If you're a fan of the "sky's out, thighs out" philosophy, you're probably already familiar with Chubbies. The brand practically perfected the art of fun, vibrant shorts that are all about embracing a laid-back, weekend-ready vibe. Their comfortable fits and bold, conversation-starting prints make them a go-to for everything from beach days to backyard barbecues.
But when you've got a good thing going, why not find more of it? If you love Chubbies' casual, playful aesthetic and want to expand your warm-weather wardrobe, here are 22 similar brands bringing their own unique energy to the world of fun shorts.
Tommy Bahama takes the relaxed, vacation-ready feel of Chubbies and gives it a slightly more upscale, resort-inspired spin. Known for tropical prints and high-quality, lightweight fabrics, this brand is perfect for anyone who wants their casual comfort with a side of luxe leisure. While Chubbies leans into quirky, fun patterns, Tommy Bahama offers a more polished and refined take on island style, making it a great choice for a classy-yet-casual getaway.
Shop now at tommybahama.com
Infused with coastal, preppy DNA, Southern Tide is all about classic Southern charm. Think seersucker, gingham, and timeless cuts that feel equally at home on a boat or at a brunch. Compared to Chubbies' louder, more irreverent style, Southern Tide is a bit more traditional and put-together. If you appreciate the casual quality of Chubbies but prefer a more classic, preppy aesthetic, Southern Tide is your perfect match.
Shop now at southerntide.com
Faherty is a family-run brand rooted in a surf lifestyle, with a major focus on sustainability. Their shorts are made from eco-friendly fabrics with an emphasis on incredible comfort and durability. While they share Chubbies' laid-back coastal vibe, Faherty offers a more premium, eco-conscious feel. For those who want their casual shorts to be incredibly soft, well-made, and good for the planet, Faherty delivers.
Shop now at fahertybrand.com
If you love the bold prints of Chubbies but want to take it to a luxury level, Vilebrequin is the answer. This iconic French brand is renowned for its high-end swim trunks that feature intricate, vibrant patterns and impeccable craftsmanship. Vilebrequin shares Chubbies' spirit of fun and color but elevates it with premium materials and a much higher price point, making them the ultimate statement swimwear for a high-end beach destination.
Shop now at vilebrequin.com
Original Penguin blends retro charm with modern preppy style, creating casual wear that feels both timeless and fun. Their shorts often feature playful prints and cool patterns with a vintage vibe. They echo Chubbies’ lighthearted aesthetic but filter it through a slightly more polished, mid-century modern lens. It’s perfect for someone looking for casual shorts with a bit of a quirky, nostalgic twist.
Shop now at originalpenguin.com
Patagonia is a leader in sustainable outdoor gear, known for its durable and functional apparel. Their shorts, like the iconic Baggies, are designed for an active lifestyle, from hiking trails to catching waves. Instead of playful patterns, Patagonia focuses on performance and eco-friendly materials. For those who love the casual vibe of Chubbies but need shorts that are built for adventure and backed by a strong environmental mission, Patagonia is unmatched.
Shop now at patagonia.com
L.L.Bean offers classic, durable apparel built for the outdoors. Their shorts are known for being comfortable, rugged, and completely unpretentious. The style here is more about timeless function than trendy prints. It’s a great alternative to Chubbies if you’re looking for no-frills, reliable shorts made from sturdy fabrics that will last you for years of camping trips, lake days, and relaxed weekends.
Shop now at llbean.com
J.Crew is the master of modern preppy style, offering clean, classic shorts in a wide array of reliable inseams and fabrics. Their collections feature versatile colors and timeless patterns that can be easily dressed up or down. Unlike Chubbies' focus on fun and novelty, J.Crew's shorts are all about polished, effortless style, making them a staple for anyone building a versatile and sophisticated casual wardrobe.
Shop now at jcrew.com
Rooted in skate and street culture, Vans brings an edgier, more rebellious attitude to casual shorts. You'll find bold logo details, classic checkerboard patterns, and an overall cool, youthful vibe. While both brands are casual, Vans swaps Chubbies’ preppy, beach-party feel for a more urban, skate-park aesthetic. It's the perfect choice for someone wanting comfortable shorts with some streetwear credibility.
Shop now at vans.com
As an icon of American style, Ralph Lauren delivers classic, preppy shorts that are a benchmark for refined casualwear. Featuring the signature Polo embroidery and clean, traditional cuts, these shorts are effortlessly sophisticated. They offer a more upscale and heritage-focused alternative to Chubbies, ideal for someone who appreciates timeless design with an air of casual luxury.
