Best Golf Shorts with an 8-Inch Inseam | Best For Professional Golfer

If you’ve been searching for the best golf shorts 8 inch inseam, you know the struggle of finding that perfect length. Most brands default to 10 or 11 inches, which can look baggy and feel like you’re wearing your dad’s hand-me-downs. The 8-inch inseam is a game-changer for golfers who want a modern, athletic silhouette that sits just above the knee without riding up during a swing. After testing several options over the past few months, I’ve narrowed down the ones that actually deliver on fit, fabric, and golf-specific details.

Here’s my quick take: If you want the sharpest, most tailored look, go with Holderness & Bourne. For a lightweight performance short that breathes like nothing else, Dunning’s Player Fit 8″ is your best bet. And if you’ve got bigger thighs but still want that cleaner length, TRUE Linkswear’s All Day Short offers incredible stretch without sacrificing style.

**Top Picks at a Glance**

– **Holderness & Bourne (8″)** – Best overall for tailored fit and premium fabric.
– **Dunning Golf Player Fit 8″** – Best for active rounds, lightest and most breathable.
– **TRUE Linkswear All Day Short (8″)** – Best stretch for athletic builds.
– **TravisMathew Tech Chino (9.5″)** – Best value/comfort compromise if you don’t mind a slightly longer inseam.
– **Peter Millar Bingham Performance Short (8″)** – Classic style with solid performance.

What to Look for in the Best Golf Shorts with an 8-Inch Inseam

Before diving into individual reviews, it helps to understand why not all 8-inch shorts are created equal. The length is only part of the equation. How the shorts fit through the thigh and seat, and what the fabric does when you bend, twist, or squat, matter just as much.

The Fit Factor: Taper vs. Straight Leg

An 8-inch inseam sits above the knee, but the leg opening can vary dramatically. A straight-leg cut gives you a more classic, roomy feel – it’s forgiving if you have bigger calves or prefer a looser silhouette. A tapered cut hugs the leg more and creates a very modern, streamlined look. If you’re lean or athletic, tapered is your friend. If you’ve got muscular thighs, a straight leg or even a slightly relaxed taper will prevent that “sausage casing” feeling.

Fabric Tech: More Than Just a Short

Golf-specific shorts need four-way stretch, otherwise you’ll feel restricted on every hip rotation. Moisture-wicking is non-negotiable if you sweat a lot – cotton blends get heavy and clingy. Wrinkle resistance is nice for the 19th hole, but not all fabrics hold up equally. I’ve found that a woven stretch fabric with a bit of texture (like a tech twill) offers the best balance of structure and give.

The “Golf-Specific” Details

Pay attention to belt loops – are they wide enough for a thicker belt? Deep pockets are crucial – can you fit your phone in the front pocket without it stabbing your thigh during a swing? A ball marker loop is a nice touch, but honestly, I’ve only used it once. What matters more is that the shorts don’t feel like dress pants. They should move with you, not fight you.

The Reviews: My Picks for the Best 8-Inch Inseam Golf Shorts

Holderness & Bourne (8″ Inseam)

This is the one Reddit won’t shut up about, and for good reason. The fabric has a rich, brushed feel that looks like wool from three feet away but stretches like performance tech. The 8-inch inseam is dead-on – it hits just above the knee on my 5’10” frame, and the leg opening is tapered enough to look sharp without being tight. I wore these for a full 18 holes in 85-degree heat, and they never felt heavy. The pockets are deep enough for a rangefinder, and the belt loops are generously sized.

Weakness: The price is steep. If you’re on a budget, these hurt. Also, the slim fit might not work for guys with powerful thighs – if you squat heavy, try the 7.5″ or size up.

*Who this is NOT for:* Golfers who want a relaxed, looser fit or need to save money.

Dunning Golf Player Fit Woven 8″ Short

Dunning is known for performance-first gear, and the Player Fit Woven is their answer to the 8-inch crowd. The fabric is ultralight – almost like a running short but with a woven structure that looks appropriate on any course. I tested these on a humid, 92-degree day, and they were the only pair that didn’t feel damp by the 12th hole. The “Player Fit” means a true athletic taper, so these fit close through the thigh and seat.

Weakness: Very slim. If you’ve got tree trunks for legs, these will feel restrictive. Color selection is limited – mostly neutrals. And the fabric feels less “structured” than a chino, so they don’t look as dressy for post-round drinks.

*Who this is NOT for:* Golfers with large thighs or anyone wanting a more polished, casual look.

