Mens Extreme Shorts

Qualities of Men’s Extreme Shorts

Of course, first, you want the shorts you sport for serious play to be well constructed. Much like the play clothes your parents bought you when you were little, you want something that will hold up under pressure and will be easy to wash and care for. You also want fabric that breathes and is lightweight. When you’re working up a heavy sweat and are pushing your muscles to the limit, you don’t want your clothes to hamper your body’s natural cooling abilities in any way.

It’s also become more common for active wear to include some sun protection factor. Most natural fabrics shield the skin from sunburn anyway, but if you’re out in the sun all day, you'll want as much extra protection as you can get. Sunblock alone is not a good option because it wears off quickly and needs to be continually reapplied. Clothes that block the rays will give you that much more comfort and protection.

Depending on your sport, some shorts will also have padding to keep hips and thighs safe from bumps and bruises. Generally, these kinds of shorts are meant to be worn underneath another layer.

Finally, if you’re going to be in or near water, it’s useful to have shorts designed to repel water and dry quickly. A great day can end on a grumpy note if you have to spend any time sitting around in damp clothes.

Shopping for Men’s Extreme Shorts

These are shorts are for function, not fashion, so looks are not as important as a good fit.

At Sportsman Guide, you can get serious gear for all activities. Their men’s extreme shorts are made of brushed, moisture-wicking nylon and can double as a swimsuit. They feature a generous cut for maximum comfort, mesh-lined pockets that help speed up the drying time and Velcro on the pockets to enclose valuables. The shorts can also pack down into their own zippered back pocket.

Amazon carries “Xtreme” shorts from ASI, to wear under other shorts or trousers. Built with foam padding to protect the hip and thigh joints and the tailbone, they also include compression that supports the hamstrings and quads. The fabric is designed to wick moisture, so these shorts are very good for skating, skateboarding, mountain boarding, biking, or other such extreme sports.

At Layline, you can get gear designed predominately for sailing but could also be used for other sports. Their Camet Hobart Extreme Shorts are excellent for water wear, made of a tough, light nylon that is water repellent, dries quickly, and has a UV rating of 40+. They have offset side seams to reduce chafing, back pockets with Velcro closures, a Velcro waist, and a reinforced seat.

Maintaining Your Shorts

Although they’re designed to take a beating, you should still take good care of your shorts so that they will last. Even shorts that can be machine-washed will do better if they are washed by hand, or at least hang-dried. There’s no reason for them not to last several seasons!