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Most soccer shorts have a 5 to 7 inch inseam and hit about 1 to 3 inches above the knee. The right length depends on play style and comfort, so the same pair can feel perfect to one player and wrong to another.
Picture the last ten minutes of a close game. Your legs are tired, the ball is coming your way, and your shorts ride up with every sprint. Small annoyances like that add up and pull your attention away from the game.
The inseam is the distance from the crotch seam down to the bottom edge of the leg opening, measured along the inner leg. The hem is that bottom edge, and its height on the thigh is what most players notice first.
Below you will find typical lengths, simple ways to measure, and tips for matching length to your position. The goal is shorts that give you comfort, movement and confident play. Check the stated inseam before comparing any two pairs.
Key Takeaways
- Most soccer shorts run a 5 to 7 inch inseam.
- The hem usually lands 1 to 3 inches above the knee.
- Long cuts run 7 to 9 inches and cover more of the thigh.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon move better than cotton.
- Measure hips first, because the widest point sets the size.
- Compare the stated inseam before any other feature.
Standard Soccer Shorts Length Explained
A 6 to 7 inch inseam is the most common standard for match kits. Soccer shorts are typically 5 to 7 inches in inseam, which is shorter than most running shorts. Because running shorts usually run longer, soccer shorts sit higher on the thigh.
Inseam Ranges from 5 to 9 Inches
A 5-inch cut gives the most leg freedom. It suits players who want nothing catching on a stride or a sudden turn. The fabric stays high on the leg, so it moves with the thigh instead of against it.
The 6 to 7 inch cut is the match standard for adults and youth. It balances coverage with movement and suits most players in most positions. Eight and 9 inch long cuts add extra coverage for players who want more fabric on the thigh.
Where the Hem Should Sit on the Leg
The hem usually sits 1 to 3 inches above the knee. At that height the fabric stays clear of the knee joint and does not bunch when the leg bends. A hem in this zone also keeps the shorts from flapping during a long run.
Pick the inseam first, because it sets where the hem lands on your thigh.
Hem height changes with body build, too. A tall player with long thighs may find a 6 inch inseam sits lower than a shorter player expects. Try the shorts on and bend your knees to see where the hem lands before you commit.
A hem that clears the knee by a couple of inches moves more cleanly than one that sits on the kneecap.
Long Soccer Shorts and Their Trade-Offs
Long soccer shorts usually have a 7 to 9 inch inseam and sit below mid-thigh. That extra fabric adds coverage, but it also changes how the shorts feel in a sprint.
| Type | Inseam | Fabric | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long performance shorts | 7-9 inches | Light synthetic | Vented, cooler |
| Long lifestyle shorts | 7-9 inches | Heavier | Traps more heat |
| Standard match shorts | 5-7 inches | Light synthetic | Lower heat than lifestyle |
Kids soccer shorts length for growing players
The length of soccer shorts for kids usually falls between 5 and 7 inches in inseam. Growing players can wear a slightly longer pair, but the hem should still clear the knee. A longer cut that hangs past the knee will slow a young player down.
Buy a pair that fits now, not one that fits next year. Oversized shorts bunch and shift, and that distracts a child on the field.
Boys soccer shorts length and coverage
Boys soccer shorts length works the same way, since boys' shorts are usually cut in the same 5 to 7 inch range. A boy who wants more coverage can move up to a 7 inch inseam. A long cut with light fabric keeps the thigh covered without adding much heat.
Long lifestyle shorts are heavier and trap more heat, so they suit warm-ups and casual play. Long performance shorts are lighter and vented, so they handle a full match better.
Choose performance cut long shorts for any match, and keep lifestyle shorts for warm-ups.
Fabric, Waistband and Seams That Keep Shorts in Place
Cotton can absorb about 7 percent of its weight in sweat, which is why it feels heavy in a match. Synthetic fabrics hold less water and dry faster, so they suit game day better.
Polyester, Nylon and Blends for Movement
Many polyester blends are about 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex. The spandex gives stretch, so the shorts move with the hips and legs. Nylon is abrasion and mildew resistant, which helps it handle grass, turf and frequent washing.
Teams ordering custom team uniforms often ask for the same moisture-wicking fabric described here.
Elastic Waistbands and Drawstrings
The waistband area, also called the rise, should hold the shorts up without digging in. An elastic waistband gives a snug, even hold. A drawstring adds a second layer of control for players who want a closer fit.
A drawstring should be secure but not fully tight. Full tightness can press into the skin during long runs.
Flatlock Seams and Chafe Prevention
Flatlock seams lie flat against the skin, so they cause less rubbing on the inner thigh. Check that the inner leg seams are flat and smooth before you buy. Look for a flat internal drawcord too, since a rough cord can irritate the waist.
- Waistband: elastic plus a working drawcord
- Drawcord: flat and internal, not a bulky knot
- Fabric: polyester, nylon or a blend with spandex
- Seams: flatlock on the inner leg and crotch
Tie the drawstring snug enough to stay put but loose enough that it does not dig into the skin.
