Above the Knee Shorts for Boys
2025
Calling all boy Moms! Why is it so difficult to find cute shorts for boys that don't fit like an absolute capri? As a toddler, my son was swimming in almost every short and looked so frumpy.
So I made it my mission to find cute shorts that hit above the knee, for all occasions. As he recently has sized out of toddler shorts and into the big boy section, I have had to start start my search all over again! I have found many good ones over the years, so here are my favorites for both toddler and big boy sizes! I note in each description what size range they are for.
If I had to suggest one brand to shop, it would be Primary. The quality is amazing, they have tons of shorts that are all unisex and many of which hit at a great above the knee length. They also run sales pretty often, so make sure to wait for a sale to stock up! My favorite styles from the brand are listed below (the track short is my #1 rec for an everyday short for boys), but you can browse their shorts here.
Another brand that is known for their shortie shorts is Cadets! They are definitely a higher price point, so keep that in mind, but I would be remise not to mention them.

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These pull on cargo shorts are so cute, they come in 5 fun washed colors in boy + husky sizing. They are a good above the knee length too!
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You can always count on Target's brand Grayson Mini to have cute toddler boy clothes, especially good length shorts! I love these little pull on cargos, available in 12M to 5T.
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These Old Navy shorts come in 9 colors in twill fabric and 5 colors in a tech fabric, all the same great above the knee fit. Available in XS to XXL sizing, the XS is equivalent to a 5T.
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These performace tech shorts from Old Navy are a really good pair of performance shorts that hit above the knee. They come in 7 colors in boy sizes XS to XXL. If you are looking for an affordable active short that isn't as long as most out there, these are it!
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Target brought back some of my favorite boys’ shorts! I love that they hit above the knee, they are the perfect cute length and are a really nice material. The XS fits like a 4/5T. Available in 4 colors!
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These are some of my favorite shorts for boys or girls. They are an adorable, perfect above the knee length and come in packs of 2 or 3 that are very affordable. They run true to size. Sizes 12M to 16 years available.
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When I polled you all, Cadet came up as a top brand recommendation for boy shorts. Everyone made the point to note they are pricey, but the shortest length to show off those cutie legs.
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These J.Crew Factory shorts are a really great short that can be dressed up or down but are still very comfortable with an elastic waistband and functional tie. They run slightly big, I would size down. They come in sizes 2-16 and are often on sale.
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These are some of my favorite shorts ever for boys! They are a casual style short and the perfect above the knee length, with functional pockets and a drawstring. They run TTS in sizes 2-14!
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These are my favorite athletic shorts for boys that have a short length, unlike most athletic shorts which hit way below the knee. A true athletic top-notch material and available in 7 colors. They fit true to size and can be passed down to any sibling, boy or girl. Available in sizes 2-14.
Paid links and prices subject to change.
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If you have a really active kid who is playing outside all day in the summer, these quick dry shorts are the perfect solution! If they get them wet, they will dry quick as they are made from a recycled poly plend. Available in 4 colors and hit above the knee for boys sixes XS to XXL + husky sizing.
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