Patagonia Baggies are more than just great athletic shorts — they also transform into swim trunks and dry super quickly

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As one of the best B corps retail companies, Patagonia has developed a massive cult following of fans. While most adore its selection of cozy fleeces, you won't have to wait until the fall and winter to enjoy one of the brand's most underrated pieces — shorts.

Dubbed by the brand as "Life's Shorts," Patagonia Baggies are all-in-one hybrid shorts designed to take on everything life has to offer. Making our lists for the best men's shorts and the best swim trunks, we agree entirely. Whether you're hiking, rocking-climbing, kayaking, or swimming, or simply looking for a comfortable pair of shorts to wear during the summer, Patagonia Baggies can be a great fit.

First released in 1982, Patagonia Baggies have been a go-to apparel item for all kinds of adventurers over the years — and today's version is more refined, yet just as classic as the original. For more of our favorites, read our full Patagonia review here.

Design and features

The latest versions of Patagonia Baggies are lightweight, durable, and made with 100% recycled nylon. They feature a water-resistant coating to keep you dry from rain and light splashes, but they can also be used while fully submerged. Features like vertical side pockets help reduce drag when you're in the water, and mesh interiors help water drain quickly so you dry faster when transitioning out of the water.

Additional features like a drawstring waist, snap-close back pockets, and a bungee loop key ring in the pocket help keep them secure on your body and your belongings safe inside. 

Patagonia Baggies are available in a variety of lengths, colors, and patterns in men's and women's sizes. We put several styles to the test in our daily lives over the summer. You can check out our reviews, below.

Review of the Men's 7-Inch Patagonia Baggies Longs

I got my first pair of Patagonia Baggies four years ago, and I loved them so much that I needed to stock up on more colors. My summer style is casual and pretty much consists of sneakers and T-shirts every day, so the relaxed fit of the Baggies is the perfect match. If you choose the right colors, they go with everything. I personally prefer the 7-inch Longs version over the 5-inch Shorts because they're not too high up, but they still fall above the knee.

In addition to looking the part, Patagonia Baggies perform exceptionally well. They're lightweight and keep me much cooler than cotton shorts or chinos. Even though there's mesh netting on the inside, they're not tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable. The most impressive feature has been how quickly they dry. I've worn them as swimming trunks, and about 20 minutes after being out of the pool, they were completely dry. Every time I've gone swimming, I've been able to wear them for the rest of the day as regular shorts without feeling soggy and damp. — Amir Ismael, editor, Insider Reviews

Review of the Women's 5-Inch Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Patagonia's Baggies Shorts are a staple of my summer wardrobe. I bought a couple of pairs last year and honestly might buy another color just for the added variety. Their relaxed fit makes them perfect for any and all casual activities, and I often wear them when I'm working from home because they're so comfortable. In a pinch, I've worn them to work out, too, since they're super lightweight and they repel water and sweat. I'm a size 28 in jeans, so I could have gone for a Small, according to Patagonia's size chart, but I sized up to a medium for a looser fit. — Ellen Hoffman, former Editor-in-Chief, Service Journalism

Review of the Men's 5-Inch Patagonia Baggies Shorts

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but the 5-inch Baggies Shorts are just a little too short for me. Maybe it's because I'm not that tall or maybe it's because my legs are so skinny, but I didn't like the length compared to the 7-inch Baggies Longs. In the picture above, I actually wore them slightly below my waistline to make them look a bit longer.

Plenty of people can pull off the short shorts look, so if you're down to show some thighs, they're just as good as the longer pair in terms of performance and comfort. You'll find the same pockets, drawstrings, and interior netting.

While fit should be the biggest factor in choosing Baggies Longs or Baggies Shorts, color also plays a part. I found that there are more colors available for the Baggies Shorts. I probably wouldn't get another pair of 5-inch Baggies, but I couldn't pass up this Fire Red color. — Amir Ismael, editor, Insider Reviews

Review of the Women's 2.5-Inch Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts

I was worried the 2.5-inch length would be too short, but at five-foot-two, it fell closer to mid-thigh on me. It didn't feel too short at all. The style is so versatile, you can easily wear these casually for running errands or water activities or hiking, and I appreciate how there's an extra pocket on the interior of the shorts where you can stash an ID or credit card.

The only issue I personally experienced with the Barely Baggies is the sizing. I went with my typical XS based on the size chart and reviews, and they were too tight in the waist and too loose in the legs. If you're unsure about the fit, I recommend sizing up because you can always make them tighter with the drawstring cord. — Ashley Phillips, former style and beauty editor, Insider Reviews

Cons to consider

Patagonia Baggies are so versatile and comfortable that I had a hard time coming up with anything that might be seen as a negative. Some people are strictly against netting inside of shorts, but Patagonia has figured out how to include it without making it uncomfortable or restrictive, even with underwear. 

The bottom line

At $55 for all lengths, Patagonia Baggies are a great value. They can seamlessly transition from casual wear to water activities or be worn while lounging around. Considering certain performance shorts and swim trunks cost significantly more than $55, being able to use them for all kinds of activities truly makes them Life's Shorts.

The various lengths, sizes, and colors make them a good addition to almost anyone's wardrobe. Pick the right length for your style, and you'll almost certainly love them.