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If you ever went to a school that had a strict dress code, you may recall the finger test. Basically, it’s this: If you’re standing up straight with your arms at your sides and your skirt is shorter than where your middle finger falls on your leg, the skirt is too short. I lost too many afternoon lessons being sent home for the length of my skirt (that is a whole different essay). So I want to reclaim that test, put my thing down, flip it, and reverse it. Here goes. Men: if your shorts are longer than where your middle finger falls on your thigh when you are standing up, they’re too long for you, bro. And if you won’t take it from me, take it from the women of TikTok. Welcome to the 5” inseam movement.
The past few weeks of this cursed summer have seen a sudden rise in markedly non-cursed 5” inseam content across TikTok, platform of the Youth. It began with a viral video from user @sabrinaxrod celebrating her boyfriend wearing a pair of 5” inseam shorts. That video has more than 300,000 views now, and Sabrina has since gone on to label herself as the “sole reason men are wearing 5” inseam shorts now.” She did indeed spark a TikTok trend. But really, it’s a lifestyle.
There’s comedy, too! @dxnielbennett went viral last week with this skit on the delicate act of purchasing 5” inseam shorts. Users have even leveraged the most epic Bella Hadid soundbite of all time—the "homeboy can get it" soliloquy, if you will—used impeccably here. Poetry.
We at Esquire have no choice but to stan. Of course, short shorts aren’t new. Fashion bros have been preaching 5" Patagonia baggies for years. Short bathing suits have been trending for several summers now. And honorable mention to this viral paparazzi photo of Paul Mescal on a casual snack/bev run in May. Normal People star Paul of course looks good in anything, and as my colleague Avidan so eloquently put it, “he and his sturdy, athletic gait could stroll into my life (and yours, tbh) and f*ck it up completely any day he chooses.” So yes, you can tell the man doesn’t skip leg day, but you don’t need thighs-a-la-Mescal to rock 5-inchers. I promise.
As the writer of this MEL Magazine piece put it, “I’ve personally never seen a man thigh I found unattractive.” I have to agree. For the past few days, I have been hyper-aware of men's shorts lengths as I walk around New York, and like a good routine haircut, all shorts could do with a healthy 2-inch trim. All thighs are Good, and confidence is half the battle here. Official statement on the matter: 5” inseam shorts are always the best choice. Hot calves are of yesteryear; these days, the more thigh the merrier. We stand with the women of TikTok. Plus, less fabric! It’s hot out there! I rounded up some of our favorites for you! Now can we get a little thigh, as a treat?
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The shorter inseam allows for a greater range of motion, making those high steps and leaps more manageable. At the same time, the lightweight fabric ensures you stay cool as you push your limits.
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.
It's best to avoid the 5-inch shorts if you're more than 6 feet tall unless you've got a lot of confidence in your legs. Consider how confident you are in your abilities. Shorts with a 5-inch inseam are perfect for showing off your thighs if you're comfortable doing so.
Away from the gym, 5-inch shorts can be worn for many occasions. Dress them up with a clean button-up and loafers for a preppy garden party. Or throw on a graphic tee with crisp sneakers for a casual look that's great for happy hour.
The typical inseam lengths are 5, 7, 9 and 11 inches. 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.
However, if you're taller than the average Joe (read: 6'3” plus), 5 inches might feel too short. That's when the 7-inch inseam is the perfect pick. On the flip side, if you're below the average, a 7-inch short may be too long, hitting you below the knee—truncating your silhouette and making you look shorter.
As more women entered competitive sports in the 1960s-70s, shorts got progressively shorter to allow greater mobility. Brands like Nike featured runner models in short shorts, sparking a trend. The rise of icons like Farrah Fawcett and athletic celebrities wearing tiny shorts cemented the leg-baring style.
The shorter the inseam, the shorter the length of the jean. So, if you're looking for a cropped jean that hits above the ankle, search for 21- to 30-inch inseam jeans depending on your height. Meanwhile, for a straight leg pair that strikes above the ankle, a long inseam jean is your best bet.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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