The Best Basketball Shorts for Every Hooper’s Needs

Buyer's Guide to Finding a Great Pickleball Set

Basketball shorts are not as simple today because every manufacturer has its own version of the lightweight, moisture absorbing, breathable, and durable fabric. In addition, the designs, inseam, colors, and dozens of other features make them a complicated product. To simplify, we have categorized the concerns into three distinct categories: the fabric, the fit, and the design. The options available in each of these categories, along with their brief explanation, are listed below.

A Brief Introduction to Basketball Shorts

In the 70s, all shorts were very short and tight. The stretchability of those shorts was not so great. Still, with time, innovation played its part, and today we have very stretchable and sweat-wicking basketball shorts widely available in the market. It happened in the 90s with Michael Jordan popularizing the long shorts, reaching all the way to the knees, in basketball. And just like everything else that Michael Jordan did, long shorts became a new standard in the NBA, with other teams increasing the length of their shorts.

Fabric

The material used in making the basketball shorts is arguably the most important feature you should consider. There are many aspects to selecting the right material for your playing preference, required feel, and body type.

Thermoregulation

The level of thermoregulation depends on the state you live in, the general climate of your surroundings, your weight and fitness level, the weather conditions, and how much you sweat. Most basketball shorts are made of sweat-wicking fabric, but the efficiency of sweat-wicking also matters. They should be 100% polyester, with a good amount of breathability and absorbent qualities. Mesh fabric is very efficient at accomplishing all these feats.

Four-way stretch

Even the loose fit sees its end in the heat of the basketball game with extreme stretches that players make during ball-winning battles. At that moment, it is crucial to have a 4-way stretchability so you feel minimally restricted yet supported by your basketball shorts. The stretch that mesh fabric intrinsically provides is enough for most players and spandex is not required.

Antimicrobial

The technologically latest fabrics undergo a manufacturing process where they are treated to resist fungus, bacteria, or mold. They may also have the properties of reducing foul smells. The more functions that a fabric performs, the more costly it gets.

Durability and environment-consciousness

Unfortunately, we still do not have a global or local regulation to minimize the environmental impact. A lot of water is used to prepare a piece of fabric, many harmful chemicals are dumped in oceans, and millions of clothing is burned or thrown in landfills every year. It is important to buy durable clothing, use them at least for a whole season, and also check for environmental considerations observed by the manufacturer to express your commitment to saving the planet earth.

An Overview of Fit Types

A tighter fit does not chafe the legs while playing basketball, but some players find it to be restricting for movement. Loose fit has a downside of chafing if your skin is sensitive; in that case, you can buy the ones with lining. Loose fit and regular fit are the most popular choices in basketball shorts.

Loose fit

Preferred by most basketball professionals, loose-fit shorts provide maximum agility and range of motion. They keep the body cool and are perfect for indoor basketball games. Any stretch felt on the legs takes away a part of your precious attention and results in reduced athletic performance.

Regular fit

During winters, even indoor games become cold, which can stiffen the legs. A fabric closer to the skin can provide a little bit more warmth than a loose fit. It may restrict the movement of professionals but does not feel like much during casual games or training sessions. You should ensure that your legs are not sensitive to casual chafing before buying regular-fit shorts.

Your Preferred Style

Your preference for convenience, comfort, and looks significantly influences the purchasing decision.

Design and colors

Feel free to choose your favorite color, brand, or artwork. Aesthetics matter to the extent to which they represent your style. Some people like minimalist designs, while others love clean lines. The purpose of choosing a nice style is to feel ready for action when you wear them. Whether it is the vibrant colors, a bold design, or mute colors, if it ignites your bones, you should go for it.

Inseam and length

An inseam of seven to ten inches does the job for most people, depending on their height. The inseam should end an inch or two above the knees as a rule of thumb.

Pockets

Pockets are a must-have for loungewear and everyday use. If you want to use your basketball shorts at home, those with pockets and inner lining are good to go. The pockets, usually, are made of mesh and not made for safekeeping many objects. Mesh fabrics feel like a lining and do not come in the way.

Basketball Shorts Pro Tips

• When planning to play outdoors in cold weather, make sure to wear tights under the shorts.
• Sweat-wicking technology used to make a fabric is the most popular feature in basketball shorts.
• Always follow your heart when choosing the design, follow your mind when selecting the fabric, and your experience when selecting the fit.
• When in doubt, trust Michael Jordan or any of your favorite players and just copy their style, and the results should be amazing. However, if due to individual differences in preference, you don’t like the results, research a bit more and you’ll find your preference in no time!