Best Golf Shorts 2026: Cool, Comfortable and Course-Ready

For most golfers the best golf shorts you can buy on Amazon right now are the Under Armour Match PlayUnder Armour Match Play£38.00Buy on Amazon, a light, breathable pair from a name you trust. For four-way stretch the Callaway Opti-StretchCallaway Opti-Stretch£31.99Buy on Amazon move with your swing, and on a budget the Amazon Essentials StretchAmazon Essentials Stretch£10.44Buy on Amazon shorts do the job for less.

A good pair of golf shorts keeps you cool on a warm round, moves with your swing instead of fighting it, and holds a scorecard, tees and a spare ball without bulging. Below are the best golf shorts you can get on Amazon right now with fast delivery, grouped by the job they do best, plus honest guidance on where the pricey pro-shop brands do and do not earn their money.

At a glance: the best golf shorts for 2026

Prices are pulled live from Amazon and update through the day.

How do you choose the right golf shorts?

Pick on three things in this order: fabric, fit and pockets. The fabric should be a lightweight polyester or poly-elastane blend that wicks sweat and dries fast, because cotton chinos hold water and cling in the heat. The fit needs enough room across the seat and thighs to make a full turn without the hem riding up. Only then worry about pockets, waistband and colour.

Most golfers are best served by a performance short with a touch of stretch and a 9 to 10 inch inseam. That length sits just above the knee, looks tidy against club dress codes, and does not flap at the top of the backswing. Go shorter only if you want a sportier look, and longer if you prefer more coverage.

Why does stretch and fabric matter so much?

Stretch is the single feature that separates modern golf shorts from smart casual shorts. A four-way stretch fabric lets the waistband and legs move as you rotate through the ball, so nothing pulls or bunches at the crucial moment. Two-way stretch is fine for a gentle walk, but four-way is what you want for a full swing.

Fabric weight decides how they feel on a hot day. Lighter, breathable weaves keep air moving and dry within minutes of a rain shower or a sweaty back nine. A water-resistant finish is a genuine bonus for British summers, where a passing shower is never far away, and it sheds light drizzle long enough to finish the hole.

How many pockets do you actually need?

Enough to carry a scorecard, a pencil, two tees, a ball marker and a spare ball without a bulge that throws off your swing. Two hand pockets and one secure rear pocket cover most golfers. A zip or button on at least one pocket stops your phone or car key sliding out when you bend to read a putt.

Cargo-style shorts with five or six pockets suit players who like to carry more, or who walk without a trolley and want their kit on them. The trade-off is a slightly bulkier look, so if you play to a strict dress code, a cleaner flat-front short with fewer, well-placed pockets is the safer buy.

What about premium and pro-shop golf shorts?

There is a whole tier of premium golf shorts from the likes of Galvin Green, RLX Ralph Lauren, Castore and the tour ranges of the big brands, and they are genuinely excellent: superb fabrics, tailored fits and finishes that last for years. If you play several times a week and want the best, they are worth owning. The catch for most buyers is price, as they often cost two to three times the shorts here and are sold mainly through pro shops and specialist retailers rather than on next-day delivery. The picks below are the best-value in-stock options on Amazon, doing the same core job for far less. If you want to see what our team rates, browse the Fayrway golf shorts range.

Our top picks in detail

Under Armour Match Play: best overall

Verdict: the pair we would point most golfers to first, a trusted brand at a fair price with the right balance of comfort and performance.

Under Armour is one of the biggest names in golf apparel, and the Match Play short shows why. The fabric is light and breathable with just enough stretch to swing freely, the flat front looks clean against any dress code, and the fit is generous without being baggy. For the money, nothing here balances brand quality, comfort and everyday usability as well.

• Pros: trusted golf brand, light and breathable, clean flat front, tidy fit.
• Cons: limited pocket storage, fewer colour options at some sizes.

Callaway Opti-Stretch: best stretch

Verdict: the pick if freedom of movement is your priority, with four-way stretch that moves with every swing.

Callaway's FF Poly Opti-Stretch shorts are built around a stretch fabric that flexes in all directions, so the waistband and legs move as you rotate rather than pulling against you. The flat-front cut is smart enough for the clubhouse, the finish resists creasing through a full round, and the Callaway name carries real weight in golf.

• Pros: excellent four-way stretch, recognised golf brand, smart flat-front cut.
• Cons: darker shades only in some listings, mid-range price.

Amazon Essentials Stretch: best budget

Verdict: a proper stretch golf short for the price of a bucket of range balls, ideal for the occasional player.

You do not need to spend big to get a comfortable, functional pair. The Amazon Essentials classic-fit stretch shorts have a wrinkle-resistant fabric with genuine give, a normal-rise waist and a range of colours and sizes. They lack the premium feel of the branded options, but at this price they do the fundamentals reliably and are an easy first pair.

