How Men's Shorts Should Fit — The Essential Man (2024)

FAQs

How Men's Shorts Should Fit — The Essential Man? ›

The only rule you MUST obey: Shorts should never go past the knees. Ending on your knee about halfway is ok. Anything past that is too long.

Her rule of thumb is men's shorts should be around two inches above the knee. “At longest, they should be hitting right above the top of the kneecap, not longer,” she says. For more information on style trends, visit AllisonRoseHarrison.com.

A good rule of thumb is that shorts should end approximately two inches above the top of the kneecap.

Shorts should end above the knee and be slim enough that you don't look like you're swimming in them. Fit, especially for shorter men, is essential. A great fitting pair of shorts sets you up to enjoy the summer in style.

The perfect pair should factor in a few things: your leg length (think: your denim or pant inseam), leg width (the cut of the leg opening) and torso length (upper body). As a general rule, shorts should extend to either right above or right below your kneecaps—regardless of body build—based on your personal preference.

Sign #1: Too Loose Without a Belt

If you wear a pair of shorts and they don't stay up on your waist without assistance from a belt, then they don't fit. It's really that cut and dry.

Another obvious reason that short shorts are trending for men is that they simply show more leg, and an exposed muscular thigh is enough of a reason for many to encourage dudes wearing them. Styled right, a shorter hemline can also read much more modern and sleeker than a knee-length style.

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.

First, your workhorse: a pair of neatly tailored chino shorts. Pick a pair that finishes two or three inches above the knee in a cut that complements the shape of your legs.

As a boy, shorts were the normal wear for a schoolboy until the age of about 14 years. After that shorts tended to be worn for sporting activity and also in warm weather. There is no age limit for a guy to stop wearing shorts.

Where should shorts sit on a guy? ›

There should still be ample room at the hem to move and sit comfortably. 2”-4” Above Knee: In general, I find a 7” to 9” inseam to be optimal lengths for most men. This length situates the hem around 1”-4” inches above the knee (depending on your height).

A pair of shorts shouldn't feel tight against your skin — when trying them on, make sure they allow some extra space between your shorts and legs to wear them comfortably. If you find that shorts tend to fit snugly around your thighs, big and tall shorts offer a better and more comfortable fit.

7” shorts are ideal for most men as they will fall above the knee and offer a fitted but comfortable look. Anyone 8'8” to 6;0” should fall in this range. The lines are fuzzy but in general, 7” inseams are great for your 'dressier' everyday shorts, like a classic pair of chinos.

Here's the bottom line: your shorts shouldn't go past your knees. Wearing shorts that go past your knees is a very youthful look, and not in a good way (in our opinion).

A pair of shorts shouldn't feel tight against your skin — when trying them on, make sure they allow some extra space between your shorts and legs to wear them comfortably. If you find that shorts tend to fit snugly around your thighs, big and tall shorts offer a better and more comfortable fit.