Wow… I didn’t realize this topic was so polarizing. And that people had some pretty strong opinions about whether or not men over 40 or even over 30 should, or shouldn’t wear shorts. Don’t go anywhere because I’ve got my opinion coming right up.
Okay, as most of you know, this channel is 100% dedicated to helping men look better, feel better and to have more confidence. I say this in just about every single video when I close, and it’s this; “The entire reason this channel exists is to prove that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to make a change in your life or start something new.” As a now, 51 year-old, I whole-heartedly believe in that statement. So much so that I’m working on some new branding items that are coming pretty soon, but more on that in different post, so stay tuned.
Yes you can!
So, right off the top, I do not subscribe to the camp that says shorts are off limits after you hit 30 or 40 years old. With that said however, I also welcome differences of opinion. But I believe shorts are absolutely fine, provided that they fit you well and don’t make you look like a teenager. Now, if you personally feel uncomfortable wearing shorts for whatever reason, don’t wear shorts, that’s totally fine. But I just don’t believe, as someone who’s in this age bracket, that somehow shorts are suddenly off limits once you reach 35 or even 45.
I’ve had comments from people on some of my other videos where I talk about shorts, that say shorts are too juvenile. But some recent videos by my pals Ashley and Dorian over at AWXinc have made my inbox explode with guys wanting my opinion. So that’s the main reason I wanted to make this video. If you’ve seen some of my other videos or follow me over on Instagram, you’ve seen me in shorts, so you should, for the most part have an idea on how I feel about wearing shorts.
Keep the fit relatively slim.
Also, keep in mind that I’m in a warm climate and spring and summers are downright hot. So much so that, for example, if I’m wearing linen or lightweight, tan or light blue trousers and I’m sitting outside somewhere enjoying lunch or a glass of wine, I’ll sweat out the back of my knees without even realizing it. Wet spots on the back of your pants is not a good look on anyone.
So, back to the topic of fit. I have relatively skinny legs, so it’s even more important that I find shorts that are slim fit. Otherwise, having giant leg openings make my legs look even more skinny. Even if you have larger legs or more muscular legs, you should still pay attention to how wide the leg openings are. Also, pay attention to the overall length of the shorts you wear. Make sure your shorts fall between 1 and 3 inches above your knee. Now, this is a general guideline and I wouldn’t go much shorter than that personally unless you’re wearing swim trunks because that’s a different animal.
Just a few inches above the knee.
Unfortunately, what I cannot do is tell you to go out and buy 9” inseam shorts, or 7” inseam shorts because it depends on you physically. It’s like me telling a 6’ 3” guy that he should wear 32 inseam jeans. It depends on your build, your legs and also your comfort level. I will say this though, if you have, say for example a pair of 9” inseam shorts and you want to see what it might look like a little shorter. Cuff ‘em up once or twice and walk around the house. Look in the mirror and spend some time wearing ‘em that way. I bet it’s not as uncomfortable as you might think. And yes, you can cuff your shorts.
Alright guys real quick, if you’re not yet a subscriber to my YouTube channel, please consider it because I’m here at least twice a week with new videos that surround men’s lifestyle topics for grownups. And once again, the whole premise around this channel is to prove that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to make a change in your life or start something new. Gentlemen, I’ll see you in a few days for a brand new video, but until then, live well, stay healthy and I’ll see you very soon.