• Pros: excellent value, stretch fabric, wide size and colour range.
• Cons: no golf brand cachet, plainer finish than the premium pairs.

adidas Ultimate365: best premium

Verdict: the step up if you want tour-level fabric and finish without pro-shop pricing, and you play often.

The adidas Ultimate365 range is a mainstay on tour bags for good reason. This 10 inch short pairs a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric with a clean, tailored fit and adidas build quality that shrugs off round after round. It sits at the top of this group on price but undercuts the true premium brands by a wide margin, so it is the natural pick if you want the best value without stepping into pro-shop territory.

• Pros: tour-grade fabric, tailored fit, adidas durability, moisture-wicking.
• Cons: priciest here, some colours and sizes sell out fast.

33,000ft 11" 5-Pocket: best for storage

Verdict: the pick if you carry your kit on you, with five pockets and a longer, lightweight leg.

If you walk without a trolley, or just like everything to hand, these 33,000ft shorts give you five pockets, including secure zipped storage, in a lightweight stretch fabric. The 11 inch leg gives more coverage and the water-resistant finish handles a light shower. They lean sporty rather than smart, so check they suit your course dress code first.

• Pros: five pockets with zip security, lightweight stretch fabric, keen price.
• Cons: sportier look, longer leg is not for everyone.

Harry Hall 4-Way Stretch: best value

Verdict: a slim-fit, water-resistant short with proper four-way stretch at a keen price, the sweet spot between budget and premium.

The Harry Hall shorts give you four-way stretch, a water-resistant finish and a slim, modern fit for a little more than the cheapest options. If the Amazon Essentials pair feels too plain but you do not want to stretch to the branded performance shorts, this is the one to look at, and Harry Hall is a recognised British name.

• Pros: four-way stretch, water resistant, slim modern fit, British brand.
• Cons: slim fit is not for everyone, fewer colour choices.

What we would skip

A few things to watch when you shop:

• No-name shorts with fake RRPs. Unbranded shorts listed at "£49.99, now £12.99" are almost always worth their real price. Judge on the actual cost and the volume of genuine reviews, not the imaginary saving.
• Pure cotton chinos sold as golf shorts. Cotton holds sweat and rain, clings in the heat and does not stretch. For golf you want a performance blend with give, not a smart-casual short in disguise.
• Ultra-short or overly baggy cuts. A leg that is too short can fall foul of a dress code, and a baggy pair flaps at the top of the swing. A 9 to 10 inch inseam with a trim, not tight, fit works on the widest range of courses.
• Premium brands bought on Amazon at a markup. If a tour range shows up well above its usual price from a third-party seller, buy it from a specialist golf retailer instead.

Frequently asked questions

What length should golf shorts be?

Aim for a 9 to 10 inch inseam, which sits just above the knee. That length looks tidy against most club dress codes, gives a full range of movement, and does not flap at the top of the backswing. Go shorter for a sportier look or longer for more coverage, but check your course rules first.

Are stretch golf shorts worth it?

Yes, for almost everyone. Four-way stretch fabric moves with your body as you rotate through the swing, so nothing pulls or bunches at impact. It also feels more comfortable across a full round of walking. Once you play in a stretch pair, going back to rigid cotton shorts feels restrictive by comparison.

Can you wear golf shorts to any course?

Most courses allow tailored golf shorts, but many private and traditional clubs have a dress code covering length and style. Flat-front performance shorts with a 9 to 10 inch leg are the safe choice. Cargo shorts, denim and gym shorts are often banned, so check the club's policy before you play if you are unsure.

How many pockets do golf shorts need?

Two hand pockets and at least one secure rear pocket cover most golfers, holding a scorecard, tees, a marker and a spare ball. A zip or button on one pocket keeps your phone and car key safe when you bend to putt. Cargo shorts with five or six pockets suit players who carry more or walk without a trolley.

What is the best fabric for golf shorts?

A lightweight polyester or poly-elastane blend is best. It wicks sweat, dries fast after a shower, resists creasing and includes the stretch you need to swing freely. A water-resistant finish is a useful bonus for British summers. Avoid pure cotton, which holds water, clings in the heat and offers no give.

Should golf shorts be tight or loose?

Neither. You want a trim fit with enough room across the seat and thighs to make a full turn without the hem riding up. Too tight and you restrict your swing and feel uncomfortable walking. Too loose and the fabric flaps at the top of the backswing. A tailored, not skinny, cut is the sweet spot.

Ready to choose?

For most golfers the Under Armour Match Play is the safe, do-everything pick. Choose the Callaway Opti-Stretch if freedom of movement matters most, the Amazon Essentials pair if budget decides it, the adidas Ultimate365 for premium performance, the 33,000ft short for pocket storage, and the Harry Hall for the best all-round value. You can also browse the Fayrway golf shorts range to see what our pros are stocking.