Table of Contents
- The Return of a Classic: Why Short Shorts for Men Are Back
- The 5 Essential Style Short Shorts for Men
- From Casual to Smart Casual: How to Style Short Shorts for Men
- The Avoidable Mistakes When Wearing Short Shorts
- Beyond Summer: Short Shorts in Other Seasons
- Final Verdict: Embodiment of Self-Assurance
Short Shorts for Men: The 7-Step Ultimate Style Guide
Short shorts for men were once synonymous with 1970s basketball shorts or 1980s tennis shorts. These shorts hit the streets of Milan, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and all the other cosmopolitan cities. Men’s short shorts have become a staple in a sophisticated and modern wardrobe. This style revolution isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s rooted in comfort and self-assurance.
The era of wearing baggy knee-length cargo shorts is long gone. Now, mens warm weather shorts are refined and tailored. These new designs offer a sophisticated, curated look. With this guide, we’ll tackle the trend, moving past the “should I or shouldn’t I” stage and focus on the practical stuff: the right fit and style, and the best ways to incorporate shorter length shorts into your wardrobe.
The Return of a Classic: Why Short Shorts for Men Are Back
Fashion trends often come back, but the new versions are rarely the same as the originals. The latest trends in men’s fashion have a tailored fit and intentional design. The oversized styles of the early 2000s are gone. A well-fitted pair of short shorts can give a clean, tall look and the best value.
Secondly, global influences in fashion and streetwear are important to consider. Brands such as Thom Browne, Aimé Leon Dore, and even Nike have included shorter inseam shorts in their collections. This established shorter inseam shorts as a legitimate runway trend and, therefore, provided global streetwear influence to the look.
Lastly, it comes down to re-evaluate the need for practicality. In genuine summer heat, less fabric means more comfort. With the right short shorts for men, you have the freedom to move and better airflow. This is a practical, functional reason to want short shorts. It doesn’t look like a trend. It is a style evolution for men.
The Fit Guide: Finding Your Perfect Inseam
This is the most important step. If you have the wrong short shorts, you will hinder all other words of style. The aim should be “confident coverage” rather than “revealing.” It is all about the fit when it comes to short shorts for men.
Inseam Range Examples
5″ Inseam:
The “modern” industry standard often falls mid- to upper thigh on most men. This length gives you a stylish look and feels short without being extreme—good length for most casual and smart casual scenarios.
7″ Inseam:
The “gateway” seam for people new to shorter length shorts. It gives you a clean look and a break from traditional longer shorts.
Under 5″ (3″-4″):
The “statement length.” In the fashion world, it can often be seen in running performance shorts or in running shorts where a fashion look is being created. It only works for people who have the confidence to pull it off and is only suited for running/training and specific athletic activities.
The golden rule: When wearing athletic shorts, the hem should be above the knee. If the shorts touch the kneecap, then they are not short shorts; they just fit poorly. The hem should be straight, no flared ends, and should finish clean.
The Waist and Seat: Just like with any tailored piece, they should sit on your waist (not your hips) without gaping and pulling. Closer to the body, there should be no excess fabric on the seat or thighs; we want a streamlined silhouette. When in doubt, a gentle taper from the hip to the leg opening is always more flattering than an entirely straight cut.
5 Styles of Short Shorts for Men
The fabric, details, and design of each short will determine how each piece fits and functions in your wardrobe.
1. The Tailored Chino Short
Short shorts like these will be your most versatile piece. These shorts are made from cotton twill or chino. These shorts feature clean lines and a flat front, with slant or welt pockets. Because they are polished, they can be dressed up or down. Consider pairing these shorts with a polo or a casual blazer. A versatile wardrobe contains foundational colors like navy, olive, stone, and khaki shorts. These are the most important shorts to have.
2. Casual Linen and Cotton Poplin shorts
These types of shorts are extremely comfortable and stylish. They are great if you are looking to be fashionable while staying cool and comfortable in hot weather. These shorts are great for a day at the beach or while traveling and pair easily with just about any shirt. These shorts can be made from linen or cotton. Lean shorts are more relaxed, while cotton shorts are crisper and cleaner.
3. Performance or Active Shorts
These shorts are a major fashion trend right now. They are shorts designed for movement with a built-in liner, so they’re great for working out and can be used for many different athletic activities. They can be inspired by running shorts and are great for hiking. They are a lot more versatile than most athletic shorts used to be and can be worn for casual and leisure occasions.
