and athleisure
Popular styles: Three-stripe shorts, training shorts, running shorts
4. Decathlon
Decathlon is a French sports retailer whose own brands (Domyos for fitness, Kalenji for running, Kipsta for team sports, Quechua for hiking) sell some of the best-value sports shorts in India. A basic Decathlon running or gym short costs a fraction of a big-brand pair and is made for the specific sport, with liners, zip pockets and reflective details on some styles.
Watch out for: the look is plain and functional; these are sports shorts, not something to wear out.
Price: ₹300 – ₹1,500 | Fabric: Polyester, cotton blends | Best for: Budget sports, running and hiking
Popular styles: Running shorts, gym shorts, hiking and swim shorts
5. Levi's
Levi’s, the American denim brand founded in 1853, is the go-to for denim shorts in India, and it also makes chino and cargo shorts. These are shorts you can wear to a café, a mall or on a trip, not just at home. The denim and twill are thick and last for years, and the fits match Levi’s jeans, so you know what to expect.
Watch out for: heavier denim feels hot in peak summer, and the prices are at the top of this list.
Price: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Fabric: Cotton denim, cotton twill | Best for: Going out, travel, weekends
Popular styles: Denim shorts, chino shorts, cargo shorts
6. U.S. Polo Assn.
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association and is sold in India by Arvind Fashions. Its shorts are smart-casual: cotton chino shorts, cargo shorts and knit shorts in clean colours that go with a polo or a linen shirt. A good choice when you want shorts that still look put together.
Watch out for: visible logos on some styles, and sizing varies a little between fits.
Price: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 | Fabric: Cotton twill, cotton-elastane, knit cotton | Best for: Smart-casual outings and holidays
Popular styles: Chino shorts, cargo shorts, knit shorts
7. XYXX
XYXX is an Indian brand started in 2017 that built its name on fabric. Many of its lounge shorts use modal or micro-modal (soft fibres made from beech wood) blended with cotton, which feels smoother and cooler than plain cotton and handles sweat well. They are some of the most comfortable shorts to sleep in or wear around the house.
Watch out for: mainly sold online, and the soft fabric is not made for rough outdoor use.
Price: ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Fabric: Modal, micro-modal and cotton blends | Best for: Lounge wear and sleep
Popular styles: Lounge shorts, sleep shorts, knit shorts
8. DAMENSCH
DAMENSCH is a Bengaluru-based online brand known for innerwear and lounge wear made from upgraded fabrics. Its lounge and casual shorts use soft, stretchy cotton and modal blends with smooth waistbands and zip pockets, and many have anti-odour or quick-dry finishes. They are a step up from basic home shorts in feel and finish.
Watch out for: costs more than mass brands, and it is mostly sold online.
Price: ₹700 – ₹1,500 | Fabric: Cotton-modal blends, stretch cotton | Best for: Premium lounge and travel
Popular styles: Lounge shorts, woven casual shorts, zip-pocket shorts
9. Bewakoof
Bewakoof is a Mumbai online fashion brand founded in 2012, popular with college students for its prints and low prices. Its shorts include printed and solid cotton shorts, cargo shorts and plus-size options, often sold in combos. It is the best brand on this list if you want lots of colours and prints for little money.
Watch out for: cotton quality varies between styles, and prints can fade with hot washing.
Price: ₹400 – ₹1,000 | Fabric: Cotton, cotton-poly blends, terry | Best for: Students and budget casual wear
Popular styles: Printed shorts, cargo shorts, plus-size shorts
10. The Souled Store
The Souled Store is a Mumbai brand founded in 2013 and known for officially licensed pop-culture designs from Marvel, DC, anime and TV shows. Its shorts come in printed boxers, knit casual shorts and solid basics. If you want shorts with your favourite superhero or series on them, this is where to look.
Watch out for: licensed prints cost more than plain shorts of the same quality.
Price: ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Fabric: Cotton, knit cotton | Best for: Fans of pop-culture prints
Popular styles: Printed shorts, boxer shorts, knit shorts
11. Nike
Nike, the American sportswear giant founded in 1964, sells its shorts in India through its own website, stores and partner shops. Its Dri-FIT fabric is a sweat-wicking polyester that moves moisture to the surface so it dries fast, and its running, training and basketball shorts are among the most recognised in the world. The Club fleece and cotton shorts cover casual wear.
