Wearing shorts is one of the best ways to stay cool and casual when it’s hot outside. Here’s how to wear shorts properly (and how your shorts should fit).
Shorts are perfect for weekend shenanigans, dog walks, the beach, the pool, barbecues, picnics, romantic walks in the park…you get the point.
Shorts are inherently casual, but that doesn’t mean they have to look adolescent and sloppy. So why do most men look so bad wearing shorts?
Well, they’re just not wearing them correctly. Their shorts don’t fit properly, and they’re not wearing the right styles.
This guide teaches you how to avoid these mistakes so you look amazing wearing shorts, just like the laid back, stylish gent you really are!
How Men’s Shorts Should Fit
To make sure your shorts flatter your body type, you need to pay attention to the length AND the width (the leg opening).
Let’s start with the length…
Shorts Length: How Long Should Men’s Shorts Be?
Just like with swim trunks, it’s crucial that your shorts don’t go past your knees.
They should stop at the top of your kneecaps (at the longest).
I like my shorts a little shorter, so most of my short stop 2-3 inches above my knees. This is a matter of personal preference, but I don’t think any man looks good with shorts that go past his knees.
Just like pants, the length of your shorts is measured along the inseam. The best length for men under 5’9″ is 7″.
Anything longer than that will most likely be too long, although you can get away with 9″ shorts if you like them a little longer.
If you’re under 5’5″ or just want to show a little more thigh (highly recommended) you might want to wear 5″ shorts instead.
Shorts Width (Leg Opening)
After wearing shorts that are too long, the second most common mistake that guys make is wearing shorts that are too wide.
Just like pants, many mass-manufactured shorts will be too wide through the leg. Unless you have thick legs, you’ll need to look for “slim fit” shorts or get your shorts tailored.
You want to avoid the trapezoid silhouette – where your shorts are wider at the bottom than the top. This happens when the leg opening (or circumference) or your shorts is a lot wider than the circumference of your leg.
It creates a bottom heavy silhouette, just like when women wear loose skirts. Great for them, bad for us.
Plus it makes your legs look thin and weak because they’re being swallowed up by your shorts.
Instead, try to achieve a nice gentle taper that follows the line of your body:
Your shorts don’t have to be skin tight. They should be fitted and comfortable, and you should be able to move around.
Make sure you there’s a little wiggle room between the fabric and your skin, but not more than a couple of inches.
Slim Fit vs. Classic Fit Shorts
One easy way to ensure your shorts aren’t too wide is by looking for “slim fit” on the label. This difference in cut seems subtle, but it makes all the difference.
Unless you have big thighs and hamstrings, slim fit shorts will probably be your best option. Remember, most U.S. brands are making shorts for the average American guy (who’s about 5’9″ and slightly overweight).
On top of that, most American men like looser fitting clothes, so “classic fit” (or straight leg) shorts are going to have plenty of room through the leg and a wider leg opening.
Slim fit shorts will have a slimmer thigh and a bit more taper down to the leg opening.
Remember: not all slim fit shorts are created equal. There’s no universal definition of slim fit, so different brands offer different silhouettes.
The best way to figure out which brands work for you is to try them on. Most brands, like Amazon and Bonobos, offer free shipping and returns, so it’s easy to try on a few pairs at home, then only keep the ones you like.
Make Your Shorts Fit Better
Just like pants, shorts can be hemmed. Or, if you don’t want to pay the tailor tax, you can also just roll your shorts up.
When trying on shorts, it’s most important that they fit in the seat and crotch. Everything else can be fixed (including the waist).
You can also get them tapered for $15-25 and have the waist adjusted by 1-2″ either way.
Men’s Shorts Styles & Aesthetic
You can wear whatever you like, but if you’re going for a somewhat mature and timeless look, here’s a quick list of what to avoid:
- Cargo pockets
- Large, bold patterns
- Bright, saturated colors
- Obvious branding/logos
- Distressing (tears, rips, holes, stains)
Stick with solid colors and small scale patterns or prints. For example, if you like polka dots or floral prints, that’s totally fine. Just make sure they’re small in scale (small dots or flowers).
Solid colors like tan, khaki, black, navy, grey and olive are always a safe and classy choice. If you’re not sure which colors work best, check out our guide to neutral menswear colors.
When in doubt, a pair of khaki chino shorts is a solid option that will go with almost any shirt.
Men’s Shorts Outfit Ideas
Need some stylish inspiration? Here are some examples of guys looking great in shorts:
Now you know how shorts should fit and how to wear shorts, you might be thinking, “Hmm, I could use a new pair of shorts…or three.”
I’ve got you covered!
Where to Buy Men’s Shorts
There are so many great places to buy men’s shorts – especially chino shorts and tech shorts – it’s hard to list them all. Here are a few of TMM’s current favorite brands:
- Topman Skinny Chino Shorts – actual skinny fit shorts; only good for very slender legs
- ASOS Skinny Chino Shorts – similar fit to Topman but much more affordable (and lower quality)
- Amazon Essentials Slim Fit 7″ Shorts – super affordable; subtly slim fit
- Amazon Goodthreads Slim Fit 7″ Drawstring Shorts – more comfortable and casual than most chino shorts
- Outlier New Way Shorts (slim-straight; bulletproof)
- Bonobos Stretch Washed Shorts – available in 3 different lengths and fits (I prefer 7″ slim fit)
- J.Crew 7″ Stretch Short – tons of color options to choose from; subtly slim fit (not even close to skinny)
- Goodfellow 7″ Slim Fit Chino Shorts – good quality for the price; not super slim
- Bearbottom Stretch Shorts – many different lengths and styles to choose from; read our full Bearbottom review
- Ash & Erie Shorts – limited color selection but great fit on my 5″6″ slender frame
If you’re looking to revamp your shorts collection and find a new brand that’s perfect for you, I recommend ordering a few pairs off this list.
Once you find something that fits, order a couple of different styles and colors, then you’ll be set for a while!
What’s your favorite pair of shorts? Leave a comment below!
Good article! Thanks for the great explanation of cargo short. We must consider purchasing one of these.
The Amazon Essentials shorts fit, needless to say, are softer than expected so far and have stood up to the diligence of the builders: much bending and work that rubs against my shorts. They get dirty and are cleaned anytime to date. the sole downside is that the rear pocket of the wallet can be a touch bigger – a wallet fits, just a bit snug.
There’s a lot of insecure men posting in here which is hilarious. Having said that, I cant take this advice. Every one of this guys with the shorts above their knees looks like a total dork. Pair that look with some sandals and it’s a meme.
Imagine your argument for something being good is that celebrities were paid to promote it LMAO
What?
Jesus, the fragile masculinity in some of these comments is off the charts. Brock’s advice for men to wear fitted shorts no lower than the knee is honestly pretty tame, and of course it’s just his opinion. If your reaction to this is to state how masculine you are or to defensively make gender-related insults about other men’s dress sense, you just come across as being very insecure about either your masculinity, your heterosexuality, your body (specifically your legs), or all of the above.
The idea of shorter tailored shorts on men being “feminine” is just an arbitrary construct which, as many have pointed out, is undermined by 100s of photos of celebrities such as Daniel Craig, Bradley Cooper, Childish Gambino etc. or pretty much any man from the 70s/80s. Did men’s knees and thighs suddenly become indecent and taboo between then and now?
And this aside: even if you think a man looks or dresses “feminine”, who cares? Moral judgements about gender presentation are just one symptom of a deeply culturally ingrained “fear of the feminine”, without which we would have a lot less homophobia and misogyny in society.
This is very well said:
“If your reaction to this is to state how masculine you are or to defensively make gender-related insults about other men’s dress sense, you just come across as being very insecure about either your masculinity, your heterosexuality, your body (specifically your legs), or all of the above.”
I agree 100% and probably couldn’t have put it better than you did.
Hi Brock,
I didn’t realise that your original blog/article was so old when I watched the newer video two months ago.
I was just enjoying the drama in the comments and I only wanted you to know how many people enjoy your content and agree with you in general.
I’m pretty sure we’re the majority even though it may not seem that way.
I wouldn’t think anything less of your dedication if you were to ignore all of these people. You do appeal to may of us.
Anyway, thanks from Fukuoka, Japan.
How tall are you for reference? Trying to buy my husband shorts:) I am not sure if the video said as my kids are asleep and I can’t play it, but I don’t see it listed in the article? Thank you!
I’m 5’6″ with shoes on and about 120 lbs. I usually wear a 28×28 pant. Hope that helps!
I dare all the bashers to post pictures of them in their shorts.
Topman skinny chino shorts provide the best fit for me; my legs are very skinny/thin. The leg openings on Bonobos, A&E, and JCrew shorts are too wide.
The comments here are awesomely hilarious. A couple of thoughts.
A lot of people seem think that this feminization of men has something to do with shorts… maybe back in the old days when men were men. 😂 when these commenters were younger in the 70s and 80s… the real men, thinking nba here wore shorts with like a 3 inch inseam. 😂
I also get a picture of some of these commenters not liking the preppy style. I just picture them in their double wide trailer talking about how bad the person that cuts their paycheck looks.
I have no fashion sense. None. But I landed here in my attempt to better my life. I was out seeking what rich and successful people do so I can emulate it. Maybe it is my style, maybe it is not, but I would never bash it. I will take the parts I can use and learn from it to elevate myself.
But there are 2 kinds of people. Those that aim for the top by improving themselves. And those that aim for the top by dragging other down to their level.
And there is a part of customs. I have no fashion, I only wore shorts for years. I went to Guatemala and in Central America they do not wear shorts at all. So I did not wear shorts. That does not invalidate the authors opinions on fashion for his style in his area. If it is not for you or your area, move on.
Great (evergreen) article and weird to see such strong reactions to the topic. When guys get messed up imagining how other people judge their masculinity, I’m reminded that Robert Redford made women swoon when he pulled off a pink suit in Gatsby. Confidence and authenticity is a
ttractive, that’s about the sum of it. Any updated (2021) recommendations? It gets hot in Austin, so shorts are a must, but I’m in a weird early-40s place where it’s tough to know what age-appropriate.
My go to shorts are H & M – great fit (slim & above the knee), wide range of colours, hard wearing (although they do fade very gradually) and super cheap! I have them in black, navy, olive, white, stone & a washed out blue linen pair.
