How To Wear Men's Shorts With Style

Shorts are like anything else in your wardrobe: there’s a right way to wear them and a wrong way. This post is all about teaching you the right ways to wear shorts. Even though men’s shorts might be one of the simplest fashion items around, you’d be surprised at how many rules there are to ensure that you look and feel your best. Here are some tips to do just that!

Pick the Right Length for Your Leg Size

Not all men are built the same. Some are shorter. Some are taller. To make sure you look your best, you’ll want to choose shorts that suit your particular silhouette. That means purchasing shorts that suit your proportions:

  • If you have shorter legs, consider Stretch Snappers. These uniquely short and simple options are perfect for showing plenty of skin and extending the visual length of your leg for the right balance.
  • For men with longer legs, consider lengthening your fabric with 9” Shorts. Items like these Classic Vintage Twill shorts in Blueberry will shorten the visual length of the rest of your legs, giving you the balance you need.

Know When to Wear Socks

These days, the rule of thumb is simple: don’t wear socks. Ankle-high white socks can throw off the entire balance of your outfit. Athletic socks won’t mesh with a clean, modern look.

But if you like to wear socks, there is one option: no-show socks. These socks are constructed with zero ankle length, and are appropriate for summer-friendly shoes such as boat shoes. If you do it right, you can still enjoy the feel of socks while none of the fabric shows outside the shoe. This gives you the illusion of wearing no socks while still having fabric to wick away sweat.

Check for Fit

How do you know when shorts fit? Here are some helpful tips:

  • Stand up straight. This will reveal how your shorts naturally fall when you’re at an upright and rested position.
  • Check the distance between your leg and the bottom hem. The bottom hem of your shorts shouldn’t extend too far from the leg. If you can fit your entire hand in the space in between, there’s a chance that they’re a bit too large. You’ll want about an inch or two for free air flow, but beyond that, you’re looking at baggy shorts.

Complement the Shorts

To complement your shorts with the appropriate top, consider matching them with a polo shirt, a T-shirt, or even a long-sleeve shirt on cooler days.

If you’re wearing a solid color short, such as our Sunny Stretch Twill Shorts in Khaki, you can pair them with unique patterns in your top. Try our new Madras Woven Short-Sleeve Shirts!

On the other hand, if you like to wearing printed pattern shorts, you may choose to keep your top simple so you can emphasize the uniqueness of the pattern. Try our knit polos and tees for a great summer look!

Whatever your choice, look for complementing colors and a little bit of contrast between your tops and your shorts to ensure a complete outfit. Keep browsing Vintage 1946 for great options in shorts, pants, and classic American tops!