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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
More This site contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission.Discussing short shorts, proper length and if shorts are a sloppy cop out
In the summer heat, shorts are inevitable. There was a period during which I really attempted to never wear shorts in the summer. Why? For me, it was about attempting to stay tailored and to use different fabrics – like cotton and linen – to their natural advantage.
However, no matter how breathable cotton and linen pants are, when it’s hot out – like, really hot out – you’re going to sweat. And if you’re like me and tend to generally run hot, you’re going to sweat a lot. And through your pants, which is definitely not stylish or attractive.
If you’re in the habit of dressing in a more tailored manner, I think there can be a feeling that a pair of shorts is a cop out. It’s what your dad wears. It’s what your friend with slightly bro-ish leanings wears.
So the idea of putting on a pair of shorts with an untucked t-shirt or button-up shirt is too easy. Lazy even.
| WEARING | Jack Threads shirt, J.Crew shorts and belt, Goorin Bros. hat, Cartier watch, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Loafers c/o Coach | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo
And then there’s the question of length. What is a good length for a pair of men’s shorts?
Like everything clothing-related, this too is dependent on many factors. How tall or short are you? Do you have long legs or short legs? How would you categorize your sense of personal style? Conservative? Classic with a modern sensibility? Metro?
Generally speaking, you see three different inseams when it comes to men’s shorts: 5″, 7″ and 9″. As someone who would characterize my personal style as “classic with a modern sensibility,” a 5″ inseam is a little to short for me.
It’s the length I like my swimming trunks, but lounging by the pool and walking around the city are two completely different things.
A 7″ inseam is just about right, though the shorts I’m wearing here are actually a 9″ inseam. Depending on the shirt I wear or where I am going, a 9″ inseam will allow me to wear them longer or roll up the bottom an inch or so. I also have long legs, so 9″ is a good fit.
Shorts don’t need to be sloppy. In a crisp white or off-white with a braided leather belt and suede loafers, they’re a cool and stylish alternative to linen pants on the hottest summer days.
Where do you stand on shorts? Chime in below.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
