Shorts: The Long and Short of it.

Shorts are pretty much a staple for me. I've been wearing them since I was young. I wear them at home, out to class and to everywhere as long as it's suited to the occasion and the weather permits. Some people have told me that wearing shorts for them just feels weird, as though they've outgrown them. Showing some calf skin makes them feel naked and self-conscious. But when it's a hundered degrees outside, shorts aren't such a bad idea after all.

Then comes the debate of how 'short' should shorts be? Well, I've done some reading up on this matter in magazines and online and have more or less complied the information and digested it into the following:


- Shorts are all about the length and the fit. There are cargo shorts which are slightly baggy with pockets, ones which are more slim fitted but still casual, tailored ones and those typical khaki shorts. Personally I prefer a pair of fitted shorts because they tend to look more sleek (And I said FITTED and NOT 'FIGURE HUGGING' because skin-tight shorts are awful). But then again, I have loose ones as well when comfort comes first.

- When you wear shorts, they are supposed to sit comfortably on your natural waist which is about 2 inches below the belly-button. And you should be able to stick in about 2 fingers at the waist band so that it's fitted and still comfortable and you're still able to have a meal without having to unbutton them.

- The length of shorts really are to your preference. But the length should fall between slightly covering your knees to about 4 inches above your knee. Put four fingers above your knee, that's about the shortest they should go. Any shorter than that is considered short shorts and that's a whole other topic. Another tip is stand straight with your arms on your side and the tip of your middle finger should be the shortest they should reach.

- Shorts should not go wayyy past your knees. Shorts which are too long may end up looking like pants which are too short (does that make sense?). If your shorts are halfway through your calves, then they might as well be capris and guys usually don't wear capris. It's about proportions. Just remember that shorts which are too long cuts off your legs and make you look shorter; and you don't want to look short do you?

- You should have more or less decent looking legs to pull off shorts. And the word 'decent' is quite subjective. Some believe that you should have fit legs to be able to wear shorts. Others say that skinny legs are also alright. Some think that you shouldn't have too much hair or scars, etc. So, ask a friend when you're trying out shorts for a second opinion.


Here are some examples of the good:

- Knee Length Shorts which skim the knees are a good length to get started on.
Gianfranco Ferre, Spring/Summer 2010


- Knee Length Shorts.
Armand Basi


- Above-the-knee shorts.
D&G, Fall/Winter 2006


- A good length for board shorts.
Bottega Veneta, Spring/Summer 2010


- A good length for shorts.
Neil Barrett, Spring/Summer 2009

And the bad:

- Let's be honest, these are just too short.
Trussardi 1911, Spring/Summer 2010


- HELL NO...TOO LONG! You'd look like a midget in these.

Shorts are great when it's just too hot or when you want to break away from your everyday routine of jeans/pants. Just mixing up the wardrobe a little.

Aside from that, one thing I don't get are the board shorts. They are called board shorts for a reason: for surfing and/or activities related to getting drenched. Don't wear them out for other occasions for god's sake. THEY ARE NOT CASUAL WEAR. THEY ARE SWIMWEAR!!!


Stay tuned for more.