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CHECK out this complete guide on men’s shorts that covers all the questions you might have regarding the right fit, colour and style.
As an added bonus, this “Guide to Men’s Shorts” includes advice on how to pair your shorts with loafers, trainers, sandals or boat shoes. Summer is here, so it is only natural to want to show off your legs in a stylish pair of summer shorts. As it is the summer season, shorts are perfect for occasions such as the holidays, BBQS, a day at the pool, or strolling downtown for a catch up with the boys.
With that being said, you can notice that there is no particular dress code imposed by any of these situations. Don’t get fooled! Just because you are not constrained by a dress code, does not mean you should not put a little thought and actually make a smart purchase.
This guide will take you through every single type you can find on the rack: denim shorts, sweat shorts, short chinos, smart shorts, “cargos”, or twill shorts. We’ll cover the right colours and, most importantly, the right fit. You will also get advice on how to pair them with the right shoes, so scroll on and enjoy!
The Fit
First things first: the fit. By nature, shorts are inherently a comfortable, casual piece of clothing that is meant to provide freedom of movement while keeping you cool. Not all of us are 6ft 4in and slim, so make sure the shorts work to your advantage and provide the comfort you’re paying for. The fit goes hand-in-hand with your body shape and the secret is knowing basic proportion rules.
Shorter shorts will make you look taller than you actually are. Fitted/tighter shorts look good on slim guys and slim shorts will make a larger guy look smaller. On another note, shorts that are too wide around the legs should stop being manufactured as they don’t work to anyone’s advantage.
The Idle Man Tips For: The Taller Guy
Check out how short they actually look on you. The last thing you want is the hem to be pulled up on your thigh too much. That will be uncomfortable and make it difficult to walk properly. It would go against the principle of wearing shorts at all. Two to three inches above the knee would be just perfect.
The Shorter Guy
The same principle as above, but upside down. If your shorts are too long and the hem falls below the knee, putting that pair back on the shelf would be a smart idea. If you actually like that particular pair, try to see how it would look if you roll them up a little bit. Getting them tailored is a good option, just avoid dressing in shorts that are too long as they give a lousy look and can make you look shorter.
The Built Guy
Most guys with a bit of meat on them make the big mistake to buy the largest pair of shorts thinking it will make them look slimmer. That is not the truth! Larger shorts will give you a baggy and messy appearance. Stick to your regular size as that is the ticket to pulling off a stylish summer outfit.
The Colour
The majority of guys keep it simple when it comes to the colour of the shorts. That’s why most of them just blend it with the crowd. Black, navy, burgundy, grey or khaki shorts are the favourites as these colours are versatile and easy to look after, but aren’t the only options you can try this summer.
Remember these two things! First, forget about khaki shorts. If it would make any sense to describe a colour, khaki would be called boring. Second, it’s summer! Have fun with it and throw in a bit of colour, pattern, or print. No one will judge you if you wear pastel shorts, camouflage print, or even white shorts.
The great thing about shorts is that, unless they are neon, no one will even bat an eye. If the aim is to stand out just a little bit then light-coloured shorts would be best. If you are more courageous and want to make a statement then patterned or print shorts will work wonders.
The Idle Man Tips For Bolder Coloured Shorts
Dark green, blue, red, or yellow are just a few suggestions. When you go down this route, make sure the shorts are of high quality to avoid the colour coming off in the washing machine. Also, that should be the only strong colour in our attire to avoid looking like a Rubik’s cube.
Patterned Shorts
Everyone has owned at least one pair of patterned shorts, but very few have pulled them off. The secret is in the outerwear. They go well with a blazer, summer jacket, even a shacket.
The Style
This is where it gets personal. Fashionable shorts come and go every season and style is a matter of knowing what works best for you. The type of shorts that work for the guy next door is very likely not to be what you find flattering and the other way around.
As shorts are considered casual attire, there are not proper formal rules you need to follow, so now you have a lot of freedom to try on countless looks until you get the one the fits. The style has to emulate your personality, put you in a good light, and give you confidence.
The Belt
Put the thick heavy belts away as it’s time for something light and thin. If you can afford to buy a few summer belts that aren’t leather, that would be even better. A leather belt doesn’t scream casual wear at all, does it?
The T-shirt
Monochrome T-shirts are the best, but pastels will be just as good. Try to avoid dark T-shirts, unless of course, you are going for that specific look. A black or navy T-shirt will attract more heat and that’s not what you want when the weather gets warmer. Polo shirts are another great piece to have when the warm weather strikes as they’re more breathable and comfortable.
The Outerwear
Everything from light blazers to bomber jackets or even shackets will complement a pair of shorts. Match smart or chino shorts with a blazer, denim shorts to a shacket, and twill shorts to a bomber jacket.
The Socks
Socks can be tricky, especially in the summer. We have all seen those older gentlemen sporting sock sand sandals, and that’s something we don’t condone over here at Idle HQ. Go sockless if you feel like it, or invest in a pair of invisible socks that give the illusion of wearing none, as these will leave your shoes smelling a bit fresher.
The Shoes
Loafers with shorts are perfect for the summer in case you are aiming for a smart outfit. To keep the outfit casual, match it with trainers or sandals.
How to Wear Men’s Shorts
Fit: Know your body shape and choose accordingly. Try not to wear anything too short.
Colour: Go for neutral tones if you want to play it safe.
Pattern: Summer is the perfect time for colourful patterns. Patterned shorts work well with a casual look.
Experiment: Shorts are extremely versatile. Try wearing them in a range of smart and casual styles.
On That Note
Wearing shorts is all about being confident enough to embrace your body shape and not be constricted by what society thinks a “summer body” should look like. As long as you keep in mind the proportion rules covered above, you will be safe regarding whichever combination you decide on. And if you put a little thought in it, there is no reason why you shouldn’t pull off shorts incredibly. — www.theidleman.com.
