The Best Men’s Shorts: A No-Nonsense Guide

The best men’s shorts are those that fit well, flatter your proportions, and work with your existing wardrobe. Forget baggy cargo styles or overly short running shorts. The ideal shorts hit right at the knee, have a 7-9 inch inseam, and are made from breathable fabrics like linen, cotton twill, or lightweight chino. Think of them as a summer version of your favorite tailored trousers.

Key Features to Look For

Length and Fit: The golden rule: shorts should end no more than two inches above the knee. An inseam of 7-9 inches is generally ideal. Avoid anything shorter than 5 inches unless you’re at the beach. The fit should be slim but not tight - you want room to move without excess fabric flapping around. Look for a straight or slightly tapered leg opening.

Fabric: Linen is the king of summer fabrics - it’s breathable, lightweight, and looks effortlessly elegant. Cotton twill is a close second; it’s more structured and wrinkle-resistant, great for a business casual setting. For a dressier option, try tropical wool or a linen-cotton blend. Avoid heavy denim or synthetic blends that trap heat.

Color Palette: Stick to neutral and muted tones for maximum versatility. Navy, khaki, olive, stone, and charcoal are workhorses. A pair of navy linen shorts can be dressed up with a white linen shirt or down with a simple t-shirt. For a bolder move, try a muted pastel like sage or dusty coral, but keep the rest of the outfit simple.

Pockets: Flat front or welt pockets are your friends. Cargo pockets (the ones on the side of the leg) add bulk and are rarely necessary in a refined wardrobe. Back pockets should be simple and non-bulky.

How to Style Men’s Shorts

The Casual Look: For a weekend coffee run or a relaxed lunch, pair your shorts with a well-fitted t-shirt in a solid color (white, navy, or grey). Choose sneakers like minimalist white leather or canvas slip-ons. Add a canvas belt and sunglasses for polish. The key is keeping the silhouette clean: the t-shirt should not be too baggy, and the shorts should not be too long.

The Smart Casual Look: This is where shorts can actually look sophisticated. Choose linen or cotton twill shorts in a neutral color. Wear them with a button-down short-sleeve shirt (a camp collar in a subtle pattern is great). Tuck the shirt in for a more tailored silhouette. Add loafers or clean leather sneakers without socks (or no-show socks). A quality leather belt ties the outfit together.

The Beach to Street Look: Linen shorts are ideal here. Go for a slightly more relaxed fit in a light color like stone or sky blue. Pair with an unbuttoned linen or chambray shirt over a plain white t-shirt. Flip-flops or espadrilles work for the beach, but swap to canvas sneakers for town. The trick is keeping the layers light and the palette cohesive.

Proportion and Body Type Tips

For Tall, Slim Builds: You can carry a slightly shorter inseam (say 7 inches) and a slimmer fit. Go for lighter colors and patterns like stripes or checks. A camp collar shirt worn untucked will maintain your long lines.

For Shorter or Stockier Builds: Choose a slightly longer inseam (around 9 inches) and a straighter cut. Darker solids like navy or charcoal create a vertical line. Pair with a piece that adds height - like a V-neck t-shirt or a shirt that shows a bit of chest. Avoid horizontal stripes or bulky pockets.

For Athletic Builds: Your thighs may be larger. Look for shorts with a slight taper from thigh to hem, or a straight cut that doesn’t squeeze. Stretch-cotton twill works well. Try a mid-thigh length (8-9 inch inseam) to balance your proportions.

Fabrics to Avoid

  • Cargo Nylon: Too casual and baggy for anything but hiking.
  • Heavy Denim: Hot and restrictive.
  • Shiny Polyester: Looks cheap and traps heat.
  • Ultra-Thin Activewear: Only for the gym, otherwise see-through.

Final Tips

  • Hemming: Most off-the-rack shorts can be hemmed by a tailor for a better fit. Don’t hesitate to invest $10-15 in getting them perfect.
  • Folding: When they’re not on you, fold them in thirds (like trousers) rather than rolling, to maintain shape.
  • Pressing: Linen wrinkles, and that’s fine. But give them a quick steam or press for a crisp look when you want to look sharp.

Key Takeaway

Choose tailored shorts in neutral tones with a 7-9 inch inseam for a polished look that transitions from casual to smart.