Ok well me and all the other guys who women find attractive will be over here in the long, baggy shorts part of the men’s section, buying masculine looking clothes so we dont look like ridiculous fruitcakes mimicking women’s fashion styles.
This is the most insecure comment I’ve read in a long time 😂 …you might want to talk to someone about this – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latent_homosexuality
Hello Brock, I recommend you that don’t waste your time responding to all the people that criticize your articles, if they don’t like what you wrote, they can choose either no read or discard it, but I don’t understand why people (like Racecar Driver, for example)made this kind of nonsense comments. If we like to be presentable is nothing to do with our masculinity…In my particular case, also love the cars and also really enjoy all the Brock’s articles, I think this don’t make me more or less man…If something, make me more attractive for woman. Again, I (like many of us) appreciate all your great articles Brock! Keep your great work and ignore all this non sense people!
I’d like to point something out to the folks suggesting that short or slim fit is somehow effeminate, but baggy and long is masculine. In Russia, Africa, Middle East, etc – a man wearing any type of shorts (yes, including long baggy shorts) would suggest you’re a child. Shorts are not worn by men at all, but by schoolchildren. So your ideas about shorts of a certain length being somehow masculine doesn’t even apply in most of the world anyway.
Shorts got so long, they make for terrible tan lines, so I go naked, or 2″ inseam.
wow this article is a totally whacko garbage. making kids think its normal to wear tight fitting short shorts. just following the command of the fashion industry who dicate through media what thiey want people to wear depending on there economics and resources for the year, of the corporations for that year. men wear loose fitting shorts that are comfortable and allow the natural air of our earth to enter. that is what is normal. tight clothes like this inhibit and block the natural chi and energy of the body and look absolutely ridiculous and make them look like like 10 year old children. the blockages and energy killers of the corporations have devastated our youth.
Well baggy shorts are in vogue right now, so my opinion on shorts fit definitely isn’t in line with the fashion industry.
Also, you chose to read this article, so you were clearly looking for some advice on the subject.
Personally, I like to limit how much “chi” is getting into my shorts, especially when sitting down 😉
Your video on shorts got a lot of attention to be active and getting responses for more than five years! Agree with you about length- ten years ago I thought that the knee length looked good. For at least the last six years I like a 9″ length (I’m 5-11 with long legs)- sometimes even 10″ inseam.
I do disagree about avoiding bright patterns and colors. It would depend on the occasion. Plaids and bright colors get a me a lot of compliments in the right context. The most came from a bright lime green pair and a coral color pair I wore often at resorts in the Florida Keys. Other times, solid navy or grey work better.
I think you should wear whatever colors you like, and it sounds like you’re dressed in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion and makes you happy, which is perfect. Keep it up!
Now I reckon you folks do not live in the south. Us rednecks would never wear such shorts that would make Uncle Jethro take us to the barn for an ass whoopin’. Down yonder in the bayou of Alabama we wear shorts that are denim past our knees with enough room to stash our Copenhagen snuff, and always wear work boots with shorts.
What you were saying might be true for SLIM PEOPLE. [shorts having to be not loose]
How about the rest of us?
I think I have heard that shorts have to be more loose than long pants. Although now I cannot find any reference to that on the internet. I have tried to cut long pants that seemingly fit, into shorts, then they look too slim. I wear 38/32 straight leg jeans, but the same straight leg jeans cut down to shorts suddenly look like skinny jeans. I didnt mean to have the skinny emo style.
I agree, shorts should be above the knee at the longest. I like my shorts to be about mid thigh or a little shorter.
I say shorts should be above the knee at the longest. If shorts go to your knee or past there are many names they are called but I call them Clam Diggers or SHANTS-those look goofy on men and boys since way to baggy and when you square you legs you can see the mens boxers or underwear which is not a nice thing to see. Also when the guy bends down you can see ton of their boxers or underwear which is not great either and easy for other to give that person a wedgie.
this is how shorts should fit for whatever style you’re going with. It should not be so all inclusive because it really isn’t the way I’d ever wear shorts and thought it looked super nerdy, goofy and unmanly. Call me ol’ fashion, but I always preferred the rougher life and shorts above my knees, don’t speak strength in manhood, but does say you have grown up with money and totally different environment than someone like me. so trolling started with your headline honestly.
How about wear shorts how you like them, and not worry about what anyone else thinks?
Came here to say that?
I don’t mean to speak for Brock but “not worry about what anyone else thinks” is NOT the point of the blog. GET IT? Why read or comment on the blog if don’t care?
On the contrary, wearing baggy shorts only serves to make you look skinnier. It works the same for heavy guys too. That said, there’s a fine line between what fits and what’s too tight.
This is an older story with a lot of comments, so many that I read only 2/3 of them. But FYI, I’m gay and I found the story searching for pictures of guys in sexy athletic shorts. So….there must be something to this shorts length thing. I wear looser fitting shorts just above my knees that conceal the fact that I have skinny upper legs. If I wore the shorts recommended here, I’d have to put up with other guys ripping on me about “skipping leg day” in the gym. I’m sure a lot of guys feel the same about this. I also don’t wear jeans that are form fitting for this reason and I would love it if baggier clothes came back in style. If I had a pair of great muscular legs, I’d be a lot more willing to wear shorts that show the quads and form fitting jeans. But it’s just not going to happen even with my best effort in the gym.
Contrary to your observation wearing baggy shorts only serves to accentuate the skinnyness of your legs. It does the same for heavy set guys, too. That said there is a fine line however between fitting and too tight.
I’m really not understanding why so many people are making a big deal on this article you posted. Your theme of the blog is men’s fashion advice for smaller (shorter) guys. If someone doesn’t want advice or it doesn’t work for them (you can click out).
COVID got some people bored :/ IMO I love shorter shorts, I hike frequently and they are infinitely more comfortable for my body type than longer shorts (I wear 4″ and 5″ inseams). If someone thinks I’m less “masculine” because I wear shorts above my kneecaps–welp sorry you feel so strongly about that.
Hey Brock and Everyone;
Good article. WOW! Who knew an article about shorts could elicit such emotions. Just shows you the sad state our country is in now.
That said, being an older guy (69 now) and growing up in the country, when I was a kid we never wore shorts much because we were always in the brush, woods, corn, or just tall weeds.
Once we moved to the big city, I was about 10, I discovered shorts because I became a boy scout. Of course boy scout shorts were typically just above the knee and had cargo pockets.
As a younger man I did favored what was known in the 60s, 70s and 80s as Bermuda shorts which typically were just above the top of knee probably about 9 to10″ and with a classic fit. Classic fit typically meant very little to no taper to the knee.
As a 50 and 60 something I prefer my shorts to be about 9″ (I’m 5’8″+ and wear 30″ long pants) because I find I like the look of rolled up hems. So I typically roll them a couple inches but not always. Being a guy with a bit of a stomach now, 40″ waist and athletically built legs and butt, my issue is sometimes finding shorts that fit my thighs and butt while fitting me in the waist. If I find the waist then the the legs and butt are too wide (classic fit) which I absolutely hate! Thank goodness now that lots of makers are going to the slim (not skinny) and athletic fit as opposed to the classic fit. I find the slim and athletic cut at about 9″ and sometimes 7″ are just right.
The one thing I disagree with, Brock, is the NO cargo pockets. I think if worn with the rules you mentioned in mind, especially the width, that cargo pocket shorts can look quite acceptable and they serve a utilitarian purpose. I have several pairs most of which however, I wear mostly when doing chores or running errands like going to home improvement and hardware store and when just lounging around the house on the weekends or taking photographic hikes in the park (as long as I’m not going into deep woods in which case I wear long pants that can be zipped off above the knee if necessary).
That’s my 2 cents.
Regards,
GEGJr
Brock, love this post! You know you’ve struck a nerve when you get some unhappy troll comments!
I am a female and have long subscribed to this blog and your YouTube channel precisely because my husband wears all the Don’ts. Baggy shorts, huge jeans, untucked shirts. This blog is for men that are under 6 feet tall and maybe it would help men if they noticed how tiny and stumpy legs look when only a small part of it shows. (Remember Tim Conway in all the DORF videos?)) Having shorts above the knee makes your leg look much, much longer and you look more trim and fit. Yes, my husband would say it makes you look like you’re “trying too hard” or even “gay”. There’s a happy medium that can be struck — it doesn’t have to be short and tight, but long and baggy is doing you no favors. And YES women notice. Men don’t want their girlfriends/wives to look schlumpy? Well please return the favor. Some commenters are calling this “preppy”, in Europe it’s called being a “well dressed man.”
I never could stand to wear long baggy so called “shorts “. I’m older, 55, but take care of myself gym, hiking and I have nice legs and love wearing shorts that show off my legs. It doesn’t make me any less masculine. And if people think I’ gay so what?
Brock, i don’t want to look preppy, i did prefere cargo shorts, and yeah my shorts are mostly below the knee, but rethinking.. i’m 5’7 , 140lbs in mid 40s, but look much younger.. i don’t want to spend a fortune on fancy clothes, but i can afford nice stuff.. love shorts, but i’m still feeling stuff like chino’s looks to boring to me… tips ideas
I’m glad shorter shorts are coming back in style for us guys. Can’t stand the look of those too long and overly wide clown pants.
I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.
Found this site while looking for non cargo shorts. I hate going to the store. Bored enough that I read it. Slow Sunday. Have we really ended up in our society where “men” are looking for advice from “men” who have now taken the sickening fad of skinny jeans and translated that into shorts. Here is your fashion advice in two parts. If Indiana Jones would punch you in the face for wearing it, don’t buy it. If you can lend it to your girlfriend, don’t buy it. You shouldn’t even be looking at it. You don’t need the advice of men who spend more money on grooming products than a tool set. By the way, I’m writing this with a smile. Not trying to offend…kinda.
Lots of preaching for a guy who just sought out and read an article about how to wear shorts (because he was “bored” of course, not because he wanted advice).
