What about shorts for summer? In terms of men's clothing shorts are something that really divide opinions. Are they are suitable for grown up men to wear? And especially in what occasions a man can wear shorts. As summer is here, is is good time to take an update to this subject.
Another reason for this post is that this week I found an old pair of shorts from my office closet. A pair of crispy white cotton shorts with double-pleats and a little bit higher rise. I bought these years ago but I thought I had lost them at some point. Luckily I found them and they will definitely get a lot wear this summer. If the sun just starts shining at some point.
Men – How to wear shorts?
In general, shorts can be tough to pull off even you wouldn’t think that in the first place. However one thing guys often seems to forget is that in terms of shorts the fit is as important as it is with any other garment. Often you see men wearing baggy shorts that are definitely too big and sloppy on thighs. Some are too long so that they look like some capri-trousers and some otherwise have just a bad fit. Naturally too tight fit is not good either. If you a are guy, you can’t wear “hot pants”-type of shorts. Leave those to women. Also leave denim shorts to women.
There might be a couple of reasons why all men don’t pay that much attention to their shorts. First of all if you live in a country like Finland, the summer season is very short. You don’t even get to wear shorts that often. And other thing which is partly related to the first one, is that high-quality and well-fitted shorts usually costs the same amount than “normal trousers”. This can be a deal-breaker for many. They may think that “thy should I pay full price, if I get much less fabric than with full-length trousers.”
But one more time, don’t underestimate the influence of a good (or bad) fit.
Pair your shorts with the right kind of shirt
First of all, I personally like to pair my shorts with a shirt that features long sleeves. I know many like to pair their shorts for example with short-sleeve polo shirts and there is basically nothing wrong with that. But when I step out of our door, I need this kind of contrast for the look. Even though I usually then roll up the sleeves of my button-up shirt.
Secondly, one of my “go-to” looks when I need to go quickly to grocery store for example is to pair some of my favorite shorts with a lightweight merino wool crew neck sweater. Again I know some people think that why to wear knitwear if you wear shorts – that they are in conflict with each other. I don’t think that way. If you have a right kind of a sweater, you can wear that even without a t-shirt. And that can be as light as wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
And as a conclusion, here are three different kind of options to keep in mind in case you are looking for some new shorts to wear this season. 
1) Classic navy blue shorts
There's nothing wrong with playing safe. Neatly tailored appearance and slim fit provide a sartorial finish that will keep you looking smart no matter the occasion. Combine the basic dark or navy blue shorts with some contrast colored polo-shirt, classic canvas sneakers and a tote bag. And you have a simple, yet elegant and casual summer look.
2) Pleated ghurka shorts
Are you looking for something classic and simple, yet personal? The Bermuda shorts by Italian Rubinacci are dyed with a military-green hue. The pleats, engraved gold hardware and side adjusters are a sign of taste and attention to detail. Wear these with a crispy white button-up shirt and blazer or go contemporary with a basic t-shirt and sandals.
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