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How Do Corteiz Shorts Fit? Sizing Guide for Every Style
Most Corteiz shorts have a relaxed cut and come in sizes S to XXL. For the intended loose look, order your usual waist size. Size down only if you want them closer to the body. How a pair fits depends more on the fabric and waistband than on the label, so this guide goes through each style we stock: sweatshorts, mesh, cargo, nylon, denim and the Division ’20.
Quick answer: which size should you order?
| Shorts style | Fabric | How it feels | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweatshorts (Alcatraz, Island Puff Print) | Cotton blend | Relaxed, soft | Usual size |
| Mesh (OG Alcatraz Mesh, Woosh) | Mesh | Light, loose | Usual size |
| Cargo shorts (Guerillaz 21′, Alcatraz Cargo) | Adjustable drawstring waist | Relaxed, roomy thigh | Usual size; size down for a neater leg |
| Nylon (CRTZ Nylon, Nylon Cargo) | Nylon | Light, slightly crisp | Usual size |
| Denim (Alcatraz Denim, C-Star Denim) | Cotton denim, little stretch | Structured | Go by your waist measurement |
| Division ’20 | Adjustable drawstring waist | Relaxed, above the knee | Usual size |
If you’re still unsure, measure your waist and compare it with the chart below. That works better than guessing from the size you wear in another brand.
Corteiz shorts size chart (waist)
Our shorts use the same general waist sizing as our cargos and joggers. Measurements are body waist in inches, taken from our full Corteiz size guide:
| Size | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 28–30 | 71–76 |
| M | 30–32 | 76–81 |
| L | 32–34 | 81–86 |
| XL | 34–36 | 86–91 |
| XXL | above 36 | above 91 |
Drawstring waists, like those on the Guerillaz 21′ and Division ’20, can be pulled in, so they give you a little flexibility. Denim has very little give, so measure carefully before ordering a denim pair.
How each Corteiz shorts style fits
Sweatshorts: Alcatraz and Island Puff Print
The Corteiz Alcatraz shorts and Island Puff Print sweatshorts are made in a soft cotton-blend fabric with a relaxed cut. They sit loose through the thigh, so your normal size gives the relaxed streetwear shape. If you like a slimmer leg, or you’re at the bottom of a size range, go one size down.
Mesh shorts: OG Alcatraz Mesh and Woosh
Mesh is the lightest fabric in the range and drapes rather than holding a shape. The Woosh mesh short, in black or yellow, has a relaxed cut that suits the gym, hot days and layering over cycling shorts. Stick to your usual size. Sizing up mostly makes them longer and baggier, not more comfortable.
Cargo shorts: Guerillaz 21′ and Alcatraz Cargo
The Guerillaz 21′ cargo shorts have an adjustable drawstring waist, side cargo pockets and a relaxed fit. The extra pocket fabric adds volume at the thigh, so these look the roomiest of all our shorts. Order your usual size for the full cargo look, or one down if you want a cleaner line with a fitted tee. The Alcatraz cargo short follows the same relaxed cargo shape.
Nylon shorts: CRTZ Nylon and Nylon Cargo
The CRTZ nylon shorts and nylon cargo shorts are light and dry quickly. Nylon has a slightly crisper feel than cotton, so the leg stands away from the body a little. Your normal size is the right starting point.
Denim shorts: Alcatraz Denim and C-Star Denim
The Alcatraz denim shorts are 100% cotton denim. Denim has much less give than jersey or mesh, so this is the one style where your waist measurement matters most. The Baggy Alcatraz denim shorts are cut wider through the leg by design, so don’t size up to get a baggy look.
Division ’20 shorts
The Division ’20 shorts have a relaxed, athletic fit that sits above the knee, with an adjustable drawstring waist and side pockets. They’re shorter than the cargo styles, so taller buyers who want more length should look at the Guerillaz cargo shorts instead.
How to measure yourself before ordering
- Waist: wrap a soft tape around where you normally wear your shorts (usually just above the hip bones). Keep it level and snug, not tight.
- Check a pair you own: lay your best-fitting shorts flat, measure straight across the waistband and double it. If the waist is elasticated, measure it unstretched.
- Length: on the same pair, measure the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem. That shows where a similar pair will finish on your leg.
- Compare: match your waist with the chart above. If you’re between two sizes, read the next section.
Between two sizes?
- Drawstring waist (such as the Guerillaz 21′ cargo shorts and Division ’20; check the product photos for other styles): take the smaller size. The waist ties to fit, and the leg stays neater.
- Soft fabrics without a drawstring (sweat, mesh, nylon): take the size your waist measurement matches more closely.
- Denim: take the larger size, because a fixed waist won’t give.
- Buying a short set (for example the black Corteiz short set): choose the size that fits your top, since the drawstring shorts adjust more easily than the shirt.
Keep the fit after washing
Cotton-rich shorts can tighten slightly if they’re washed hot or tumble dried on high heat. To keep the size you bought, wash cold and inside out with similar colours, air dry or tumble dry on low, and iron inside out on a low setting so prints and embroidery aren’t damaged.
Corteiz shorts fit: common questions
Do Corteiz shorts run small or big?
They don’t run small. Most styles are cut relaxed, so they can feel slightly roomy if you’re used to fitted high-street shorts. Your usual size gives the intended look.
Are Corteiz shorts unisex?
Yes, the shorts we stock are listed as unisex. Women usually find that their waist measurement against the chart is a better guide than converting a dress size.
Where do Corteiz shorts sit on the leg?
It depends on the style. The Division ’20 sits above the knee, while the relaxed sweatshorts, mesh and cargo styles finish around the knee on most people. Check the product photos and measure a pair you own to compare.
Do Corteiz shorts fit like the hoodies and cargos?
Yes, the whole range follows the same relaxed idea. If one of our Corteiz cargos fits you well at the waist, the same size in shorts is a safe choice. For tops, see how the Corteiz hoodie fits and whether Corteiz is true to size.
Find your pair
Now that you know your size, browse the full range of Corteiz shorts, or see how to style Corteiz shorts for outfit ideas with tees, hoodies and trainers.
