Inseam Length
The first thing I want to talk about is the inseam. Now, before I get into the styles and colors, I would encourage you to have the inseam of your shorts fall above your knee. I’m sure you’ve heard this before and it’s something I really want you to try if you haven’t already. Now, your specific inseam length will vary based on your height and how long your legs are, but look for something that’s about 7 – 8 – or 9” as a starting point.
One thing you can do, if say for example you have a pair of 9” inseam shorts that are a little too long, but otherwise fit you pretty good. You can cuff ‘em once or twice to get ‘em to about 7” or 8” which might look a little bit better on you. The key to doing this is that the shorts should already fit you pretty well and not be overly wide. But, just by cuffing them, you’re pulling them in a little bit, helping to make them a little more slim fitting and streamlined opposed to something overly wide.
Shorts Colors
Okay, let’s talk color. Get yourself a couple pairs of solid color, flat front, chino shorts. These are going to be the most versatile and the most classic. I might also add here, try to step outside the box and get one or two colors you might normally go with like pink or orange or light blue. It’s summer time and it’s totally acceptable to go with brighter colors…. Assuming that you’re not afraid of color. The best part about having several solid color options, is that it opens up the shirt choices you have. You can throw just about any pattern shirt you want at solid color shorts and you’re good to go.
Solid Colors
The other benefit of solids is you can dress it up a little bit by tucking in your shirt, or doing a partial tuck. Now yes, I realize we’re talking about shorts here and the term “dressing up” doesn’t really make a lot of sense, but hear me out. There’s nothing wrong with tucking a shirt into shorts, just like there’s nothing wrong with tucking a shirt into long pants. It’s the same exact thing….. But the cool part about tucking your shirt is you can add another small style element like a cool belt.
I love wearing Anson Belts and what makes them special is the track system with ¼” micro-adjustments. Because unlike standard belts with holes that are never in the right spot, you ALWAYS have a perfect fit with Anson. The belts are shipped to you super long and you cut them off at the right length to fit your waist. And if your weight fluctuates a few pounds up and down, you don’t have to worry about your belt, because the micro-adjustments always have you covered.
They come in a bunch of different colors and materials like leather, suede and canvas. And you can choose your own buckle because they’re interchangeable. You can go black, bronze, silver or gunmetal, and they’re adding new styles all the time.
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Pattern Shorts
Alright, the next pair of shorts you might want to have in your arsenal this summer is a pair of pattern shorts. I might suggest keeping this one a little subtle and not going crazy with Hawaiian prints like you would with your shirt, because it can start to look you’re wearing swim trunks. However, subtle patterns are a great way to inject a summer vibe into your daily wardrobe. Just be cautious when mixing patterns. I’d recommend solid shirts if you’re wearing pattern shorts.
Denim Shorts
Next, and I realize not everyone’s gonna agree with me on this one, but it’s denim shorts. Listen… hear me out. Denim shorts get a bad rap because they were absolutely terrible 20 years ago and nobody wants a repeat of that. But, denim shorts are making a comeback, and I like it…. Well, I like some of it anyway. The key is finding denim with stretch because they’ll be a way better fit, and also way more comfortable.
Stretch denim is a lot thinner and softer than the denim you might be familiar with from 20 years ago. So if you haven’t given them a shot, it might be worth your time. I’ve got a pair in white and green, and I also have an old pair that’s distressed. I don’t really wear these out much, but they’re fun to throw on from time to time.
Yard Work Shorts
And, this is a great Segway into the next pair of shorts you might need this summer, and it’s a pair of work shorts. Yes, that’s right ladies and gentlemen, I don’t talk about work wear that often. But the fact is, most of us have yard work that’s gotta get done or just some general work around the house or garage. I’m not gonna wear anything nice, so I had an old pair of jeans that I made into cutoffs specifically for working around the house and the yard. They were getting a little worn out, so I just laid a pair of shorts I had on top of the jeans, marked the line and started cutting. Easy Peezy.
Exercise Shorts
Moving on to workout shorts or lounge shorts. For me, I like to wear these if I’m just hanging out at the house or getting in some cardio in the mornings. They’re soft, stretchy, comfortable and also inexpensive. I think these were around $25 or so. Because for me, I’d rather not wear my chino shorts when I’m chillin’ on the couch watching Netflix. Something like this it a lot more comfortable.
Performance Fabrics
Last up is going to be a pair of shorts made with performance fabric. These are going to have stretch, breathability, and moisture wicking properties to manage the heat, and to help keep your man bits feeling cooler when it’s hot out. Because we’ve all been there right, so smash the like button if you know what I mean. We’ve all got a lot of external stuff down there and things can get a little swampy from time to time. So having shorts with performance fabric can be a lot more comfortable. Whether you’re running around town, or working from your home office, or if you’re on the golf course.
