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Stretch Performance Shorts for Summer Activity

Find stretch performance shorts for summer activity, with options to suit your style and fit preferences. Compare each pair’s length, waistband and pocket details to help choose the right shorts for your summer plans.

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Men's Cresta Shorts, 10"
L.L.Bean Men's Cresta Shorts, 10"
Blue hiking shorts in durable nylon-spandex with two-way stretch, UPF 50+ protection, and secure 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 L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 9"
A blue multisport short with recycled synthetic fabric, stretch, quick-dry performance, and UPF 50+ protection.
(1,176)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
Quick-dry fabric
Great looks
Lightweight comfort
Versatile design
True to size
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Men's Tropicwear Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's Tropicwear Shorts, 9"
A gray nylon-blend short with stretch, 97.5% sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric, and removable belt.
(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 Tropicwear Shorts, Mid-Rise
L.L.Bean Women's Tropicwear Shorts, Mid-Rise
Gray mid-rise shorts in stretch nylon/spandex with UPF 50+ sun protection, quick-drying fabric and multiple pockets.
(143)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Lightweight
Good pockets
High quality workmanship
Comfortable
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Women's Tropicwear Comfort Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Tropicwear Comfort Shorts
A pair of gray women's fishing shorts with recycled polyester, stretch, UPF 50+ protection and pockets.
(70)
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
What customers like:
Good inseam length
Easy on and off
Soft fabric
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 7"
L.L.Bean Men's L.L.Bean Multisport Shorts, 7"
A pair of black athletic shorts with quick-drying stretch fabric, UPF 50+, and secure pockets.
(274)
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
What customers like:
High quality
Wrinkle-resistant
Lightweight
Deep pockets
Comfortable
$64.95 $64.95
SALE
Men's Comfort Stretch Performance® Everywhere Chino Shorts, 6"
L.L.Bean Men's Comfort Stretch Performance® Everywhere Chino Shorts, 6"
A blue performance chino short in stretchy cotton-nylon twill, with abrasion resistance and a soft washed finish.
(0)
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
$74.95 $74.95
SALE
Men's Access Trail Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's Access Trail Shorts, 9"
Blue men's trail shorts in lightweight, quick-drying nylon-spandex with UPF 50+ protection, stretch, and zippered pockets.
(0)
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
$64.95 $44.99
SALE
Men's VentureStretch Five-Pocket Shorts, 9"
L.L.Bean Men's VentureStretch Five-Pocket Shorts, 9"
Men’s blue five-pocket performance shorts feature stretchy nylon-spandex fabric, UPF 50+ sun protection, and water-repellent durability.
(0)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Men's Comfort Stretch Performance® Everywhere Chino Shorts, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Comfort Stretch Performance® Everywhere Chino Shorts, 8"
Blue chino shorts in a soft cotton-nylon blend with stretchy, abrasion-resistant performance fabric.
(0)
$74.95 $49.99
SALE
$74.95 $49.99
SALE
Men's VentureStretch Chino Shorts, 7"
L.L.Bean Men's VentureStretch Chino Shorts, 7"
Gray performance chino shorts in water- and abrasion-resistant nylon-spandex fabric with UPF 50+ protection.
(0)
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
Women's Vista Camp Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Vista Camp Shorts
Lightweight green nylon-spandex shorts with quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric, UPF 50+ protection, stretch waistband, and zip pockets.
(1,449)
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
What customers like:
Lightweight fabric
High quality
Quick-drying material
True to size
Comfortable fit
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
Women's Multisport Trail Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Multisport Trail Shorts
A green trail short in recycled polyester blend with UPF 50+ and quick-drying, water-resistant fabric.
(0)
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
Women's Vista Camp Bermuda Shorts
L.L.Bean Women's Vista Camp Bermuda Shorts
A green Bermuda short in abrasion-resistant nylon-spandex ripstop with stretch, quick-drying fabric and UPF 50+ protection.
(1,331)
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
What customers like:
Quick-drying material
Good length
Deep zipper pockets
Comfortable fit
Generous sizing
$69.95 $44.99
SALE
Men's Ripstop Hybrid Shorts, 7"
L.L.Bean Men's Ripstop Hybrid Shorts, 7"
Blue hybrid shorts in recycled nylon-spandex with UPF 50+ protection, water-repellent quick-drying performance, and swim versatility.
(0)
$69.95 $34.99
SALE
$69.95 $34.99
SALE
Men's Comfort Stretch® Chino Shorts, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Comfort Stretch® Chino Shorts, 8"
A pair of brown chino shorts in breathable cotton/COOLMAX® twill with stretch and moisture-wicking comfort.
(0)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Men's Mountainside Ripstop Shorts, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Mountainside Ripstop Shorts, 8"
A pair of gray ripstop shorts with stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, UPF 50+ protection, and gusseted mobility.
(0)
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
$69.95 $69.95
SALE
Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 10"
L.L.Bean Men's Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts, Comfort Waist, 10"
Green cotton cargo shorts with breathable tropical-weight fabric, elastic comfort waist, and secure button-closure pockets.
(3,006)
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
What customers like:
High quality
Perfect fit
Lightweight
Deep pockets
Comfortable
$54.95 $54.95
SALE
Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 8"
Yellow nylon sport shorts with UPF 50+, quick-drying fabric, mesh liner, and adjustable drawstring.
(1,374)
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Chambray
L.L.Bean Women's Lakewashed Dock Shorts, Mid-Rise Chambray
A pair of blue mid-rise shorts in soft-washed organic cotton with stretch and drawstring waist.
(356)
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
What customers like:
Great fit
Soft material
Functional pockets
Versatile style
Exceptional comfort
$49.95 $49.95
SALE
Men's Vacationland Stretch Swim Trunks, Print, 8"
L.L.Bean Men's Vacationland Stretch Swim Trunks, Print, 8"
A blue swim short with four-way stretch, quick-drying recycled fabric, UPF 50+, and a supportive liner.
(196)
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
What customers like:
Attractive color
Convenient zip pocket
True to size
Roomy design
Comfortable fit
$59.95 $39.99
SALE
Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 6"
L.L.Bean Men's Sport Shorts with SUPPLEX® fabric, 6"
A pair of yellow nylon sport shorts with UPF 50+ protection, quick-drying liner, and adjustable drawstring.
(1,262)
$44.95 $44.95
SALE
$44.95 $44.95
SALE