Watch out for: one of the most expensive sports brands here, and popular styles sell out in common sizes.
Price: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Fabric: Dri-FIT polyester, cotton fleece | Best for: Running, basketball and athleisure
Popular styles: Dri-FIT running shorts, training shorts, Club fleece shorts
12. Snitch
Snitch is a Bengaluru fast-fashion brand started in 2019 that has grown quickly through Instagram and its own stores. It launches new styles every week, including linen-blend shorts, cargo shorts, textured and printed shorts. It is the brand to check if you want shorts that follow the current trend.
Watch out for: fast-fashion fabrics vary; read the fabric details for each pair.
Price: ₹700 – ₹1,500 | Fabric: Cotton, linen blends, polyester blends | Best for: Trend-led casual and holiday wear
Popular styles: Linen-blend shorts, cargo shorts, printed shorts
Shorts Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Price (per pair) | Fabric | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jockey | ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Super combed cotton, cotton-elastane, polyester for sports | Lounge wear, daily home and casual use |
| Puma | ₹900 – ₹2,500 | dryCELL polyester, cotton blends | Gym, running and sports |
| Adidas | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | AEROREADY polyester, recycled polyester, cotton | Gym, football and athleisure |
| Decathlon | ₹300 – ₹1,500 | Polyester, cotton blends | Budget sports, running and hiking |
| Levi's | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Cotton denim, cotton twill | Going out, travel, weekends |
| U.S. Polo Assn. | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 | Cotton twill, cotton-elastane, knit cotton | Smart-casual outings and holidays |
| XYXX | ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Modal, micro-modal and cotton blends | Lounge wear and sleep |
| DAMENSCH | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | Cotton-modal blends, stretch cotton | Premium lounge and travel |
| Bewakoof | ₹400 – ₹1,000 | Cotton, cotton-poly blends, terry | Students and budget casual wear |
| The Souled Store | ₹600 – ₹1,300 | Cotton, knit cotton | Fans of pop-culture prints |
| Nike | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Dri-FIT polyester, cotton fleece | Running, basketball and athleisure |
| Snitch | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | Cotton, linen blends, polyester blends | Trend-led casual and holiday wear |
Best Shorts Brands by Budget
Use this table to shortlist by how much you want to spend on one pair at full price.
| Budget | Brands | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Under ₹800 | Decathlon, Bewakoof, Jockey (basic styles) | Good daily and sports shorts; simpler fabric and finish |
| ₹800 – ₹1,500 | Jockey, XYXX, DAMENSCH, The Souled Store, Snitch, Puma (basic) | Better fabric, zip pockets, softer waistbands, more styles |
| Above ₹1,500 | Adidas, Nike, Puma (performance), Levi's, U.S. Polo Assn. | Performance fabrics, denim and chino shorts that last for years |
Types of Shorts for Men
Short answer: most men need one pair of lounge shorts for home, one pair of sports shorts for exercise, and one pair of chino, cargo or denim shorts to wear out.
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge shorts | Soft knit cotton or modal, elastic waist | Home, sleep, relaxing |
| Sports / training shorts | Light quick-dry polyester, often with a liner | Gym, running, football |
| Chino shorts | Cotton twill, button and zip fly, belt loops | Smart-casual outings, travel |
| Cargo shorts | Twill or cotton with large side pockets | Trips, outdoor use, carrying things |
| Denim shorts | Thick cotton denim | Casual weekends; warm in peak summer |
| Bermuda shorts | Longer shorts ending just above the knee | Older men, temples and family outings |
| Boxer shorts | Loose woven cotton, worn at home or as underwear | Sleep and lounging; see briefs vs trunks vs boxers |
Best Fabric for Shorts in Indian Weather
Cotton: breathable and soft, the best all-round choice for home and casual wear. Look for combed cotton, which pills less.
Cotton with elastane (spandex): 2% to 5% elastane adds stretch, so the shorts move with you and keep their shape.
