Summer is here, and even though we’ll probably spend most of it under darkened skies and getting drenched by torrential rain, those brief bursts of glorious sunshine that characterise the Great British Summer signify the emergence of that men’s fashion summer staple, shorts.

Shorts come in many shapes, sizes and styles and as such, they can be a real fashion minefield. What looked cool one summer looks about as up-to-date as MC Hammer’s infamous parachute pants the next. That’s before you even take into consideration what you’re going to wear with your shorts.

Many brave men have tried and failed in their efforts to make shorts look good, but you don’t need to be one of them. By keeping a few golden fashion rules in mind, you can overcome the obvious ridiculousness of wearing half a pair of trousers and march proudly towards the pantheon of ultimate summer style.

The Style

Men come in many shapes and sizes so it makes sense that shorts do as well. Staples of the shorts world include cargo shorts, Bermudas, boardshorts and many, many more. Not all of these shorts are particularly fashionable though – it’s important to know which ones you should be going for.

There are three main styles you should do your level best to avoid – cut-offs, cargo shorts and the dreaded short-shorts. Cut-offs and short-shorts are the best way to look like a throwback, nobbly-kneed schoolboy and no grown man wants that.

Cargo shorts are a little bit different. On the one hand, they are comfortable, but on the other…well, they look a bit naff, don’t they? Ill-fitting, massive pockets, weird design quirks all make cargo shorts an unfortunate fashion casualty. Plus they make you look like a moody teenager.

In this day and age, the best shorts are well-fitted rather than baggy and sit between the knee and the upper thigh. Simple is also best, so avoid silly pockets and weird dangly bits. Military shorts like those by Superdry are generally a good choice, as are denim shorts (so long as they aren’t cut-offs). Also, and this is essential, don’t be afraid to try stuff on. You don’t want to be one of those guys who walk around in ill-fitting shorts simply because they spent prematurely!

Prints

You’ve got your style down so now it’s time to make the leap into the print of your shorts. Hawaiian shorts are ill-advised, no matter how hilarious and ironic you may think they are. Go for classic prints like plaid or pinstripe or, even better, stick to block colours. Unlike trousers, shorts can look good in a multitude of colours so don’t be afraid to go a little bit garish.

What To Wear With Shorts

Shorts are relatively easy to style because they’re such a ‘laidback’ item. You can’t go wrong with a t-shirt or vest (although think about colour co-ordination). You can go wrong, however, with any of following; jumpers, coats, jackets, blazers and anything long sleeved. These are clothes for colder climes and definitely not for the sort of weather you’ll be wearing your shorts in!

Shoe-wise, lightweight trainers, deck shoes or sandals all work well. Bulky trainers can work, but anything else should probably be avoided. Socks should be neglected, especially with sandals! If you need to wear socks to avoid rubbing however, go for a subtle pair of trainer socks.

As alluded to earlier, styling shorts is incredibly difficult and many men fall by the wayside. Follow our general style tips, however, and you shouldn’t be one of them!

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Room 14 Menswear, retailers of designer menswear including Superdry Clothing

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Room 14 Menswear (http://www.room14menswear.co.uk), retailers of designer menswear including Superdry Clothing.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Room 14 Menswear, retailers of designer menswear including Superdry Clothing

Category: Advice
Keywords: shorts, shorts style guide, mens style