Hi Brock. Thanks for a very helpful video. I’m 5’6″. What inseem length would be about one inch above the knee in my case? I don’t think I’d be too comfort going shorter
Since I’m also 5’6″, I hope you (and Brock) don’t mind me giving you my recommendation. For me, a 10-inch inseam drops down to my knee or slightly above it. My preference is for an 8-inch inseam. I prefer a flat front short (no cargo, no pleated). I was going to recommend the American Eagle brand, but the quality of their men shorts have really deteriorated in the past 6 years.
Guys that have chicken legs should never wear shorts. Nobody wants to see skinny toothpick legs, they look so silly. If you got well toned legs wear shorts by all means. If you got chicken legs please do us a favor hide your legs and wear long pants.
I’d like to add one more thing. If you got chicken legs and want to wear shorts, be sure they go several inches below your knee. You’ll look better.
Show me one example of someone with thin legs who looks better in shorts that go several inches past their knees. In fact, show me one example of any man who looks better in long shorts.
Seriously, post some links.
On a practical note without regard to style, wearing some shorts at or slightly below the knee can cause problems any time you bend your knees such as kneeling, sitting down, or going up or down stairs (living!) because your knee catches on the end seam of the shorts during the knee bend. This leads to stretching the shorts at the bottom seam and possibly tearing the shorts at the bottom seam or elsewhere. You can pull up your short leg(s) anytime you bend your knees but this sounds ridiculous over time. I have torn one end seam on one pair of shorts and fear the same will happen on another. I will shop with this in mind for shorts in the future.
It’s nice to see PROPER shorts for men again, and men who like and wear them! Having shorts that fall above the knee caps is neither “gay” nor “feminine”. It’s why they’re called SHORTS! The 90s and 00s basketball, hip hop and “cargo” influence ruined shorts, and made insecure little boys out of grown men who can’t imagine that men would ever want to compliment their physiques or wear clothes that actually fit! Go sag and bag yourself back to the 90s and 00s, d-bags!
All the typical insecure American men’s negative comments I’ve seen – not only here but in other forums about men’s fashion – always shows attempts made by these “he-man” d-bags to emasculate other men who do wear actual shorts instead of the curtains and drapes the d-bags wear. Same with jeans. They think any jeans that actually fit or have a slim cut are “women’s skinny jeans”. It’s pathetic. They’re pathetic.
The nice shorts featured in this blog are neither hot pants nor Daisy Dukes, for god sake! But to these insecure American man-boys, I say this: Take your stupid, ugly burka leg drapes you call “shorts” and your cargo curtains you’ve had since 2002, and shove them up your insecure, outdated frat boy / hip hop you-know-wheres!
Nobody needs two feet of fabric around each leg falling past the knees in order to have “comfort”, either.
I am 55 y.o. guy I go to the gym have nice legs and wear shorts above the knees. Can’t stand long, baggy “shorts “! Might as well just wear my jeans as opposed those foolish looking things that aren’t shorts.
As a 5f6 guy, Uniqlo shorts fit just right, inexpensive too. Great quality imo for the price. Great find.
Just wear whatever the hell you want. Don’t worry so much what others think or what they are doing or wearing. To each their own. There is no right or wrong way. It’s what you value. What you feel is correct should be the only thing that matters.
If you’re looking for decent 5″ and 7″ shorts, check out Goodthreads brand on amazon. They’re well -constructed and only $25 / pair. (They do get a little wrinkly in the dryer, though.)
You actually showed a couple of guys that appear over 40, I’m impressed.
The 3 pictures where you have a big x over them, those guys look way cool, better looking than the guys with shorts above their knees! They look like a bunch of dorks. Men wearing shorts above their knees is not in style and not socially acceptable.
I know that basketball players used to wear very short shorts back in the 70’s and they looked silly. Why they wore them only God knows. I guess they came to their senses when they saw Michael Jordan wearing long shorts and decided that looks way more cool.
Only women should wear short shorts, it looks better on them.
One more thing I would like to say, I heard some say that shorts above your knees makes you feel cooler in the hot weather. I’d rather be a little uncomfortable and look way cool to my peers in school than to be comfortable and look like a dork and be shunned by my peers.
Scott, it’s good to see that you were thinking about shorts enough to come back for a second comment. Maybe as you get older you will have the confidence to trust your own style instead of relying on peer influence. I am 5‘7“ tall and I think I look ridiculous in longer shorts. 7 inch shorts seem to suit me and I dont particularly care if anyone judges.
Insecure about your masculinity?
I’m 5’9 and have a short femur. Every pair of shorts I’ve ever got hangs below the knees or shaped like clown shorts. My beef with these companies that sell shorts is that they make them for tall guys. Finding shorts with 6” inseam has been impossible. Thanks for input on where to find shorts that hopefully fit
I also prefer the utility of shorts with extra pockets, whether or not they’re of the cargo variety. Many years ago, when I was young, svelte, muscular and sexy, I would have paid more than $20 for shorts that looked really stylish. Now I just want something that covers my rotund torso and provides enough pockets for all my junk.
Your philosophies are valid. Avoid the trapezoidal. Avoid below the knee.
Your style? Too tight and too short. Not “gay”, but preppie.
Shorts should be somewhat baggy, shirts tight.
I need the utility of cargo shorts, form follows function. The problem is that 90% of them are “loose fit” with massive leg holes and hanging down to the shins.
I shop at the thrift. I wouldn’t pay $20 for a pair of shorts, let alone to a tailor.
But hopefully your trend here will slim up the standard for cargo shorts as well.
I’m seeing new brands of shorts popping up in social media feeds. Any recommendations on non-mainstream/big box stores? I still can’t find tailored shorts in the US but some of these new brands look promising.
You’re crazy, no man looks good with shorts above the knee, we aren’t women. You might as well go out in your boxers if you wear them like that. I like being comfortable not feeling like I’m half naked lookin like Clark Griswold goin to Wally world.
“No man looks good with shorts above the knee…”
I’ll just leave these here:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/de/e9/d7dee9bf9f0d454513593baafcd891ff.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/52/dc/8f/52dc8f1001d32d904ddf941d4b71e91e.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FstbDBxBwS4/WQjt8VrZL5I/AAAAAAADUPk/5C3d5QDW5HUlgZjKwSxWw3gihSwQKiv9ACEw/s1600/idris%2Belba%2Bshirtless%2Bboxer.png
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/BTJMTW/the-kennedys-robert-jackie-ethel-and-senator-john-f-kennedy-relaxing-BTJMTW.jpg
I dislike fitted anything, especially summertime shorts. I may even buy a size or two too large and wear a belt just to get the extra room in the crotch and backside. No apologies here. Style which hardly anyone worth caring about will notice anyway is just not worth sweating over.
Interesting article. It is well written and informative. I do like my shorts shorter, like say mid thigh, but that depends on situation. I grew up in that era when tennis shorts with 2 inch inseam was the done thing. I watched men start wearing boxers hanging out from under tennis shorts then blip, no more short shorts were sold in stores. It was super long big shorts and pants. The hip hop look I think they called it. Below the knee, super big and baggy. Man capris, I blew soda out of my nose when I read that! Same with the Panama Jack shirts with the 3/4 sleeves. In my opinion, and it is just an opinion, the hip hop look looks like kids playing dress up from dads closet.
Anyway, I like them, and jeans, loose enough to move in without undue restriction, which is often a low rise with belt instead of low hanging crotch, which can bind if the legs are too narrow. When I can wear shorts to work, like outside duty in 90+, I wear Polo khakis, like the Andrew Short, as a nod to conservative appearance. A bit above the knee. At the gym I want short shorts, 1970s short, loose enough for cooling and freedom of movement, with built in panties, and they double as a swimsuit for after the workout. Okay the speedo, cap and goggle lap swimmer geeks hate me but oh well.
Now, if you are easily offended skip to next line — I wear briefs or bikinis. Boxers are the second most useless apparel item after the neck tie — possible offensive section concluded.
Anyway, I learned a lot and I appreciate the time you put into the article.
Oh and for Scott, well, I do wear jeans to the beach, I wear sandals with jeans, and I swim in jeans at the beach when water is cold because they make pretty good wetsuit pants.
Came across this article while looking to update my boyfriend’s outdated baggy below-the-knee shorts. I have commented a few times that his long shorts make him appear shorter than he is and he is considered average height (5’9). I will definitely share your article to him so he can visualize what I’ve meant all these years! Thank you for the article and don’t mind those troll comments. Those morons are so afraid of being “effeminate” with fitted shorts, but little do they know that the same women they are trying to impress notice their terrible sense of style.
Sorry, I can’t stop…This is the last one…my opinion since everyone on here has theirs…
Wear whatever the hell length you want. Just stop wearing dress shirts, sports coats, and dress shoes with shorts!! That is such a stupid Dbag look! It’s like wearing jeans to the beach or sandals with jeans!!
If you do any of these and come to Huntington or Newport Beach. Be prepared to be ran out of the area!
I’m out, finally! Thanks for reading my rants!
I had to add one more thing….it is definitely clear you and your followers idolized snob celebrities and base your own style on it. Yet, you talk to everyone like you procured this style yourself. You look like every snob in the pictures you posted. What is with the picture of you galloping around in the field??? Just saying dude. Not trying to hate on you but I am… you wrote a very pretentious article that is basically saying “My style is best, don’t be original, copy my style, that I copied from these guys and you will be better off”.
I feel like the hipster style and this kind of “Zach” from Saved By The Bell style is trying to create this image of being a part of higher society. Only thing missing is the bottle of Perrier water and a Starbucks cup. (I do like some Starbucks, though)
Peace Good Luck
OMG. I just saw the Seiko, lmao, this is a GAP commercial from the 90’s.
alright, I’ve had my fun…Good luck to all of you!! Whether you like to show them knees or cover them, it seems hard to find either option out there!!
All these dos and don’ts for men and yet no answers for where to find this stuff. Try finding places that tell you an honest inseam number. And how about those of us that are 5’10”? Good luck because the shorter people below 5’9″ are so insecure that when it comes to them creating a great clothing store for shorter legged people they completely leave out us saps just above their needs. I can’t go to a Big and Tall shop because I’m certainly not tall. But I can’t fit into these children shorts this blog is talking about here either. No offense, but I couldn’t get a 5inch inseam shorts slid up over my thighs and my 38″ waist breaks all the rules here I guess. Get a pair of shorts my waist and inseam size and they are all well below my knees. So pay 40 to 80 for a pair of shorts that never fit and then go pay more to get them hemmed. So great.