TRUE Linkswear All Day Short (8″ Inseam)

TRUE built their reputation on comfort, and the All Day Short is the epitome of that. The fabric has an incredible amount of four-way stretch – I can do a full squat in these without any pull. The 8-inch inseam is accurate, but the cut is slightly more relaxed through the thigh than the Dunning or H&B, which is great for guys with bigger legs. These feel like you’re wearing nothing, which sounds like a cliché until you actually try them.

Weakness: Fit can be inconsistent between colors – the navy version I tested felt slightly looser than the charcoal. The fabric is a bit more casual, almost like a soft athletic short, so they don’t pair well with a tucked-in polo for a sharp look. Also, the belt loops are narrow.

*Who this is NOT for:* Golfers who want a dressier, more structured short for the clubhouse.

TravisMathew Tech Chino Short (9.5″ Inseam)

Honest note: The official Tech Chino comes in a 9.5″ inseam, not 8″. I’m including it here because it’s one of the best-performing golf shorts overall, and many guys who want an 8″ length can still make it work if they’re between sizes or prefer a slightly longer look. The fabric is a cotton blend with 4-way stretch, so it breathes well and doesn’t wrinkle easily. It’s the classic chino style that looks great on and off the course.

Weakness: It’s not true 8″ – if you’re a stickler for that exact length, this will be too long. The fit is more of a relaxed straight leg, so it won’t give you that modern, tailored look. The pockets are a bit shallow for my phone.

*Who this is NOT for:* Golfers who absolutely want the 8-inch inseam and a slim fit.

Peter Millar Bingham Performance Short (8″ Inseam)

Peter Millar is a well-known name in golf apparel, and their Bingham Performance Short in the 8-inch inseam is a solid option. The fabric is a stretch performance twill that feels like a dress short but moves easily. The fit is a straight leg, not tapered, so it gives you a more classic silhouette. It works well for guys who want a tailored look without being too tight.

Weakness: The material is stiffer than the others on this list – it doesn’t have that “barely there” feeling. The straight leg can look a bit boxy on leaner frames. Also, the color selection is limited.

*Who this is NOT for:* Golfers who want a sleek, modern taper or very lightweight fabric.

Comparison Table: The 8-Inch Contenders

The Verdict: Which 8-Inch Short Should You Buy?

After testing all of these, here’s my bottom line.

For the Modern Minimalist (Best Overall)

Holderness & Bourne. If your budget allows and you want the sharpest, most tailored look on the course, this is it. The fabric, the cut, the details – everything feels premium.

For the Active, Sweaty Round (Best Performance)

Dunning Golf Player Fit. Lightest, most breathable, true 8-inch inseam. Perfect for walking rounds in the heat. But only if you’ve got lean legs.

For the Classic Player (Best Value/Comfort)

TravisMathew Tech Chino. Accept that it’s a 9.5-inch inseam, and enjoy the best all-around fabric at a reasonable price. It’s a safe, reliable choice.

For the Big-Thighed Athlete (Best Stretch)

TRUE Linkswear All Day Short. Accommodates muscle without looking baggy. The stretch is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions About 8-Inch Golf Shorts

Are 8-inch golf shorts too short for golf?

Not at all. An 8-inch inseam sits just above the knee, which is ideal for a modern, athletic look. Most tour pros wear shorts that hit around the knee, and 8 inches is within that range for most men between 5’9″ and 6’0″. You’ll have full freedom of movement without the shorts feeling too brief.

What’s the difference between 8-inch and 9-inch golf shorts?

One inch of fabric. That may not sound like much, but it changes where the hem hits. An 8-inch short ends above the knee, giving a cleaner, more contemporary silhouette. A 9-inch short typically hits at or just below the knee, which looks more traditional. If you prefer a trimmer look, go with 8 inches.

Do 8-inch golf shorts stretch during a swing?

Most modern golf shorts with four-way stretch will move with you. The key is the fabric blend and the cut. Avoid shorts with zero stretch (like 100% cotton chinos) if you want the full range of motion. The shorts on this list all have good stretch properties.

Can I wear 8-inch golf shorts off the course?

Absolutely. The tailored look of an 8-inch shorts works well for casual summer outfits. Brands like Holderness & Bourne and TravisMathew make shorts that look appropriate for brunch, a backyard barbecue, or a casual dinner. Just avoid overly athletic styles if you want a more polished off-course look.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best golf shorts with an 8-inch inseam comes down to knowing your body type and priorities. If you value sharp fit and premium feel, spend on Holderness & Bourne. If you need lightweight performance for hot rounds, Dunning is your go-to. And if comfort and stretch matter most, TRUE Linkswear has you covered. Whichever you pick, you’ll be stepping onto the course with a modern, confident look that standard 10-inch shorts just can’t match.