Last Updated on March 26, 2024
If you have already noticed by now, my entire wardrobe (and most of my wife’s) consists of Merino wool clothing. Why? It’s just something that we like; plain and simple. While this makes excellent socks, underwear, and base layers, Merino wool shorts is one piece of clothing that often goes overlooked.
So, I decided it was only fitting to put together a list of the top men’s Merino shorts for 2024 so that you may find a pair that works best for you. I’ll go over short buying criteria for specific features you should look out for, explain our rating systems, and then review the best Merino wool shorts for men!
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Merino Wool Shorts Quick Buying Criteria
Fabric
I won’t go into too much detail here, but you should know that Merino wool by itself is not the most durable of fabrics. Yes, it’s super soft and comfortable, but it can be prone to tears with heavy use. So, if you’re planning on doing some hardcore physical activity, grab a pair blended with synthetic material.
Also, many athletic shorts have a Merino wool liner for more comfort and odor resistance. So if that’s something you’re interested in, make sure that you check out shorts that have a liner. With some of these, you don’t even have to wear underwear. But that’s your choice.
Inseam Length
How short is too short for shorts? Well, it all depends on the inseam length. If you want to show off your quads, you’ll want a shorter inseam length of around seven inches. But if you want a pair of Merino shorts that go down to your knee, you’ll need an inseam of eleven inches or more.
Honestly, it depends on personal preference, so I won’t go into too much depth. Check out the image below for better visualization of some potential short inseam lengths.
Features & Fit
Aside from the fabric and the inseam, you’ll want to ensure that your shorts have all the features you deem necessary. Again, this depends on the person, but here are some added features on this list of top ten Merino wool shorts.
- Desired fit (slim, baggy, etc.)
- Built-in liner
- Number of pockets
- Pocket depth
- Belt loops
- Closure type (snap, button, elastic, etc.)
- Built-in waistband adjustments
- Mesh venting
- Padding (for cycling)
Our Shorts Rating System Explained
Comfort Rating
When we talk about comfort, we refer to a combination of factors. For one, we focus on the Merino wool composition of each pair because the rule of thumb is that the more Merino, the softer the shorts will feel. However, other factors like fabric weight, knitting technique, and seam construction affect comfort levels. If comfort is your top priority, you can use the following questions in our ranking system to guide your research.
- Does the fabric or construction impede performance or restrict movement?
- Are there any features that aim to enhance comfort or feel?
- Do the seams itch, rub, or irritate you?
- Is the waistband too tight or too loose?
Style Rating
Style is a difficult factor to quantify. Shorts that look good on you may look horrible on the next person. So, while we admit our style ranking is predominantly subjective, there are a few factors that we look at:
- Fit type
- Inseam length vs. intended use
- Available color & size selection
- Casualness vs. Formalness
Versatility Rating
We subscribe to the “less-is-more” clothing philosophy, so versatility is critical to our ranking system. Unfortunately, many of these shorts are designed for activity-specific features, so they may not be suitable for everyday life. And if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on a pair, we hope that you can wear them as much as possible.
It’s important to note that versatility is subjective, so this ranking should be taken with a grain of salt. Instead, it’s meant to be a comparative guide to answer the question of how many different situations a pair of shorts can be worn in.
Value Rating
As you’ll read, many of these shorts are expensive; the higher price tag is one of the few disadvantages of Merino wool. Although, we don’t just use price within our value ranking. Other factors like durability (tear-resistance), ease of laundering (will it cost time or money to wash?), and overall quality (how long will they last?) also play a significant role in how we rank value.