You know what else? Take your rules about cargo pockets and shove them where your fashion nose hole. Cargo shorts are easily the most comfortable and handy thing to wear in the summer. I guarantee all you fools buying “slim” no cargo pocket shorts are uncomfortable trying to pull anything out of your slim fit shorts standard pockets. I can’t count how many I’ve bought and when I got home I realized I can’t even get a hand to slide into them. End up using three fingers to dig down in and pull out my phone or change. I would absolutely love it if someone could point out a SHORT and by these days standards FAT guy (yes Short and Fat store) where I can get a 38 inch waste and a 9 inch inseam and have shorts that still land just right above the knee. But it will apparently never happen. We are in no mans land. The Inseam measurement is also such a terrible measurement for the leg length of shorts. You are measuring from waist to crotch and leaving out a measurement from the crotch down to the knee. Therefore apparently all these lousy manufacturers of clothing don’t even bother to check how long it is from the crotch down to the bottom hem.
Give us a measurement from waist down to the bottom of shorts leg. Then an inseam, and waist number. All in inches or cm for you metric folks. Pick one I don’t care. Enough of this large and x large or xx large and then children sizes and women sizes and wtf is wrong with you people?
The really sad part is that I could stand to lose some weight and waist inches to get back down to a 34 waist and I would be happy. But I still will never find a pair of shorts with the right length for me and you hobbits aren’t helping those of us like me. Adding your fashion faux pas of the current year further just wants to make me gag. We need you types of people to just leave the industry so we can correct all your wrongs.
Try dockers perfect fit shorts at Macy’s-$25.00
all of you guys who care about what somebody wears for shorts I find funny its all about that person likes so if you don’t like them don’t wear them why do you care
Brock is right! For people with slim legs like me, at least, shorts shouldn’t go past the knees. It would cut out the balance between your thighs and calves. Usually people with slimmer calves have thicker thighs to balance them out.
http://imgur.com/ldGrjRq
I am 5’4″ wearing 5″ j crew shorts. How do they look?should i go for the 7″ instead?
You look great! 7” would be good too, and maybe a little more mainstream (i.e. you wouldn’t stand out as much).
Also: brb going to go do some squats…
This is an excellent article – I don’t know if they export but here in the UK I can also strongly recommend a company called Boden (Boden.co.uk), who do 7” and 10” chinos of very high quality material- strongly recommend checking them out!
So, is there a solution for fit muscular guys with thick thighs and narrow waists where we don’t look like meatheads. I’m fine with above the knee but I’ve also seen comically short and surely there’s a middle ground there.
Lot’s of toxic comments here, jesus. I agree that this look might not suit everyone but lay off the author, this is how shorts should fit by the general consensus. Also, there is an actual science to having shorter shorts (look up the rule of thirds, and yes you can interpret it the otherway around but shorts that go past your knees look more like tacky half pants).
Brock, those pics of you wearing the outlier and asos shorts look really great, best I’ve seen so for short guys.
I just recently ordered a pair of stantons in boys sizing (I am extremely small: 5’2 and ~110lbs) and hoping they are slimmer than their regular stanton lineup.
Just wanted to say thanks as well since you’ve helped me grow out of my ill-fitting clothing which seriously affected my confidence.
Also haters gonna hate :/
Yeah, I have no idea why this topic generates so much hate and trolling. Very weird. But I agree that trimmer shorts are more aesthetically pleasing and masculine than long, baggy shorts.
Let me know how those Stantons turn out!
So, I called J. Crew and the Reade and Stanton lines are sold out. I asked for the width of the leg and was told the circumference was 24 1/2 in the size 38. I look at the pictures of you in your shorts and that is the look I want.
I am 5’5″, weigh 175 lbs and have thin legs. I like my shorts to come to just above my knees (I’m older than most of your readers, so I dress a bit more conservatively), so I opted for a 9″ inseam. I measured a pair of Gap skinny jeans (very happy with them). 9″ down from the crotch seam, I marked the jeans with a piece of chalk. I measured the width of the legs. The legs measured 9 3/4 inches, which I take to be a 19 1/2 circumference. Even allowing for the thickness of the fabric, that’s still about 20-21 inches.
I have a pair of shorts that measure 24-25 inches in circumference. They’re not bad, but they don’t look the way your shorts look on you. If I was satisfied with “not bad,” I wouldn’t be reading your blog. I’m thinking of ordering a pair to my measurements from Woodie’s. Any suggestions?
BTW, I bought a pair of black jeans from Jimmy Au’s. I’m very happy with them, but they set me back about $250!!! Also, BTW, they measure approximately 9″ across the leg 9″ down from the crotch seam or 18-19″ in circumference. Do I have to go to the teenage department in the clothing stores? Do they even have pants with a 38″ waist?
I find that the Banana Republic Aiden (Slim Fit) solid color shorts fit me very well and are slim and comfortable without being confining (size reference: 5’5”, 142 lb). They also have a bit of stretch in them and are very durable. Usually, you can get them on sale for a good discount.
I’m 5’7” medium build and I look ridiculous in most shorts that are designed for taller men. J. Crew 7” Reade shorts are my favorites. I’ve got them in four colors. I tried Stanton 5” but they were a bit too short for me.
I’m OLD (69), 5’6”, 220, short waisted, with thunder thighs! I’m NEVER going to look good in shorts, so I prefer to be comfortable. I wear cargo shorts and Dockers style pleated ones. I like deeper pockets and a heavier weight fabric. Shorts usually reach my knees or just above. Not sexy, preppy or stylish but I’m comfortable when it’s 110 in the shade. And, as a retired teacher, I would like to report most of you semiliterate millenials to the English language police!
Firstly, that would be “semi-illiterate” and “millennials” (2 Ls and 2 Ns – talk about the pot calling the kettle black).
Secondly, losing 80 pounds would probably help you stay cooler as well. I’m about your height and 140lbs. I cannot imagine another 80lbs on my frame…
And no, I’m not a millennial – I’m in my late fifties.
Just wanna know who the F came up with this stupid idea! Now I have to wear pants all summer!
Damn Brock, you saved my life.
I live in SEA, and right now the summer days are oppressively hot. On top of that, status is HUGE here, and how you dress conveys how people perceive you. Dressing nice can mean the difference between being seen as a salty old drunkard or a polished professional whose going places.
Normally I default to wearing longer pants since shorts are seen as kinda trashy. But now you’ve given me a life line. I always had a “feel” for what looked good with shorts, but never understood EXACTLY what I need to look for (seam length and tapered shape), and this broke it down into practical, actionable advice.
Now I can wear shorts in the heat again. Whose gonna hate on a guy wearing a fitted polo, nice watch, tapered shorts, and boat shoes (do you even yacht bro?). I mean, besides crazy internet trolls of course.
Take care buddy.
As long if have a “nice watch”……..
Ahaha! Just look at the pictures! The guys you put the cross on, look good. The other guys look like their moms just droped them of at soccer practice.
mens short shout be just below knees, shorter than that is ugly and look ridiculous, longer than that is also not a good fit.they should fit as standard, not wide and not too tight.
Do you also prefer short sleeves below the elbow? For clothing to be considered “short” it needs to be above the joint – below the joint is a “long”
This is just stupid! Who, just who the F*** are you to say how cloths should be? Just look at the stupid figures in those fotos, do they look like gown man to you?
Just F****** think for your self.
Came here to say that? Or came here to figure out how your shorts should fit?
I was looking for shorts that doesn’t make me look like I’m 5 years old.
We are conditioned to think just a bit of exposed skin in infantilizing. Dunno, maybe it has to do with attitudes with women, when we think instead that women have dignity, both with looser and longer or shorter and fitter clothes, we don’t longer project this on men as well, could be?
Good if I’m wrong, as a bad externality and byproduct of this is that many of us limit our fashion options as men, really restricting.
Each of us is usually our own worst critic. We also worry more about what others think about us than we worry what we think of ourselves. You have to be true to yourself before anything else. If that means you wear the shortest shorts you can find, like I do, or you never wear shorts at all, make yourself happy first and foremost. Three years ago I wouldn’t have been caught dead in shorts. A life changing event or three later and here’s how the pieces went back together, I wear short shorts and a t-shirt just about every day as long as it’s above freezing give or take. Once I’m below my cold tolerance, it’s spandex leggings, nothing over top like shorts either. Lots of giggles and remarks usually from women that should look in the mirror before they laugh too much. I’m no Chippendale by any means but I ride bike and lift weights some and my legs look pretty good in my opinion. A nice tan goes with it. I’m happy and I’m not breaking any laws so if you don’t like what you see, look elsewhere. Sad thing when a woman can wear short shorts and nobody dare say a word but if a guy shows some skin, the world stops spinning. Life’s too short to not make yourself happy.
“David commented on How to Wear Shorts (and How Men’s Shorts Should Fit).
in response to Antonymous:
We are conditioned to think just a bit of exposed skin in infantilizing. Dunno, maybe it has to do with attitudes with women, when we think instead that women have dignity, both with looser and longer or shorter and fitter clothes, we don’t longer project this on men as well, could be? Good if I’m … Continue reading “How to Wear Shorts (and How Men’s Shorts Should Fit)”
Each of us is usually our own worst critic. We also worry more about what others think about us than we worry what we think of ourselves. You have to be true to yourself before anything else. If that means you wear the shortest shorts you can find, like I do, or you never wear shorts at all, make yourself happy first and foremost. Three years ago I wouldn’t have been caught dead in shorts. A life changing event or three later and here’s how the pieces went back together, I wear short shorts and a t-shirt just about every day as long as it’s above freezing give or take. Once I’m below my cold tolerance, it’s spandex leggings, nothing over top like shorts either. Lots of giggles and remarks usually from women that should look in the mirror before they laugh too much. I’m no Chippendale by any means but I ride bike and lift weights some and my legs look pretty good in my opinion. A nice tan goes with it. I’m happy and I’m not breaking any laws so if you don’t like what you see, look elsewhere. Sad thing when a woman can wear short shorts and nobody dare say a word but if a guy shows some skin, the world stops spinning. Life’s too short to not make yourself happy.”
