Summer Shorts: All Out of Ideas? We've Got You Covered

Khakis, madras, seersucker, swim trunks, twill, snappers, plaids, prints, nautical, reversible, and—dare we say it?—speedos. There are a lot of summer shorts options to pick from this summer. And, let’s face it, you’re probably going to gravitate to just one or two favorites. So picking one type of summer short out from the others can feel a bit confusing at times.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to take out all of the guesswork and offer some summer shorts ideas depending on your taste in fashion and your priorities:

If you want to stay cool or show off your legs…

Go with Snappers. After all, what was the point of all those squats at the gym if you’re not going to be able to show off the quads you’ve worked so dutifully to grow? Or maybe you don’t have anything in particular you feel the need to show—you just want a shorter pair of shorts that will keep you cool on hot days and always keep you beach-ready. Either way, the lightweight, short construction of Snappers will suit your needs just fine.

If you want bang for your buck…

Then you need some reversible shorts. If we’re being honest, we think just about any pair of shorts you can find here are “bang for the buck” items. But when it comes to reversible shorts, it’s tough to beat the prospect of a “two-for-one” deal. Every pair of reversible shorts is essentially two shorts for the packing weight of one—and that’s great for anyone who needs to travel on a budget.

If you plan on dressing up a bit…

Then you’ll want to try some Classic Vintage Twill 9” shorts. With a little more length, they’re less beach-ready than they are restaurant-ready, which keeps them appropriate for a number of summer situations in which you need to remain cool but still look as smartly dressed as always. With a little more coverage you can also handle indoor air conditioning temperatures in a variety of environments.

If you don’t mind standing out…

Then Madras and Patterned shorts are for you. Plaids and prints are ideal for getting your shorts noticed a little bit—or even just giving your outfit a little contrast, which is just as much fun for you. These are all summer appropriate, which means they’ll be welcome at Independence Day parties, beach parties, backyard barbecues, and much more.

If versatility is the name of the game…

Then you’d be hard-pressed to beat these Classic Vintage Twill 7” shorts. They’re solid colors, which means that they’ll pair well with a large range of different shirts—which is good when you want to stretch your wardrobe dollar and ensure you have a pair of shorts that will go well with just about anything. Lighter colors tend to be better for summer, but even smart options like the Navy that tend to run a little darker will keep you perfectly cool.