One of the consequences of global warming is that it’s become too hot to care about what people think of your fashion.
For many men, that means a return to the 70s and 80s trend of wearing short shorts. Contemporary men’s fashion has, until recently, mandated the tyranny of pants even during the hottest days.
Now, short shorts are making a comeback to menswear. Is it a good thing? And do they have a chance at mainstream acceptance?
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Are Short Shorts Fashionable?
Men in short shorts have been considered effeminate or even bordering on fashionably gay for the longest time. Today, however, we find that more and more people are purchasing men’s mini shorts, with some outlets reporting year-over-year increases in annual sales by as much as 43%.
Why is this the case? Perhaps it has something to do with an ever-more inclusive fashion industry. Or perhaps it’s a response to the rise of the metrosexual, a concept that was born in the 90s but truly came to fruition in the 2000s. It could even be the result of greater acceptance of LGBT people and their culture.
What Do Women REALLY Think Of Short Shorts?
Surveyed women are split in their opinions of guys wearing short shorts. Some women believe that men can wear shorts, but nothing that’s too far above the knee. Others think that men showing some leg can be a little gross.
But many women believe that men can wear whatever they want!
What Brands Are Releasing Short Shorts For Men?
Several brands have risen up to capitalise on the men’s short shorts trends. Let’s take a look at some of these brands and what they’ve done to elevate the short shorts conversation.
Chubbies
Chubbies was founded in 2011 by four college grads who loved short shorts. They produce retro-inspired shorts as well as an array of cute prints, and today are one of the leading short-shorts manufacturers around.
Prada
Legendary fashion brand Prada has gotten in on the short shorts wave, with the timeless Jeff Goldblum as the face of the movement.
Fendi
Fendi’s well known for its luxury prêt-à-porter lines, but they’ve recently come into the short shorts business – to fabulous effect!
With some of the bigger names in the fashion industry getting in on the short shorts trend, it’s clear that male short shorts are here to stay.
Different Types Of Men’s Short Shorts
Track Shorts
Designed to be as unobtrusive as possible for running, track shorts have been the go-to short shorts for sports even before short shorts were popular in fashion. They enjoyed a mild popularity spike in 2006 thanks to Michael Cera’s character in Juno and his famously short golden shorts.
Khaki Shorts
Khaki short shorts are some of the most stylish around and can suit almost any casual getup. Chubbies specialise in making these, describing their product as “The original khaki shorts, like your dad wore.”
Flat Front Shorts
One of the few shorts that look great with polos or button-ups, flat front shorts give off a more formal air than the average casual pair of short shorts.
Denim Shorts
Denim is thought to be a lazy fashion choice, but ‘lazy’ can also be called ‘safe.’ You can’t really go wrong with a pair of short denims, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Are Short Shorts For Sporting Events Fashionable?
Athleisure is a very big word in style, and it’s responsible for the proliferation of everything athletic from yoga pants to sports bras in everyday fashion. Are men’s short shorts part of athleisure? Let’s find out.
Tennis Shorts
Men’s tennis shorts have always looked pretty good with everything, especially in white. With tennis stars gaining so much popularity lately, they’re definitely a fashion statement today.
Gym Shorts
Gym shorts are designed to be loose and breathable in order not to limit motion. That makes some of them somewhat unfashionable to wear. However, certain brands such as Lululemon make excellent gym shorts that’ll double as acceptable shorts for almost any casual occasion.
Swim Shorts
Most swim shorts are a little too tight and short for daily use. However, board shorts, like the kind you’d wear to the beach, are fine.
The Revolution Has Begun
With big brands jumping on the trend short shorts for men are becoming more and more fashionable. Better start doing those squats boys!
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