What Material Should I Buy for Shorts? A Technical Fabric Guide for Smarter Shopping

When it comes to buying shorts, many consumers fixate on cut, colour or style—but neglect to consider one of the most defining factors of garment performance: fabric composition. In reality, material choice governs not just how a pair of shorts feels, but also how it breathes, drapes, retains shape, and withstands repeated wear.

Whether you’re looking for activewear, elevated daywear, or smart resort tailoring, understanding the properties of different fabrics empowers you to buy better, wear longer, and select pieces tailored to your lifestyle, climate, and body shape. Below, we dissect the most commonly used materials in shorts, their technical advantages and limitations, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you find your perfect fit across 1,500+ brands.

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Why Material Selection Matters

Shorts are worn in contexts that often demand a high level of breathability, moisture control, stretch or aesthetic structure. The fabric must meet functional criteria depending on the intended purpose:

• Thermal regulation (breathable in summer, quick-drying in activewear)

• Mobility (stretch or mechanical ease for walking or exercise)

• Shape retention (especially in tailored or high-waisted cuts)

• Durability (resistance to pilling, wrinkling, or fading)

• Tactility and comfort (particularly important in close-to-skin summer garments)

Understanding the technical profile of each material helps you align your fabric choice with practical expectations.

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1. Cotton and Cotton Blends

Applications: Casual shorts, loungewear, chino shorts

Brands using cotton: Uniqlo, Levi’s, M&S

Cotton remains a foundational textile due to its natural softness, hypoallergenic properties, and high breathability. However, pure cotton lacks stretch and can retain moisture, which limits its suitability for high-output or humid conditions.

Common blends include:

• Cotton-elastane: Added stretch and shape retention

• Cotton-polyester: Enhanced durability and wrinkle resistance

Technical pros:

• Breathable natural fibre

• Readily dyeable for colour consistency

• Machine washable and skin-safe

Technical cons:

• Poor moisture-wicking

• Prone to shrinkage unless pre-treated

• Less robust in high-friction applications

Ideal for relaxed daytime wear, cotton is versatile—but not performance-driven. Use Tellar’s sizing tool to check brand-specific shrinkage or fit tendencies.

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2. Linen and Linen Blends

Applications: Resortwear, high-heat casualwear, elevated tailoring

Brands using linen: Massimo Dutti, COS, Reiss

Linen—derived from the flax plant—is a naturally thermoregulating, antibacterial, and highly breathable fibre. It's favoured in hot climates and offers a distinctively crisp aesthetic. However, linen’s low elasticity results in easy wrinkling and a stiff drape unless blended.

Common improvements:

• Linen-viscose blends: Smoother hand-feel and less creasing

• Linen-cotton: Retains airflow while improving structure

Technical pros:

• Exceptional airflow and cooling

• Biodegradable and eco-conscious

• Natural lustre and upscale finish

Technical cons:

• High wrinkling rate

• Limited durability under stress

• Requires careful laundering

Linen shorts pair well with lightweight shirts—use Tellar’s shirt sizing tool to find coordinated fits by measurement.

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3. Denim and Stretch Denim

Applications: Casualwear, off-duty wardrobe, transitional seasons

Brands using denim: Levi’s, Mango, Zara, H&M

Denim is a heavyweight cotton twill known for its structured silhouette and durability. Traditional denim can be rigid, but modern blends incorporate elastane or T400 fibres to improve stretch.

Advanced blends:

• Cotton-elastomultiester (bi-stretch)

• Recycled denim-polyester composites

Technical pros:

• High tensile strength and abrasion resistance

• Shape-enhancing for structured styles

• Seasonless versatility

Technical cons:

• Can trap heat

• Requires break-in period

• May fade with aggressive laundering

Denim shorts suit a wide range of body types. Use Tellar.co.uk to compare sizes across denim brands, accounting for stretch percentage and waistband design.