Wow, I wish I had your confidence. I HAVE to wear compression stockings (full length) for circulation problems and have not worn shorts for years because of them. They are very thick material and I could probably get away wearing them as leggings alone, but I don’t want the stares or comments. 🙁
The only acceptable shorts I’ve seen were from Mark Wahlberg. My personal opinion is shorts that are above the knees look gay & corny plus the shorts look gayer when they’re tight. Men should be wearing loose modest shorts that go below the knees so your man parts can breathe and not be exposed when you sit down.
Loose shorts below the knees are NOT shorts – they’re baggy capris. Do you also wear short sleeve shirts where the sleeves go to the middle of your forearm, or do they stop above the elbow?
You may think I’m a freak or something, but I personally prefer when my shorts are wider at the end and not openly showing my knees (I also like cargo pockets), not only because I feel more confortable, but also because I think more form fitting shorts with bare knees look dumb on an adult man. Might be because I live near the sea on a tropical island, or because I don’t give a shit about fashion or trends.
I found a pair of shorts that I have worn for about 6 years & as you can imagine are needing replacement. Trouble is that Old Navy never carried them after the one season. I look every year with disappointment.
One thing that might be a whole post worthy is how to find out enough about an item to locate & purchase it (again). I have googled every part of the tag on these shorts with no luck. Other times I’ll find a great pair at a thrift store & either want more, replacement or different colors or sizes. Occasionally I’ll even ask a guy where he got his (after paying a compliment of course 🙂 & rarely can get more than brand for the same reasons I’m having difficulty. Your insight & expertise is welcome.
Very nice, thanks
5 inch is the max inseam length for shorts. I like running shorts with their 2 or 3 inch inseam. and a loose but not floppy fit.
The Izod Saltwater Stretch Shorts fit nice too. 32″ waist with 10″ inseam. $26.99 at Kohl’s.
I have the same problems with shorts as you, and like you, the American Eagle Slims fit me best. But I went to Kohls today and discovered some cheaper shorts I think you’ll like. Sonoma Flex Fits. Perfect for my body type.
Thanks for the informative video!
Looking for some advice on wearing crew height socks with shorts. I liked what you said in the GQ myth article about how obsessed people are with bare ankles these days. I think socks can be a simple way to add some personality (mind you, I equally dislike novelty/overly bold socks).
Still, I feel like I never see anyone wearing anything but no show socks with shorts these days. (Besides athletic attire – thanks to Nike) I’m not trying to look like a skater or anything but I’m wondering what your thoughts are. I have a bunch of Stance socks – not the bold/obnoxious ones – but dark hues with a simple strike or color block pattern but I’ve been too self-conscious to wear them with shorts because nobody seems to give advice about it. Is it that bad of a thing to do?
“advice on wearing crew height socks with shorts”
The only advice anyone should give on this is that socks (including “no-show” socks, which frankly aren’t) shouldn’t be worn with shorts, unless you’re lounging about the house on a dreary overcast day – but frankly, if you can afford to be lounging about on such a day, you can afford to crank up the heat 3 or 4 degrees to accommodate bare feet.
Why? Well, for one thing, if it’s cool enough that you can handle socks you really need long pants.
And aesthetically, because shorts already create a “break” in the leg, and socks higher than the ankles (which frankly look idiotic once they show, which they do) only add another such “break.” Particularly for men like myself who have had to resign ourselves to being a few inches shorter than we’d like, this is a non-starter.
Hey Brock! Have you tried hemming your slim pants to shorts? Thinking of getting my 29×30 chino pants hemmed into 29×7 shorts. Is the cost the same as a simple pants hemming? What would it look like?
wow all those people in short shorts look TERRIBLE! They need to be at least to the knee, anything shorter looks ugly as sin
Came here to say that?
Not sure what the difference is between male and female legs in general, but if Mancapris are your style, more power to ya! For me, shorts at or below the knee are like a “short sleeve” shirt where the sleeve hits below your elbow. Not only is that length annoying, it just doesn’t look good. Ill-fitting would be my initial reaction.
Good analogy, R. There’s nothing wrong with how the men in these photos look, and their shorts are not even close to being “short shorts”.
Google Image douchebag shorts. The only reason I got to this site is because I’m trying to find a size chart so I don’t get shorts like them.
Hey Brock,
I’m 72, 5’6″, 150lbs. and live in Florida where shorts are worn all year. What brand do you recommend that’s age appropriate (not baggy, not tight, not too short). Thanks.
Brock, any advice on this question?
I have always felt that to be called “shorts” they needed to be above the knee. I have spent many years refusing to wear “longs” – the length is uncomfortable and I always thought the looked stupid – kinda the same look as the waist band of pants being around your thighs instead of your waist, but I digress.
Now that time has passed and real shorts are making their way back, I was going to order some, but my health got in the way. I have deep vein insufficiency and have to wear waist length compression hosiery. What’s a guy like me to do when it’s 100 degrees? I’m pretty laid back about what people wear and have never been bothered about what I wear as long as it’s comfortable. HOWEVER, male+pantyhose is just a really, really bad look in my opinion.
Really surprised by the notion that mens legs aren’t to be shown. I just started wearing shorts again this past year, As I grew more comfortable with my appearance, cycling and getting tan again, I went shorter and shorter. I have quite a few pair of running shorts and wear them just about everywhere I can. Maybe the 2″ inseam is a bit short for some people but I’m not here to suit others fashion taste. I dress to be comfortable and if you don’t like what you see, turn your gaze elsewhere, especially if you’re a guy checking me out. As long as everything is covered, and it is in my case, why worry about what someone else wears. Reading the comments here goes with what I experience on the street, men are bothered way more than they should be by what other men wear. Of the comments I get, 10 to 1 it’s from a guy. I know at least some women like what they see, thankfully some even threw a compliment my way. Funny how a woman can have half her butt cheek hanging out and nobody says a word. A guy wears short running shorts and the world stops turning. Another thing I noticed is the overwhelming majority of responses here seem to be from other guys. What do the ladies think about the subject? I’m well aware that women look, sometimes smile, wink, nod of approval given. I’m wearing my short shorts. If you like your shorts longer, go for it. Personally, I’ve never found shorts at knee length or longer, to look good on anyone, male or female. I don’t feel it’s my business to tell anyone else what they should or shouldn’t wear though. To each their own.
I really agree, what problem do these people have? I personally prefer them not too much above the knee and with a pair of good sandals, but more power if other people prefer or can pull them off higher!.
I just came across this article to find some good tips for wearing shorts for short men. At 5’7″ I never really liked wearing shorts because most of the men’s shorts are either cargo, bermuda, or gym/basketball shorts. I did own a pair of cargo shorts, but they are long gone from my wardrobe. Not only I do not like the designs, but they just look so baggy and long on me. Now that I’ve found more shorter shorts like Chubbies, I can finally find actual shorts that I actually like and don’t go below my knees. They don’t look that short on me. I rock them out occasionally when I go out. I am now encouraged to work on my quads and maybe get a girl (or two). With that said, I don’t follow fashion trends I wear what I feel more comfortable in and people should do likewise. If you like cargo shorts, by all means wear them. Not me. I like these shorter shorts on me,
Just want to thank everyone part of this discussion; making my decision all the easier to burn all my shorts and lean on my linen pants for my holiday travel. I’ve always known that the shorts “debate” is a contentious one, and I’ll admit, they’ve never really sat right on me too, and every time I’m about to head to a warmer climate, I Google shorts related topics for a brush up and every time I come out of it thinking that men just shouldn’t wear shorts at all. Irony is, I look and feel great in my swimming trunks, which are quite short and fitted; probably several inchs (mid-thigh) above the knee. Like the Marley photo above. But then again, they are strictly worn at the pool, in the Haman/Sauna, and at the beach, where in all three places, anything below mid-thigh is not only unsightly, but unsanitary. As for “shorts”, the chino variety, yeah, no, I’m sending those off to goodwill. Something confusing happens when you mix the casualness of a short and a chino material, which I may add, looks tired after a couple washes. I’m 5’9 and very fit for reference and you’d think the ideal candidate for shorts and even I think they generally look terrible on me. Funny enough, I think shorts look their coolest when they are kind of metal, like the guys I watch on the car shows with the tattoos and they are loose fitting and slightly below the knee (always black) with a utility pocket on this side. That’s just not for me however, and it’s probably the only time, I’m like, you know, those shorts look pretty bad ass. I tend to agree with many on here, shorts can quickly look boyish or dainty. And now, while I usually the first to say things look better on taller men (than my 5’9″ frame), I can universally say that shorts look good on know one.
Howdy. I have quite pronounced surgery scars on one knee so I like my shorts just over my knee rather then 2 inches above.
The trouble I have found is that being 6 foot 4 I either find shorts that are too high…like 4 inches above the knee, or too low…ie 3/4 length which I hate.
So I had a pair of shorts exactly the right length and decided to pick out some nice Mossimo jeans and have them cut into shorts by a Tailor.
Trouble is the Tailor did’nt place the shorts on top of the jeans and mark accordingly but measured from the inside seam…ie….from the crutch to the bottom of shorts. The shorts had a longer crutch then the Jeans which meant that I ended up with 3 pair of Mossimo jeans all cut to the wrong length. …ie…..3 inches above the knee rather then just on it.
3 Pairs of Mossimo Jeans ruined for no good reason and 50 bucks worth of Tailoring on top of it.
The Tailor refused to admitt any mistake saying all Tailors measure from the inside seam not the entire short length. What the???????
Anyway, sounds as though the shorts are the Perfect length for you….wanna buy them??? 🙂 🙂
Here’s my pet peeve. I can’t find a decent work short with a cell phone pocket in a 8″ inseam. The Carhartts are great shorts, but so baggy that a slim guy like me is swimming in them. Bonobos washed chino shorts fit well, but no cell phone pocket, and not durable enough for work. I wish some of the old school workwear companies (Carhartt, Dickies, Wrangler, etc…) would get on the bandwagon.
