Shorts Materials and Fabrics
Fabric decides how a short feels, breathes and lasts. This hub explains the natural fibres, jerseys and technical blends used across our shorts range, so you can match a fabric to how and where you will wear it.
Natural fibres
Cotton Twill
The diagonally woven cotton that gives chino and cargo shorts their structure.
What it is
Cotton twill is a tight diagonal weave that is durable, holds a crease and takes colour well, making it the classic smart-casual short fabric.
Best for
Chino, tailored and cargo shorts where a clean, structured look and hard-wearing feel matter.
Stretch Cotton
Cotton blended with a little elastane for comfort and shape retention.
What it is
Stretch cotton adds two to three percent elastane to cotton twill, so the short moves with you and springs back into shape.
Why it matters
It keeps the clean look of cotton while removing the stiffness, ideal for slim and tailored shorts.
Linen
A woven flax fibre prized for breathability on the hottest days.
What it is
Linen is spun from flax into a lightweight, highly breathable cloth with a natural texture and relaxed drape.
Care note
Linen creases readily -- that is part of its character. Browse linen styles and care advice via our care guide (/pages/clothing-care-guide).
Jerseys and knits
Jersey Cotton
A soft knitted cotton used for lightweight, stretchy casual shorts.
What it is
Jersey is knitted rather than woven, giving natural give and a soft handle. It is the base for many sweat and lounge shorts.
Best for
Relaxed casual and lounge shorts where softness and easy movement come first.
French Terry
A mid-weight looped knit that is the go-to fabric for premium sweat shorts.
What it is
French terry has soft loops on the inside and a smooth face outside, giving warmth and structure without heaviness.
Why it matters
It is the sweet spot for sweat shorts -- soft, breathable and substantial enough to look considered.
Ponte and Ribbed Knits
Denser double-knit fabrics that add structure to casual shorts.
What it is
Ponte is a firm double-knit with good recovery, giving a smoother, more structured feel than plain jersey.
Best for
Elevated casual shorts that want the comfort of a knit with a cleaner, more tailored look.
Technical and synthetic
Polyester and Recycled Polyester
A quick-dry synthetic that dominates running, training and swim shorts.
What it is
Polyester is light, strong and dries fast. Recycled polyester offers the same performance made from reclaimed plastic.
Best for
Performance and swim shorts where fast drying and durability matter most.
Nylon and Ripstop
Tough, tear-resistant synthetics used for outdoor and hiking shorts.
What it is
Nylon is abrasion-resistant and light; ripstop weaves in a reinforcing grid that stops small tears from spreading.
Best for
Hiking and utility shorts that need to survive rough ground and heavy pockets.
Softshell and Performance Blends
Stretch woven fabrics that balance protection, breathability and movement.
What it is
Softshell and performance blends combine synthetic fibres with elastane for a fabric that resists wind and light rain while stretching freely.
Why it matters
They give active shorts weather resistance without the stiffness of a hard fabric.
Elastane
The stretch fibre blended in small amounts across almost every modern short.
What it is
Elastane (also called spandex) is added at a few percent to give stretch and recovery so shorts keep their shape.
Why it matters
It is what lets a slim short move without bagging at the knee or seat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for summer shorts?
Linen for the hottest days thanks to its breathability, and lightweight cotton twill for a smarter structured look. Both are natural, breathable and comfortable in heat.
What are swim shorts made of?
Usually recycled polyester or nylon, which are lightweight, quick-drying and hold their colour in chlorine and salt water, paired with a soft mesh inner liner.
Why do shorts have elastane in them?
A few percent of elastane gives stretch and recovery, so slim and tailored shorts move with you and spring back into shape rather than bagging at the seat.