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Read on to learn about the trend of men’s short shorts and what’s stylish today. - by Rhys McKay
One of the consequences of global warming is that it’s become too hot to care about what people think of your fashion.
For many men, that means a return to the 70s and 80s trend of wearing short shorts. Contemporary men’s fashion has, until recently, mandated the tyranny of pants even during the hottest days.
Now, short shorts are making a comeback to menswear. Is it a good thing? And do they have a chance at mainstream acceptance?
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Are Short Shorts Fashionable?
Men in short shorts have been considered effeminate or even bordering on fashionably gay for the longest time. Today, however, we find that more and more people are purchasing men’s mini shorts, with some outlets reporting year-over-year increases in annual sales by as much as 43%.
Why is this the case? Perhaps it has something to do with an ever-more inclusive fashion industry. Or perhaps it’s a response to the rise of the metrosexual, a concept that was born in the 90s but truly came to fruition in the 2000s. It could even be the result of greater acceptance of LGBT people and their culture.
What Do Women REALLY Think Of Short Shorts?
Surveyed women are split in their opinions of guys wearing short shorts. Some women believe that men can wear shorts, but nothing that’s too far above the knee. Others think that men showing some leg can be a little gross.
But many women believe that men can wear whatever they want!
What Brands Are Releasing Short Shorts For Men?
Several brands have risen up to capitalise on the men’s short shorts trends. Let’s take a look at some of these brands and what they’ve done to elevate the short shorts conversation.
Chubbies
Chubbies was founded in 2011 by four college grads who loved short shorts. They produce retro-inspired shorts as well as an array of cute prints, and today are one of the leading short-shorts manufacturers around.
Prada
Legendary fashion brand Prada has gotten in on the short shorts wave, with the timeless Jeff Goldblum as the face of the movement.
@jeffgoldblum wears #PradaSS19 on the spring/summer 2019 #TheMeaningOfCult Issue of #Dazed. #PradaEditorials #Prada
Fendi
Fendi’s well known for its luxury prêt-à-porter lines, but they’ve recently come into the short shorts business – to fabulous effect!
With some of the bigger names in the fashion industry getting in on the short shorts trend, it’s clear that male short shorts are here to stay.
Sports-luxe separates spiced up with a splash of color and brilliantly bold patterns. #FendiSS19 #RomaAmor Creative Director: @silviaventurinifendi Guest Artist: @nicovascellari Stylist: @ganio Feat. @bryann_williams
Different Types Of Men’s Short Shorts
Track Shorts
Designed to be as unobtrusive as possible for running, track shorts have been the go-to short shorts for sports even before short shorts were popular in fashion. They enjoyed a mild popularity spike in 2006 thanks to Michael Cera’s character in Juno and his famously short golden shorts.
Khaki Shorts
Khaki short shorts are some of the most stylish around and can suit almost any casual getup. Chubbies specialise in making these, describing their product as “The original khaki shorts, like your dad wore.”
Flat Front Shorts
One of the few shorts that look great with polos or button-ups, flat front shorts give off a more formal air than the average casual pair of short shorts.
Denim Shorts
Denim is thought to be a lazy fashion choice, but ‘lazy’ can also be called ‘safe.’ You can’t really go wrong with a pair of short denims, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Are Short Shorts For Sporting Events Fashionable?
Athleisure is a very big word in style, and it’s responsible for the proliferation of everything athletic from yoga pants to sports bras in everyday fashion. Are men’s short shorts part of athleisure? Let’s find out.
Tennis Shorts
Men’s tennis shorts have always looked pretty good with everything, especially in white. With tennis stars gaining so much popularity lately, they’re definitely a fashion statement today.
Gym Shorts
Gym shorts are designed to be loose and breathable in order not to limit motion. That makes some of them somewhat unfashionable to wear. However, certain brands such as Lululemon make excellent gym shorts that’ll double as acceptable shorts for almost any casual occasion.
Swim Shorts
Most swim shorts are a little too tight and short for daily use. However, board shorts, like the kind you’d wear to the beach, are fine.
The Revolution Has Begun
With big brands jumping on the trend short shorts for men are becoming more and more fashionable. Better start doing those squats boys!
