Coastal Shorts Buying Guide: What to Look for in Summer Shorts

Quick answer

For most summer trips, choose one versatile pair of shorts you can wear for sightseeing, casual meals, and light activity—then add a second pair only if your plans include swimming or workouts. Prioritize fabric that dries quickly, a waistband that stays put without digging, and a length that matches your comfort level. If you want a single do-it-all short, start with the Olivie Shorts; if you need swim-friendly coverage, consider the Riviere Athletic Top as a companion piece.

Summer shorts are easy to buy badly. You grab a pair that looks right in the fitting room, then discover on day two of a trip that they ride up, stay damp after a swim, or only work with one top. A coastal shorts buying guide helps you avoid that by matching the short to your actual plans—not to a mannequin or a sale rack.

This guide walks through the decisions that matter most: fabric behavior, waistband comfort, length and coverage, and how many pairs you really need. Along the way, we’ll use real Lole styles as examples so you can see how specific features translate into everyday wear, travel, and light activity.

Start with how you’ll spend the day

The first decision is not color or length—it’s use case. A short for a beach town walk needs different qualities than one for a morning jog or a full day of travel. If you’ll be near water, look for fabric that handles splashes and dries without feeling heavy. If you’re mostly walking and eating outdoors, prioritize softness and a clean silhouette that works with a range of tops.

Write down your top three activities for the season. If two or more involve movement or water, lean toward a sporty short with stretch and quick-drying properties. If most of your days are casual, a sleeker short will feel more versatile. This one step prevents the common mistake of buying a short that’s perfect for one afternoon but wrong for the rest of the trip.

• Beach or pool days: prioritize quick-dry fabric and a secure waistband.
• City travel: prioritize comfort, wrinkle resistance, and easy pairing.
• Light workouts: prioritize stretch and a fit that stays put.

Fabric and features that matter for coastal wear

Coastal environments add two stressors: moisture and sun. You don’t need technical specs to choose well—just ask whether the short will feel clammy after a splash and whether it will stay comfortable when you’re moving between shade and sun. Bonded straps, removable pads, and cross-back designs show up in active tops, but for shorts the equivalent is a waistband that lies flat and seams that don’t chafe.

Pockets are another practical feature. A small zip pocket or slip pocket keeps a key or card secure without a bag. If a product description doesn’t mention pockets, treat that as an unknown rather than assuming they exist. The same goes for lining: if it’s not listed, don’t count on it for swim coverage.

• Check whether the short is described as quick-drying or swim-friendly before packing it for water days.
• Look for flat or bonded seams if you plan to wear the short for long walks.
• Treat missing pocket or lining details as a reason to ask customer service, not to guess.

Fit guidance: waistband, rise, and length

Fit is where most shorts succeed or fail. A waistband should sit comfortably without needing constant adjustment. If you’re between sizes, consider how the short is intended to sit—high rise versus mid rise changes where the waistband lands and how the leg opening falls. For travel, a slightly relaxed fit often beats a tight fit because it handles sitting, walking, and temperature changes better.

Length is personal, but a good rule is to choose the shortest length you feel confident wearing for the activities you have planned. If you’ll be cycling or doing lunges, add an inch or two to avoid ride-up. If you’re mostly strolling, a shorter inseam can feel cooler. Lole’s Olivie Shorts are described as sleek yet sporty and versatile, which makes them a reasonable starting point if you want one short that works across casual and light-active days.

• Measure a pair of shorts you already like and compare that to the size chart.
• If you have a longer torso, a higher rise may feel more secure.
• If you have fuller thighs, look for a slightly wider leg opening to reduce ride-up.

How many pairs do you actually need?

For a one-week summer trip, two pairs of shorts is usually enough if one is versatile and one is activity-specific. A versatile pair like the Olivie Shorts can cover travel days, casual meals, and light walks. An activity-specific pair—or a swim-friendly top and short combination—covers beach and workout days. If you’re packing carry-on only, choose shorts that mix with at least three tops you’re bringing.

If you’re unsure, start with one. Wear it for a week at home before your trip. You’ll quickly learn whether the waistband stays put, whether the length works when you sit, and whether you reach for it again. That real-world test is more reliable than any fitting-room mirror.

• One versatile short + one activity short covers most summer trips.
• Pack shorts that match at least three tops in your bag.
• Test new shorts for a full day before relying on them for travel.

Decision rules for buying summer shorts

• If you want one pair for everything: Choose a versatile, sleek short like the Olivie Shorts that works with casual tops and light activity. Check that the waistband stays put when you sit and walk. One good versatile pair beats three specialized pairs you rarely wear.
• If your days include water: Look for swim-friendly pieces such as the Riviere Athletic Top and pair them with a short you don’t mind getting splashed. Confirm quick-dry claims in the product description. Don’t assume a short is swim-ready unless it’s described that way.
• If you’re between sizes: Size up for travel and all-day wear, especially if the short has a fixed waistband. Use the size chart and compare to a short you already own. A slightly relaxed fit is more forgiving on trips than a tight one.
• If you’re packing carry-on only: Limit yourself to two pairs: one versatile, one activity-specific. Make sure both match at least three tops you’re bringing. Fewer, better shorts free up space and reduce decision fatigue.

Lole styles that illustrate the decisions

• Olivie Shorts: Our most versatile short. Sleek yet sporty, the Olivie Short brings ease and comfort all day long. A good first pair if you want one short for travel, errands, and casual days without looking athletic.
• Riviere Athletic Top: Designed for movement under the sun, the Rivière Top pairs comfortable support with a sleek, refined back strap design that allows for ease and freedom of movement. A swim-friendly companion piece when your coastal days include water and light activity, so you can build an outfit rather than pack separate gear.
• Action Bra: Designed for comfort-first movement and all-day wear, the Action Bra features bonded straps, removable pads, and a flattering cross-back. Supportive enough for low-impact workouts, comfortable enough to live in. Shows how bonded straps and removable pads translate to comfort—useful context when comparing active tops to wear with your shorts.

Who these shorts are for—and who should choose differently

Best for

• Travelers who want one short that works for walking, casual meals, and light activity
• Women who prefer a sleek, sporty look over traditional athletic shorts
• Anyone building a small summer capsule and needs shorts that pair easily

Not for

• Runners or high-intensity athletes who need compression or moisture-wicking performance shorts
• Swimmers who need a dedicated swim bottom with guaranteed lining or chlorine resistance
• Shoppers who want a specific inseam length without checking the size chart first

Buy shorts for the days you actually have, not the vacation you imagine. Start with one versatile pair, test it in real life, and add a second only when a specific activity demands it. That approach keeps your packing light and your summer comfortable.