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Lightweight Summer Shorts

Find lightweight summer shorts in easygoing styles that fit your wardrobe. Compare length, fit and sizing in the individual product details to narrow down the selection and choose a pair to go with your favorite shirts and tees.

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Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 10"
L.L.Bean Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 10"
A pair of lightweight, breathable 100% cotton cargo shorts with elastic side panels for all-day comfort.
(3,006)
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
What customers like:
Durable construction
Lightweight material
True to size
Deep pockets
Comfortable fit
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 6"
L.L.Bean Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 6"
A durable pair of gray cotton cargo shorts with a comfort waist and 6" inseam.
(2,011)
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
What customers like:
Lightweight and durable
High quality fabric
Versatile style
Ample pockets
Comfortable fit
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
Men's Lakewashed® Stretch Khaki Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's Lakewashed® Stretch Khaki Shorts, 9"
A pair of khaki shorts in washed cotton twill with 2% spandex for added comfort and flexibility.
(1,676)
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
What customers like:
High quality
Perfect fit
Durable
Comfortable
Breathable
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
Men's Dock Shorts, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Dock Shorts, 8"
A pair of 8" coastal dune shorts with an elastic drawstring waist, made from 100% organic cotton twill.
(1,664)
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
What customers like:
Lightweight and durable
High quality
Versatile design
Great color options
Comfortable fit
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
Women's Vista Camp Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Vista Camp Shorts
A lightweight, abrasion-resistant pair of shorts with UPF 50+ protection and a fully elastic waistband.
(1,449)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
What customers like:
Lightweight fabric
Quick-drying material
Flattering fit
Good quality
Comfortable fit
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Women's Stretch Ripstop Pull-on Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Stretch Ripstop Pull-on Shorts
A pair of green cotton shorts with stretch, elastic waistband, and adjustable inseam for versatile comfort.
(1,432)
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
What customers like:
High-quality material
Versatile adjustable length
Attractive color options
Comfortable fit
Functional deep pockets
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 8"
A pair of yellow nylon sport shorts featuring quick-drying, UPF 50+ SUPPLEX fabric and mesh liner.
(1,374)
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
Women's Vista Camp Bermuda Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Vista Camp Bermuda Shorts
A lightweight, abrasion-resistant black Bermuda short with UPF 50+ protection and a comfy elastic waistband.
(1,331)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
What customers like:
Lightweight fabric
Quick-drying material
Flattering shape
Deep zippered pockets
Comfortable fit
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Men's Cresta Shorts, 10"
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Shorts, 10"
A durable, lightweight nylon blend hiking short with UPF 50+ protection and multiple zippered pockets.
(1,301)
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
What customers like:
Quick drying
Good quality
Lightweight
Nice pockets with zippers
Comfortable fit
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 6"
L.L.Bean Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 6"
A lightweight, quick-drying yellow nylon short with UPF 50+ protection and breathable mesh liner.
(1,262)
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 9"
A pair of alloy gray, quick-dry shorts with UPF 50+ protection and stretch comfort for active wear.
(1,176)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
Quick-dry fabric
Lightweight shorts
Versatile design
Water resistance
Comfortable fit
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise
L.L.Bean Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise
A pair of mid-rise, boulder-colored shorts in a soft, stretchy cotton blend with an elastic waist.
(476)
$49.95 $34.99
SALE
What customers like:
Well-made
Durable
True to size
Versatile
Comfortable
$49.95 $34.99
SALE
Men's Tropicwear Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's Tropicwear Shorts, 9"
A pair of frost gray, 9" nylon shorts with sun protection and a semi-elasticized waistband.
(372)
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Stylish look
Secure pockets
Lightweight material
Comfortable
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Chambray
L.L.Bean Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Chambray
A pair of mid-rise chambray shorts in a soft-washed organic cotton blend with a drawstring waist.
(356)
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
High-quality material
Functional pockets
Versatile style
Exceptional comfort
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 7"
L.L.Bean Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 7"
A pair of graphite workout shorts with UPF 50+ protection, featuring stretch comfort and quick-dry performance.
(274)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
Wrinkle-resistant
Perfect fit
Lightweight
Comfortable material
Deep pockets
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Women's Tropicwear Shorts, Mid-Rise
L.L.Bean Women's Tropicwear Shorts, Mid-Rise
A mid-rise, frost gray short with UPF 50+ protection, made from moisture-wicking nylon/spandex blend.
(143)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Lightweight fabric
Good pockets
High quality workmanship
Excellent comfort
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Women's Tropicwear Comfort Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Tropicwear Comfort Shorts
A pair of storm blue, mid-rise fishing shorts with UPF 50+ protection and a stretchy, fast-drying fabric.
(70)
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
What customers like:
Good inseam length
Easy on and off
Soft fabric
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
Women's Access Trail Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Access Trail Shorts
A versatile pair of black shorts with UPF 50+ protection, made from quick-drying nylon and spandex.
(0)
$54.95 $34.99
SALE
$54.95 $34.99
SALE
Women's Bean's Seacoast Seersucker Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Bean's Seacoast Seersucker Shorts
A cool blue seersucker short in a soft cotton-modal blend with easy stretch and handy pockets.
(0)
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Embroidery
L.L.Bean Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Embroidery
A lightweight blue short made from soft, stretchy organic cotton with embroidery and an easy pull-on waist.
(0)
$54.95 $34.99
SALE
$54.95 $34.99
SALE
Women's Multisport Trail Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Multisport Trail Shorts
A pair of thyme-colored, mid-rise shorts made from a soft, durable polyester blend with UPF 50+ protection.
(0)
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
Men's Comfort Stretch® Chino Shorts, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Comfort Stretch® Chino Shorts, 8"
A breathable cotton/CoolMax blend offers comfort and moisture-wicking in these brown 8" chino shorts.
(0)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Women's Comfort Stretch Shorts, Seersucker Bermudas 9"
L.L.Bean Women's Comfort Stretch Shorts, Seersucker Bermudas 9"
A pair of blue cotton seersucker Bermuda shorts with a mid-rise fit and convenient pockets.
(0)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Men's Access Trail Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's Access Trail Shorts, 9"
A versatile green short with UPF 50+ protection, made from a quick-drying nylon-spandex blend.
(0)
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
$64.95 $44.99
SALE

