Shorts: All That You Need to Know

Shorts are one of the most divisive items in a man’s closet. And whether or not mens shorts belong in a man’s wardrobe has plagued men of all ages. The volatile connection males have with what may be regarded as an inconspicuous article of clothing stems from a deadly combination of improper advice, cultural overtones, and plain old-fashioned insecurity.

A Brief Background

Men haven’t been wearing shorts for very long; therefore, the matter is still fraught with discussion and controversy. You may assume they have been around for centuries, but that’s not the case. The truth is that males have only been wearing them in their current form for a little over a century. As such, modern mens shorts, in the context of casual everyday use, are still a fresh notion, in contrast to other essential clothing components that have kept approximately the same for hundreds of years.

Cropped or “short trousers,” often known as “knickerbockers,” were popular among males in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Due to their length, which extended four inches past the wearer’s knee, these baggy trousers were dubbed “plus-fours,” and they were a popular menswear fad in the 1920s. Although cropped pants were all the rage among the well-to-do, the general public still linked the trend with uniforms for young men. This linkage seems to remain at the heart of the short discussion.

The Great Depression, the ultimate downer, was partly responsible for the trend’s decline in popularity, as it does with every fashion extreme. It wasn’t until after World War II, when men finally had the freedom and resources to devote to hobbies like sports and relaxation, that the look people know today emerged from its slumber. Still, it wasn’t until the 1950s that these short trousers were universally approved for use in public. Hence, it’s no surprise that men have difficulty figuring out when, when, and especially how to wear them due to their late arrival in the contemporary man’s wardrobe and their inherent childish connotations.

Rule Number One When Buying Them

Like trousers, short trousers come in a wide range of lengths, cuts, and fits. However, although most men can accurately gauge the ideal pant length based on their height, the situation is more nuanced regarding them. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to wear short trousers that fall below the knee.

Why? To put it, it’s unattractive. If they hit below the knee, they optically shorten your legs by a whole inch, which makes you seem much smaller. Nobody would desire anything like that. Any garment’s fit, whether a suit or a dress, should always enhance the wearer’s figure. And putting on baggy short trousers or other ugly clothing is the polar opposite.

Where to Find It: Critical Information

Today’s men are too familiar with the dizzying array of short trousers available in every conceivable style, cut, and colour. Finding the good stuff amongst all the negative may be a real challenge. And although your body type plays a part in selecting the ideal pair, there are still some important factors to consider.

What to Keep an Eye Out For

• They should be tailored to fit snugly around the buttocks and thighs without being too constricting. So, try this out by donning a pair of shorts and pinning the area where they meet your thighs. Perfect if you can squeeze an inch out of them; they should be snug but not restrictive.
• While pleats look great and function well on pants, they don’t work well on shorts because of their lack of body and drape. So, consider a flat front that will look great on everyone.
• The leg opening should narrow toward the thigh. It would help if you didn’t worry about comfort; tapered does not equal tight. And if you want to be able to walk about and sit down quickly, leave some leeway at the hem.
• The best inseam length for most guys is between 7 and 9 inches or around 2 to 4 inches above the knee. At this length, the hemline is around an inch or two above the knee (depending on your height).