What Material Should I Buy for Shorts? Here's What I Learned

I’ve always been one of those people who could spend ages picking out a pair of shorts—debating the cut, the colour, the waistband, the pockets. But for the longest time, I overlooked something far more important: the material.

It wasn’t until I started really paying attention to fabric that I realised how much of a difference it makes. Shorts can look great on the hanger, but if the material doesn’t suit your body, the season, or the occasion—you’ll end up uncomfortable, unflattered, or just annoyed. So, I did a deep dive into the most common fabrics used in shorts and here’s what I found out.

Why Material Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest, most of us focus on how shorts look. But after wearing everything from stiff denim cut-offs to sweat-trapping polyesters on a 30-degree day, I’ve learned that material affects everything—from how breathable the shorts are, to how they stretch (or don’t), how they wash, and how they hold their shape.

It’s one of the most important decisions you can make—especially if you want to find something that suits your body shape and doesn’t just “kind of” fit. And if you're shopping across multiple brands (which all size differently, of course), it gets even more complicated. That’s exactly why I started using Tellar.co.uk—but more on that later.

Cotton Shorts – Great for Everyday, Not for Sweat

Let’s start with the classic. Cotton is everywhere. It’s soft, breathable, and usually the easiest option for everyday wear. I love my cotton drawstring shorts for lounging or running errands. But I’ve learned they’re not great when things heat up. Pure cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it, which means once you sweat, they stay damp.

If you want cotton that holds its shape and feels a bit more structured, go for a cotton blend. Something with a touch of elastane or polyester gives you better durability and comfort. I’ve had great luck with brands like Uniqlo and M&S when it comes to cotton blends.

Linen Shorts – My Go-To for Holidays and Hot Weather

I didn’t understand the hype around linen until I wore it on a trip to Italy in 35°C heat. Now I’m fully converted. Linen shorts are incredibly lightweight and breathable. They’ve got this effortlessly cool, just-stepped-off-a-yacht energy—but they do wrinkle. A lot.

To get the best of both worlds, I now look for linen-cotton or linen-viscose blends, which keep that breezy feel without creasing as much. If you’re shopping brands like Massimo Dutti or Reiss, keep an eye out for blended options. And if you’re unsure of how they’ll fit, Tellar.co.uk helped me find my size across brands I hadn’t worn before.

Denim Shorts – Reliable, but Choose Your Cut Wisely

Denim shorts are a staple in most wardrobes. But they can be a pain if you get the wrong pair. I’ve owned rigid pairs that dug into my waist and others that stretched out after two wears. These days, I go for stretch denim, usually with 1–2% elastane. It gives that iconic denim look but with a lot more comfort.

If you’re curvier like me, high-waisted stretch denim is your best friend. Just make sure to check sizing because denim sizing is notoriously inconsistent. Tellar’s size tool has saved me from so many returns—it matches your body measurements to over 1,500 brands, including ones like Levi’s and Mango.

Polyester and Nylon – Perfect for Gym or Swim

When it comes to activewear or swim shorts, synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon really shine. I used to think these were just cheap materials, but I’ve changed my mind. When done right, they’re lightweight, quick-drying, and durable—perfect for working out or beach days.

That said, some cheaper versions can feel plasticky or trap odours, so I stick to brands that use technical fabrics—like Nike, Adidas, or Sweaty Betty. If you want comfort and performance, look for shorts that include spandex or elastane for stretch.

Viscose – Silky, Floaty and Surprisingly Stylish

This one surprised me. Viscose isn’t as well known, but it’s one of my favourite materials for dressier shorts. It drapes beautifully and has a soft, silky feel—perfect for smarter looks or summer evenings out. I own a pair from & Other Stories that almost feel like wearing pyjamas (but look polished).

The only downside? Viscose can shrink or warp in the wash if you’re not careful. I always wash on a gentle cycle and hang dry. It’s delicate, but worth it.

Tencel – My Favourite Sustainable Option

If you’re into sustainable fashion, you’ve probably heard of Tencel (aka lyocell). It’s breathable, soft, antibacterial and made in a super eco-friendly way. I bought a pair from Thought Clothing last year and they still feel brand new.

Tencel has this natural sheen and softness that makes it feel more premium than cotton or even linen. It's also great for sensitive skin or hot weather. If you’re looking for sustainable brands with well-fitting options, check out Tellar’s store lookup—I found loads I hadn’t heard of before.

So, What’s the Best Material for Shorts?

Honestly, it depends on what you need. Here’s what I’ve personally found works:

Need	My Go-To Fabric
Hot weather	Linen or Tencel
Everyday	Cotton blend or light denim
Gym	Polyester + elastane
Smart/casual	Viscose or linen blend
Travel	Lightweight stretch cotton or wrinkle-resistant poly
Sustainable	Organic cotton or Tencel

One Last Thing: Fit Still Matters Most

Even the best fabric won’t work if the fit is off. I’ve made so many returns over the years because I was “probably a medium” or “usually a 12.” But brands all size differently—and it’s even worse for shorts because rise, length, and waist-to-hip ratio vary a lot.

That’s why I started using Tellar.co.uk. You just enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements (or your size in one brand), and it tells you your best-fitting size in over 1,500 brands—including high street and designer. It’s honestly made online shopping so much easier.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Pair?

If you’re tired of buying shorts that don’t fit, feel wrong, or shrink in the wash—start with the fabric. Then let Tellar.co.uk handle the sizing.

Create your free profile here
Match your body to real brand data
Compare sizes across UK, US, and EU brands
No more guesswork—just great fit, every time

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