Buying shorts can be difficult because the perfect pair has to balance comfort, style, length, and price without leaving you feeling shortchanged. One pair may fit your waist while running long, while another may look great but give your pockets nowhere to hang out. Columbia’s warm weather also means you may need everything from athletic shorts to polished chino styles, so the search can quickly become a real *hem*-dinger. Prices vary widely, and sales can make the same style cost more—or less—than expected. Luckily, these Columbia-area stores can help you get your wardrobe’s summer legs moving.
The prices below are approximate averages for a typical pair of adult shorts, based on common offerings and rounded to the nearest dollar. Sale prices, premium materials, children’s sizes, and seasonal collections may change the final tally, so consider these estimates a starting point—not the last word in the *shorts* conversation.
- **Old Navy — approximately $25 per pair**
- **Target — approximately $22 per pair**
- **H&M — approximately $30 per pair**
- **Kohl’s — approximately $35 per pair**
- **Belk — approximately $45 per pair**
- **Dillard’s — approximately $55 per pair**
- **Palmetto Moon — approximately $40 per pair**
- **Academy Sports + Outdoors — approximately $30 per pair**
- **DICK’S Sporting Goods — approximately $45 per pair**
- **Urban Outfitters — approximately $55 per pair**
Old Navy is a solid choice for denim shorts, chino shorts, athletic styles, and everyday basics, with frequent promotions that can bring the price down. Check the Columbia-area store through the [Old Navy website](https://oldnavy.gap.com/). It is a good place to find a pair that fits your budget without making your wallet feel *short* of cash.
Target carries affordable women’s, men’s, and children’s shorts from brands such as Universal Thread, Goodfellow & Co., All in Motion, and A New Day. Browse options and local pickup availability at [Target.com](https://www.target.com/). With plenty of styles under one roof, Target can help you *hit the mark* without missing the fashion target.
H&M offers trend-focused denim, cargo, linen-blend, tailored, and casual shorts, making it useful for shoppers who want current styles at moderate prices. Visit [H&M’s website](https://www2.hm.com/) to explore products and check Columbia-area store availability. Its selection proves that a shorter inseam can still make a *long-lasting impression*.
Kohl’s usually stocks a broad selection of casual, performance, denim, and golf shorts from brands such as Sonoma Goods for Life, Nike, Lee, and Croft & Barrow. See available styles at [Kohls.com](https://www.kohls.com/). Coupons and rewards can help your savings *cut a wide swath* through the price tag.
Belk carries a mix of department-store brands, including dressier chino shorts, denim, resort styles, and athletic options. Visit the [Belk website](https://www.belk.com/) to shop online or locate a Columbia-area store. Whether you want relaxed or refined, Belk can help you *raise the bar—and lower the hem*.
Dillard’s is a good stop for higher-end casual and designer shorts, with brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, Levi’s, and similar labels often represented. Explore its selection at [Dillards.com](https://www.dillards.com/). The prices may be longer than bargain options, but the quality can help your wardrobe *go the extra mile—or extra inseam*.
Palmetto Moon specializes in Southern, coastal, collegiate, and outdoor-inspired clothing, so it is a natural fit for Columbia’s warm-weather lifestyle. Shop through the [Palmetto Moon website](https://palmettomoon.com/). Its shorts selection can keep you comfortable from the tailgate to the boardwalk while making sure your style is never *left behind*.
Academy is a strong option for running, hiking, fishing, golf, training, and everyday outdoor shorts from brands such as Magellan Outdoors, Columbia, adidas, and Nike. Browse the [Academy Sports + Outdoors website](https://www.academy.com/). For active shoppers, these shorts can help you *get a leg up* on everything from workouts to weekend adventures.
DICK’S offers performance shorts for running, basketball, golf, training, and outdoor activities, including products from Nike, adidas, Under Armour, and DSG. Check the [DICK’S Sporting Goods website](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/) for styles and local availability. Its athletic selection means you can *run with it* instead of letting uncomfortable clothing slow you down.
Urban Outfitters is worth considering for fashion-forward denim, carpenter, cargo, athletic, and vintage-inspired shorts. Visit the [Urban Outfitters website](https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/) to browse current collections and store options. Prices may be a little higher, but the distinctive styles can help your summer wardrobe *cut a dashing figure*.
With options ranging from discount basics to premium outdoor gear, Columbia shoppers have plenty of ways to find the right pair without getting *short of choices*. Check store inventories online before heading out, especially during seasonal transitions when popular sizes can disappear faster than a sunny-day sale.