Three pairs of dark blue golf shorts to choose from
This collection brings together Local Rules golf shorts in dark blue and navy, and right now it comes down to three models: Shibuya Shorts - Dark Navy, Tech Shorts - Navy and the latest edition Tech Shorts - Navy '25. All three land in the same colour family, but they are not identical. The Shibuya model has its own fit and feel, while the Tech Shorts come in two versions where the '25 is the updated release. If you want to compare with the rest of the range, you'll find more models under trousers & shorts.
If you're unsure which of the navy shades suits you, the easiest thing is to look at how you plan to wear them. Dark Navy is a touch darker and more understated, while the plain Navy variants sit a little lighter. The difference is small in sunlight but shows more clearly under the clubhouse lighting.
Why navy is the most versatile colour on the course
Navy fills the same role in your wardrobe as a dark pair of suit trousers does off the course: it's neutral enough to work with almost everything else you already own. A white or light blue polo shirt sits cleanly against navy, a grey top gives a more muted tone, and if you want to break it up with a stronger colour, the dark blue shorts stay in the background and let the top do the talking.
It's also a colour that conceals more than it reveals. Grass stains, dirt from a bad lie and sweat show considerably less on dark blue than on beige or light grey, which makes the shorts a safe choice for a whole round. If you'd rather have a lighter base for summer, you'll find the equivalent selection in golf shorts beige, and for anyone looking for a completely neutral base, black golf shorts are an alternative.
The difference between Shibuya Shorts and Tech Shorts
The two ranges in this collection are built with different starting points. The Tech Shorts are the more purely performance-focused model, designed to move with your body through the swing and keep you cool as the pace and temperature rise. The fact that the model comes in both an earlier version and a Tech Shorts - Navy '25 means the details have been refined between seasons, but the core idea is the same.
The Shibuya Shorts have their own expression and a fit that leans a little more towards the smart side. When choosing between them, it's less about quality and more about how you want the shorts to fit and look. If you want a pair that also blends unnoticed into an everyday wardrobe, the Shibuya is often the safer choice. If you're after pure functionality for warm rounds, the Tech Shorts are the starting point.
How men's golf shorts should fit around the waist and thighs
Golf shorts should sit firmly at the waist without you having to pull them up after every swing. If they're too loose they slip down when you bend over the ball; if they're too tight they restrict rotation in your hips. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit a hand inside the waistband without it straining, and that the leg opening doesn't pinch around your thigh when you sit down.
Length is the other factor. Most modern golf shorts, including the models here, are cut to end just above the knee. That gives freedom of movement in the swing without the fabric flapping about. If you want to read more in detail, we've written both about how men's golf shorts should fit and about what length golf shorts should be.
How to find the right size before you order
The easiest way to choose a size is to measure a pair of shorts or trousers you already like at the waist, rather than guessing from a number you usually buy. Measure straight across the waistband of a pair lying flat, double the measurement, and compare with the size guide on the relevant product page. If you're between two sizes, the fit you prefer decides it: if you want a bit more room, go up; if you want a cleaner, more fitted silhouette, stick to the smaller one.
Models with stretch, like the Tech Shorts, are more forgiving if you end up in between, since the fabric gives around the hips and thighs. The Shibuya model also handles a closer fit thanks to its cut. Uncertainty about measurements is the most common reason for returns, so a few minutes with the tape measure before buying usually saves time afterwards.
Which socks and tops work with navy shorts
With dark blue golf shorts, both low, invisible socks and slightly higher models work, depending on the look you're after. White or navy socks are the safe choice that won't compete with the shorts. We've gathered the reasoning around this in the guide on which socks to wear with golf shorts.
Up top, navy opens up to almost anything. A light polo keeps the look classic, and when the evening cools down, a sweatshirt or a cap from golf caps complements it without breaking up the whole. Since navy is so neutral, it's the top and accessories that decide whether the look turns out sporty or more understated.
How to wash golf shorts without wearing down the material
Golf shorts with technical stretch and moisture wicking last longest if you wash them cool and avoid fabric softener, which settles like a film and reduces the fabric's ability to draw away sweat. Turn the shorts inside out, wash at 30 degrees together with similar materials, and skip the tumble dryer when you can, since high heat wears down elastane more than actually wearing them does.
Navy also benefits from being washed with other dark garments, so the colour keeps its depth season after season. Always follow the care instructions on the individual garment, but these principles apply to pretty much all technical golf clothing.
From the course to the rest of the day
One of the points of dark blue golf shorts is that they don't scream golf when you leave the course. The understated cut and neutral colour mean the same pair works for lunch afterwards, a walk or a relaxed evening, without you having to change. It's also one of the reasons navy keeps coming back year after year in the golf wardrobe.
If you want to build further on a wardrobe that works just as well on and off the course, we've gathered concrete ideas in the article about golf outfit ideas for men. There we cover how to combine shorts, polos and layers into a look that lasts all day.
