RSQ Nylon Shorts – Lightweight Performance Shorts

★★★★★4.8/5· thousands of reviews

Our RSQ nylon shorts are built for the way you actually move. We started with a lightweight ripstop nylon that sheds water and dries fast, then added a DWR finish so light rain and splashes bead right off.

The elastic waistband includes an internal drawcord for a stay-put fit whether you’re hitting the trail, the gym, or just running errands. We built in deep zippered pockets at the sides and a back zip pocket because your phone and keys deserve better than a flimsy slot. The inseam sits at 7 inches for mobility without riding up, and the mesh liner keeps everything comfortable mile after mile.

We designed these for people who want one short that works everywhere—morning workouts, afternoon hikes, evening hangouts. Toss them in your bag, wash them when you get home, and they’ll be ready to go again the next day.

  • Ripstop nylon shell with DWR water-resistant finish
  • Elastic waistband with internal drawcord adjustment
  • 7-inch inseam for freedom of movement
  • Side zip pockets plus back zip security pocket
  • Breathable mesh liner for all-day comfort
Ripstop nylon shell with DWR water-resistant finishElastic waistband with internal drawcord adjustment7-inch inseam for freedom of movementSide zip pockets plus back zip security pocketBreathable mesh liner for all-day comfort
Build quality
Everyday use
Value
Durability
Style

Fabric & Construction Details

Fabric & Construction Details

We chose ripstop nylon for these shorts because it punches way above its weight class. The weave stops small tears from spreading, so a snag on a branch or a rough surface won’t turn into a bigger problem down the line.

The DWR coating we apply to every pair gives you real weather protection without adding bulk or stiffness. Light rain, sweat, spilled drinks—they all bead up and roll off instead of soaking through. After 20-30 washes the coating will start to fade, but you can restore it with a spray-on treatment if you want to keep that performance going.


Sizing & Fit Guide

Sizing & Fit Guide

How They Should Fit

These shorts sit at your natural waist and feature a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh. The 7-inch inseam typically lands mid-thigh on most builds, giving you coverage without restricting your stride.

We recommend ordering your usual pant size. The elastic waistband has about two inches of stretch, and the drawcord lets you dial in the exact fit you want. If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit for layering a compression short underneath, size up one.


Care & Maintenance

Care & Maintenance

Machine wash cold with like colors. We recommend turning the shorts inside out to protect the DWR finish and keep the fabric looking newer longer.

Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry—both work fine, but hang drying extends the life of the elastic waistband. These shorts dry fast either way, usually within 45-60 minutes on a line.


More Performance Shorts

RSQ Mesh Shorts
RSQ Mesh Shorts
All-mesh construction for maximum breathability during high-intensity workouts and summer training sessions.
Explore Mesh Shorts →
RSQ Hybrid Shorts
RSQ Hybrid Shorts
Hybrid design with a nylon face and stretch-woven panels—built for water and land workouts in one short.
See Hybrid Details →
RSQ Training Joggers
RSQ Training Joggers
Tapered joggers in the same ripstop nylon with ankle zippers for easy on-off over sneakers.
Browse Joggers →
RSQ Packable Wind Shorts
RSQ Packable Wind Shorts
Ultra-lightweight wind shorts that fold into their own pocket—perfect for runners and travelers.
Check Wind Shorts →
RSQ Cargo Shorts
RSQ Cargo Shorts
Nylon cargo shorts with reinforced side pockets and a relaxed fit for outdoor adventures.
View Cargo Shorts →
RSQ Tech Tee
RSQ Tech Tee
Moisture-wicking performance tee designed to pair with all RSQ shorts—seamless comfort head to toe.
Pair With Tee →

