The Patagonia Baggies are equally at home in the pool (or mud) as they are around town. (Patagonia)(Patagonia)
As someone who loves to be outside every second of the summer, Patagonia Baggies are my go-to pair of shorts almost every day. They've been around since the early 80s and not much has changed (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), and it's easy to see why they're so popular. They're lightweight, breathable, dry quickly and look good whether I'm out trail running, hiking, swimming or just walking around town. Like most Patagonia clothing, they come with a bit of a hefty price tag, that is, if you're paying full price. Luckily, you don't have to do that, because right now they're 43% off at Dick's Sporting Goods in a rainbow of colors.
Are they casual shorts, running shorts or swim shorts? The answer to that question is yes.
If the five-inch inseam is too short for you, don't fret! The seven-inch option has everything you love about the originals, but with two extra inches of length.
As someone who frequents secondhand clothing sites rather often, I often see Baggies around this price point — used! Being able to snag a pair brand new for under $40 is rather rare, and considering how long they will last (I have a pair from the early 90s that I still wear on the regular) and how often you'll end up wearing them, we're talking a very low cost per wear ratio for these shorts.
These are the most versatile shorts you will ever own. Period. I've worn them with everything from Oxford button-downs to tank tops and they just work. They feature super deep pockets (almost too deep if you ask me) that will swallow up any size phone, as well as an elastic loop for your keys so you don't lose them on the trail (I use it most often when I go paddleboarding). The back pocket snaps shut to make sure your wallet and other valuables don't fall out either.
They also do a bang-up job keeping you cool in the summer when the mercury starts soaring. Speaking of summer, when you have these shorts around, don't bother buying a bathing suit. The mesh lining is comfortable and the material dries quickly. I've used them as my swim shorts for over a decade now, with no plan on going back.
I've got pairs that date back to the last century, and I can personally vouch for how tough they are. I've crashed on rocky trails while biking and taken tumbles running, fully expecting rips — yet they've come out unscathed. They'll last a lifetime. And if they don't? Patagonia will fix or replace them for free.
I'm embarrassed to say how many pairs of these shorts I have in my closet. They're just so dang comfortable and you can wear them everywhere, and the reviewers seem to agree.
Versatility is the name of the game with these shorts, according to one five-star reviewer: "Great fit and style for the summer. Love that I can wear them to swim and out in public."
I also find the color options to be fantastic. They come in any color you can think of. Don't just take my word for it, this five-time customer also gives Baggies a perfect score: "This is my fifth pair in a variety of colors. You can wear them in the pool, to the gym or casually!"
Another thing I love about them? In addition to their durability, they're made from recycled material, a win-win for the environment.
While I have quite a few pairs, they're not completely perfect in my opinion. The giant pockets in the front are so deep that it can be rather hard to access things like your phone or keys when sitting down.
They also tend to run a bit big. I am normally a medium in most Patagonia shorts, but in these, I reach for a size small. This happy customer (and their husband) agreed: "Bought these for my husband because I have a couple pairs and he was instantly obsessed. I feel like they run slightly big, but they are called 'baggies'."
Is the five-inch inseam too short for you? 7-inch Baggies are also on sale in a variety of colors.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.