It isn’t hard to understand why guys might want to find the best alternatives to birddogs shorts.
Nowadays most of us have a pretty active lifestyle, and having a pair of shorts with an interior liner is pretty damn convenient when you’re in the gym or on the golf course.
But while built-in liners are nice, not everyone’s personal taste is in line with birddogs’ marketing and overall vibe.
[Photo: ABC]
Company founders Peter Baldwin and Chris Mason failed to secure funding for their clothing line when they appeared on Shark Tank back in 2018, and while the brand has only grown since then, it’s also come to be pretty closely associated with frat boys.
Fortunately, bird dogs is far from the only casual wear brand selling pairs of shorts with built-in underwear.
Some of the most prominent companies in the men’s athleisure space have gotten into the game, and started selling lined shorts in a wide range of different colors, styles, materials and inseam lengths.
To help you find the best birddogs alternatives, in this post we’ve rounded up more than a dozen cool shorts that offer a comfortable liner without any uncomfortable baggage.
The (Absolute) Best Shorts Similar to Birddogs
Breaking Down the Best Birddogs Alternatives for Lined Shorts
Fabletics
The One Short
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 748 Reviews
- 21 Different Colors Available
- 2 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Advantages:
Fabletics’ One Short easily tops our list of other shorts like birddogs thanks to a great combination of style, stretchy material and versatility.
Like birddog shorts, they’re made from a moisture-wicking fabric blend of nylon and spandex, making them a great option for casual athleisure wear, strenuous workouts or even swim trunks.
But these ones actually have quite a bit more stretch than most pairs of birddogs:
Birddogs khaki shorts have 5% spandex and their gym shorts have 11%, but the One Short is made from 21% spandex, so it’s considerably more flexible.
It’s also available in a pretty massive variety of colors (there are a whopping 21 different options to choose from), offers three inseam lengths to accommodate legs of different sizes, and comes in a classic fit that’s more stylish than you’d expect from a pair of athletic-style shorts.
There are no belt loops along the elastic waistband, but you could still pair it with a polo or a button-down shirt for a smart casual look that’s relaxed, but still well put together.
Promising Review:
Best shorts ever. Great for all things. Even swimming. Liner is great!
– Jared Roy
Vuori
Kore Shorts
Features:
- 4.8 Stars
- 10,932 Reviews
- 17 Different Colors Available
- 3 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Advantages:
Vuori is another athleisure apparel company that has jumped on the lined short bandwagon, and their Kore shorts offer a comfortable fit and a reasonable price point.
They come with built-in boxer briefs that are similar to the birddogs liner and have a standard three-pocket design that includes a back pocket and two front pockets.
Like the One Short above, they’re also designed for versatility, and can easily transition from basketball, jogging or soccer shorts to damn near any other athletic activity.
Promising Review:
Durable, good looking comfortable… These shirts are fantastic. I have numerous pairs of them.
– Jon A.
Rhone
Mako Short
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 1,518 Reviews
- 8 Different Colors Available
- 2 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Advantages:
Rhone’s Mako shorts come in both a 7 and 9 inch inseam and might just be the best everyday shorts on this list.
They have a great cut that looks like a more formal type of shorts, but all the stretchy and sweat-wicking properties you’d expect from a lined pair of performance shorts.
In addition to stretching in all the right places, the Mako also comes with Rhone’s anti-odor technology, which is no small advantage to those of us who tend to sweat buckets whenever we workout.
Promising Review:
This has been a wonderfully versatile pair of workout shorts. Comfortable, fast drying, and a great style.
I probably wouldn’t wear them to a “nice” function, but that’s not really their purpose anyway! Love that there are a decent number of unlined shorts to choose from.
– Frederick L.
Lululemon
Surge Lined Short
Features:
- 4 Stars
- 725 Reviews
- 14 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Advantages:
The first of two Lululemon shorts to make our list, the Surge is a great running short that’s equal parts modern and classic:
The look of the shorts simultaneously reminds me of something AC Slater would have worn on the original Saved By the Bell, but still somehow looks like something that ageless wonder and 21st-century heartthrob Mario Lopez would wear today.
In addition to the kind of timeless style that will last a long time, they’re made from abrasion-resistant fabric that will help cut down on chafing when you’re on the move, and like other Lulu shorts they have a waistband loop so you can pop that shirt off on hot days.
Promising Review:
Great shorts to workout in. Comfortable and supportive. My new favorite workout shorts
– Jontz
Public Rec
Flex Short
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 572 Reviews
- 6 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Advantages:
Public Rec topped our list of the best men’s athleisure brands because their clothes offer a damn-near perfect combination of form and function.
I did a full review of their stuff a while back, and can’t say enough about their Workday pants, which is still the most versatile pair of pants in my closet.
But their Flex Shorts are quite possibly their most comfortable shorts, which makes sense because they’re also among the most athletically-focused pieces they offer.
Available in both lined and unlined models, they’re made from 100% polyester and can take the place of gym shorts, swim shorts or the kind of casual oxford shorts you might wear to the driving range.
Promising Review:
There are no better shorts. Great fit, perfect length, super light fabric and material. Simply amazing. Public Rec Rocks!
– Gene R.
Olivers Apparel
All Over Short
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 58 Reviews
- 6 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Advantages:
What I love about Olivers is that they make modern activewear with an old-school ethos. (Their founder, David Wolfe, comes from a long line of menswear pros.)
The All Over Short is Olivers’ flagship piece of apparel, and this lined version combines all the advantages of the original pair with the benefit of a stretchy, sweat-wicking liner.
The shorts are made from a blend of 88% nylon, 12% Spandex, while the liner uses a 89% polyester, 11% spandex blend.
