Buying comfortable shorts can be harder than it looks because “fits like a glove” does not always apply below the waist. Some pairs feel great in the dressing room but become a real **drag** after a few hours. Others look **short and sweet** on the rack yet pinch, ride up, or lack useful pockets. Fabric, waistband design, inseam length, and stretch can all make or break your summer **bottom line**. Fortunately, Columbia has plenty of places where shoppers can find shorts that keep comfort from taking a **backseat**. The average prices below are estimates for typical everyday styles before sales and tax, so check each retailer’s website for current inventory and pricing.

## 1. REI Co-op

For hiking, travel, and outdoor adventures, [REI](https://www.rei.com/) is a **trail-blazer** for comfortable shorts. Look for lightweight hiking shorts, stretchy athletic styles, and quick-drying fabrics from brands such as Patagonia, Prana, and REI Co-op. **Estimated average price:** about **$55–;$70** per pair. REI’s Columbia store is located on Garners Ferry Road, making it a good stop when your wardrobe needs to go the extra mile.

## 2. Dick’s Sporting Goods

[Dick’s Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/) carries running, training, golf, and casual athletic shorts with plenty of stretch. Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and DSG house-brand options can keep your outfit from feeling **out of bounds**. **Estimated average price:** about **$25–;$45** per pair. It is a solid choice when you want comfort that can **score** during workouts or weekend errands.

## 3. Academy Sports + Outdoors

At [Academy Sports + Outdoors](https://www.academy.com/), shoppers can find affordable athletic, fishing, hiking, and casual shorts. Their in-house Magellan Outdoors and BCG lines often offer elastic waists, breathable fabric, and practical pockets without making your wallet **sweat**. **Estimated average price:** about **$18–;$30** per pair. Academy is a good place to get your summer wardrobe **in the swing** without paying a premium.

## 4. Target

[Target](https://www.target.com/) offers comfortable shorts from brands including All in Motion, Universal Thread, Goodfellow & Co., and A New Day. Options range from soft lounge shorts to chino and athletic styles, so your shopping trip can hit the **bull’s-eye**. **Estimated average price:** about **$18–;$25** per pair. With several Columbia-area locations, Target makes it easy to keep your shorts search **on target**.

## 5. Walmart

[Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/) is a budget-friendly choice for jersey, cargo, athletic, and casual shorts. Brands such as Athletic Works, George, Time and Tru, and No Boundaries offer plenty of low-cost options for keeping your comfort **in the bag**. **Estimated average price:** about **$12–;$20** per pair. If you want more room in your budget, Walmart can help your dollars **stretch** right along with the fabric.

## 6. Old Navy

[Old Navy](https://oldnavy.gap.com/) is known for a broad range of casual shorts, including denim, linen-blend, chino, athletic, and lounge styles. Frequent promotions make it easier to find a comfortable pair without your budget getting **short-changed**. **Estimated average price:** about **$20–;$30** per pair before discounts. The Old Navy at Columbiana Centre is especially useful when you want a **leg up** on seasonal deals.

## 7. Kohl’s

[Kohl’s](https://www.kohls.com/) carries comfortable men’s and women’s shorts from brands such as Sonoma Goods for Life, Tek Gear, Nike, and Lee. Stretch waistbands, soft cotton blends, and frequent coupons can make the store a real **deal breaker—in a good way**. **Estimated average price:** about **$25–;$35** per pair before promotions. Kohl’s is a **short cut** to finding both everyday and active styles in one trip.

## 8. Belk

At [Belk](https://www.belk.com/), shoppers can browse polished casual shorts, golf shorts, linen styles, and resort-ready options. Brands such as Jones New York, Crown & Ivy, Columbia, and Levi’s help you stay comfortable while looking **well-heeled**, even when the outfit stops at the knee. **Estimated average price:** about **$30–;$45** per pair. Belk at Columbiana Centre is a good pick when you want comfort with a little extra **class in your stride**.

## 9. lululemon

For premium workout and athleisure shorts, [lululemon](https://shop.lululemon.com/) offers soft, stretchy, sweat-wicking designs made for running, training, lounging, and everything in between. Popular styles such as Pace Breaker and Align shorts can help you keep your wardrobe **in balance**. **Estimated average price:** about **$68–;$78** per pair. The Columbia-area store is worth considering when you want fabric that can **bend over backward** for comfort.

## 10. J.Crew Factory

[J.Crew Factory](https://factory.jcrew.com/) offers casual chino, pull-on, denim, and athletic-inspired shorts at generally lower prices than the brand’s full-price collection. Their sales can make it easier to find a pair that is both stylish and **short on cost**. **Estimated average price:** about **$25–;$40** per pair before promotions. Check the Columbia-area location at Village at Sandhill for comfortable styles that put a little **spring in your step**.

Whether you need hiking shorts, lounge shorts, or something polished enough for dinner, Columbia has options to fit nearly every **waist of life**. Try sitting, bending, and walking around in each pair before buying—the best shorts should move with you instead of putting your comfort on **pins and needles**. With prices ranging from roughly $12 to $78, there is a comfortable **short story** for nearly every budget.