Modal and micro-modal: smoother and cooler than cotton, great for lounge and sleep shorts.
Quick-dry polyester: wicks sweat and dries fast, ideal for workouts, but feels warm for all-day wear.
Linen and linen blends: the coolest choice for peak summer and beach trips; it creases easily.
Shorts Size and Length Guide
Shorts are sized by waist, so measure around your natural waist (just above the hip bones) with a tape. Length is measured as the inseam, from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. A 7-inch inseam ends mid-thigh, a 9-inch inseam ends just above the knee, and Bermudas run 10 to 11 inches. If you are below 5’7″, stay at 7 inches or shorter so the shorts do not look baggy.
| Size | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 28 – 30 | 71 – 76 |
| M | 30 – 32 | 76 – 81 |
| L | 32 – 34 | 81 – 86 |
| XL | 34 – 36 | 86 – 91 |
| XXL | 36 – 38 | 91 – 97 |
| 3XL | 38 – 40 | 97 – 102 |
How We Chose These Shorts Brands
We started from the brands in our older list and the brands Indian shoppers search for most today, then checked each brand’s official website for current fabrics, styles and prices. We dropped brands that are now hard to find, sold mainly as marketplace labels, or without a working official store, such as Symbol, Peppy Zone, Vego, BUkkL and Breakbounce, and added brands that have become popular, including Puma, Adidas, Nike, Decathlon, Levi’s, DAMENSCH, Bewakoof, The Souled Store and Snitch. Every brand on the list sells across India through its own website.
How to Make Your Shorts Last Longer
Wash inside out in cold water. This protects prints and stops cotton shrinking.
Skip fabric softener on sports shorts. It coats quick-dry fabric and stops it wicking sweat.
Dry in the shade. Strong sun fades dark colours and weakens elastic.
Do not tumble dry elastic waistbands on high heat; they lose their stretch quickly.
Empty and zip the pockets before washing so zips do not snag other clothes.
For what to wear underneath, see our guide to the best men’s underwear brands in India. For a traditional option at home, see the best lungi brands, and for tops to go with your shorts, our best polo T-shirt brands.
Shorts Brands FAQs
Which is the best shorts brand in India?
Jockey is the best shorts brand in India for everyday home and casual wear. For sports, Puma, Adidas and Decathlon are the best choices, and for denim and chino shorts you can wear out, Levi’s and U.S. Polo Assn. lead.
Which shorts brand is best for the gym?
Puma, Adidas and Nike make the best gym shorts, with moisture-wicking polyester (dryCELL, AEROREADY and Dri-FIT). Decathlon’s Domyos range gives similar function at a much lower price.
Which shorts are best for summer in India?
Cotton, cotton-elastane, modal and linen-blend shorts are the coolest for Indian summers. Choose lighter colours and a 7 to 9 inch inseam. Keep polyester shorts for workouts.
Which brand makes the most comfortable lounge shorts?
XYXX and DAMENSCH make the softest lounge shorts thanks to their modal and cotton blends. Jockey is the best value lounge short and is easy to find in stores.
What is the right length for men's shorts?
For most men, shorts should end 2 to 4 inches above the knee, which is a 7 to 9 inch inseam. Shorter men look better in 5 to 7 inch inseams, and Bermudas (10 to 11 inches) suit a more traditional look.
Are cotton shorts or polyester shorts better?
Cotton is better for daily and casual wear because it breathes and feels soft. Polyester is better for exercise because it dries quickly and wicks sweat away. Many good shorts mix cotton with a little elastane for stretch.
Which is the best budget shorts brand in India?
Decathlon is the best budget brand for sports shorts, and Bewakoof is the best for printed casual shorts. Jockey’s basic styles are the best value for home wear.
Choose the Right Shorts Brand - Conclusion
The best shorts brand depends on where you will wear them. Choose Jockey, XYXX or DAMENSCH for home and lounge wear, Puma, Adidas or Decathlon for the gym and running, and Levi’s, U.S. Polo Assn. or Snitch for shorts you can wear out. Bewakoof and The Souled Store are the fun, budget-friendly picks. Whatever you buy, check the fabric, measure your waist, pick the right inseam for your height, and start with one pair before buying more.
