When Should Men Wear Shorts? Here’s The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to how to wear shorts, most men simply don’t understand it. 50% of guys avoid shorts like the plague, while the other 50% wind up wearing shorts that are completely inappropriate for them.

It is entirely possible to wear shorts and appear fashionable if a few simple principles are followed. Teeanime will show you how to wear shorts stylishly in this article.

1. History Of Men’s Shorts

Shorts started as ‘knee pants’ for boys in the 1890s and served as the basis for school and scout uniforms. Roughhousing and tripping over would mean torn knees if a boy wore full-length trousers. When a boy reached maturity, he was expected to stop wearing shorts and transition into wearing trousers.

This changed in World War II. Troops in tropical climates started wearing shorts to cope with the heat. They are famously shown in depictions of the British Eighth Army in North Africa from 1940 to 1943, also known as the ‘Desert Rats’. The German Afrikakorps, Italian army and Free French forces also wore shorts on the battlefield.

When men returned to civilian life after the war it was only a matter of time before shorts were normalized. By the 1950s, shorts were acceptable in casual situations in hot climates with masculine icons of the time like John Wayne taking advantage of the new trend.

2. What Are The Types Of Shorts For Men?

There are plenty of men’s shorts styles to choose from. Let’s do a quick rundown of the key types you can find in stores.

1. Running shorts are designed to facilitate the most freedom of movement during exercise. Most running shorts include an inner lining that doubles as underwear. Most are made with polyester.
2. Swimming shorts (swimming trunks) – The best men’s swim shorts are made with nylon along with a mesh inner lining to dry quicker.
3. Denim shorts came into style during the late 1960s as part of the counter-cultural movement. I do not recommend denim shorts as they look sloppy – like you just sheered off your jeans at the knees.
4. Flat-front shorts are the most common style of shorts. The material lies flat near the zipper for a slim, low-waisted look.
5. Pleated shorts feature creases where material is folded and sewn before getting attached to the front of the waistband.
6. Cycling shorts are skintight shorts designed to reduce wind resistance and friction.
7. Boardshorts are long, loose-fitting swimming shorts with an opening at the front as opposed to an elastic waistband.
8. Cargo shorts are loosely cut with large pockets on either side. They don’t look well on most men due to the bulging appearance of the pockets.
9. Madras shorts are made with a lightweight fabric and are known for their vivid, brightly-colored patterns. The style takes its name from its home city in India – now named Chennai.
10. Bermuda shorts – During World War II, there was a shortage of clothes, so the managers of Bermuda’s two biggest banks hired a tailor to make shorts that looked like the ones the military wore. Since then, some cultures have worn Bermuda shorts with blazers.

2 When Should Men Wear Shorts?

Shorts are informal garments that are a mainstay of men’s warm-weather apparel. They are perfect for summer occasions when you want to be able to move freely while yet remaining comfortable to avoid sweating in the heat.

Spending time with friends? Walking about town during the day? Are you going to a private party? You’ll look great in a well-fitting pair of shorts.

When to avoid shorts

Shorts are permitted in some informal workplaces. You could even wear them to casual business meetings, though this is not the standard in most parts of the world.

It is critical to make an accurate assessment of the issue. Examine how individuals around you are dressed, identify the unspoken dress code, and decide whether or not to wear shorts.

Trousers are required for any occasion demanding business-casual attire. Shorts should not be worn in law firms, corporate offices, or banks, to name a few places. Wear chino pants or dress slacks instead.

The golden rule is that if you are unsure if you can wear shorts, you should not. In any of these scenarios, choose trousers.

3. How To Wear Shorts That Fit?

How are shorts supposed to look when worn? It’s easy to become perplexed by all of the contradicting information on the internet.

When it comes to menswear, fit is everything. Let’s talk about the optimal fit for various body types.

Broad shoulders taper down to the waist on athletic males. When it comes to wearing shorts, such gentlemen have the most options.

Men with muscular bodies often believe that wearing loose shorts will balance their body. It won’t; it’ll only make you look out of proportion.

Choose a bespoke fit that falls somewhere in the middle. You want shorts that allow you to move freely but do not flap like a skirt.

If bulk is an issue, pick a lighter color; they will better balance the body.

Slim Builds – Shorts for men with skinny legs

Men with slim bodies look best in shorts that fit close to their bodies. If you wear baggy shorts, your legs and torso will look too big for each other.

You also need to keep an eye out for flaring. Your shorts should go straight down, and there shouldn’t be any extra fabric around the edges. Again, this will cause a “skirt effect” if it is not taken into account.

Dad Bods – Shorts for men with average builds

Men who are a little heavier around the middle should not wear shorts with a tight fit. Wearing tight shorts will only make your stomach stand out.

Put on shorts that are a little bit bigger. Choose shorts with straight legs. They’ll make your shape look better and draw less attention to your waist.

Pleated shorts are not a good idea. Even though they aren’t very common, shorts with pleats make lines that go right to your waist.

Don’t wear shorts that go below your knees. Longer shorts, like Bermuda shorts or boardshorts, will make your stomach look bigger and your legs look smaller.

When you’re just hanging out, don’t wear elastic waistbands. It will make a muffin top and pinch at the waist. It’s fine to have elastic waistbands on swim trunks or workout shorts, though.