What people are saying

4.8
★★★★★
Based on verified reviews
Customer product photo
Customer product photo
Customer product photo
M
Marcus T.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Finally, shorts that actually dry fast
I’ve been through a dozen pairs of ‘quick-dry’ shorts that still felt damp an hour later. These RSQ nylon shorts live up to the claim. I can rinse them out after a sweaty run and they’re completely dry before dinner. The pockets are deep enough that my phone doesn’t bounce around, and the waistband stays put without digging in.
B
Brian L.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Perfect for travel and everyday wear
I brought two pairs on a two-week trip and wore them almost every day. They pack down small, wash easily in the sink, and look good enough to wear to a casual restaurant. The water-resistant finish saved me during an unexpected rainstorm in Seattle.
D
Dev P.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Great fit and the zippers actually work
I’ve had shorts where the zippers snag or break after a few weeks. These have held up perfectly through three months of daily gym sessions. The 7-inch inseam is ideal for squats and lunges—doesn’t ride up or restrict movement at all.
J
Jake M.
Verified buyer
★★★★☆
Solid everyday shorts, wish they had more colors
These are my new go-to shorts for pretty much everything. Comfortable, durable, dry fast, pockets are clutch. Only reason I’m not giving five stars is I’d love to see them in a few more color options beyond the current lineup.
E
Ethan R.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Held up on a thru-hike
I wore these for 12 days straight on a backpacking trip and they came out looking almost new. A couple small snags from brush but the ripstop fabric kept them from tearing. Washed them in creeks along the way and they dried on my pack by the next morning.
C
Chris A.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Best shorts I’ve owned in years
I’m honestly impressed. The quality is way higher than the price suggests. The stitching is clean, the fabric feels premium, and the fit is spot-on. I ordered a second pair within a week of getting the first.

RSQ Nylon Shorts Questions

Yes, they run true to size based on standard men’s pant sizing. The elastic waistband offers about two inches of stretch, and the internal drawcord lets you fine-tune the fit.

If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit for layering, we recommend sizing up one. Most customers find their usual size works perfectly.

The DWR finish will naturally fade after 20-30 washes. You can restore it by applying a spray-on DWR treatment, available at most outdoor or sporting goods stores.

Clean the shorts first, then spray evenly while they’re damp. Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the coating. This process takes about 10 minutes and brings back the original water-shedding performance.

While the nylon fabric dries quickly and resists water, these shorts aren’t specifically designed as swim trunks. They don’t have a swimwear-specific liner or drainage features.

That said, many customers wear them for casual swimming, paddleboarding, or beach activities. They’ll dry faster than cotton or heavier blends, but dedicated swim shorts might be a better choice for extended water time.

The RSQ nylon shorts feature a 7-inch inseam, which typically lands mid-thigh for most body types. This length offers a balance between coverage and mobility—short enough to avoid restricting movement during squats or running, long enough to avoid riding up.

We’re currently testing 5-inch and 9-inch versions based on customer feedback, so additional inseam options may be available soon.

All pockets on these shorts feature YKK zippers. You get two deep side zip pockets and one centered back zip pocket. The zippers are smooth, lockable, and designed to stay closed during movement.

This means your phone, keys, and wallet stay secure whether you’re running, climbing, or just moving around. No more worrying about items falling out or bouncing around.

In typical indoor conditions, these shorts dry completely in 45-60 minutes when hang-dried. If you tumble dry on low heat, expect around 30-40 minutes.

The ripstop nylon and mesh liner combination wicks moisture away from your body and releases it quickly into the air. Many customers report washing them in the evening and having them ready to wear again by morning, even without a dryer.

Absolutely. The lightweight ripstop nylon, 7-inch inseam, and secure zip pockets make these a solid choice for running. The mesh liner reduces chafing, and the quick-dry fabric handles sweat well.

The elastic waistband with drawcord stays in place during longer runs, and the reinforced stitching holds up to repeated motion. Many runners use these for everything from easy neighborhood runs to longer trail outings.

Explore the Full RSQ Shorts Collection
From mesh to hybrid designs—find your perfect pair for every activity