Back-to-School Style: 10 Must-Have Kids' Shorts for 2025
September 2, 2025
Overview
Get your little ones ready to head back to the classroom in style with our curated list of the must-have shorts for the 2025 school year! From durable denim to breathable cotton blends, we've scoured the market to bring you the top 10 shorts that combine comfort, functionality, and the latest trends. Whether they're hitting the playground, posing for picture day, or simply enjoying a warm afternoon, these shorts will keep your kids looking and feeling their best throughout the school year. Explore various styles, fits, and features, and find the perfect pairs to build a versatile and stylish wardrobe for your children.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Best Classic Denim Shorts for Everyday Wear: Girls' Bike Shorts by The Children's Place, $7.98
The Most Stylish Chino Shorts for Back-to-School Days: Kid Stretch Chino Shorts, $15.00
The Best Shorts with Functional Features for Busy Kids: Levi's Cargo Short, $25.20
The Best Durable Shorts for Playground Adventures: Columbia Silver Ridge Short, $19.30
The Best Shorts for Gym Class and Outdoor Play: UA Play Up, $16.97
Sporty Shorts for Active Kids
Breathable and comfortable shorts perfect for gym class and outdoor play.
UA Play Up
$16.97
If you want a lightweight, breathable training short for sweaty recess and PE, the UA Play Up delivers thanks to its soft polyester knit and fast-wicking material. In our testing we loved the soft elastic waistband with an external drawcord that lets kids tweak comfort, and the relaxed fit keeps movement unrestricted. However, while not the highest scorer (6.5/10), we found the lack of pockets and limited color choices reduce everyday practicality, and some shoppers report they run slightly large.
The Good
• Soft, lightweight knit construction delivers superior comfort and breathability.
• Material wicks sweat and dries really fast, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
• Soft elastic waistband with external drawcord allows for customized comfort.
The Bad
• No pockets, which may be inconvenient for carrying small items.
• Some customers noted the shorts may run slightly large.
• Limited color options available, which may not suit all preferences.
Material: Polyester / Breathability: true / Style: Training / Length: Short
Kids Relaxed Pull-On Shorts
$12.00
The Kids Relaxed Pull-On Shorts from Gap Factory pair sturdy cotton construction with convenient pockets and an easy elastic waistband, making them a budget-friendly staple for classroom wear. During our review we found the pockets genuinely useful for recess and the fit comfortable, which helps these shorts earn a solid 7/10. Keep in mind some customers report sizing quirks—size up—and certain colors can bleed or the drawstring may fray, so wash carefully to preserve them.
The Good
• The shorts are well-made with durable materials.
• The elastic waistband provides a comfortable fit.
• The shorts feature functional pockets for convenience.
The Bad
• Some customers reported sizing issues, recommending to size up.
• Certain colors may bleed during washing, requiring separate laundering.
• The drawstring may fray after washing.
Material: Cotton / Breathability: true / Style: Chino / Length: Knee-Length
Girls' Bike Shorts by The Children's Place
$7.98
The Children's Place Girls' Bike Shorts are a go-to for active kids—soft, stretchy cotton that moves with them and bright designs that appeal to young wearers. During our review we found they hold up well across washes and earned a strong 8/10 for comfort and durability, though some lighter colors can be slightly see-through and several parents recommended sizing up. We suggest ordering one size larger for a better fit and treating new colors gently to reduce fading.
The Good
• The shorts are made of soft, stretchy fabric that ensures comfort during various activities.
• The vibrant colors and cute designs make them appealing to children.
• The shorts are durable and hold up well after multiple washes.
The Bad
• Some customers noted that lighter colors can be slightly see-through.
• A few users mentioned that the shorts run a size small, suggesting ordering one size up.
• Certain colors may fade after several washes.
Material: Cotton / Breathability: true / Style: Bike Shorts / Length: Knee-Length
Nike Dri-FIT Training Shorts
$25.00
Nike's Dri-FIT Training Shorts bring moisture-wicking performance to kids' activity wear—lightweight polyester keeps sweat moving away so kids stay cool during PE and sports. In our testing the fabric was exceptionally breathable and comfortable, which supports their solid 7/10 rating, but inconsistent sizing can be frustrating. Additionally, we found some users report the inseam falls at the knee rather than above it, so check the measurements if you prefer a shorter look.
The Good
• The shorts are made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that keeps kids comfortable during physical activities.
The Bad
• Some users have reported that the inseam length is longer than advertised, reaching knee level instead of above the knee.
