How loose-fitting golf shorts should sit on the course
Loose-fitting golf shorts sit airily over your thighs and seat without pulling tight when you bend down to tee up the ball or twist your body in the swing. The point is freedom of movement: the fabric should follow the body, not resist it. At the same time, "loose" is not the same as "too big". A good loose fit hangs nicely from the waist, falls straight down along the leg and leaves room around the thigh, but doesn't flap and doesn't slide down. If they sit too loose they start to twist as you walk, and the fabric pockets slap against your leg with every step.
The two models in this collection, Shibuya Shorts - Offwhite and Shibuya Shorts - Dark Navy, are built for exactly that balance: a relaxed fit that makes room for the swing without becoming so wide that it disturbs your play. If you want to compare with the full range, you'll find more models under trousers & shorts.
A loose fit without the shorts being too big
The most common question behind "loose golf shorts" is how loose you should actually go. The benchmark is simple: you should be able to slide a flat hand inside the waistband without it feeling tight, and you should be able to do a deep squat without the fabric straining across your thighs. But the waist should still hold without a belt, and the leg opening shouldn't gape.
The difference between loose and too big shows most clearly in movement. A round of golf is four to five hours and several kilometres of walking, and a pair that's one size too big starts to slide and requires you to constantly pull them up. If you're unsure between two sizes on a relaxed model, it's usually wiser to choose the smaller one and let the relaxed cut provide the freedom of movement, rather than sizing up. When trying them on, take a few steps and do a practice swing.
The right length for loose-fitting shorts
The length determines whether a pair of loose-fitting shorts looks relaxed or just big. Most men's golf shorts have an inseam of around 18 to 23 centimetres, which corresponds to the hem landing just above the knee. On a loose-fitting model that length is extra important: a shorter cut combined with a wide fit can look baggy, while a length that ends right at or just above the knee balances the width and keeps the silhouette clean.
A practical tip is to let the hem end where the leg is at its narrowest above the knee. If you want to dig deeper into how length affects both looks and comfort, we've written more in the guide what length should golf shorts be.
Light and breathable materials for warm rounds
Loose-fitting shorts come into their own when it's warm, and then the fabric matters at least as much as the fit. A light, airy material lets air through and wicks away sweat, so the shorts don't cling to your skin on the back of your thigh during a hot July round. Some stretch in the fabric also helps the swing: even a relaxed fit benefits from the material giving way in the twist rather than resisting it.
The combination of a loose cut and breathable fabric is also what makes a pair of golf shorts comfortable after the round, on the clubhouse terrace or on the way home. If you're looking for longer alternatives for cooler days, we have lightweight golf trousers built in the same spirit.
Pockets that hold tees, ball and scorecard
One detail that separates real golf shorts from ordinary summer shorts is the pockets. On the course you need room for a spare ball, a couple of tees, a pitch fork and a scorecard, and the pockets should hold that without becoming bulky or dropping things when you bend down. On loose-fitting models the pockets also sit a little more airily against the leg, which means a full pocket doesn't pull the fabric out of shape.
It's this practical side that makes a pair of golf shorts work through an entire round. If you want to complement them with the right accessories to put in your pocket, you'll find them under accessories.
Offwhite or Dark Navy
The collection comes in two colours, and the choice mostly comes down to how you want to build the rest of the outfit. Shibuya Shorts - Offwhite is the lighter, more summery variant that gives an airy feel and pairs nicely with darker polos. Shibuya Shorts - Dark Navy is the more neutral all-round colour that's easy to match and stays clean longer during a dusty round.
Offwhite lifts a light summer look but requires a bit more care with washing, while navy is the safe choice that works with almost everything you already have in your wardrobe. If you prefer fully dark alternatives, black golf shorts are gathered separately.
Match the shorts with the rest of the outfit
A pair of loose-fitting shorts only becomes a complete outfit together with the right top and accessories. A well-fitting polo balances the relaxed bottom half and keeps the look within golf's dress code. Explore the range under polo shirts, and complement it with a cap from caps to protect against the sun on the open holes.
An often forgotten detail is the socks: with shorts, most people choose ankle socks that are barely visible, rather than high socks. If you want concrete advice, we've gathered it in which socks to wear with golf shorts. More ideas for the whole look can be found in golf outfit ideas for men.
Keep an eye on the club's dress code
Before you choose shorts, it's worth knowing that not all courses allow shorts the whole season or in all settings, and some clubs have rules about length and that shorts must be worn with the right socks. A relaxed fit is fully compatible with most dress codes as long as the shorts are proper golf shorts and not leisurewear. If you're unsure what applies, it pays to check the club's rules in advance, so you avoid unpleasant surprises on the first tee.
We've gone through how golf's dress code works in practice in golf dress code, and why shorts are sometimes restricted in why aren't you allowed to wear shorts on the golf course.