I miss being able to go out in my shorts,though. The farthest I venture out in them is a spot nearby where I can bash my tennis ball about for a couple hours trying to get properly fit again and keep in shape. I only see a people there and most of them I know already. I’ve still got one pair of cut-off jeans ones I usually wear for that; I just tried putting them on and measuring them and they’re about six to seven inches above the top of my kneecaps (but I’ve got quite long legs). I did wear them out several times in the summers of 2011 and 2012,the latter time I was staying with relatives recuperating on doctor’s advice from a heart “event” I had from overdoing it and burning the candle at both ends,and they would take me out on day trips to a few places. I also do 15-mile walks with some bursts of running in the countryside and I’d really like to wear them for that but it means walking through the town and I’m not up for that any more -too many years on the clock and still too many pounds round the waist,although I’ve lost a stone over the summer through exercise and some healthy eating (NOT dieting).
I think my post post could give a couple of wrong impressions,though,like it’s a bit “too much information”,I don;t know can I edit it a little on these pages. The ones that I said were inadvisable to bend over in were likes the daisy dukes that girls wear but they did at least cover my ass cheeks – just!
I guess everyone’s got their own idea or what they like and feel comfortable with,so what suited me is not necessarily for others. Aside from sports I only ever wore shorts to stay cool (temperature-wise that is) and to get a bit of tan (without tan lines) so I wasn’t greatly fussed about how I looked. I never liked or saw the point of below-kneecap ones,might as well stick to trousers or jeans then. I don’t like baggy ones either,I think they tend to make a lot of people look fat or maybe that’s just the people I saw wearing them. I used to really like wearing shorts in the warmer summer months,I went from the 70s through the 80s and 90s and up to 2001 wearing them as much as I could,but after that I decided it was time to stop (outside the boundaries of my house and garden). My age and weight 🙁
Shorts in the 70s,80s and to some extent the 90s were certainly shorter,so that wasn’t seen as unusual by most people back then. I used to wear them short to very short without getting any aggravation at all,just a little teasing now and then (as much from the opposite sex really). A couple of my female friends thought it funny to sit either side of me an take turns slapping my legs,when we were all sitting out together on the grass and even in the pub we used to go to a lot,and one of my girlfriends was burning the threads off my cut-short jeans with her lighter when we were out in this bar in North London. Fortunately my long legs had the shape,curve and tone to them for me to get away with it (playing a bit of tennis was good for that). The longest ones I ever wore were just above the knee but for the most part I wore one that were mid-thigh (often cut-short jeans) but some that were upper thigh and a few were very short – yes really! I wore them mostly with T-shirts,sometimes with sweatshirt type tops,and with trainers. I had quite a number of denim ones through those years. The shortest pair I ever wore was in my teens,that was a pair of jeans a girl friend I was at school with cut so short that they were inadvisable to bend over in! I got a bit of ribbing for wearing those for the first couple of days but it seemed to die down after that; I only wore them on the really hot days in one summer,most often when on my way to and from going swimming. I used to have a photo someone took of me wearing those and an orange T-shirt with a sketch of a lion on it,standing in the doorway to some gardens on a blazing hot day at the tail end of the 70s,but I haven’t been able to find that picture for some time now.
But no way would I even think about wearing shorts to a job interview (you mean there are people who do?!?) or any occasion where I needed to dress smartly,including office jobs (though at one place I did at least a couple of times in hot weather when doing Saturday overtime with the office reception closed to customers). And I wouldn’t wear them once past the mid-30s or if becoming more than a tiny bit overweight – but it’s amazing the number of people waddling around out there who do. I can only think they’re compensating for feeling repressed or compelled not to wear them in younger years.
Bill, I’m deleting your comment because it’s immature and offensive. Just wanted to let you know.
This week, The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article on men’s cargo shorts. Who knew cargo shorts could generate so much debate?
http://www.wsj.com/articles/nice-cargo-shorts-youre-sleeping-on-the-sofa-1470082856
http://www.wsj.com/articles/what-happened-after-i-wrote-that-cargo-shorts-story-1470402723
Not sure if i would wear them above the knee thats an old farts way to wear shorts in my opinion. It was popular in the 60s 70s and 80s but not nowadays.
What if it were 90’s and rap shorts were popular ? (:
Although pricier, you forgot Bonobos Brock! Their shorts fit amazingly off the rack. They come in 5, 7, and 9 inch. The fit is very close to body without being too tight. I’m 5’6″, went with their 7 inch, and love the fit. Thanks for the article, it really helped me nail down the shorts I needed to get in order to look stylish as a modest man ;/
Good to know! I’ll have to try them out. Their chinos were too loose for my legs, but I haven’t tried their shorts yet. Thanks for the tip.
I have some of their golf pants and they’re the first I pull out of the closet. Bonobos make good clothes.
great introduction… on how to make a man look like a ludicrous ittle boy. “awww, now what a cutie pie…!”
anything clearly above or below the kneecap looks nothing but ridiculous. you disagree? how can i get it across to you politely… – well, you’re wrong.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Doctor Cox.
Just curious, what did you Google to find this article? Was it “how to wear shorts”?
Hi.
Don’t you love how it all is so reminescent of when women gave scandal for wearing something just above the knee?
We arrived to this day to read of people scandalized of men wearing shorts which fit and just above their knee?
Isn’t it restricting if you think about it? Some people seriously think they are defending “masculinity” with more restrictions??
Nice tips btw.
Dr. Cox, just like the British WWI 8th Army division
meant to type “WWII”
Great article! Glad to see some solid advice being given. After high school and college you realize a little effort goes a long way when it comes to clothing. As the article says you don’t have to go aggressive with a chubbies 5.5 inch inseam but they should never dip below the knee. That being said I’m 6 ft and love wearing my chubbies and also the polo classic fit 6 inch inseam shorts are nice as well. Give me a solid tee shirt and a pair of sperrys/converse and I’m set all summer!
Whatever happened to real men… For those who wear their shorts well above the knee be sure to get a vasectomy! This new generation is becoming super feminine it’s pretty damn disturbing to say the least.
I don’t see things deliberately “feminine”, just more fashion leeway, which used to be considered feminine. Sometimes I feel men fashion is too conventional and I say this with nothing against a nice classic blue (but well fitting) suit.
So one aspect is:
More fitting clothes, more details, more shared accessories between men and women. more variance in the casual-edgy area, on the neck cut of shirts.
But as long as a given style fits the male anatomy it’s not “women clothes” more than women jeans are “men clothes”.
I know, right? Damn this new super feminine generation! We should go back to the good old days of the 70s when men wouldn’t *dream* of wearing shorts with 3-inch inseams… oh, wait… 🙂
Guess you’ve never seen uber-masculine men, like Tom Selleck in Magnum PI, wearing way above the knee shorts. Or rugby players. Or Spartans. Or Navy SEAL’s.
You obviously have no idea what real men are. The male body used to be something honored and admired, but now we’re supposed to be ashamed of it and cover it up while women get to be empowered and embrace their sexuality. If you actually had any muscles, you’d understand why real men throughout history weren’t keen on hiding them.
Yup, there’s a reason rugby players and soldiers don’t wear long, baggy shorts: they hinder your movement. There’s nothing flattering or functional about oversized, ill-fitting shorts.
You may be too young to remember the Umbro fad of the early 90s. Seems like every team had these giant sail-like plastic shorts in their kit.
I prefer regular fit with 13.5″ inseam with mine 5’10”. So almost all my shorts fits below knee.
The shorts in the pics look too short. Very conservative.
That’s odd, most people wouldn’t consider short, slim shorts to be conservative.
I know this thread is old, but I laughed at the irony of several commenters misusing the word “conservative” when putting forward their, ahem, conservative opinion that men should not expose their knees or lower thighs. Excellent article BTW.
I would say it’s personal preference. I’m 6’5″ 240lbs and personally would not wear shorts that are above my knees. I just don’t like the look.
Thanks Brock!
What’s your take on jean shorts for men? Personally like the distressed look with a hole or two for the summer months. Plain denim shorts without any ‘character’ looks conservative and unhip. They also need to fit like a slim jean. Thoughts for a relatively hip straight man on this?
I’m okay with denim shorts, esp. Casual ones that look worn/aged. Yes, they should fit slim and not go past the knees.
“They should stop at the top of your kneecaps (at the longest).”
Uhhh, I didn’t know there was a rules book on this.
I wear my shorts halfway down my thighs. They are called “shorts” for a reason.
This is especially true when working out in a gym where the body gets real hot, and it is summer time.
When you wear your “shorts” halfway down your thighs, they’re called Culottes or Capri Pants. If you’re a very tall and an athletic looking guy, it doesn’t look too bad. If you’re short or average height, the mid-thigh length cuts off your legs and makes you look short and stumpy. That being said, male Culottes and Capri Pants seem to be a fashion trend on the street and in the gym. H&M sell them. Old Navy sell them. Singer Chris Brown wears them. They’re popular with men in China and in some areas of Europe, but it’s an unflattering look.
I think you means “calves” not “thighs” right?
Yep, you’re right. My anatomy knowledge and reading and comprehension skills were fried by today’s hot weather. I should never ever post comments when I’m under those conditions. My apologies for my dumb mistake!
No worries at all, just wanted to clarify!
I would have to disagree on shorts being tight they show the diameter of you thigh, and even so short showing a little ball sag– it ventures into the world of homo-erotic behavior. REAL GUYS, listen up & loosen up (not too much; there was extreme exaggeration in the a aforementioned pics), and dress like real men, not fairies in tights…
Lee, can you link to a photo of – in your opinion – a real man wearing shorts the right way? Just trying to get a feel for what you mean.
Homo erotic behavior = form of erotic/romantic attraction toward the same sex. Nothing about shorts, at most I’d say bad taste, if too short :).
Banana Republic Aiden slim fit shorts are another option. These are about 1-2″ above the knee, are available in multiple colors, and are often on sale. They have a nice, tapered look and are very comfortable. They also have fairly deep front and back pickets for keys and wallets and can accommodate most average-width belts. And no, I don’t work for BR – I just love these shorts.
Meant to say “pockets” — my shorts are not on strike. 🙂
Thanks for the tips. What recommendations do you have r.e. short-men (I’m a bit under 5’6″) shorts and carrying a wallet & iphone & keys in (front) pockets? I’ve preferred cargo shorts because of the ease of carrying those items (safely/securely). But baggy cargo shorts have their substantial negatives.