Measuring Waist, Hips and Inseam for a Correct Size
Hips come first, because the widest point decides the size if the waist falls in a smaller one. Start with the hips, then check the waist and inseam.
Men usually want soccer shorts length in the 5 to 7 inch inseam range. Measure your waist about 1 inch above the belly button, then leave about a finger's width of ease. Ease is the extra room that lets the shorts move with you.
To measure hips, wrap the tape at the widest point and keep it level with the floor. If the waist fits one size and the hips fit a larger one, go by the hips. A shorts waist can be taken in later, but tight hips restrict every stride.
Check the thigh with a pinch test. Pinch 1 to 2 inches of fabric at the thigh. If you can pinch that much, the leg opening has room to move.
Measure the inseam from the crotch seam down to the hem you want. Then measure a pair of shorts you already own, lying flat, to check the inseam.
Women's Soccer Shorts Length and Fit
Mid-rise women's soccer shorts with a slightly tapered cut suit quick direction changes. Women's soccer shorts length usually falls in the same 5 to 7 inch inseam range as men's shorts.
| Style | Inseam | Rise | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-rise tapered | 5-7 inches | Mid-rise | Quick direction changes |
| Standard cut | 5-7 inches | Standard | General match and training |
| Long cut | 7-9 inches | Standard | Extra coverage |
Mid-Rise and Tapered Cuts for Quick Movement
A mid-rise sits below the natural waist and leaves room for hip movement. A slight taper through the leg keeps the fabric close enough to stay neat without gripping the thigh. Together they help when a player cuts sharply or changes pace.
The waist should still sit flat when you bend. If the waist gaps or rolls down, the rise may be too short for your hips.
Compression Liners Under Soccer Shorts
Many players wear leggings under game shorts for support and to help prevent abrasions and turf burns. A compression liner fits like a second skin, so it should sit snug against the body. The outer short should sit loose over the liner.
If the outer short grips the liner, the two layers bunch and slow your stride. Choose an outer short with enough room in the thigh to sit clear of the liner.
Test the layered fit with a few sprints and jumps before a match.
Matching Length to Position and Level of Play
Attacking players do best with a hem clearly above the knee. Length should follow the way you move on the field, not just what looks right in a mirror.
- Attacking midfielder: 5 to 6 inch inseam, hem well above the knee
- Winger: 5 inch inseam for maximum leg freedom on sprints
- Goalkeeper: 7 to 9 inch cut, since dives and static stances favor coverage
- Casual session: 6 to 7 inch inseam for comfort over a long game of pickup
A competitive match asks more from the shorts than a relaxed training session does. Pick a length for the drills you do most, not the match you dream about.
Checklist Before You Buy Soccer Shorts
Stated inseam matters most, because photos hide how far the hem falls. A brand that lists the inseam gives you a number to compare across pairs.
Read reviews that mention height and where the hem landed on the reader. A review from a shorter player tells you more about a 7 inch cut than a size chart does.
A reviewer's height tells you more about hem position than any size chart.
- Stated inseam is printed or listed for the pair
- Lightweight synthetic fabric for matches
- Venting panels for airflow during long runs
- Secure waistband with a working drawcord
- Reviews that mention height and hem position
Compare two pairs on inseam before comparing any other feature.
Conclusion
Standard soccer shorts with a 5 to 7 inch inseam suit most players. The waistband matters too, because a snug, working waistband keeps the shorts in place while the hem stays where you want it. Pick the length that matches your position and your play, then check the fabric.
Measure your waist, hips and inseam before you order anything.
FAQ
How many inches should soccer shorts be?
Most match soccer shorts have a 5 to 7 inch inseam, which is the standard range for adults and youth. Long cuts run 7 to 9 inches and cover more of the thigh. The hem usually sits 1 to 3 inches above the knee. Pick the length that lets you sprint and turn without the fabric bunching or riding up.
Should soccer shorts be snug or loose?
Snug at the waist and slightly loose from the waist to the thigh is the usual goal. The waistband should stay put during sprints without digging in. Leave room in the thighs so the shorts do not pull when you kick. A pinch of 1 to 2 inches of fabric at the thigh is a useful test.
Are long soccer shorts allowed in matches?
It depends on the league uniform rules. Many leagues set rules for shorts color, length and whether they must match teammates. Check the rulebook before game day. A pair that breaks a rule can cost a player time before kickoff.
Does cotton work for soccer shorts?
Cotton is not the best choice for matches. It can absorb about 7 percent of its weight in sweat, so it gets heavy and stays wet. Polyester and nylon blends dry faster and move with the body. Cotton can still work for warm-ups or casual training when the game is not intense.
How should compression shorts fit under soccer shorts?
A compression liner should sit snug against the skin, like a second skin. The outer soccer shorts should sit loose over it, not grip it. If the outer short pulls against the liner, the layers can bunch and slow your stride. Test the layered fit with sprints and jumps before a match.
