Is it just me, or is the shorts situation getting out of hand? Shorts of all styles are a Southern California staple, and they’re not usually a challenging look to pull off. But lately, they’ve inexplicably become the incredible shrinking bottoms, and upper thighs all over Los Angeles are having a cringe-worthy moment in the sun.
Short shorts (or hot pants), the minuscule garment once reserved for Laker Girls and Beyonce’s backup dancers, are becoming ubiquitous on young celebrities and tween girls.
At Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, groups of teenage girls stroll in and out of Abercrombie and Fitch and Forever 21 wearing jeans shorts cuffed and rolled so high they could be bikini bottoms. Retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters and Heritage 1981 are filled with denim shorts that fit like hot pants. And more often than not, they’re worn so tight they dig into the skin of the upper thigh.
Girls, ladies: Let’s review. The big idea is to flaunt what you’ve got, not look like Britney Spears during her bad days. So here are a few basic guidelines.
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Rule 1: Use the mirror
Run a few tests before leaving the house or dressing room. Check the backs of your thighs -- are the shorts so short that lumps and broken veins are visible? Longer could be better for you.
Try sitting and standing several times. Does the crotch of the shorts pinch or ride up so that you need to yank them down every few minutes? If yes, do yourself a favor and try a less revealing or larger pair that are still sexy but won’t make you look like you’re stuck in a sausage casing. Remember: There are no Spanx for shorts.
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Rule 2: Know what makes short shorts work
Choose something with a trouser-style waistband and flat tab front. The inseam should be no shorter than 4 inches. The legs of the garment will sit straight and crisp with some wiggle room around the thighs. (Shorts + too tight = deadly, and not in a good way.) Trina Turk makes colorful, bold-printed shorts that have punchy, retro appeal. Wear them with a solid, bright-colored tank top or T-shirt, jeweled flat sandals and a straw fedora.
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Rule 3: Be bold enough to go longer
Not everyone can or should wear micro mini shorts. A mid-length style that has an inseam that’s about 7 inches suits most bodies because it will cover the fleshy upper and inner part of the thigh, leaving the thinner parts of the leg to see the sun. The Gap has a great selection of styles appropriate for a casual Friday or running weekend errands. The denim cut-offs have a 7 1/2 -inch inseam and fall about 3 inches above the knee.
The great thing about mid-length cut-offs is that they can be rolled up and show as much or as little skin as you feel comfortable with. Pair the roughly cut shorts with something polished and elegant for that high-low appeal. Try a solid-colored twin set in a vibrant color, layered jewelry or a statement necklace and metallic sandals or loafers.
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Rule 4: Don’t go too long
Bermuda shorts, which have an 8- to 10-inch inseam, cover trouble areas, but they can also swallow up someone whose legs are short. So unless you’re hitting the golf course, longer shorts should still land about 2 inches above the knee. They tend to be slouchier, so pair them with a tank top or snug-fitting shirt that can be tucked in and accentuate a less bulky top half.
The trick is finding a shorts length that flatters you, then balancing out proportions on the top. It’s really not hard to look great. Especially if you’re willing to leave the hot pants to the volleyball players.
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melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com
FAQs
Shorts typically come in 3″, 5″, 7″ and 9″ lengths. The 3″ (and 2") shorts are basically underwear, so approach with caution, or please not at all. Five and seven inch shorts are a good average inseam, and also a good marker for casual (i.e. not business) skirts and dresses.
Are shorts supposed to be above the knee? ›
A good rule of thumb is that shorts should end approximately two inches above the top of the kneecap. This tends to be a sweet spot for men who want true shorts, but not short shorts. This placement is also a good place to start when considering a client's body type in a conversation about shorts.
What is the appropriate length of shorts for work? ›
After all, “shorts” can mean anything from hip-hugging cutoffs to knee-length cargo shorts. American clothing retailer Lands' End advises that women wear shorts no more than 3 inches above the knee to remain business-appropriate, while men should start with a 9-inch inseam as a guideline.
Are 5 shorts too short for guys? ›
5-inch shorts are having a moment in men's fashion, so if you're looking to keep up with the times, then they're your ideal pair. This length also tends to hit most men right above, or a few inches above, the knee—resulting in a tailored look that can make you look a little taller compared to shorter shorts.
What are the shorts called that show your bum? ›
Booty shorts are very short shorts, typically worn by women, and intended to highlight or display the butt.
What is the fingertip rule for shorts? ›
This is the"finger tip length" rule regarding shorts. This rule states that a student should be able to stand straight, arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their shorts. This, on many, measures to about a couple inches above the knee. This rule is emplaced for "modesty" purposes.
At what age should a man stop wearing shorts? ›
However, the truth is, there's no definitive age at which someone should stop wearing shorts. The notion that individuals of a certain age should restrict their wardrobe choices is outdated.
Are 9 inch shorts too long? ›
If you're under 6 feet tall, you may want to stick to the 5 to 7-inch inseam range. On the other hand, taller guys can opt for longer inseam lengths to accommodate long legs. If you're over 6 feet tall, 9-11 inches may be a more ideal inseam length.
What does OSHA say about wearing shorts? ›
OSHA requires construction workers to wear a short or long-sleeve shirt. They must wear long pants that do not have any rips or holes, and they cannot wear shorts of any kind. This is to protect workers' legs from catching on machinery, flying debris, and sparks.
What length shorts are most flattering? ›
Mid-length shorts (around finger-tip length) are pretty much universally flattering, and any woman can wear them.
There's an unwritten rule that mature men should look elegant yet understated. Consequently, smart, casual clothing is a great choice. Furthermore, older men might want to avoid tight and shiny clothes that feature eccentric patterns. This attire caters to men in their 20s and 30s and won't make you look younger.
Do tall guys look good in shorts? ›
Should tall guys wear shorts? Absolutely! But there are a couple of rules to follow. Avoid super short shorts.
What body type looks good in shorts? ›
Now, see the best shorts for your shape!
- Pear Shapes: Go for Bermuda Shorts.
- Athletic Shapes: Go for Side-Slit Shorts.
- Hourglass Shapes: Go For Trouser Shorts.
- Apple Shapes: Go For Short Shorts.
5 to 7-inch inseam shorts are excellent for men between 5'5″ and 6'1″ in height. Shorts with a 7″ inseam seem to be the most common length for men's clothing. This inseam length in shorts is most popular among men since it falls above the knee. For a preppy look, thin or athletic men may go for 5 to 7 inches inseams.
Are 7-inch shorts too short for men? ›
If your height is average or on the shorter side, you'll want to avoid a longer inseam to keep your shorts from falling below your knees. If you're under 6 feet tall, you may want to stick to the 5 to 7-inch inseam range. On the other hand, taller guys can opt for longer inseam lengths to accommodate long legs.
How do you tell if shorts are too small for you? ›
Shorts that are too small can look just as silly. If you think you may have a pair of shorts that are too tight, try this trick: if you can fit your index and middle finger between the skin and the shorts with ease, then they're likely not too tight. But if it's a struggle, then they're definitely too tight.
