Big and Tall Shorts: Real Sizes to a 60 Waist
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Short answer: for the biggest waist, the Lee Extreme Motion Carolina cargo short goes to a 60 on its listing. For work, the Carhartt Rugged Flex 8-inch canvas short goes to 54. For the gym or lounging, Under Armour's Tech 10-inch short goes to 5XL and 5XLT.
Shorts are where big guys get the fewest choices. Many brands stop at a 42 or 44. The four below are the ones whose published size ranges go past that, or into 3XL and up. We checked the listings on Nov 3, 2026, with a size actually selected. It is the off-season for shorts, and stock changes by the hour. The colors and sizes we could confirm that night are a caution, not a promise. Check your exact size and color. Nothing here is hands-on.
1. Lee Big & Tall Extreme Motion Carolina Cargo Short: biggest waist
The listing runs from a 42 to a 60 Big waist, with a flex waistband and cargo pockets. Lee's page for the Big & Tall Carolina cargo short lists a 10 1/2-inch inseam. A flex waistband helps when your waist changes between standing and sitting.
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, big-size stock was thin: Black Ripstop at 44 and 48 Big and Black at 44 Big were the sizes we could confirm. Black 48 and 54, Black Ripstop 54, and Mortar Gray at 44, 48 and 54 were not available.
Lee Big & Tall Extreme Motion Carolina Cargo Short
- 42-60 Big
- 10 1/2" inseam
- Flex waistband
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, big-size stock was thin: Black Ripstop at 44 and 48 Big and Black at 44 Big were the sizes we could confirm, and 54 was not available.
Check price on AmazonPrice on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.
2. Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit 8" Canvas Work Short: for work
This listing goes to a 54 waist. Amazon now titles it the "Relaxed 8" Rigby Short." Carhartt's page (style 105841) uses that name too. It is 8.5 oz canvas with 2% spandex, a relaxed seat and thigh, and a flex waistband with a hidden drawcord. The inseam is 8 inches.
The relaxed fit and some stretch suit big thighs on a job site. At 8 inches it is on the short side. If you want more length, the Columbia below comes in a 10-inch inseam, and Under Armour's Tech short is 10 inches (12 inches in Tall, per Under Armour). Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Steel was the color we could confirm at 44, 48 and 54, and Dusty Olive was not available at 44 or 48.
Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit 8" Canvas Work Short
- To 54 waist
- 8" inseam
- 2% spandex
Amazon now titles this the Relaxed 8" Rigby Short. Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Dusty Olive was not available at 44 or 48.
Check price on AmazonPrice on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.
3. Columbia Washed Out Short, Big: casual
Columbia's page for style 1491956 is a 100% cotton short in a regular fit, in true Big sizes from 42 to a 54 waist, with 8-inch and 10-inch inseams. The 10-inch inseam is longer than most casual shorts, which suits a big frame.
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Black was the color we could confirm at 46 and 50 Big. Black 54 was temporarily out of stock, and Collegiate Navy was not available in Big sizes.
Columbia Washed Out Short, Big
- To 54 Big
- 8" or 10" inseam
- Cotton chino
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Collegiate Navy was not available in Big sizes, and Black 54 was temporarily out of stock.
Check price on AmazonPrice on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.
4. Under Armour Tech Graphic 10" Shorts: gym and lounge
The listing runs from XS to 5XL, plus Tall sizes to 5XLT. Under Armour's chart on the listing puts 3XL at a 45.5 to 50-inch waist and 4XL at 50 to 54.5. It is quick-dry 100% polyester with an encased elastic waistband and an internal drawcord. The regular inseam is 10 inches. Under Armour says the Tall inseam is 12 inches.
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Black/Graphite in 3XL and 4XL were the sizes we could confirm.
Under Armour Tech Graphic 10" Shorts
- To 5XL
- Tall to 5XLT
- Elastic drawcord
Check your exact size and color. On Nov 3, Black/Graphite in 3XL and 4XL were the sizes we could confirm.
Check price on AmazonPrice on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.
How they compare
| Short | Max size (listing) | Inseam | Waistband |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Carolina Cargo | 60 Big | 10 1/2 in (Lee) | Flex |
| Carhartt Rugged Flex 8" | 54 | 8 in | Flex, hidden drawcord |
| Columbia Washed Out, Big | 54 Big | 8 or 10 in | Not listed |
| UA Tech 10" | 5XL / 5XLT | 10 in (12 in Tall) | Elastic drawcord |
Shorts questions
What size shorts do I need for a 50-inch waist?
In brands with numbered waists, such as Carhartt, Lee and Columbia, buy the number that matches your measured waist. Carhartt's chart puts a size 50 at about a 50 1/2-inch natural waist. In letter sizes, Under Armour's chart puts a 50-inch waist at the edge of 3XL and 4XL, so check the chart.
Do shorts sizes match my pants size?
Usually, within one brand. Across brands, waists differ. Measure your waist where you actually wear your shorts and use that brand's chart, not an old tag.
Do tall guys need tall-size shorts?
Sometimes. A tall cut usually adds rise and length, so the shorts sit at your waist instead of low. Under Armour's Tech short comes in Tall sizes up to 5XLT, and Under Armour says that Tall inseam is 12 inches. If regular shorts pull down in back or feel short in the crotch, try a Tall.
The bottom line
For the biggest waist, get the Lee Carolina. For work, the Carhartt Rugged Flex 8". For a casual short with a longer inseam, the Columbia Washed Out. For the gym, the UA Tech 10". Browse our clothing page, measure with the fit guide, or read Carhartt Big vs Tall.