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4. Polyester and Nylon-Based Performance Shorts

Applications: Sportswear, gym shorts, quick-dry outdoor use

Brands using synthetics: Nike, Adidas, Gymshark, Sweaty Betty

Polyester and nylon are synthetic fibres prized for their hydrophobic properties, strength, and resistance to stretching or shrinking. These materials dominate the activewear category, often paired with elastane for stretch.

Key innovations:

• Moisture-wicking microfibres

• Anti-odour or anti-bacterial coatings

• Mesh weaves for zonal breathability

Technical pros:

• Quick-dry and sweat-resistant

• Lightweight and packable

• Maintains shape through repeated wear

Technical cons:

• Non-biodegradable (unless recycled)

• Can retain odour if untreated

• Less natural feel

Polyester shorts are ideal for movement—but exact sizing varies widely by brand. Tellar’s store size lookup tool matches your measurements to the correct fit by brand and garment type.

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5. Viscose and Rayon

Applications: Draped silhouettes, occasionwear, soft tailoring

Brands using viscose: & Other Stories, Hush, Baukjen

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, derived from wood pulp but chemically processed. It’s prized for its silky texture, fluid drape, and ability to imitate luxury fibres like silk.

Fabric characteristics:

• Moderate breathability

• High absorbency

• Weak tensile strength when wet

Technical pros:

• Elegant fall and softness

• Absorbs dye for rich colour

• Lightweight and dressy

Technical cons:

• May shrink or distort when laundered

• Low abrasion resistance

• Requires delicate care

Ideal for feminine styles or elevated looks, viscose shorts should be purchased in a slightly relaxed fit to account for potential laundering effects. Confirm sizing consistency at Tellar.co.uk.

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6. Tencel™ / Lyocell

Applications: Sustainable casualwear, minimalist tailoring, hybrid loungewear

Brands using Tencel: Thought Clothing, Nobody’s Child, ARKET

Tencel (a branded form of lyocell) is made using a closed-loop process with non-toxic solvents and eucalyptus pulp, making it one of the most sustainable semi-synthetic options available.

Fabric benefits:

• Moisture management superior to cotton

• Naturally anti-bacterial

• Luxuriously smooth to touch

Technical pros:

• Eco-certified and biodegradable

• Doesn’t trap odours

• Regulates temperature well

Technical cons:

• Prone to wrinkling

• Slightly premium pricing

• Can fade with harsh detergents

Tencel shorts offer both performance and elegance—an ideal compromise for sustainability-minded consumers who don’t want to compromise on feel. Match your measurements with precision for luxury brands using this fibre.

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Which Material Suits Which Purpose?

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Tailoring Fabric Choice to Body Shape

• Curvier silhouettes: Stretch denim, cotton-elastane, or soft viscose minimise waist gap and enhance comfort

• Petite frames: Stiff cotton or high-rise linen styles elongate the lower half visually

• Tall builds: Flowy materials like linen or Tencel balance proportions and prevent stiffness

• Athletic builds: Opt for polyamide or spandex-blend shorts that move with the body

Not sure which brands accommodate your proportions? Tellar’s personalised system evaluates your measurements to recommend ideal sizes across specific stores. Start your free profile here.

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Conclusion: Fabric Dictates Function

Material should always be considered alongside style and size when shopping for shorts. Whether you're purchasing performance gear, travel-ready linen, or structured denim, the technical profile of the fabric determines how well the garment supports your lifestyle, holds up over time, and performs in real-world conditions.

Using Tellar.co.uk, you can eliminate guesswork from online shopping. With accurate body measurement input and data on over 1,500 brands, Tellar delivers sizing confidence—so you can focus on quality materials and styles that truly suit you.

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Find Your Fit, Fabric and Brand—All in One Place

• ✔ Create a free profile in 30 seconds at Tellar.co.uk

• ✔ Instantly compare sizes across luxury and high street brands

• ✔ Get smart recommendations based on real measurements, not guesswork

• ✔ Discover which materials and cuts work for your body type

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Connect with Tellar.co.uk

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