You step up to the tee in a fresh pair of golf shorts, but the legs flap around like sails. The waist fits fine, yet the fabric hangs loose from the knee to the hem. If you have skinny legs, even a 9-iron swing can feel like you’re swimming in cloth.
I know this frustration firsthand. After years of trying every “athletic fit” short on the market, I figured out what actually works. Here’s the truth: you either alter what you own or buy smarter. This article walks you through both paths, step by step, with no fluff.
Why Most Golf Shorts Look Baggy on Skinny Legs?
Golf shorts are designed for the average golfer. Most men carry weight in their thighs and glutes, so brands cut shorts with extra room through the legs. That “athletic fit” or “classic fit” you see on the rack is tailored for a guy with 24-inch quads, not a 16-inch thigh.
The result is a leg opening that’s too wide and fabric that pools around your knee. Even “slim fit” from some brands is still loose because they rely on elastic waistbands instead of tapered legs. The key specs that cause bagginess for skinny legs are:
- High rise. A rise that sits above the natural hip creates extra fabric at the front, making legs look looser.
- Wide leg opening. Most golf shorts have a leg opening circumference of 22 to 24 inches. If your leg measures 14 inches around at the knee, that’s a lot of leftover material.
- Non-stretch fabric. Rigid cotton or polyester blends can’t hug your leg, so they stand away from the skin.
How to Alter Your Existing Golf Shorts for a Tapered Fit?
If you have a favorite pair of shorts that you don’t want to toss, a tailor is your best friend. I’ve taken three pairs of Nike Flex Stride shorts to a local seamstress, and each came back looking custom-made. Here’s what works.
Taking in the side seams from hip to hem
This is the most effective adjustment. The tailor will open the side seam, pin the fabric more tightly along your leg contour, and resew it. For stretch shorts (like those with 4-way stretch), ask them to use a stretch stitch so the seam doesn’t pop when you bend.
For non-stretch fabrics, a straight stitch is fine, but be careful not to over-tighten, or you’ll lose mobility. My rule: remove no more than 1.5 inches from each side seam. That gives a slim look without restricting hip rotation on a full driver swing.
Adding center-back darts
If the shorts are baggy at the back of the leg (common if you have a flat backside), darts work wonders. A dart is a small fold of fabric sewn into the waist seam that takes up excess volume. It doesn’t affect the front or crotch area, so your range of motion stays intact.
Tell the tailor you want darts that taper to nothing about 4 inches below the waistband. I’ve used this trick on a pair of Bonobos shorts and the improvement was dramatic.
Shortening the inseam to reduce fabric volume
Long shorts make skinny legs look even thinner because the extra fabric dangles below the knee. A simple hem to a 9-inch or 8-inch inseam cuts down on material and gives a cleaner line.
For reference, the average golf short is 10 to 11 inches. Dropping to 9 inches removes about two inches of fabric from the leg opening. If you want to keep a traditional look, 9 inches is safe for most guys.
Narrowing the leg opening
This is separate from shortening. The tailor can taper the leg opening by reducing the circumference. Measure your knee circumference at the widest point, then add 2 to 3 inches for comfort. For example, if your knee is 14 inches, ask for a 16-inch leg opening. Most tailors can do this for $10 to $15 per pair.
Critical caution: Do not let a tailor alter the crotch depth (the distance from the waistband to the fork). Changing this changes how the shorts sit on your hips and can ruin your hip turn in the swing. Keep the crotch untouched.
What to Look for When Buying New Golf Shorts for Skinny Legs?
Sometimes alteration isn’t worth the cost or the risk. If the shorts are cheap or have no side seam (like some bonded waist designs), buy new. Over the past few years, several brands have started making golf shorts that actually fit skinny legs without looking like skinny jeans. Here’s what to check before buying.
Brands that work
- Lululemon Commission Slim. These are my go-tos. They have a 16.5-inch leg opening in size 32, 4-way stretch, and a flat front. No flapping at all.
- Nike Flex Stride (in “slim” or “tapered” variants). The regular Flex Stride is too wide, but the tapered version (sometimes labeled “slim fit”) works. Look for the description “slim through the leg.”
- Adidas Ultimate365 Slim. A consistent performer. They have a 17-inch leg opening and a mid-rise that sits low enough to reduce bulk.
- Peter Millar Crown Slim Fit. If you want a dressier look without compromise, these are worth the premium.
- Under Armour Drive Shorts. Their “slim” cut is surprisingly narrow. The fabric has enough stretch to move with you.
Key specs to look for
- Leg opening circumference: Look for 16 to 18 inches for size medium or 32-inch waist. Some brands list this on the size chart.
- Front rise: 9.5 to 10 inches is ideal. A shorter rise sits lower on the hip, reducing excess fabric.
- Thigh width: Measure the thigh at the widest point. If they’re more than 12 inches, the shorts are cut wide.
- Fabric stretch: 4-way stretch (spandex or elastane blend) lets a narrower cut still allow a full golf swing. Avoid 100% cotton or stiff polyester.
