SHOULD MEN WEAR SHORTS? | OWN YOUR SHORTS STYLE 2020
JULY 8, 2020
SHOULD MEN WEAR SHORTS? | OWN YOUR SHORTS STYLE 2020
Are you wearing shorts because you want to?
Show of hands (I can’t see you but I’m assuming you’re participating and I’m sure your FBI camera guy can verify): who wears shorts because you actually like to?
From some informal surveying (aka asking you on my IG posts and stories) it sounds like a lot of us would rather wear pants even in the summer heat.
That’s right! Whether it’s their design/lack of it or self-consciousness of showing some leg, most of the men I’ve talked to would rather wear pants year-round than find the right pair of shorts. For a lot of us it just gets so hot in the summer we have no choice.
MEN NEED SHORTS, BUT DO WE WANT THEM?
I’m guilty of it. Up until this year, I wore shorts out of necessity. I tended to give up on my summer style in general. BUT that’s changing.
Since my goal is to help you feel good in your clothes year-round, I want to give you a guide to wearing shorts in 2020.
NO MORE THROWAWAY SUMMER SHORTS STYLES!
We’re talking when to wear shorts, how your shorts should fit and how to wear them, what to look for in your next pair of shorts, and of course a breakdown of how to style men’s shorts for summer 2020. By the end of this, you’ll have, dare I say, the best men’s shorts guide AND we’re going to get you excited to wear shorts again!
Check out my YouTube Channel for more videos on summer style!
WHEN TO WEAR SHORTS FOR MEN
For the record, we’re not talking swim trunks, athletic shorts, bicycle shorts, or anything other than shorts you can wear everyday. Let’s say the types of shorts for men here are style-forward shorts ready for daily-wear. That’s our focus.
A SHORT, SHORTS HISTORY - WHY DON’T MEN WANT TO WEAR SHORTS?
Before we get into when we should wear shorts in 2020, indulge me for a second on why men don’t want to wear them. A brief history:
Flashback to the late 19th and 20th centuries, shorts (Knickerbockers or Knee Pants) were mainly worn by young boys. They also became popular in the 20th century for sports. Adult men wouldn’t typically step out in a pair of knee pants in normal settings. It was too casual and immature. There was also an introduction of shorts (Bermuda style) around that time to military personnel. Those serving would cut their pants at the knee before to get relief from the heat.
MEN DID NOT WEAR SHORTS ON A REGULAR BASIS
See? Very brief shorts history. You can check out some accompanying articles and blogs that I got this info from at the end of this post.
Shorts were for boys, not men and were considered very informal.
MEN’S SHORTS IN 2020
Is it wrong to wear shorts? No. Should men wear shorts today? Yes! Shorts have become wildly more popular in the US and a necessity in most summer climates.
Here’s the catch: shorts are still casual! Regardless of the shorts style you rock, keep them to your backyard bbq’s, daily errands, and day-to-day style. Even if you rock a suited shorts combo, the lack of pant leg and exposed calves makes them inherently more casual.
SHORT AND SIMPLE: IF YOU’RE CONDUCTING BUSINESS OR ATTENDING FORMAL EVENTS, NO SHORTS. IF YOU’RE CASUALLY SPENDING THE DAY WITH FRIENDS, SHORTS IT UP!
HOW TO WEAR SHORTS (WITH STYLE)
There are a few elements to explore when it comes to dissecting how to wear shorts, so I’m going to break it down into fit, type, and colors and patterns. That should cover all our men’s casual shorts wearing bases.
HOW YOUR SHORTS SHOULD FIT
What are you really asking when you ask how your shorts should fit? I’m guessing it’s how much quad is too much quad, right? The right length of shorts for men is always a hot topic. The guidelines for shorts length are actually pretty simple:
Shorts should not go below the knee. That’s an outdated look and will make you look shorter.
Figre out how much leg you’re comfortable showing. Shorts typically come in 5”-9” inseams but vary by brand. The shorter you are in physical height, the shorter you can go in your inseam to keep things proportional. Try different lengths to see what’s comfortable.
When in doubt, keep your shorts about 2” above your knee. That will typically lend you the most modern design. If you haven’t been skipping leg day, show off a little more!
THE SHAPE OF YOUR SHORTS MATTERS TOO.
When figuring out your ideal shorts length, make sure you’re also thinking about shape. Stay away from wide and baggy leg openings. It creates an unflattering shape, especially the shorter you go. I have a feeling you’re not going to want to look like you’re wearing parachute shorts.