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FAQs
We uncovered it all… Of the 100 women polled, 11 were keen on men in short shorts, saying guys should only work out in them. Twenty were cool with you donning 'em so long as you have athletic legs. Thirty-two were indifferent (when's the last time you heard a woman pining over a man's legs?
Do guys look good in short shorts? ›
With a shorter inseam, these men's shorts give you the opportunity to show off more leg. An extremely trendy piece for fashionable guys who want to dress to impress. This length will look good on someone who is 5'5” – 6'1” because showing more leg will make your legs look longer and that means you will look taller!
Why do guys wear short shorts now? ›
Shorts help you shed body heat and sweat effectively while walking around indoors or enjoying some summertime activities. But short shorts are also great for men since they show off our calves and thighs. Short shorts let you stay comfortable and look your best: what's not to like?
Is it OK to wear short shorts for men? ›
It's not wrong to wear shorter shorts. In fact, many men, including athletes and celebrities, favor them. They like the way they look (making their legs look longer) and the way they feel (they're cooler and don't interfere with your mobility).
What is the most attractive length for shorts? ›
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.
How can short guys look more attractive? ›
10 styling tips and hacks for short men
- Avoid loose-fitting garments. ...
- Don't wear a belt. ...
- Use accessories proportionate to your size. ...
- Wear medium or high waisted pants. ...
- Don't wear bulky outerwear. ...
- Go for small scale patterns. ...
- Choose modern collar styles.
To find the right inseam length for you, our fashion team recommends a short that hits two inches above your knee. This tip helps create the most flattering proportions for your body type—shorter guys will look more elongated, and taller men will avoid looking they're the newest members of Reno 911.
What shorts are too short for guys? ›
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. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc.
What are short shorts for guys called? ›
Sitting at least a few inches above the kneecap, hoochie daddy shorts generally measure 5" in length or shorter. If you're feeling especially riskay, you might be bold enough to rock a cheeky 3" short too.
Are short shorts in style in 2024? ›
And alongside kitten heels, cardigans and endless pops of red, there emerged a lovely, leggy trend that's set to take hold in 2024… Everyone is wearing seriously short shorts. And by short, we do not mean tailored styles that hit somewhere above the knee; nor are we talking scruffy denim cut-offs…
The habit could be driven by a desire to demonstrate toughness or masculinity, says Carolina Estevez, a psychologist based in Austin; shorts guys might assume others will be impressed by their ability to tolerate punishing temperatures. Or it could be a way to make a statement and express themselves in a unique way.
At what point are shorts too short? ›
They should stop at the top of your kneecaps (at the longest). For most guys, 7″ shorts are the perfect above-the-knee length. I like my shorts a little shorter, so most of my short stop 2-3 inches above my knees.
Should grown men wear shorts? ›
It's absolutely ok. I wear them all the time and only ever get compliments. Started off with some 5” pairs and just went shorter. Now my go to shorts are 2” cotton chinos.
Are 4 inch shorts too short? ›
Most men do not wear shorts with such a short inseam on a daily basis. This inseam length is for men's swim trunks and athletic shorts. Those who are smaller in stature should choose shorts that have a 4″ inseam. They'd be best suited to shorter, leaner men in an ideal world.
Do short shorts look good on tall guys? ›
Shorts Length for Big and Tall Men with a Tall Build
We don't suggest any less, because the shorter the length the taller you'll appear. Pay attention to the leg holes, you want them to be fitted but not too tight or loose. Too tight, and your legs will appear very skinny and much longer.
Do girls like short cute guys? ›
Just like there are many women who will accept a guy who is not good looking, many women will accept a short guy, as long as he makes her feel enough attraction for other reasons (i.e. he's confident, charismatic, alpha, he the potential to do well in life or is already doing well, etc).
How long should shorts be on guys? ›
They should stop at the top of your kneecaps (at the longest). For most guys, 7″ shorts are the perfect above-the-knee length. I like my shorts a little shorter, so most of my short stop 2-3 inches above my knees.
Why do girls like to wear very short shorts? ›
Women wear shorts for a variety of reasons, and the decision to wear short shorts is a personal choice. Some women may choose to wear short shorts because they find them comfortable or fashionable, while others may wear them for practical reasons such as staying cool in hot weather or engaging in physical activity.