4. Jean Shorts or Denim Cut-Offs
These shorts are a classic and can add a little edge to your fashion. When choosing denim shorts, steer clear of overly distressed or pre-frayed shorts unless that’s the look you’re going for. Shorts with a clean hem, a just-below-mid or dark color wash, and a 5-inch inseam can look super stylish with a plain white top.
5. Patterned or Statement Shorts
This is where you get to really think out of the box. Madras plaid, palm leaves, or anything else that makes you think of a tropical paradise can help take your short game to the next level. Just make sure always to take the shorts to the focal point. Let the bold-patterned shorts be the star of the show by pairing them with solid tops of your neutral colors.
How to Style Short Shorts for Men: From Casual to Smart-Casual
Definitely one of the best things that you can do with men’s short shorts is get creative with your outfits. Here’s how to get really creative with your shorts.
The Elevated Casual Look:
Outfit: Stone-colored tailored chino short shorts + quality fitted heather grey crew-neck t-shirt + minimalist leather sneakers.
Why it works: The simplicity is the name of the game. The quality of the basic tee + the shorts’ cut = a very intentional and chic look that is far from sloppy.
The Smart-Casual/Resort Wear Look:
Outfit: Linen or fine cotton short shorts (Navy or Olive) + short-sleeve camp collar shirt (in a solid or subtle print, complementary color) + leather loafers or espadrilles. Optional: a unstructured linen blazer.
Why it works: People walking around in shorts and a t-shirt look great in the summer. This outfit is the perfect combination of Posh and Comfort. These shorts have a nice look, and the blazer gives it that something extra.
The Athletic-Leisure Look:
Outfit: The look is complete when you pair the performance short shorts (available in black or grey) with a relaxed oversized sweatshirt, a fitted athletic jersey, or high-end sport sandals with trainers.
Why it works: The look incorporates comfort as a style element and aligns with the current streetwear trend, balancing short shorts with a larger top.
Additional Tips for Styling
- Why Footwear is Important: The level of formality is dictated by the type of shoes you choose. Sneakers and sandals add a casual element, while loafers, certain boots, and clean leather sandals add formality, making the shorts feel more intentional.
- The Right Choice of Underwear: The shorts are designed to be short, so make sure your boxers and trunks are cut short so there isn’t a chance of a “boxer peeking” over the hemline. Saggy boxers, hinge-hem shorts, and impaired-trunk-style shorts are a no-go.
- The Right Fit: The shorts need to be fitted, but not so much that movement is impaired, and your comfort is compromised. Without that element of comfort, you will not avoid crossing into a more obscure, niche aesthetic.
- Pairing with Baggy or Overly Long Tops: A top that is several inches longer than your shorts can make your legs look much shorter than they are, throwing off your proportions. Try to choose t-shirts or shirts that hit around your hip for a better look.
- Forgetting the Context: Although men’s short shorts are becoming more mainstream, they are still not appropriate for every situation. Consider your audience: short shorts are not a great choice for conservative social settings, formal work functions, or some restaurants.
Beyond Summer: Adapting Short Shorts for Different Climates
Men’s short shorts can be worn in a variety of situations beyond the hot weather. With the right combinations, you can add short shorts to your outfit in many different seasons!
Spring/Fall Transition: A long-sleeved Henley or a lightweight sweater paired with short shorts makes for a fantastic look in spring or fall. Throw on a chore jacket, mid-weight socks, and some sneakers or boots, and you’ve got a great outfit.
The Gym-to-Street Strategy: Performance short shorts work great for the gym year-round. For your commute, throw on some slim-fit sweatpants or track pants over them, and you’re ready to go!
Final Verdict: Confidence and Comfort
Short shorts are ultimately about the confidence to wear them. They represent a modern sensibility and a fit, uncluttered, and proportioned style. They help shed the outdated, excessive, and unflattering standards of menswear. A basic pair of 5- or 7-inch neutral shorts will help you start pairing them with a wide variety of clothes in the future. Most importantly, start with the shorts/height that you feel will best fit you. Start with an above-average fit to make the shorts the backdrop for a fuller outfit. Experiment with shorts that are higher in the elongation to draw more attention to your legs, and integrate other layers over time to broaden the overall fit. Shadows, confidence, and a look that fits in at any temperature. They’ll help you feel great in warm weather, so this style choice, paired with other fittings, will give you the most liberating inches to shorten the distance to your shorts.
You may also read itbigbash
