The Skinny On Shorts For Men
It’s summer, time to shed the layers of winter insulation and don those warm-weather duds.
And, for many men, their summer shorts are exactly that - duds.
Every year they bring out the same one or two pairs of tired, well-worn, trusty shorts they have been wearing for more summers than anyone cares to remember.
Sure, they looked great playing basketball on the weekends back in college, but that was years ago. A few extra pounds and several style changes have made a big difference in the way things fit.
So why don’t they just go buy new shorts?
In a recent survey conducted by Market FactsTeleNation, 75 percent of the men interviewed said they care about what they wear to work, but they don’t really spend much time thinking about what they wear for weekends or relaxing. Thirty percent admitted they only add to their wardrobe when it is absolutely necessary. One in seven men stated they prefer to have their spouse or significant other pick out his clothes.
The bottom line is, if the thought of having him appear in public wearing that same pair of shorts he bought in 1977 makes you cringe, then it’s probably up to you to do something about it.
To ensure the shorts you buy him won’t end up in the back of the dresser drawer, here are some handy tips in the art of shorts-buying:
Mens’ shorts have changed a lot since the days when cut-off jeans were the accepted fashion statement. With the trend toward more active lifestyles, today’s shorts are more functional.
Typically, shorts have a 19-inch outseam, which means they should hit just above the knee. If he’s over 6 feet 2 inches tall, you may want to look for shorts that run a bit longer to achieve the same effect. Men under 5 feet 8 inches may prefer shorts with an outer seam length of 17 inches or less.
For ease of movement, most mens’ shorts are styled with some elastic at the waistband. Full back elastic, often found in more conservative styles, provides the most forgiving fit for those with less than perfectly toned bodies. Elastic insets at the sides, which may also be paired with side tab button adjustments, are typically found in more youthful styles.
Pleats and cuffs are also important styling features. While double pleats are universally accepted as classics, the man in your life may prefer the trendier look of triple pleats or an uncuffed flat front. Or, if he’s very fashion-forward, a pair that’s triple pleated and cuffed will get him where he’s going in high style.
Face it, gentlemen. It’s time to retire those old corduroys, the ripped cut-offs, or that pair of Op shorts you bought for your honeymoon cruise 15 years ago. Neither you nor the shorts will ever be in the same shape again.
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