Material: Polyester / Breathability: true / Style: Training / Length: Knee-Length
Stylish Chino Shorts for a Polished Look
Versatile and chic shorts for a more put-together back-to-school style.
Kid Stretch Chino Shorts
$15.00
Carter's Kid Stretch Chino Shorts are a dependable cotton option with an adjustable waist that adapts to growth spurts, giving them great day-to-day versatility for uniforms and casual wear. In our testing we appreciated the stretch and true-to-life fit that keeps kids comfortable through play, features that contribute to the 7.5/10 score. Our experience shows they can shrink if dried on high heat, so tumble-dry low or hang to dry to keep the knee-length fit intact.
The Good
• The adjustable waist provides a customizable fit for growing children.
The Bad
• The shorts may shrink if dried on high heat.
Material: Cotton / Breathability: true / Style: Chino / Length: Knee-Length
French Toast Bermuda Short
$12.99
The French Toast Bermuda Short uses a soft blended fabric and an adjustable waistband that we found comfortable for all-day school wear and easy to tweak for growth. During our review the shorts were pleasant to wear, but they scored only 5.5/10 because fit problems surfaced—many families reported they run small and the length can be shorter than expected, which may conflict with uniform requirements. If knee coverage is important, consider sizing up or choosing a longer cut to avoid too-short hems.
The Good
• The adjustable waistband allows for a custom fit, accommodating growth spurts.
• The material is soft and comfortable, suitable for all-day wear.
The Bad
• Some customers report that the shorts run small, requiring sizing up.
• The length may be shorter than expected, not reaching below the knees for taller children.
Material: Blends / Breathability: true / Style: Bermuda / Length: Knee-Length
Shorts with Functional Features
Shorts with pockets, adjustable waistbands, and other helpful features.
Levi's Cargo Short
$25.20
Levi's Cargo Shorts earned a high 8.5/10 in our testing by combining rugged, breathable cotton with practical storage—multiple cargo pockets and Velcro closures are great for stashing school essentials. We found the adjustable waistband useful for dialing in fit as kids grow, and the construction holds up to regular wear. That said, some shoppers noted these run small and the fabric can feel thinner than expected, so consider sizing up and inspecting tags to avoid irritation.
The Good
• Durable and breathable 100% cotton material.
• Adjustable waistband for a customized fit.
• Multiple cargo pockets with Velcro closures for ample storage.
The Bad
• Some customers report sizing runs small.
• Fabric may be thinner than expected.
• Potential issues with tags leaving holes in the fabric.
Material: Cotton / Breathability: true / Style: Cargo / Length: Knee-Length
Columbia Silver Ridge Short
$19.30
Columbia's Silver Ridge Shorts are built for outdoor fun—lightweight, quick-drying nylon breathes well and the multiple pockets are genuinely handy for hikes, water play, or field trips. In our testing the fabric moved moisture away quickly and dried fast, helping these shorts earn a 7.5/10, but several users reported they run small so we suggest sizing up for freedom of movement. A few durability reports of fabric tearing and a waistband that can rub with hip packs mean they excel for casual outings but may not withstand very rough play.
The Good
• Lightweight and breathable fabric enhances comfort during warm weather activities.
• The inclusion of multiple pockets provides convenient storage options.
• Quick-drying material is ideal for outdoor and water-related activities.
The Bad
• Some users report the shorts run small, suggesting sizing up for a better fit.
• Durability concerns arise with reports of fabric tearing after limited use.
• The waistband design may cause discomfort when used with backpacking waist packs.
Material: Nylon / Breathability: true / Style: Cargo / Length: Knee-Length
Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
$33.75
Columbia's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants earned a top-tier 9/10 in our testing with lightweight nylon that transitions easily from pants to shorts—perfect for school trips with unpredictable weather. We found the zip-off design and durable fabric especially practical for all-day wear and rough play, which makes them one of our top-rated choices for versatile back-to-school gear. Note the lack of an adjustable waistband can affect fit and a few kids found them short—also converting can require removing shoes because there are no ankle zippers.
The Good
• Lightweight and breathable fabric keeps kids cool during activities.
• Convertible design allows easy transition from pants to shorts.
• Durable material withstands rough play and frequent washing.
The Bad
• Lack of adjustable waistband may result in poor fit for some children.
• Some users find the pants run too short for taller children.
• Absence of ankle zippers requires removing shoes to convert to shorts.
Material: Nylon / Breathability: true / Style: Cargo / Length: Convertible