SHORTS LEG OPENING SHOULDN’T BE TOO WIDE OR TOO TIGHT
At the same time, avoid too tight of a leg opening. You want enough room to be comfortable while sitting and standing. Just like Goldie Locks, you’re going to want to find the pair that is just right (and preferably that did not belong to any bears).
Stick with slim or straight silhouettes in your shorts for clean lines. Make sure to experiment with this to find your ideal shorts profile.
THE TYPES OF SHORTS YOU NEED (OR DON’T)
It’s easier to list the shorts you want to avoid: Cargo Shorts (duh), Athletic Shorts, and any other shorts reserved for specific activities and not daily wear.
Cargo Shorts - By now if you don’t know that cargo shorts are out, you probably haven’t read enough menswear blogs. They are one of the main culprits of creating the trapezoidal shape that we we recently agreed isn’t modern or accentuating anything you want it to (you remember that conversation, right?).
Too many pockets add bulk. These are a dead giveaway of throwaway summer style. If you’re considering a pair, ask yourself if you’re going on a multiple day hike or working for Tiger King. If your answers are no, skip them!
Reserve athletic shorts for specific activities or lounging.
Athletic Shorts
Don’t get mad at me. I’m only saying that we don’t want to allow athletic shorts to become your everyday apparel. Once you start wearing them outside of the gym (or errands right after) your wardrobe starts to trend into a looser and sloppier place. That’s not what your personal style should say!
If you are going to be in athletic shorts quite a bit, invest in some nicer quality ones that aren’t ripped or stained and still have a good structure to them to address the fit of the shorts.
SHORTS THAT LOOK LIKE REAL CLOTHES
Let’s focus on cotton, chino, and linen shorts. Find materials that are comfortable, have
some structure to them (aka look like real clothes) and meet our fit criteria. I’ll have a few of my favorite shorts linked at the end of this post for you to shop.
COLORS AND PATTERNS FOR SHORTS
Fit. Check. Type. Check. Now what about colors and patterns?
Well, lets break it down into three categories:
Neutral Colors - These are going to be your most versatile shorts that will go with any summer tops. Think about beige or khaki, navy, and even olive colored shorts. If you’re a shorts beginner, start with 1 or 2 pairs of these.
Bold Colors - Once you’re set on neutrals, hop into some bold colors. Now we’re talking red, yellow, pink, and anything that is more vibrant and saturated than your neutral colors.
Style Hint: Buy bold color shorts from the same brands as your neutral colors. The fit will be the same.
Patterns - Your final destination will be patterned shorts. Patterned shorts can be more difficult to style than pants. You get much less real estate for the pattern, so I tend to stick to simpler ones. Expert level shorts-ing right here.
So, are you wearing shorts wrong? If you’re thinking it might be a yes, it’s time to focus on length, shape and the right type of shorts for you. Cover these bases and you’ll be a pro at wearing shorts with style.
HOW TO STYLE MEN’S SHORTS
Finish this off with 5 ways to style shorts so that you can jump right into intentional summer style. Check out the video below:
SHORTS WITH POLOS, TEES, AND HENLEYS
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
SHORTS WITH LONG SLEEVES
I’m letting you in on my secret: shorts with long sleeve sweaters or crewnecks is my favorite way to style shorts in general. It’s a bit unexpected, but also immediately stylish and mature. Try some lighter/breathable sweaters or long sleeves and see how you like the combo. It’s a different balance of proportions with more material on top.
SHORTS WITH MATCHING SETS
Pairing shorts with matching jackets or button up shirts is probably the boldest statement you can make.
The pairing screams intentionality, that you know what you’re doing, and personality. When you’re ready to graduate to this, try to pick matching sets up from one brand. That way you know the pattern actually matches.
THE SHORT OF WEARING SHORTS
Let’s ask it again: should men wear shorts? The answer is yes, but not as a last resort or throwaway for summer style. The way to build your style confidence is to maintain intention and personality throughout all seasons.
BRING INTENTION TO HOW YOU WEAR SHORTS THIS SUMMER
Take this guide to wearing shorts and apply it to what you’re wearing now. If you’re not excited about the shorts you have, consider seeking out some that speak to you. If you own cargo shorts, consider throwing them out for good (please).
Which way are you going to style your next pair of shorts?
CURRENT FAVORITE SHORTS OPTIONS:
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
As always, thank you for reading along. I hope you have a better idea of what kind of shorts you need next and how to wear them. For more summer and spring style make sure to subscribe here and on my YouTube Channel.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.
Stay tuned for the next Style Breakdown!
Cheers,
David Komisarchik
@threadability
Tagged: should men wear shorts, shorts style, types of shorts, summer style, mens summer style, shorts, mens shorts, intentional summer style, best mens shorts, how to wear shorts