Summer is here, so it’s time to give your hairy legs a bit of an airing. Follow our guide to what shorts to wear and you’re guaranteed to look your best.
By Ken Kennedy
Summer is here. The World Cup has produced a plethora of mediocre games and the promised downpour has held off for another few days.
But what to wear on those days when you’re going to the barbeque from work, or out into the back garden to relax after an afternoon spent indoors in a darkened room watching football?
Fear not, help is on hand with this quick guide to summer shorts and how best to wear them.
Board shorts
If you’re just after doing the 6 mile run or a leisurely game of 5-a-side and are in wind-down mode (or if you just want to go for the athletic look), then opt for board shorts. O’Neill have a fantastic range at the moment, or try the Animal brand for Hawaiian themed shorts.
A colourful printed t-shirt makes for the perfect pairing with board shorts in a solid colour. Or if you prefer, just do this in reverse. Just make sure that you never pair print with print. We all know someone who does, and enough said about how they look…
The Tailored Short
If a more classic look appeals to you then the tailored short is a must-have for your summer wardrobe. Essentially a tailored short is a suit trouser or chino that’s been cut off at the knee.
A word of warning: this is a very exacting style and to pull it off it needs to be combined with a lightweight summer knit, deck shoes and sunglasses even indoors (although when indoors, they should be worn on the head).
This is a more mature summer look, so if you’re under thirty you should not try it or you run the risk of looking like your father.
Tennis Shorts
Tennis short, with their shorter length shows a little more leg than most men would want to show (or should show). But for those of you who feel the need to show off your toned muscles then the advice is simple… keep it simple.
Combine with a t-shirt or polo in soft organic tones, and accessorise with sandals or a pair of low-cut runners or plimsolls.
The Cargo Short
The cargo short, is the most versatile and casual of the dressier options available to you. Style with a lightweight crew neck sweater if you have the physique for it.
If the months of training that you have been planning to do for the summer have just slipped by, go for a printed t-shirt and layer the t-shirt with an open short-sleeve cotton shirt. Match up with sandals, flip flops or trainers – the choice is yours.
Football Shorts
The advice here is simple: avoid football shorts. They always shout lager lout, even when worn with a very expensive t-shirt. They were designed for wearing on the pitch, and that’s the only place they should be seen.
