Men's Athletic Shorts: 5-Inch vs 7-Inch Inseam — Which One Is Right for You

Here's a question that comes up way more than you'd think at the pro shop: 5-inch or 7-inch inseam? And honestly, it's not as simple as "whichever fits your legs." There's a lot more going on — how you walk 18, whether you're the type who crouches to read greens, what you look like bending down to tee it up. All of it matters.

I've been wearing Drew Shorts in both lengths for a while now, and I can tell you from experience — the answer depends on you, your build, and honestly, your confidence level. Let's get into it.

The 5-Inch Inseam: For Guys Who Know What They're Doing

Look, the 5-inch is having a moment. Tour pros are wearing them. Your buddy who "just got back from Scottsdale" is wearing them. And if you've got the legs for it, it's a killer look. The Drew Short 5" sits right above mid-thigh, which keeps you cool in Arizona heat and doesn't get in the way when you're loading up your backswing.

Who it works for:

• Guys with leaner quads who want a cleaner silhouette
• Summer rounds when the temperature hits triple digits
• Post-round drinks when you want to look sharp without trying too hard
• Anyone who's sick of shorts that bunch up at the knee

The thing nobody talks about? The 5-inch gives you better range of motion in your hips. Sounds dumb but it's true. When you're rotating through the ball, less fabric equals less resistance. Small thing, but you notice it around hole 14 when your legs are tired.

The 7-Inch Inseam: The Reliable All-Rounder

Now, the Drew Short 7" is the classic play. It hits right at the top of your knee, which is the length most of us grew up wearing. It's what pros wore for years before the shorter cuts came back in style. And honestly, it's still the right call for a lot of guys.

When to go 7-inch:

• You're taller — 6'1" and up, the 5-inch starts looking like booty shorts
• You're a weekend warrior who wants coverage when you crouch down
• Cooler mornings when you want a little more leg coverage
• You just prefer the classic look and don't want to overthink it

The 7-inch also gives you more real estate for cargo pockets (if you're into that) and doesn't ride up on the walk from the cart to your ball. Little things, but they add up over 18 holes.

Okay But What About the Fabric?

Here's where most guys mess up: they pick the inseam first and the fabric second. Should be the other way around. A cotton-blend short in either length is going to soak through by the 6th hole in Arizona. What you want is 4-way stretch performance fabric with moisture-wicking. That's what we build every Drew Short with — the fabric moves with you, dries fast, and doesn't hold onto sweat.

Pro tip: pair whatever you pick with the Nick Tee for hot days or a polo if the club requires it. The tee-and-short combo is seriously underrated for casual rounds.

The Honest Answer: Get Both

I know, I know — "just buy two shorts" isn't the advice you were hoping for. But here's the thing. Your shorts are going to get way more use than your clubs. You'll wear them to the range, on the course, to the grill after, on vacation. Having one pair in each length means you're covered no matter where the round is or what the weather's doing.

If you're only buying one to start? Here's my honest take:

• Under 5'10": Go with the 5-inch. Trust me.
• 5'10" to 6'0": Either works. Pick based on the vibe you want.
• 6'1" and up: 7-inch. The 5-inch won't sit right.

What About Board Shorts and Longer Options?

Not every round is a country club round. Sometimes you're playing a beat-up muni, sometimes you're doing 9 holes after work, sometimes you're hitting a twilight round with buddies. For those days, check out the Connor Boardshort or the Justin Short. Same performance fabric, different cuts, different energy.

Bottom Line

The 5-inch vs 7-inch debate isn't really about length — it's about how you want to feel on the course. Sharper and more modern? Go 5-inch. Classic and reliable? Stick with 7-inch. Both are built the same way, both perform the same way, and both look good with the rest of your setup.

Ready to upgrade what you're wearing on the course? Shop all PILLAR shorts and apparel here — we ship free on orders over $50.