Best Overall Merino Wool Shorts For Men
Icebreaker Men’s Shifter Shorts
Specs & Features
Fabric: 100% Merino wool terry
Inseam: 9″
Closure: Internal drawstring with elastic waistband
Pockets: 2 front slash pockets
Fit: Regular
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Ultrasoft & breathable terry material
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Functional design for everyday use
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Large thigh openings for better movement
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Length may be too long for short guys
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Pockets could use better closure
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Limited color options
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Best Value Merino Wool Shorts
Ridge Merino Aspect Merino Wool Short
Specs & Features
Fabric: 84% Merino Wool & 16% Nylon (180 gsm)
Inseam: 8″
Closure: Internal drawstring
Pockets: None
Fit: Relaxed
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Industry-leading fabric durability
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Top price-to-quality ratio
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Extended coverage for warmth
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Lacking additional features
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Sizing discrepancies
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Availability
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Best For Running Shorts With Merino Liner
Smartwool Men’s Active Lined 5″ Short
Specs & Features
Fabric: 53% Merino & 47% Lyocell (lining) | 86% Polyester & 14% Elastane (shell)
Inseam: 5″
Closure: Internal drawstring
Pockets: 1 zippered back pocket
Fit: Athletic
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Technical performance & comfort features
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Breathable liner and quick-drying shell
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Trusted Merino wool brand
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Liner durability
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Side waistband design
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Short inseam may be revealing
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Best Merino Wool Hiking Shorts
Specs & Features
Fabric: 45% Merino, 45% Lyocell, & 10% Nylon (lining) | 91% Nylon & 9% Spandex (shell)
Inseam: 6 7/8″
Closure: Internal drawstring with elastic waistband
Pockets: 2 total (1 zippered back pocket & 1 interior hidden pocket)
Fit: Slim
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Best-in-class durability
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Improved weather resistance
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Useful hidden pocket for day hikes
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Liner may be tight for large thighs
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Minimal color options
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Not as technical as other hiking shorts
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Best Merino Wool Gym Shorts
NOBULL Men’s Blended Merino Wool Short 7″
Specs & Features
Fabric: 59% Merino, 38% Lyocell, & 3% Spandex
Inseam: 7″
Closure: Internal elastic waistband
Pockets: 2 front
Fit: Performance
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High-performance fabric & construction
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Flattering fit for athletic body types
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Odor-free after multiple wears
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Long-term durability concerns
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Sizing discrepancies
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Minimal color selection
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Best Lightweight Shorts For Yoga
Woolly Men’s MerinoAire Shorts
Specs & Features
Fabric: 95% Merino & 5% Elastane (360 gsm)
Inseam: 7″
Closure: Exterior drawstring
Pockets: 2 front pockets
Fit: Athletic
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Enhanced construction for improved range of motion
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Flow & fabric provide an ultralight feel
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Minimalist design
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Not as durable as other options
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Shorter inseam yet longer leg length
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Potential laundry issues
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Best Shorts For Golf
Wool & Prince Stretch Canvas Short
Specs & Features
Fabric: 55% Merino, 41% Elasterell-p (polyester), & 4% Spandex (285 gsm)
Inseam: 7″ & 9″ available
Closure: Classic button
Pockets: 5 (2 front & 2 back)
Fit: Slim
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Fantastic stretch & recovery
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More-than-acceptable style for most golf clubs
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Waist size options (30-38)
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Most expensive option on this list
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Noted shrinkage up to 1/2″
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Prone to snags & tears
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Best Wool Cycling Shorts
De Marchi Classic Merino Short
Specs & Features
Fabric: ~90% Merino wool & 10% Spandex
Inseam: ~10″
Closure: Elastic waistband
Pockets: None
Fit: Slim
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High-performance design
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High-density foam padding
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Vintage 80s cycling style
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On the high end of our price rankings
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Limited versatility
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Better options for casual cyclists
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Best Merino Wool Compression Shorts
Icebreaker Men’s Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Shorts
Specs & Features
Fabric: 100% Merino wool (200 gsm)
Inseam: 11.4″
Closure: Classic waistband
Pockets: None
Fit: Next-to-skin (compression)
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Four-season use
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No-irritation seam construction
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Extended length to top of knee
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Not as compressive as synthetics
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No fly
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Only available in black
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Best Merino Shorts For Sleep
Dagsmejan Nattwarm™ Sleep Tech Shorts
Dagsmejan Sleep Tech Shorts: Specs & Features
Fabric: 56% Lyocell, 38% Merino, & 6% Spandex
Inseam: 11″
Closure: Minimal-adjusting waistband with ribbon
Pockets: 2 front pockets
Fit: Semi-fitted
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Comfort-centric design
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Optimal nighttime warmth & breathability
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Developed by sleep experts & researchers
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Low Merino wool composition
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Waistband adjustment concerns
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Expensive for sleep shorts
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Final Note
And there you have it; the not-so-short guide to the top men’s Merino wool shorts of 2024. We covered everything from high-tech running shorts to fashionable golf shorts and every type in between.
When searching through these options, remember not to overlook the material, the inseam length, valuable features, and recommended activities. The last thing you want to do is spend triple digits on a pair of shorts only to realize they aren’t meant for you. Although, most of the brands above have comprehensive warranties and return policies if you’re unsatisfied. So, why not give them a try?
If you’re looking for more reviews about your favorite Merino Wool Gear, check out the rest of our site! Also, if you want us to review a specific product, need a recommendation, or just want to chat, feel free to send us a DM! Or, for quick hits, deals, and even a few giveaways, you can follow us on any of the major social channels.
Thanks again for reading!