It’s official—basketball shorts are making their way back to the 1980s, and the shift is happening fast. The baggy, oversized look that ruled the game for decades is quickly being replaced by shorter, more fitted styles. If you’ve been watching college or pro hoops lately, you’ve probably noticed players rolling their waistbands, folding over their shorts, or straight-up opting for shorter inseams.

So why the change? For one, fashion is cyclical. What goes out of style eventually comes back, and we’re seeing that with basketball gear. Players today are looking back at the golden era—think Michael Jordan’s early years, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird—and realizing that those guys weren’t just legends, they also played in way shorter shorts. Maybe it’s about paying homage to the past, or maybe it’s just about feeling less restricted on the court.

Another reason? Performance. Long, baggy shorts may have been the norm for years, but they can feel heavy, bulky, and sometimes even get in the way. With the game getting faster and more dynamic, players want gear that moves with them—not against them. Shorter shorts give more freedom, better range of motion, and, let’s be honest, a little extra style.

But here’s the funny thing—coaches and team managers haven’t quite caught on. When it’s time to order team uniforms, they’re still clicking on those traditional longer shorts, probably assuming that’s what players still want. Meanwhile, the players are rolling, folding, or even cutting their shorts just to get that old-school fit.

If you’re in charge of ordering team gear this season, take a second look at what’s trending. The short-shorts movement isn’t just a passing phase—it’s here, and players are embracing it. The 80s are officially back, and whether we’re ready for it or not, the game is looking a whole lot different! Check Out our Boys Custom Basketball Jerseys and Girls Basketball Jerseys.