Stretch Performance Shorts for Summer Activity

Stretch performance shorts for summer activity bring the flexibility of stretch to a familiar summer wardrobe essential. Their appeal is straightforward: a pair of shorts should feel right for the way a person moves, fit comfortably at the waist and have proportions that suit their preferences. Summer days often include time outside, a change of plans and a mix of movement and sitting, making fit an important part of the choice. Stretch describes a fabric’s ability to give, but it does not tell the whole story about how a pair will feel or fit. The cut, rise, waistband and inseam all contribute to that experience. A closer silhouette and a roomier one can feel quite different, even when both include stretch. Someone who prefers extra room through the seat and thighs may want a different shape from someone who likes a more streamlined look. Inseam length matters just as much: a shorter length leaves more of the leg uncovered, while a longer length creates a different balance and amount of coverage. Comparing the stated inseam with a well-liked pair at home gives that measurement a useful point of reference. The waist measurement deserves similar attention, especially when a preferred fit falls between sizes. Stretch is not a substitute for the right size, and a waistband that pulls or a hem that catches can distract from an otherwise appealing style. A natural fit leaves room for ordinary movements without relying on the fabric to make up for a cut that is too small. Those details help distinguish shorts that simply look appealing from shorts that earn a regular place in a summer wardrobe. Personal preference remains central, whether that means a familiar length, a particular waist height or a little more room where it matters most.

Fabric information adds another useful layer to the comparison. The word “stretch” identifies one characteristic, not a complete material description, so the listed composition is the place to understand what a style is made from. Fabric percentages, construction details and care directions provide more specific information than a broad performance label alone. For someone replacing a favorite pair, comparing those details with the label on the older pair can help explain why two seemingly similar styles may feel different. Appearance is only part of the decision; the feel and structure of the fabric can be just as personal as the fit. Some people prefer a more defined shape, while others favor a less structured look, and neither preference can be settled by stretch alone. Waistband design, closures and pocket placement also deserve attention where those features are listed. A pocket opening that looks unobtrusive in a photograph may sit differently depending on the cut and what is placed inside it. The position of a seam or the shape of a hem can also influence the overall impression. These are small details, but they often explain why one style feels more familiar than another. Care is part of the longer-term picture, too. The care label provides the appropriate washing and drying directions for the particular fabric and construction; a general category name does not establish a shared care routine. Those directions are especially useful when choosing clothing for someone who prefers a straightforward laundry routine. Durability is worth considering with the same attention to detail. Construction information and any stated testing offer a firmer basis for comparison than assuming every performance style has the same qualities. A thoughtful choice brings together the desired fit, the listed materials and a care routine that fits naturally into everyday life.

The style of summer shorts matters alongside their measurements and construction. Clean proportions and a familiar silhouette can make stretch performance shorts feel like a natural part of an existing wardrobe rather than a separate outfit decision. The relationship between the shorts and the rest of an outfit is often simple: a fuller top creates a different balance with a closer cut, while a straighter or roomier shape changes the overall outline. Personal style might favor a tucked-in shirt and a visible waistband, or an untucked top with a less defined waist. Either way, details such as rise and length influence how the pieces look together. Thinking about clothing already worn and enjoyed can be more useful than choosing a completely unfamiliar shape. The same approach helps when selecting a gift. Stretch performance shorts can be a thoughtful choice for someone who enjoys summer activity, particularly when their preferred size, inseam and fit are known. A familiar measurement or a favorite pair offers a better starting point than guessing from appearance alone. Clothing is personal, and respecting a recipient’s preferences is part of choosing something they will enjoy wearing. For summer plans that also include time away, lightweight travel shorts for summer provide a related category to explore, with individual fit, fabric and care details still guiding the comparison. Across either category, a useful wardrobe is built around choices that make sense together rather than around a long list of assumed features. Stretch, silhouette and length each play a role, but no single detail replaces the others. The strongest starting point is a clear sense of what feels familiar, what needs to fit differently and which details matter most. That leaves room for the simple pleasure of choosing summer shorts that reflect personal style and a love of time outside.
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