From nylon short-shorts to cooler cargos, denim and pleats
Shorts have certainly come a long way in the last few years. Once seen as trading your style for comfort, they're now found on red carpets and Insta mood boards, while in-the-know menswear bros debate inseam lengths (are you more five-inch or seven-inch?). Nylon shorts have been at the forefront of this revival, and rightfully so—they're comfortable enough to lounge in all day and yet functional enough to take for a hike or swim. But the old-school favorites are back in the game this summer as well. We're talking about cargo, denim and even pleated chino versions. When putting together your look, pretty much nothing is off-limits. Feel free to mix it up and wear a long sleeve T-shirt or a linen sweater with your bare legs for a nice, juxtaposed look when the weather permits. Here are some of our favorite pairs that will take you all the way through Labor Day.
These are the only shorts that can take you from breakfast to a dip in the pool to an afternoon hike. Plus, they look great paired with your camp collar shirts. The most travel-friendly on the list, they're wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking and easy to clean, not to mention light enough for any summer activity.
This 100% nylon short has a relaxed, generous cut and a tonal colorway for a minimal and modern look.
Site nylon short, $115 / $80 by Adsum
Inseam: 6.5 inches
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Denim shorts are back, baby! And not the ones that go down to your calves. Whether you're buying a pair of cutoffs or DIYing from old jeans, the length and fraying are key. Aim for an eight-inch inseam, which should hit right at the knee, but if your shorts are frayed, don't be afraid to sport a six-inch, just make sure they're not hugging your quads. Denim shorts don't look good whenever you look like the Incredible Hulk.
There's nothing cooler than a pair of cutoff denim shorts that look like you cut them yourself. Some '90s 501s have been authentically distressed in these worn-in cutoffs.
501 '93 cutoff denim short, $69.50 by Levi's
Inseam: 7 inches
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Like denim shorts, cargos are back in full swing. They're like your favorite four-wheel drive truck—heavy-duty, reliable, and offers crazy storage potential. Make sure you don't go any longer than an eight-inch inseam, as you don't want to recreate the early 2000s. These look great with a denim jacket or lightweight sweater.
These tough-as-nails shorts are crafted from a sturdy military slub twill with adjustable tabs. Garment-dyed for a lived-in feel, these are the quintessential summer cargos.
Voyager cargo short, $118 by Outerknown
Inseam: 8.5 inches
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Need something more refined for a hot summer evening? Try a pair of pleated chino shorts. They're great for a tucked-in oxford button-down and blazer situation. Pleats elongate your legs and mid-section—what better season than summer for that?
Pleated shorts are a throwback to the '90s and are ideal for a more polished look. The extra coin pocket is a small yet convenient detail to store your daily essentials.
Pleated chino short, $95 by Alex Mill
Inseam: 7 inches
Technically speaking, the inseam of a garment accounts for the length between the crotch and bottom hem. For shorts, a seven-inch inseam is the new average. But common lengths range from three and five inches to nine. At five inches, the inseam will hit just above the center of your hip and knee. A seven-inch inseam will hang a tad lower, comfortably above the knee. If you’re shy about showing thigh, a nine-inch inseam will hit right above the kneecap without being too long.
5“ chino short, $69.50 / $49.50 by J.Crew
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