Lightweight Summer Shorts

Lightweight summer shorts bring a simple, familiar look to a seasonal wardrobe, with less emphasis on weight and more room for personal style. The appeal starts with the basics: a length that feels right, a shape that suits the wearer, and details that work naturally with favorite shirts and shoes. Some people prefer a neat, understated silhouette; others like a more relaxed outline or a little more length through the leg. Neither approach needs much dressing up. A favorite tee, a casually tucked shirt, or an open layer can give the same pair a different character without changing the easygoing feel. Lightweight describes the weight of the shorts, but it does not tell the whole story about their fabric, fit, or care requirements. Those details deserve a closer look in each individual description rather than assumptions based on the category name. Fabric composition is one consideration, alongside the way a pair is cut and the finishing details shown in the photos. A lightweight design can have its own distinct shape, texture, and appearance, so comparing more than the front view helps give a fuller picture. Notice the side profile, the placement of seams, and how the hem sits relative to the leg opening. Color and pattern also influence how shorts fit into an existing wardrobe. A quiet shade can keep an outfit understated, while a pattern can become its main point of interest. Thinking about the shirts already hanging in the closet often makes the choice more personal and less complicated. The result should feel familiar in the best way: shorts that reflect the wearer’s preferences rather than requiring a whole new approach to getting dressed. That straightforward versatility is part of the lasting appeal of summer style, whether the wardrobe leans toward classic combinations or a more relaxed mix of shapes and colors.

Fit is often the most meaningful difference between two pairs of lightweight summer shorts that look similar at first glance. The size label is only a starting point; waist, hip, rise, inseam, and leg opening each contribute to the overall proportions. A preferred pair already at home can offer a useful point of comparison, especially when its measurements are considered alongside the size information for another style. The rise affects where the waistband sits, while the inseam describes the length along the inside of the leg. Looking at both helps distinguish a pair that sits higher on the waist from one that simply has a longer leg. Hem placement is personal, too. Someone who likes shorts well above the knee may approach the same selection differently from someone who prefers more coverage, and height alone does not determine that preference. Photos can help show proportions, but measurements provide a more concrete reference than an image by itself. Waistband construction and closure details are worth considering in the same practical way: the important question is how a particular design compares with what the wearer already enjoys. Pocket placement can change the visual line of a pair, and pocket dimensions, when provided, give more useful information than appearance alone. A phone visible in a photograph does not establish how another phone will fit, especially with a case attached. For fit checks at home, standing, sitting, and taking a few steps can reveal differences that a quick glance in the mirror misses. Notice whether the waistband rests where expected and whether the hem and leg opening have the desired proportions. Intended use belongs in the comparison as well, but should come from the individual description rather than the word lightweight. For a more specific category, explore Lightweight Hiking Summer Shorts and review the details of each style. Keeping those distinctions clear makes it easier to choose by the information that matters instead of treating every pair of summer shorts as interchangeable.

Care and durability deserve attention alongside appearance, particularly when a pair is being considered as a wardrobe staple. Lightweight is a weight description, not a promise about how long shorts will last or how they should be washed. Material information, construction details, and the care label provide the better foundation for those expectations. Washing temperature, drying method, and any special instructions should be checked for the individual garment; a routine that suits one pair may not suit another. The most practical choice is often one whose stated care requirements fit comfortably into the household’s usual routine. Someone who prefers straightforward laundry habits may weigh those instructions differently from someone happy to set aside garments for separate care. Before putting shorts away between seasons, follow their care directions and check that they are clean and fully dry. A quick look at closures, seams, and pockets can also bring small maintenance needs to attention before the next wear. These ordinary habits are less noticeable than color or cut, but they are part of taking care of clothing over time. The same thoughtful approach makes shorts a more personal gift. For a partner, relative, or friend who already enjoys this style, knowing a preferred inseam, usual rise, and favored silhouette is more helpful than choosing by size alone. A pair they often reach for can supply useful clues without assuming that everyone likes the same length or fit. If those preferences are not known, letting the recipient take part in the choice keeps the focus on what they will enjoy wearing. Summer shorts can remain part of a wardrobe even when the local season changes, but there is no need to plan an entire outfit or occasion around a purchase. A clear sense of personal style, attention to measurements, and realistic care expectations provide a sound starting point. From the first comparison to the familiar place a favorite pair eventually holds in the closet, the value lies in thoughtful details and a choice that feels right for the individual.
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