Vuori Approach Shorts Sizing Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Vuori Approach Shorts Sizing Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Vuori has built a devoted following among athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values performance-meets-lifestyle clothing. Among their most popular pieces, the Approach Shorts stand out for their versatility — comfortable enough for a morning run, sharp enough for a casual brunch. But like any performance short, getting the sizing right makes all the difference between a pair you reach for every day and one that sits in the back of your drawer.

If you've landed here trying to figure out whether to size up, size down, or trust the tag, you're not alone. Vuori's Approach Shorts have a distinctive cut that doesn't always behave like your standard athletic short, and the brand's size chart can leave some shoppers second-guessing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you click "add to cart."

Whether you're shopping for the 7-inch or the 5-inch inseam version, buying your first pair or replacing a worn-out favorite, the sections below will walk you through Vuori's sizing system, how the Approach Short is actually cut, and practical tips for landing on the right size the first time.

Understanding the Vuori Approach Shorts Size Chart

Vuori sizes their Approach Shorts using a standard US men's sizing scale — Small through XXL — but the key is knowing what waist and hip measurements correspond to each size. Here's a general breakdown based on Vuori's published size chart:

• Small: Waist 28–30 inches
• Medium: Waist 31–33 inches
• Large: Waist 34–36 inches
• XL: Waist 37–39 inches
• XXL: Waist 40–42 inches

Vuori recommends measuring your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso — rather than relying on your pants size. Pants sizes, especially in athletic wear, vary significantly by brand and can run a full size or two off from your actual measurements. If your measurement falls on a boundary (say, exactly 33 inches), Vuori's general guidance is to size up if you prefer a relaxed feel through the hips and thighs, or stay true to size if you like a more tailored fit.

It's also worth noting that the Approach Short's waistband includes an internal drawstring, which gives you a bit of adjustable room — helpful if you're between sizes or if your waist and hip measurements don't fall neatly into the same size bracket.

How the Approach Shorts Fit: Cut, Fabric, and Feel

The Approach Short is designed with what Vuori calls an "athletic taper" — meaning it's cut with a bit more room through the seat and upper thigh, then tapers slightly toward the hem. This silhouette is intentionally flattering and functional, accommodating a full range of motion during activity without the boxy look of a traditional gym short.

The fabric — a lightweight, four-way stretch performance blend — does not shrink significantly after washing, so what you order is essentially what you'll keep. Reviewers consistently note that the Approach Short runs true to size, though those who carry more volume through the thighs sometimes prefer sizing up for comfort even if their waist measurement fits their standard size. The 7-inch inseam version tends to feel slightly more relaxed overall compared to the shorter 5-inch version, which has a trimmer appearance.

One common observation: the Approach Short's fit feels noticeably different from Vuori's Ripstop Short or Kore Short. If you already own other Vuori bottoms, know that the Approach is one of their more fitted silhouettes — it's not a loose, flowing short. Customers who prefer roomier fits typically size up one from their standard Vuori size in this particular style.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size Without Trying Them On

Since many Vuori shoppers buy online, here are the most reliable strategies for getting the right Approach Short size without a fitting room:

Measure before you order. Use a soft measuring tape to get your actual waist circumference. Don't assume your pants size equals your waist measurement — the two are often different, sometimes by several inches depending on how your current clothes are cut.

Check the inseam, not just the waist. Vuori offers the Approach Short in both 5-inch and 7-inch inseam options. The 5-inch sits higher on the thigh and creates a longer visual line on the leg. If you're taller or prefer more coverage, the 7-inch is typically the better choice. Neither inseam changes the waist or hip sizing, but the shorter option can feel tighter across the thigh simply due to how the hem falls.

Read recent customer reviews filtered by size. Vuori's product pages on their website and on retail partners like REI include customer-submitted fit feedback. Filtering by your size and sorting by recent reviews gives you real-world data from people with similar body types — often more useful than the official size chart alone.

Use Vuori's free returns policy. Vuori offers free returns on unworn items within 30 days, which takes most of the risk out of ordering online. If you're genuinely uncertain between two sizes, ordering both and returning the one that doesn't fit is a reasonable approach, especially if you want the shorts for an upcoming trip or event.

Comparing the Approach Short to Other Vuori Styles

If you already own Vuori bottoms and want to know how the Approach Short stacks up, here's a quick comparison:

The Ripstop Short runs slightly roomier and has a more casual, utilitarian silhouette. If you size Medium in the Ripstop, you'll likely be a Medium in the Approach as well, but the Approach will feel more fitted through the thigh.

The Kore Short is arguably Vuori's most versatile everyday short and has a similar athletic taper. Most customers find the Kore and Approach Short fit nearly identically, so your Kore size is a reliable reference point.

The Banks Short runs longer and has a looser, boardshort-inspired cut. If you wear a Medium Banks and prefer that relaxed feel, consider sizing up to a Large in the Approach Short to replicate a similar level of roominess.

Conclusion: Get the Right Fit the First Time

The Vuori Approach Short is one of those rare athletic pieces that works just as hard in the gym as it does running errands or meeting up with friends — but only when it fits right. Taking five minutes to measure your waist, cross-reference Vuori's size chart, and read a handful of customer reviews dramatically increases your chances of landing on the correct size from the first order.

For most shoppers, the Approach Short fits true to size with a slightly tailored feel. Those with athletic or muscular thighs, or those who simply prefer a more relaxed fit, will generally be happier sizing up. With Vuori's return policy as a safety net, there's very little downside to trying a size and adjusting from there. Once you find your fit, it's easy to see why so many people end up owning multiple pairs.