How to Choose the Right Size for Basketball Shorts

Picking the wrong size in basketball shorts is one of the most common (and most avoidable) mistakes people make when shopping online. Too tight and you lose the range of motion you need on the court. Too loose and they don't hold up during a game — or look right when you're just wearing them out.

Here's how to get it right the first time.

1. Check your waist, not just your usual size

Basketball shorts are built with an athletic cut, which means sizing can run differently than your everyday streetwear or gym shorts. Instead of grabbing your "usual" size, measure your waist with a soft tape measure and compare it against the size chart on the product page. It takes 30 seconds and saves you a return.

2. Remember that mesh has stretch

Our shorts are made from breathable mesh fabric, which gives a bit more flexibility than cotton or denim. If you're between two sizes, this small stretch factor usually means you can comfortably size down for a more fitted look, or stay true to size for a looser, game-ready fit.

3. Think about how you'll wear them

• On the court: a true-to-size or slightly fitted cut might give you better mobility during play.

• Off the court: if you're pairing them with a longer tee for a streetwear look, sizing up slightly gives that relaxed, oversized silhouette we all like.

There's no wrong answer here — it depends on the fit you're going for.

4. When in doubt, size up

If your measurements fall right between two sizes, we generally recommend sizing up. It's easier to wear slightly looser shorts well than shorts that are too tight, and mesh fabric tends to shrink slightly less than cotton after washing.

 

Our size chart

 

 

Common sizing mistakes to avoid

Even with a good chart, a few small mistakes cause most of the sizing issues we see:

• Measuring over thick clothing. Always measure your waist directly, or over light clothing only — jeans or hoodies will throw off the number.

• Guessing based on a different brand. Athletic-cut shorts from different brands rarely match up size for size. Always check the chart for the specific piece, not your general shorts size.

• Ignoring how you plan to wear them. As we covered above, the "right" size can shift depending on whether you want a fitted on-court look or a relaxed streetwear fit — there's no single correct answer independent of your style.

Keeping the fit right wash after wash

Mesh holds its shape well, but a little care goes a long way:

• We recommend machine washing in cold water and tumble drying on low

• Avoid using bleach to maintain the quality and design of the shorts. 

• Turn shorts inside out before washing to protect printed designs

For bonus tip, check our models pictures and their measurements for a visual idea.

 

If you land on the wrong size, don't worry, our [returns policy] makes it easy to fix.

Check out our best sellers [OG Black Shorts], [Thunder Shorts], or browse our [full collection →]