I’m the same height as you and struggle a bit with finding shorts I like. I also hate wearing shorts and then stuffing them with keys, knife, pen (mini pen), and wallets (I prefer to have two super thin wallets – one in each back pocket). All of that stuff bulges the pockets and really detracts from the look. So I finally decided to start carrying a bag for all that crap. More crap in the pockets bulging out might not be noticeable if you’re 6 feet tall, but the same amount of stuff in the pockets of a shorter guy – I dont know but I think it is much more noticeable and detracts more.
I wear a FlipBelt when I run or work-out to carry my MP3 player, wallet, and keys. Since it kept everything secure and I found it comfortable to wear, I started to use it when I wore my casual shorts to carry my cellular phone and keys. Since I have a thin wallet designed for the the front pocket, that where I carry it unless I think I’m going to be pick-pocketed or it might get dropped (trains, subways, buses, or any crowded venue). In those situations, the wallet will also go in the FlipBelt (and I flip the belt to keep everything secure).
When I use my FlipBelt, I wear it around at the belt level of the short which is the most comfortable for me. I wear my shirt tucked out so the FlipBelt is not visible. There are several different colors of FlipBelt, but a gray colored one matched my shorts and it’s a neutral color so it’s not noticeable when I have to remove anything from my FlipBelt. After awhile, I found that I could quickly and stealthily insert and remove things from my FlipBelt without anyone noticing.
If you prefer to wear your shirts tucked in, a FlipBelt is probably not a good option.
The FlipBelt is somewhat pricy, but it’s worth it. It’s good quality (I believe they’re made in the USA so beware of cheap and poor quality knock-offs). I’ve had mine for over a year without any rips or tears.
Thanks for the FlipBelt suggestion. When you wear a FlipBelt with your casual shorts, do you also wear a regular belt? Also, does your FlipBelt press against your skin at all? Sorry if these questions seem silly.
I don’t know why, but I do wear a belt with my casual shorts and FlipBelt. It’s probably out of habit, but I have no problem wearing a belt and the FlipBelt together.
The FlipBelt does not press against my skin. The FlipBelt has no zippers or buckles so there are no pressure points that can dig into the skin. There is a FlipBelt with zippers, but I don’t think it’s necessary and zippers can break or snag and be the source of uncomfortable pressure points.
The FlipBelt is designed and marketed for runners so security and comfort are essential. I’ve worn mine for hours and I hardly notice that I have it on. There are a number of FlipBelt reviews on YouTube.
Before you buy one, you should consider what exactly you intend to carry. If you’ve got a thick fat wallet, a ring full of keys, an oversized cellular phone and a bunch of other things, you’d be better off with something else. If that’s the case, you’ll probably have to sacrifice fit and fashion for the function and practicality of cargo shorts.
Thanks for the great finds!
Just an FYI to interested buyers, I’ve had a lot of trouble with ASOS (things don’t arrive on time, if at all, and refunds are near impossible to come by, customer service is a joke). Better to look at the other sellers on this list!
“it’s most important that they fit in the seat and crotch. Everything else can be fixed”
WRONG! I’m 6’3″ and really skinny so I buy these huge legged saggy butt 12″ sorts from AE and have a tailor take the seat and legs in. $15 and they fit perfect, landing just above my knee.
It’s easy, she uncuffs the legs, cuts & resews up inner leg, recuff leg.
So…confirmed: “Everything else can be fixed.”
Btw, depending on the placement of the back pockets (especially if there are two of them), having the seat taken in can really throw off the look.
Tapering the legs, on the other hand, is easy, just like hemming.
Also, $15 for all of that is a ridiculously low price. In any major city, you’re looking at at least $25.
Here’s a tough one for ya. I’m stuck between fashion dislikes and age related style. Even though I run and work out every day, I’m pushing 60 I bet many would rather not see me in shorts at all. I remember my first trips to Palm Springs and Florida and seeing all the old folks in short shorts with tanned, saggy, wrinkly legs, punched out knees and a tennis racket or golf clubs. That’s one extreme. The other is the typical obese little league Dad with calves the size of my waist in baggy silk basketball shorts half way down his shins to blend with the equally baggy shirt in an attempt to hide his 50″ plus beer gut, and still try to look cool and athletic. The first says “I’ve paid my dues and you can gag all you want, I’m gonna be comfy”, and the other says “don’t my kids think I look like a cool basketball star, even though running 50 yards would probably give me an M.I.”. Shorts too far above the knee at my age is reminiscent of old school when cut off Levis had the pockets hanging out the bottom and was OK, not anymore. And going too long you run the risk of looking like somebody wearing a mullet, just one of those foolish things that should never have happened. So, what’s an old dude to do? Right now the only thing that seems comfy is tapered cargo pants, but then I feel like I should be wearing a pith helmet. 😉
Do what feels right for you. As long as your shorts are legal, who cares what other people think? Who are they to you? And if they judge you for the length of your shorts, they should matter even less to you. Some of the above comments by fashion trolls exemplify perfectly what I’m getting at.
I recently started reading your blogs and find’em godsend as i am just 160 cms. I am wondering if i can just cut my old pair of jeans slightly above the knees for the summers.
I read your article and all of my shorts were too long and too baggy. I’ve got to admit that they looked bad on me so I went shopping for casual shorts that fit my 5’6’ frame.
I don’t like buying clothes via the Internet since I prefer to try it on before buying. As with clothing for short men, it was difficult finding the right size since most retail stores only stock the most popular inseam length: 10” or 11” inseam.
After browsing through numerous stores, I came up an American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) retail store that had slender flex shorts with a 9” inseam. They also have similar looking shorts with 10” and 11” inseams so you’ve got to look carefully at the size tag to make sure it has a 9” inseam.
I normally wear pants with a 30” waist, but the waist size on the AEO flex shorts run big. I ended up buying shorts with a 28” waist. .
The flex shorts are labelled “slender”, but they’re not tight or appear to be skinny around my thighs.
The only negative that I can give after shopping at the American Eagle Outfitters retail store is that their inventory on the 9” inseam flex shorts are limited and even more limited for waist sizes in the 28” to 30” range. I bought the last two in stock with a 28” waist size.
At my height, the 9″ inseam length is the perfect length.
I notice you wear birkenstocks often. What color do you think is most versatile?
Also, how “dressy” do you consider birkenstocks to be?
I like dark brown, but if you have a lot of black/white/grey clothes, I’d say go with black.
I’ve seen people try to dress them up, but I think they’re VERY casual footwear. Definitely not “dress sandals” (if there is such a thing).
What are your thoughts on JackThreads shorts?
They say 9″ but it kind of looks like they fit shorter in the pictures.
https://www.jackthreads.com/jackthreads/shorts/the-9-chino-short/products/178630
I find American Apparel has good shorts in shorter lengths. I like the retro cords similar to old OPs.
So what I’m getting is you are fond of short tight shorts. Like the above commenter mentioned it’s an effeminate look, personally I think Wahlberg and Cruise have a good look going in those pictures while admittedly Depp looks like he is wearing his muffin pants (or I guess shorts).
The whole skinny tight fitting men’s clothes thing is a fad that will (hopefully) pass.
Big difference between “skinny tight” and clothes that fit. Shorts should NEVER go past your knees, especially if you’re a shorter man. There’s nothing effeminate about shorts (or pants) that fit.
Sure, it takes some getting used to if you’ve been wearing baggy, oversized clothes your whole life (which was the case for me until I hit my mid-twenties and started to care).
You’re entitled to your opinion, but I completely disagree that Wahlberg and Cruise “have a good look going” in those pictures.
What size shoe do you have for the sandals because when I click on the link it says they are women shoes. Thanks!
Most Birks come in unisex sizes. I think mine are 39 or 40. You should use the “find your size” tool on Amazon. It’s pretty accurate!
I think there is a fine line between the right length and too short – i think childish gambino wears his too short and it just looks stupid; just above the knee is perfect. I definitely agree with the point about width though, I can never find a pair of shorts that are tailored to my leg.
Fair enough. Props to you for knowing who Childish Gambino is!
Ugh, I just bought several pairs of J. Crew that are 9 inch. Can I still wear them? What should I do with them?
Do they fit well otherwise? If not, return them. If so, cuff them (roll them up) or get them hemmed.
They fit okay. Not quite as tailored or slim cut as I would like. I will cuff them for now, and maybe take them to a tailor.
What’s your feeling on Bonobos shorts? I think you’ve recommended them before.
I haven’t actually tried their shorts. Tried their pants a couple years ago, and they were way too baggy on me. I assume their shorts would be too wide for me but can’t say for sure.
Have you tried them?
I have three pairs of the chino shorts. I find them to be well made and i love the colors and the options in length (i’m 5’5″ and i rock the 5″ inseam). Truth be told i find them a tad wide – i wish they tapered just a little for a slimmer fit. My legs may be on the slightly thicker side so yes if you had more slender legs, i guess i would not recommend that cut of bonobos. They have a dressier version that fit a bit slimmer on me though.
You forgot the most important inspirational pic. 😉
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/77124212342066411/
That takes guts.
One big disagreement. Don’t go shorter with the length. Nobody needs to see that much of your leg except maybe in certain athletic activities. When I see someone in short shorts, like a few of the guys in the pictures, I cringe. Doing so strikes me as either an attempt to show off, which fails, or in a related motivation, anexpression of insecurity. I like them just above the knees.
Good article though.
Fair enough, I actually like them a little shorter (like 2-3 inches above the knee) but it’s personal preference. I think some guys can pull off the shorter shorts look better than others. Definitely takes some confidence or you will feel very exposed.
Having the legs for shorter shorts, which I think is what you mean by being able to pull off the look, is one issue. Rudeness is another. This is very much about situation. With shorts, as with tank tops, we are getting close to innapropriate exposure. Like having some guys armpits near you face or nipples nearly exposed when he is sitting arms length from you, shorts cross the line to awkward social situations easily.
I kid you not, but this very morning I was sitting in my favorite local breakfast spot, when in walked some guy with shorts well above the knee. It wasn’t pleasant especially when he stood three feet from where I was eating. No, working out would’nt have made it better, only worse, like he was trying to make some sexy, macho statement. My appetite could have been effected.
This effect decreases as you go more toward outdoor activities: Walking or running in the park, for instance. Also, the guy holding the microphone in the picture above is apparently some performer, so more latitude is given.