What to avoid
Most “athletic fit” or “standard fit” options from major brands like Callaway or Ralph Lauren have leg openings of 22 inches or more. Also avoid anything labeled “loose” or “relaxed.” And never “size down” in the waist to fix leg bagginess – that only leads to a tight waist and a loose leg, plus a terrible crotch fit.
The Visual Illusion of Leg Size
Even after you taper the shorts, you can use visual tricks to make your legs look more proportionate. This isn’t about faking muscle, it’s about balancing your silhouette.
Color and pattern choices
Darker colors like charcoal, navy, black, and deep olive shrink perceived volume. They absorb light and don’t draw attention to how far the fabric sits from your skin. Avoid light beige, white, or bright pastels – those reflect light and make gaps obvious. If you want a pattern, choose small vertical stripes or micro-checks.
The vertical lines trick the eye into seeing a longer, narrower shape. I own a pair of vertical stripe shorts from Greyson, and they look sharp even though the cut isn’t particularly slim.
Pocket placement
Shorts with pockets that sit flush against the leg (like welt pockets or zip pockets) keep the silhouette clean. Cargo pockets, patch pockets, or pleated pockets add bulk that makes skinny legs look even thinner. Flat-front is your friend. Side-stripe designs (like pinstripes on the outer seam) create a continuous vertical line, which also helps.
Footwear matters
Thick-soled golf shoes, like spikeless sneakers or shoes with a platform sole, add visual weight to your lower half. T
his balances out the thinness of your legs below the shorts. I switched from thin-soled spiked shoes to chunky Adidas ZG21 and got compliments on how “solid” I looked. Pairing light shorts with dark shoes also draws the eye downward, which helps.
The Functionality Trap – Avoiding Alterations That Hurt Your Swing
It’s easy to go too far with tapering. I learned this the hard way when I took a pair of shorts in so tight that I couldn’t squat to pick up my ball marker. Here’s what to watch for.
Hip rotation restriction
If a tailor removes too much from the side seam, the shorts can limit how far you can turn your hips. A full golf swing requires about 45 degrees of hip rotation from address to impact. Stand in the altered shorts and simulate a backswing.
If you feel any tug at the hips or upper thigh, the shorts are too tight. Ask the tailor to let out the seam by 0.5 inches. A good rule: you should be able to do a deep squat without the fabric binding at the crotch or hip.
The knee test
Kneel on one knee (like you’re aligning a putt). If the shorts pull up above your knee or strain at the hem, the leg opening is too narrow. The hem should sit comfortably just above the kneecap when kneeling, without rolling up.
When not to alter
If the shorts have no side seam (like bonded shorts) or are made of a very stiff fabric that doesn’t drape, alteration won’t give you a clean result. Also, if the shorts have a permanent crease at the front (like dress shorts), taking them in may ruin the crease line.
In these cases, buy new instead. Also avoid altering shorts that cost less than $40; the tailor fee will be half the price of the shorts, and you’re better off putting that money toward a properly fitting pair.
The compression underwear myth
Some guys swear by wearing compression leggings under golf shorts to pull the fabric closer to the leg. In my experience, it works only if the shorts are already fairly slim (e.g., a slim-fit cut that is just slightly loose). Compression shorts can reduce the air gap and prevent flapping.
But if the shorts are genuinely baggy, compression layers will just create creases and bunching, making you look messy. If you try this, wear mid-length compression shorts that extend to just above the knee – long ones will show below the hem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a waist alteration to fix leg bagginess?
No. Taking in the waist only removes fabric from the top. It does not change the leg opening or thigh fit. In fact, a tighter waist can make the leg look even looser by pulling the shorts higher, exposing more fabric. Always treat waist and leg adjustments separately.
How much does it typically cost to taper golf shorts at a tailor?
Most local tailors charge between $10 and $25 per pair, depending on the complexity. Simple hemming is around $10, taking in side seams is $15 to $20, and adding darts can be $10 extra. Always ask for a quote before leaving the shorts.
Are there golf shorts designed specifically for men with skinny legs?
Yes, but they are not labeled “for skinny legs.” Look for “slim fit,” “tapered fit,” or “tailored fit” from the brands I listed. Peter Millar Crown Slim Fit and Lululemon Commission Slim are the best bets for a truly narrow leg without being restrictive.
Should I size down in waist to reduce leg looseness?
Rarely works. Sizing down makes the waist tight and the crotch ride up, but the legs will still be wide because the cut is still for a larger hip. You’ll end up with shorts that strain at the button and look baggy below the hip. Stick with your correct waist size and alter the legs.
Do compression shorts underneath help golf shorts fit better?
For some, yes. If the shorts are only slightly loose, compression shorts can pull the fabric closer and reduce noise from flapping. For heavily baggy shorts, compression underwear will not fix the excess fabric and may cause wrinkles. It’s a band-aid, not a solution.
Can you hem golf shorts with mesh lining?
Yes, but the mesh lining may need to be shortened separately. Ask the tailor to hem the outer fabric and then trim the lining to match. If the lining is bonded to the seam, they may need to reattach it. Most tailors can handle this for a small extra fee. Without the lining adjustment, the mesh may bunch below the new hem, which feels uncomfortable.