Seersucker has long since earned its spot on the Mount Rushmore of summer fabrics. Traditionally made from cotton, it's woven in such a way that the threads bunch together, giving the fabric a crinkly, puckered appearance. The benefit of this intentional crumpling? It allows air to flow more freely and prevents it from sticking to your skin. The name derives from the Persian phrase “shir-o-shakhar”, meaning “milk and sugar” for the alternating textures.

They might not be your first thought when you think of easygoing shorts. That's okay. But man can't survive solely on nylon Baggies and chino shorts, right? As prep returns to mainstream menswear, it's got a slight dirtbag edge this time. And these shorts, cut from a traditional fabric—but in a more easygoing silhouette with an elasticized waistband—are seersucker shorts that just feel right. But who makes the best pair for your money? We tried on a handful to bring three sweet styles to fit any budget.