Promising Review:
These shorts are excellent. Perform great working out and Running and look much nicer than regular gym shorts. Liner is very soft and handles sweat very well.
– Brad L.
Fabletics
The Fundamental Short
Features:
- 4.2 Stars
- 2,146 Reviews
- 15 Different Colors Available
- 3 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Advantages:
The second offering from Fabletics to crack our top ten, the Fundamental short offers a lot of the same advantages as the One Short listed above, including extra pockets in the liner and a pretty wide array of color options.
One of the first things you might notice about the Fundamentals is that they swap out the One’s drawstring for an elastic waistband, which some guys actually prefer.
But the biggest difference is in their fabric blend:
Whereas the One is made from 79% nylon and 21% spandex, the Fundamental is a little less stretchy, using a blend of 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
The Fundamentals still have clear flexibility, so ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference.
But we ranked the Ones higher because having 20-plus percent spandex makes them quite a bit stretchier than regular shorts.
Promising Review:
Super breathable and comfortable!
– Santiago Agudelo
Chubbies
Compression Lined Shorts
Features:
- 4.8 Stars
- 3,319 Reviews
- 23 Different Colors Available
- 2 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Advantages:
Chubbies has a similar “eternal summer” vibe and social media presence as birddogs, but a wider product offering.
These form-fitting Chubbies shorts are available in a whopping 23 different colors, but the model pictured above, the Greeneries sport shorts, is a personal fave (followed closely by the heather grey Business Executives).
The general construction is pretty similar to some of the other shorts on this list – these ones use a blend of 85% poly and 15% spandex – but Chubbies does something a little bit different to set itself apart stylistically.
They combine fairly classic and versatile shorts colors with floral design and other loud patterns for the liners, giving each pair a bit of tongue-in-cheek irreverence (which we obviously appreciate around here) that helps them stand out.
Promising Review:
These shorts fit perfect. The material feels like good quality. They are durable and stretchy. I would buy another pair. I would and have recommend them to friends and family.
– Zach
Best of the Rest ↓
The lined shorts above make the best birddogs alternatives, but they’re far from the only ones on the market.
Here are a few more solid options that offer an ever wider range of colors, patterns, sizes and inseam lengths.
Lululemon
Fast and Free Lined Short
Features:
- 4.2 Stars
- 183 Reviews
- 12 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
These shorts I now own 4 pairs of continue to blow me away. They make me feel confident and sexy and they’re super comfortable.
The liner keeps you and your body secure while the “flowy” outer layer blows in the wind. I love these shorts and the color pops even more in person!!
– william37
Vuori
Trail Shorts
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 672 Reviews
- 6 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
Great cut. Comfortable liner. Looking forward to some summer runs and getting a few more pairs!
– Adam G.
Fabletics
The Fundamental Short II
Features:
- 4.8 Stars
- 626 Reviews
- 33 Different Colors Available
- 3 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Promising Review:
The shorts fit/look great and are very functional! Love the lined pockets and zippers to keep your stuff from jumping out!
– Dan Gandara
Rhone
6″ Swift Short
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 441 Reviews
- 5 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Promising Review:
I love these shorts for running. As a guy who does a lot of lower body work it’s nice to have a liner that keeps my legs from chaffing on long runs. Highly recommend.
– Jonathan H.
Saxx
Go To Town Shorts
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 33 Reviews
- 6 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
i love putting my trust and balls in my SAXX Gear! Always a great fit, comfortable, available in many colors and patterns.
– William M.
Mack Weldon
Stratus Active
Features:
- 4.5 Stars
- 29 Reviews
- 3 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
A bit on the expensive side, but I have to admit I love these shorts for working out and hiking. Light, comfortable with the right amount of stretch.
– Peter H.
Saxx
Gainmakers
Features:
- 4 Stars
- 30 Reviews
- 5 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
I practice a lot of boxing and muay thai which means a lot of sweating. These shorts pull away the moisture and keep me dry.
They are so comfortable. And while they hold my parts together, it doesn’t restrict my movement which is essential.
– Brady C
Chubbies
Ultimate Training Short
Features:
- 4.8 Stars
- 14 Reviews
- 10 Different Colors Available
- 2 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
these are my go to shorts when training… cell phone pocket is a little small for my galaxy but i’m busy taking selfies anyway
– Chuck
Lululemon
Pace Breaker Lined Short
Features:
- 3.6 Stars
- 17 Reviews
- 12 Different Colors Available
- 3 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? Yes
Promising Review:
Super comfortable shorts that offer a slightly tailored fit compared to other athletic shorts – highly recommend.
– JDallas
Chubbies
Lined Everywhere Shorts
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 2 Reviews
- 3 Different Colors Available
- 1 Different Inseam Lengths Available
- Unlined Version Available? No
Promising Review:
I’ve loved chubbies at first lining. 😂 these everywhere shorts feel awesome and are a great length. Tie off helps. Belt optional. Get em!
– Addison
More Men’s Style Advice from Irreverent Gent:
- What to Wear in the Spring
- The Best Summer Shoes for Men
- The Best Men’s Shapewear
- The Best Athleisure Brands for Men
- The Absolute Best Men’s Sweatpants and Joggers
- The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Summer Fashion
- The Best Athleisure Brands like Lululemon
- The 15 Best Mens Bamboo Underwear Brands
- The Best Athletic Fit Dress Pants
- The Best Shorts for Men
- In-Depth Public Rec Pants Review
- In-Depth Western Rise Review
- The Best Brands Like Gymshark for Great Activewear
- Where to Find the Best Cheap Workout Clothes for Men
The Recap ↓
Summary
Fabletics’ One Short easily tops our list of other shorts like birddogs thanks to a great combination of style, stretchy material and versatility.
