Figuring out your bravest studios shorts sizing is basically a rite of passage if you're trying to snag a pair before they sell out in thirty seconds. If you've ever sat through a Friday drop with three different tabs open, you know the stress is real. The last thing you want is to finally win the "checkout race," wait two weeks for shipping, and then realize you bought a pair of shorts that either look like a loincloth or fit like baggy pajamas.
The truth is, Bravest Studios has carved out a massive niche in the streetwear world by perfecting the luxury mesh short aesthetic. They aren't just gym shorts; they're a statement piece. But because they follow that specific streetwear silhouette—shorter, slightly boxy, and very breathable—the sizing can be a bit of a head-scratcher if you're used to standard athletic brands like Nike or Adidas.
The Above-the-Knee Vibe
Before we dive into the specific inches and waistbands, we have to talk about the "vibe." Bravest Studios shorts are designed to sit above the knee. This is the look that has dominated the scene for the last few years. If you're someone who prefers your shorts to hit the middle of your kneecap or below, you might find yourself feeling a little exposed at first.
If you want that classic look, you generally want to stick closer to your actual waist size. However, if you're tall or have particularly long legs, the bravest studios shorts sizing can feel a bit aggressive. Most of their mesh shorts have a 5-inch to 6-inch inseam, which is definitely on the shorter side of the spectrum.
A Breakdown of the Standard Fit
Most people find that Bravest Studios shorts run true to size, but "true to size" is a bit of a loaded term in fashion. Let's break it down by what the actual measurements usually look like across the board.
- Small: Usually covers a 28–30 inch waist.
- Medium: Usually covers a 30–32 inch waist.
- Large: Usually covers a 32–34 inch waist.
- XL: Usually covers a 34–36 inch waist.
- XXL: Usually covers a 36–38+ inch waist.
The waistband is elastic and comes with a pretty sturdy drawstring. This gives you a lot of wiggle room. If you're a 31-inch waist, you could technically fit into a Small if you want them very fitted and short, or a Medium if you want a bit more room in the thighs and a slightly more relaxed look.
Should You Size Up for a Baggy Look?
This is the most common question I see. A lot of guys who are used to older streetwear styles think they need to size up to get "more room." With bravest studios shorts sizing, sizing up doesn't necessarily make them much longer; it mostly makes them wider in the leg opening and more voluminous around the hips.
If you have "hockey legs" or you've never missed a leg day in your life, sizing up is actually a pretty smart move. The mesh doesn't have a ton of natural stretch like spandex does. While it's breathable, the double-layer mesh can feel a bit restrictive if it's pulled too tight against your quads. If you want that "flowy" look where the mesh actually moves when you walk, go up one size from your usual pant size.
Comparing Bravest Studios to Eric Emanuel
It's the elephant in the room, so let's address it. If you own a pair of Eric Emanuel (EE) shorts, you probably use those as your benchmark. Generally speaking, bravest studios shorts sizing is very similar to EE, but some people find the Bravest Studios pairs to be slightly more "structured."
The mesh used by Bravest is often a bit heavier or double-layered, which means they hold their shape a little better. In terms of the actual fit, if you wear a Large in EE, you are almost certainly a Large in Bravest Studios. They both aim for that same "premium mesh" silhouette that defines modern streetwear.
The Waistband Factor
One thing I really like about these shorts is the waistband. It's thick and doesn't roll over easily. This is important because it means you can wear them slightly higher on your waist or lower on your hips to adjust the length without the shorts feeling like they're going to fall off.
If you're between sizes—let's say you're a 33 waist—I'd suggest going with the Large. You can always tie the drawstrings a bit tighter, but you can't make a Medium magically grow more fabric in the crotch area. Nobody wants "smile lines" in their mesh shorts because they're pulled too tight.
Tall Guy Problems and Sizing Adjustments
If you're 6'2" or taller, the bravest studios shorts sizing can be tricky. On a taller frame, a 5-inch inseam starts to look very short—we're talking "vintage 70s basketball" short. If you're tall and skinny, your normal size will fit your waist, but the shorts might look tiny on your frame.
In this case, many taller people choose to size up once. It gives you maybe a half-inch of extra length, but more importantly, the extra width helps the shorts drape better so they don't look like they're painted on. Just be prepared to use that drawstring to keep the waist secure.
Does the Fabric Shrink?
Since we're talking about sizing, we have to talk about what happens after the first wash. Bravest Studios typically uses high-quality polyester mesh. The beauty of polyester is that it doesn't really shrink. Unlike your favorite cotton hoodie that loses two inches in the dryer, these shorts are pretty stable.
However, heat is the enemy of the print and the mesh. If you toss these in a high-heat dryer, you might not shrink the size, but you might damage the elasticity of the waistband or cause the logos to crack. To keep the sizing consistent and the shorts looking fresh, I always recommend a cold wash and then hanging them up to air dry. They're mesh, so they dry incredibly fast anyway.
Why Getting it Right the First Time Matters
The main reason you need to be certain about your bravest studios shorts sizing is that the secondary market is where most of these live. If you buy them from a reseller or a site like StockX or GOAT, you aren't getting a refund if they don't fit.
Even if you buy directly from a drop, streetwear brands are notoriously "final sale" or offer very limited return windows for store credit only. It's much better to do the research now than to end up with a $100+ pair of shorts that you have to try and flip on Grailed because they're too tight on your thighs.
Final Advice for First-Time Buyers
If you're still staring at the size chart and feeling unsure, here's my "golden rule" for bravest studios shorts sizing: Look at the jeans you wear most often. If those jeans are tight in the waist, go with the larger size bracket for the shorts. If your jeans have a bit of room, stay true to size.
Most people find that they're happy with their standard size because the elastic is forgiving. Don't overthink the length too much; they are supposed to be short. Embrace the look, show off the leg gains, and enjoy the fact that you're wearing some of the most comfortable shorts in the game.
At the end of the day, Bravest Studios makes gear that's meant to be worn casually and comfortably. Whether you're headed to the beach, the gym, or just grabbing coffee, as long as the waist is comfortable, the rest of the fit usually falls right into place. Take a quick look at your current rotation of shorts, compare the inseams, and you'll know exactly which size to click on the next time a drop goes live.