How men can get away with wearing shorts everywhere

No longer restricted to a holiday wardrobe, shorts, when styled correctly, can become part of your formal or party attire too

In the last few years, shorts, for men, have transformed from being just a holiday must-have to a versatile piece of clothing that can work for a brunch date, a party and even at the office. While wearing shorts to work may be subjective to your profession, the garment has seen a drastic sartorial change, and is frequently donned by celebrities too. In the recent past, singer Justin Bieber was seen strutting in Los Angeles in long Bermuda shorts, while Pharrell Williams has rocked a shorts suit multiple times on the red carpet. Whether you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder or trying to make a living in a creative field, we put together a guide on how you can wear shorts anywhere and still be the best-dressed man in the room. 

Long story short

Our idea of a dapper man is usually someone dressed in a suit, or in a pair of tailored cotton or linen trousers with a well-ironed shirt. While the soaring popularity of streetwear and loungewear made it cool to pair shorts with hoodies, graphic T-shirts and even linen shirts, is it possible to switch out your pants for shorts to wear for any occasion? According to Rikki Kher, the founder of Kardo, a conscious menswear label, there’s no definite, rigid answer. “One’s preference to wear shorts depends on several factors such as the weather and the style of the shorts. Although most men are now more relaxed with their style choices, I wouldn’t recommend showing up for a meeting or a formal event in a pair of shorts. But it again depends upon whether you’re in a corporate job or in a creative environment,” says Kher, whose co-ord shorts sets offer versatility when tailored with different fabrics such as naturally dyed handloom, indigo denim, ikat and shibori, to name a few.

In a 2011 interview with a fashion magazine, designer Tom Ford shared some strong opinions about shorts. “A man should never wear shorts in the city. Flip-flops and shorts in the city are never appropriate. Shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach,” he had said. Cut to over a decade later, shorts have evolved significantly, even on the runway. Jonathan Anderson opened Loewe’s fall 2022 menswear show with a model wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and shorts. The closing look for Comme des Garçons was a tweed shorts suit paired with a heavy coat over it.

Saneer Malhotra and Vainul Gandotra, founders of New Delhi-based premium luxury label Wake Your Dreams, also believe that the evolution of men’s fashion has given people the opportunity to opt for more eccentric clothing options—case in point, a pair of shorts. “Fashion has become more about defining your personality. Experimentation is the new ‘it factor,’ and we’d recommend shorts for casual and even formal occasions,” says the designer duo. They also draw attention to the references in Indian history where men wore shorts as formal attire. “On formal occasions like the Royal Ascot, shorts were considered an elegant choice of clothing. In India, shorts are part of the ensemble in an age-old sport like polo,” they add.

While purpose and intention can probably help you style your shorts better, it doesn’t mean that if one were to discount those factors, shorts can’t be worn on a regular basis, as Ishita Mehta, founder of athleisure label IMWIP (‘I Am Work In Progress’), points out. “At IMWIP, we create shorts of all lengths and materials. Our customers believe that shorts are seasonless; they are no longer associated with just beachwear,” says Mehta. “There’s no right or wrong way to wear anything anymore. If we are suddenly wearing hoodies and sweatpants at airports and restaurants, then what’s wrong with wearing shorts everywhere too?” she adds.

How to style your shorts

There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to shorts. “Shorts paired with a polo T-shirt and loafers is a clean, classic combination.  Pairing shorts with a crisp shirt, ankle socks and hi-top sneakers will lend an experimental look, while if you wear them with a hoodie, socks and lows, it’s a casual yet vibrant look,” share Malhotra and Gandotra.

When it comes to length, Mehta believes that shorts shouldn’t go below your knees, or show too much of your thighs. The shorts that she designs hit right at the knees. “Our signature ‘Labeless’ shorts—also available as a set—are so popular among both men and women, we now sell them in six different colours,” she reveals. If you’re wary about carrying off shorts, remember one basic rule that Kher shares. “If you are short, don’t wear oversized shorts; they’ll only make you look shorter,” he says.

The wardrobe shortlist

Once you’re convinced and committed to adding shorts to your daily wardrobe, the first thing to consider is the kind of shorts you would need for various occasions. “There are numerous options such as board shorts, Bermudas, boxers, chinos and low-rise shorts. But the ones that are a must-have are chino shorts for a classy look and a pair of Bermudas for a comfortable yet statement look,” say Malhotra and Gandotra.

“You need swim shorts, workout shorts, pyjama shorts to sleep in, structured shorts to behave like a grown-up and an elastic or drawstring pair of shorts to lounge around in. Whether you choose plain, printed or embroidered ones, they should sit just above your knees,” says Kher. For Mehta, cargo shorts are a big no-no, though it depends on the individual’s style. “It all boils down to whether you can pull it off or not. Even if you don’t pull it off, hope that someone else will let you know,” she concludes.

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