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How to Look Great in Shorts This Summer

How to Look Great in Shorts This Summer

Let’s just come right out and say it: Men’s shorts can be a little tricky to wear when one still wants to come across as professional or fashionable.

But it’s that time of year when more and more people are just itching for a reason to get outside - and stay outside. Whether it’s on the golf course, a lunch meeting on a local restaurant’s patio or casual get-togethers with colleagues after a day of business, comfort begins to play a more important role in fashion choice once spring arrives and transitions to summer.

However, men who don’t want to commit fashion faux pas or two need to know how to find the best men’s shorts for this time of year - and how to wear them properly. It is far too easy to veer into casual territory where more professionalism is required - and also too easy to aim for professionalism when casual is what’s expected.

Luckily for you, we are here to help. Here are some suggestions on what to keep in mind when shopping for shorts.

The shortlist on shorts

Though shorts can come in many different patterns, including some pretty far out prints best reserved for the golf course, there are some basics to keep in mind if you are interested in staying safe or traditional.

Chino shorts are often a go-to for situations that call for a little more of a dressed-up approach. Khaki variants, brown, navy, black, etc. are all colors that are easy to match with the rest of your chosen outfit. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then pastel colors are currently in fashion.

Other qualities to look for in a good pair of shorts are whether they are water resistant, how much stretch they offer, how many pockets they have and what type of fabric they are made out of.

Find the right length

No man wants to show up for the day showing off too much upper thigh. On the other hand, a pair of shorts that sinks too far below the knee can also appear more than a little childish.

So what’s the perfect length for men’s shorts? Some will suggest two inches above the knee - and we would argue that is perfectly acceptable.

However, if you want a more contemporary look, you might be surprised to know that it is in fact OK for men to go higher than two inches (in some cases quite a bit) above the knee.

GQ suggests the following shorts length formula:

First, you have to know how tall you are. Then, you find what GQ calls the “Leg Love Quotient.” Maybe that sounds silly, but stay with us.

On a scale of one to seven, much do you like your legs? Are they in great shape and ready for show… or would you rather not reveal too much leg? Your number is your Leg Love Quotient.

Add the value you determined to your height. Then, if the value is 72 or less, for with a 5-inch inseam. For values between 72 and 76, you can go with a 7-inch inseam. Then, for values 77 or more, go with a 9-inch inseam.

This formula allows you some breathing room for personal preferences, yet still keeps your look up-to-date.

Give your knees some space, but not too much

If you do aim for a pair of shorts that is two inches or closer to your knees, then you should pay attention to the width of the shorts near your knees.

Typically, you do not want a whole lot of space between the shorts and your knee. If the edges of the shorts are winging, then there is too much space.

Wear shorts that fit your build

Esquire rightly suggests that with shorts - and just about every article of clothing - you should “dress for the build you have, not the build you want.”

Know your leg shape and dress accordingly. If you are self-conscious or your thighs are on the thicker side, you can create a slimmer appearance with dark colors, which can better hide shadows.

If your legs are skinnier, then a bolder color or even a pattern could help draw attention away from that.

Pair with a matching shirt

As GQ notes in another men’s shorts advice article, one way to make shorts appear less casual and more professional is to add a matching shirt. This gives you a more uniform look. It gives your style a more deliberate appearance, writer Tyler Watamanuk says.

Many brands are starting to jump on this trend and offer shirts and shorts that are meant to be worn together. Some are leaning heavily toward this trend so much so that they are offering designs of shirts and shorts that almost need to be worn together and would be hard to pair with anything else.

However, you don’t have to go for the suit look - and it probably would take the right amount of confidence to pull off a bold look like that. Still, take the time to consider what short and shirt color combos match well and which do not.

Also consider how dressy the shorts are or what type of outing you will be wearing them to. Some shorts look fine when paired with a t-shirt, but others can be dressed up with a polo or button down shirt.

Reach for the right shoes

Like a shirt, a good pair of shoes can make or break your summer shorts style.

Clean sneakers are always a good choice. You can add a pair of white sneakers to just about any short, although they do get dirty very easily. A nice, lightweight pair of dress shoes - or perhaps boat shoes - can look very stylish, as well.

As for any boots or clunky dress shoes, it’s probably best to leave those at home when you are wearing shorts.

Don’t forget socks

Unless you are at the beach or on the boat, don’t forget to add socks.

With shorts, you will likely want a pair of invisible socks, which are hidden when wearing shoes, or ankle or gym socks, which rise only slightly above the tops of shoes.

If you do wear regular-length socks, stick with one color. Don’t pick a wild pattern.

Stay cool from the coast to the golf course

No matter your warm weather outing, shorts can always be considered - and often are preferable. Now that you know the basics of looking great in shorts, it’s time to find the best pair for you.

Browse our men’s shorts selection from Peter Millar, Bills Khakis and Pendleton. You are sure to find the right pair from these top quality brands.