Shop now at ralphlauren.com
Having reinvented itself, Abercrombie & Fitch now offers a great range of casual, comfortable shorts with a modern and slightly more minimalist aesthetic. Their collection includes classic chino shorts and on-trend fits that feel both youthful and refined. They provide a similar laid-back comfort to Chubbies but with less emphasis on loud patterns, making them a solid choice for elevated everyday basics.
Shop now at abercrombie.com
Born from surf culture, Hurley specializes in high-performance beachwear, including swim trunks and hybrid shorts that work in and out of the water. They share Chubbies’ DNA of fun graphics and a youthful beach vibe, but with a stronger focus on technical fabrics and a legitimate surfer-approved reputation. If your fun is more active and ocean-focused, Hurley is an excellent alternative.
Shop now at hurley.com
Best known for its premium athletic wear, Lululemon's shorts are engineered for ultimate comfort using innovative, stretchy fabrics. While Chubbies focuses on fun patterns, Lululemon’s designs are typically minimalist, sleek, and built for performance and movement. For those who prioritize technical feel and an athleisure look, Lululemon offers supreme comfort that easily transitions from a workout to a casual hangout.
Shop now at lululemon.com
With deep roots in skate, surf, and snow culture, Volcom offers shorts with a distinctly edgy, art-driven vibe. Their styles often feature bold graphics, asymmetrical designs, and a rebellious spirit. It’s a great alternative for those who like the youthful energy of Chubbies but want to trade the preppy undertones for something with more streetwear and action sports flavor.
Shop now at volcom.com
Billabong is a quintessential surfwear brand that embodies the casual, carefree beach lifestyle. Their shorts and boardshorts come in a variety of bright colors and globally-inspired prints that feel right at home by the ocean. It’s very similar to Chubbies in its fun-loving, warm-weather spirit, making it an easy and authentic swap for anyone drawn to surf culture.
Shop now at billabong.com
As one of the original surf brands, Quiksilver has been outfitting beachgoers for decades. Their shorts mix innovative technical features with a laid-back, energetic style perfect for an active lifestyle. Compared to Chubbies, Quiksilver leans more into its performance and surf heritage but maintains the same casual, life-is-good spirit that’s perfect for summer adventures.
Shop now at quiksilver.com
For those who want shorts that make a big statement, Radii is a streetwear brand known for its unapologetically bold and graphic-heavy designs. This choice is for the trend-savvy crowd who wants their outfit to be a conversation starter. While Chubbies utilizes playful repeat patterns, Radii is all about dynamic, in-your-face graphics that command attention with a heavy dose of street style.
Shop now at radii.co
American Eagle is a go-to for affordable, on-trend casualwear that puts a major emphasis on comfort and a variety of fits. They offer a huge selection of chino shorts, flex shorts, and denim options that cater to a youthful audience. You'll find similar casual vibes as Chubbies but with more universally approachable styles and colors, making it an easy-to-shop source for reliable basics.
Shop now at ae.com
H&M is a one-stop-shop for stylish and incredibly budget-friendly fashion. Their collection of shorts constantly rotates with the latest trends, from simple linen and chino styles to of-the-moment prints. If you want the fun, casual look of Chubbies without the same price commitment or just want to experiment with different summer styles on a budget, H&M is an unbeatable choice.
Shop now at hm.com
Uniqlo masters the art of the perfect basic, and their shorts are no exception. Focused on high-quality materials, functional design, and clean, minimalist aesthetics, Uniqlo offers unmatched value. Where Chubbies goes loud with prints, Uniqlo excels in simplicity with flawless fits and solid colors. It’s the ideal option for those who prioritize comfort and a streamlined wardrobe.
Shop now at uniqlo.com
PacSun curates a collection of the best brands from California's skate, surf, and street scenes, alongside its own in-house line. It's the perfect place to discover shorts with a cool, youthful, and trendy L.A. vibe. You’ll find styles very similar to Chubbies alongside edgier and more contemporary options, making it a great destination for exploring the full spectrum of casual West Coast style.
Shop now at pacsun.com
Old Navy is a family favorite for fun, approachable, and highly affordable casual styles. Their shorts come in a mind-boggling array of colors, patterns, and fits, making it easy to stock up for the season. They share Chubbies’ love for a relaxed, happy aesthetic but at an even more accessible price point. It's a fantastic spot for finding reliable and simple shorts for any and every casual occasion.
Shop now at oldnavy.com
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