One day, we’ll show off fits in real life again, even if it takes a little re-learning along the way. The Highsnobiety Summer Style Guide is here to help, ensuring that lightweight pieces still result in heavyweight looks.
Like the weather, the NBA Playoffs are heating up and so are the looks on display. It's not just the player arrival fits that are turning heads, either.
Of all the sports, basketball arguably boasts the most wearable of regulation uniforms. Knee-length shorts, an antidote to the ultra-short inseam debate, fit seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe thanks to their laid-back style and wearability. Oh, and they're also comfy as hell.
Yes, the on-court gear might be better than ever, but you needn’t limit yourself to league-represented teams. There are loads of brands making cool options, and the simple cut of basketball shorts makes them super versatile and a perfect partner for sneakers. From classic adidas and Converse to luxury shorts from the likes of Y-3 and Needles, scroll through our round-up to see the full range of one of the sport’s most versatile wardrobe exports.
Shop the Best Basketball Shorts on and off the Court Below.
THISISNEVERTHAT Basketball Shorts
South Korean streetwear brand THISISNEVERTHAT has crafted a signature pair of basketball shorts using a style that is synonymous with AAU and college players around the world. Everything from the black minimal breathable mesh to the varsity-inspired printed logo on the left leg screams Monday practice. Stylistically, the simplicity of the shorts gives you more than enough room to mix and match with your garments. If you need a hint, we recommend starting with one of these tees.
Converse x Bandulu Basketball Shorts
Converse and Bandulu's Pat Peltier have recently come together to create a capsule collection that explores basketball's longstanding relationship with streetwear. These splattered basketball shorts are a product of the Boston natives' collab. Though they may look like accidental splashes of paint, each drop is intentional and meticulous. Peltier has managed to rework a Converse athletic staple adding his DIY calling card via hand-sewn silk paint embroidery. Successively, the artist has managed to turn these standard pair of shorts into a summer must-have worthy of a few fit pics.
Donovan Mitchell Shorts
As we have mentioned before, tie-dye is still a thing. Embrace the trend with Donovan "Spida" Mitchell's colorful basketball shorts. Coming in Turquoise blue with hints of yellow, pink, and white, the shorts are made from recycled materials. On-court technologies like the adidas AEROREADY will keep you dry and sweat-free whether you are ballin or coasting on a yacht somewhere. You won't go off and drop 45 in these, but these basketball shorts might give you a few style points.
Lululemon T.H.E. Short 9" Liner
These Short 9" Liners were made to handle the sweatiest of people thanks to Lululemon's sweat-wicking and quick-drying mesh fabric and Out of Mind™ (OOM™) liner. Designed for heavy training, the shorts are light and stretchy but hug your body as you move. If you turn into a swamp monster during the warmer months or need something to rock on your quest for the perfect summer body, you should give these a try.
John Elliot Game Shorts
Lavish but laid back is how we would go on to describe these shorts. Los Angeles designer JOHN ELLIOTT prides himself on constructing luxurious and comfortable garments that are wardrobe-friendly. Using gradient hues contrasted with knitted black trim and vented cuffs, the designer has managed to take the humble basketball shorts above the rim. Would you wear this during a game of one-on-one? Probably not. At a rooftop party in the middle of July? Hell yes.
Y-3 Shade Logo Mesh Drawstring Shorts
Y-3's laid-back wide-legged shorts feature massive draped pockets across its black textured stretch mesh body are topped off with a flamming holographic logo. If mastermind World's black shorts didn't win you over, these Y-3's are a superb alternative.
Rick Owens x Champion Logo-Embroidered Nylon Shorts
Rick Owens and Champion have returned with another beautifully hellish collection filled with monochromatic athleisure. Born out of Rick Owen's obsessive approach to fitness, the legendary designer wanted to create something that is functional but true to his gothic design ethos. Pieces from the collab like these basketball shorts feature both Owen's signature script logo and pentagram as well as the Champion logo. The grey basketball shorts include uncommon design features for the sports staple, like back pockets for your swag and a massive front zipper. Wear these with a pair of Geobaskets to make the dark lord of fashion happy.
Kapital Fast-Dry Easy Shorts
If you walk on the court with these, we can't promise that your friends won't clown you. However, in fashion circles, you might get the nod of approval for making such a bold choice. Not only is Kapital's eclectic cow print fun to style, but the best-in-class shorts are also made from taffeta — a lightweight, strong, and waterproof material. Give it time; you'll see these on your favorite basketball player soon.
mastermind WORLD Basketball Shorts
Black basketball shorts work on and off the court because of their styling adaptability. If you are planning to pull a pair, you might as well flex on your friends with these mastermind WORLD shorts. Simple, porous, and relaxed, the shorts include the Japanese brand's trademark skull and crossbones embroidery, helping you achieved a zen-like balance between the realms of streetwear and streetball.
Needles Drawstring Waist Basketball Shorts
Something also right on trend for the season, Needles gives us a no-frills pair of basketball shorts in stunning forest green. The button back pockets are excellent for those of us who need to secure our personal belongings before drop 15 points in a quick lunchtime pick-up game. These will pair well with your Nike READYMADE Blazers.
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