Again, think of other people’s comfort level.
If you are made uncomfortable by how other people dress, then the problem lies with you rather than with them.
I think the problem in those situations is with people who refuse to consider customs, traditions and standards of a society. That means the guy in short shorts and a tank top bearing his hairy thighs and arm pits within a foot or two of my face. No one should have to tell an adult why that is innapropriate. Unfortunately, we have an culture now that produces perpetual adolescents who seem to think it righteous to childishly deconstruct norms. Those people are the problem, not me.
If you really believe what you say, then try dressing in a pair of daisy dukes and a halter top next time you go for a job interview where suit and tie would be expected.
John, he doesn’t have a problem and neither does the person wearing the short shorts. It’s his opinion. IMO, short shorts look lame on men. They are about as lame as men wearing skin tight jeans.
I might get that by customs you mean those shared by you and by which you feel integrated in the society, used as an ingroup criteria to cast out those who don’t dare polling the city before going for a style. This makes so you are grossed out by a man exibiting his leg, because you feel entitled to only see women making such fashion statement or looking good for you, so you feel not at ease and almost assaulted if what you see belongs to a man, because you know, you are not interested, so I guess you are not supposed to see it.
I got political because you flipped out with your last reply and you got explicitely political against people not conforming to estetical norms.
I know I’m a year late to this party but I have no idea what “customs, traditions and standards of a society” you speak of. Perhaps it’s something you aren’t accustomed to as shorts have become longer and baggier over the years, but the custom you’re speaking of is nothing more than a fashion trend of the past 10-15 years. Personally, I am glad there’s more shorter shorts available. See you at brunch very soon.
Lol
I recently found Chaps at Kohl’s and was very pleasantly surprised by the great fit and value! I bought 3 pair for the summer.
Nice, thanks for the tip.
Another good article. I have to laugh at the tall guys here complaining about shorts being too short. Modest man is geared toward average/smaller sized men. I’m 5’9” and recently dropped from 234 to 178lbs. Nice clothes fit me now and I find your articles very helpful. Keep on keepin on!
Just what I was looking/hoping for. I’ve always had the length down right, but the width killed me with the dreaded “trapezoid silhouette” as you call it. Thanks Brock!
Glad to hear it!
But, what shorts work best at the gym?? Basketball shorts are way too baggy!
Pretty much every pair of shorts I’ve ever owned looks like one of the first three no-no pictures you put up in this article 🙂 Even worse, sometimes I’ve bought 3/4 length that look full length on me… ouch. The UK suddenly got hot this week (33 degrees, that’s super hot for here) and I don’t have a single pair of shorts so I’m in desperate need. I’m going to go out shopping with this article to hand and see what I can rustle up…
Nice! Definitely give ASOS a try (they’re UK based).
Many thanks. I am on the point of buying a new pair of shorts (retired the old ones when they became threadbare). I was well aware of length and width, but erred on the high side (9 inch inseam and the least wide I could find on the rack), but evidently that won’t do. I suspected this to be so.
I’m definitely on the Kendrick Lamar end of the spectrum here, and I’m totes ok with that.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
Great article. Never knew if it made a difference. Jeez! It’s a struggle to be short. Might as well give up and go natural. Lol
I don’t know how things work in Florida, but the “natural” look wouldn’t fly here in DC. Just a bit too conservative!
Well in Cali, the natural look is how most people like it
Great article, this was my next step In achieving a better wardrobe. You definitely right about the 7″ length. Even if the man wearing them has big legs I think that is gonna look great when I go shopping for shorts.
Screw all of this, you all look like prep snobs trying to fit into a lifestyle that was never cool to begin with. I don’t want to see your knees. Think for yourself you sheep.
Want to tell us how you really feel, Jeff?
You’re not the first person to leave an unnecessarily nasty comment on this post (who knew a post about shorts could stir up so much emotion?).
What I don’t get is, you CHOSE to red this article. Which means you saw it somewhere and clicked the link, or you Googled “how to wear shorts”.
Maybe it’s time to start thinking for yourself, considering the strong opinions about shorts.
I actually googled “Why are new shorts all above the knee’s?” and this popped up. I’m a big guy and have never been a fan of this style. It’s a very modest yuppy style you have going. It’s clean and not the worst style out there. I don’t have negative emotions towards guys that wear them. Just being a tall and slim guy It just feels this is not a good look. I like my knees to be covered a little, not baggy, just extended more. Guys are definitely getting more effeminate these days and this article clearly supports that. Every person you have shown, including yourself, have very light male features and a frail look to them. I find this look not very masculine and it works for some guys but not for a stallion stud such as myself. They are not Bermuda shorts, we call them “Grape Smugglers” because when you squat down your grapes are usually bulging out for all to see.(nobody wants to see it by the way) It’s similar to the butt huger skinny jeans trend that I am sure the guys in these photos all own a pair of.
Don Renollet saying he is “born again” is a pretty asinine comment regarding wearing a new pair of shorts.
Why did I leave a reply? I don’t know I’m bored and I hate self opinionated columns.
Style is not a one size fits all kind of subject. There are many styles out there and you state your article like this is the norm and all guys should wear this style.
You states “Show a little more thigh, which I recommend” WTH??? The only thighs I’m looking at are long, smooth, and silky female thighs.
I mean come on…the one Yuppy is wearing a sports coat and dress shoes with shorts. What an asshole! Need I say more?
Ego check time,
Take care! Troll out!
I am with you 💯 percent Scott on everything you just said well I am not trying to look at the women’s thigh🤣 but you catch my drift. I prefer mens shorts to be longer and a little loose I absolutely cannot stand seeing a guy and his junk staring every body in their face. To me that is what these shorts do, however I say let people pick their own style but do realize that there is more than one option and more than one opinion of what looks nice. I personally like when men dress in the sporty looks vs the preppy look and again just a matter of opinion.
Jeff is the kind of guy that probably beats his dog or cat for no reason. He’s just an angry lonely loser…
I googled 15″ inseams and thought this article would tell me where to find some, being 6’5″ and prefer my shorts to sit just below the kneecap 15″ inseam works perfect but hard to find, not everyone likes shorts above their knees
Plenty of longer shorts out their! I’m surprised Googling 15″ inseams landed you here, actually.
For what it’s worth, I don’t recommend wearing short that go past your knees, even at your height.
Wow. Those are the ugliest shorts I have ever seen! 7″ inseams? Really? They look horrible. The comment about preppy is right on. I think you must still be living in 1982 because that’s where that awful look came from.
Those baggie shorts you panned are 10x better.
Not another mandate for men to cover their knees I hope…
in 82′ shorts were even shorter OP shorts were in and they had a 3″ inseam, if you like long shorts (oxymoron) there are tons available. but I agree that shorts should be above the knee.
Those baggy shorts look retarded.
Jim, it’s 2020. Don’t use the word “retarded” as an insult. That kind of language won’t be tolerated here.
Anything longer than 9in makes you look like some thug from an Echo commercial in 2003. 8in is perfect for someone who is around 6ft.
I’m sure you look *great* in your baggies ; )
LOL… this is a laugh riot and Jeff’s right. I landed here by complete accident while looking through google images on how a particular model short fit which had nothing to do with this dorkfest… was most certainly not looking for “advice” on how to look like a square white guy that has a limited fashion sense. Not to mention this subject is entirely subject so this article is hilarious as apparently you deem yourself some sort of “stalwart of mens fashion”? ..if thats the case were doomed, lol. Seriously though, you look like you’re about to head off and sell insurance on a mid summer day. Expert advice by an expert dweeb.
“…was most certainly not looking for advice…” <— haha, okay. Glad I could help, bud. I think you meant “John Doe” btw.
All intentional, champ. Are you one of those FB grammar nazi’s as well I presume?? lol… Aye do you though man, just had to comment as your blog is the epitome of how to be a square white person… Point is, clothing is subjective… just like music.. Theres no “one right way” to do it, so heads like you that claim someones doing it wrong always crack me up… you live in a bubble my friend. A very very white bubble.
Not sure why you’re bringing up race, especially since I used Glover and Marley as examples of what TO do, but I’ll let you sort out that issue. Bottom line, you found this article by googling “how shorts should fit”. You didn’t like what you read because it doesn’t square with your baggy cargo shorts style. I can lead a horse to water, but I can’t make it drink.
Jon Dough, do you also wear “short sleeve” shirts with the sleeves down to the middle of your forearm? If you walk around wearing 3/4 length sleeves and 3/4 length man capris, you are probably not going to inspire any men to shop where you shop. Just sayin’….
Dough, would you prefer if everyone dressed like some urban delinquent? You’re probably 35 dressing like you’re in a FUBU advert lol.
Go wear your stupid hip hop shorts with the length and bagginess similar to a woman’s skirt. Clothes are meant to accentuate your physique, not hide it or be the focus of attention, you low class lout.
You’re full of it if you think that was a hip hop exclusive trend. Such a chud, I don’t care how you want to dress. You can wear leggings for all I care if you want to pronounce your body’s physique homeboy. But these sort of shorts are trash and not for everyone.
7 or 5 inch inseams are you serious? I tried a pair of shorts with a 7 inch I seam and I got laughed at and made fun of, and said I looked uncool. I bought some shorts that come to the top of my knees and now people don’t laugh but say I look cool.
I have a friend that works in retail and he told me that that have a full rack of shorts with a 7 inch inseam and nobody is buying them. They even put them on sale and no takers. Everyone is buying the ones with a 9 or 10 and even 12 inch inseams.
Let’s face it short shorts on men is not in style and never will be and they don’t look good.
Yeah, looking cool in other people’s eyes is my life goal too….
I do not dress for other people I dress for my comfort
Jeff or Chad or Karen? :/
Well, maybe you have ugly legs, or are too young to remember that guys didn’t always wear ugly ill-fitting long shorts, but I just bought shorts for my husband based on the recommendations in this article. He has great legs and I’m so sick of seeing him and other guys in slobby gross long inseam shorts. It’s a disgusting trend whose time should be over! My 6’4″ hubby is going to look sooooo good in his new shorts with the 7′ inseam that he’ll probably get a little “extra”, lol. Maybe you should move to Europe where all the guys wear capris and little fancy shoes.
Amen