The Ultimate Highsnobiety Guide to Shorts for 2023
As temperatures rise, it's time to dive into the world of men's shorts, a vital component of a stylish summer wardrobe. From poolside lounging to casual outings and outdoor adventures, the right pair of shorts can do wonders to your fashion game.
Shorts, just like shirts or shoes, are an integral component of a well-rounded outfit. In fact, they can truly make or break your entire look, hence necessitating careful selection. There's an undeniable art to picking out the right pair that complements your personal style and enhances your overall aesthetic.
The realm of men's shorts extends far beyond the basics of denim cut-offs or standard athletic shorts. From casual and comfortable to sleek and stylish, shorts come in an array of forms, each serving a specific purpose and style statement.
Whether you're looking for cargo shorts for a relaxed weekend outing, tailored shorts to pair with a blazer for a sophisticated summer look, or athletic shorts for your workout sessions, our guide will provide clarity and direction. Perhaps you're drawn to bold patterns or maybe you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, we'll delve into the broad spectrum of styles that exist. We understand that every person's style is unique, and we aim to cater to that diversity.
Regardless of the occasion or style you're aiming for, Highsnobiety's guide to shorts will equip you with the knowledge and insights you need.
So, let's journey together into the dynamic world of shorts and discover how they can play a pivotal role in elevating your fashion game to the next level.
High-End Heat: Luxury Shorts to Elevate Your Summer Wardrobe
Indulge in the pinnacle of comfort and refined style with luxury shorts that elevate casual summer dressing to new heights. Crafted from premium materials like fine cotton or linen blends, these shorts boast impeccable tailoring and meticulous attention to detail. Luxury shorts from brands like Dries Van Noten or Acne Studios, often incorporate subtle branding and refined embellishments, making them a versatile choice for both casual and semi-formal occasions. With their sophisticated aesthetics, they effortlessly transition from relaxed daytime outings to upscale evening gatherings.
Look for details like welt pockets, pleats, and high-quality hardware that contribute to their luxurious appeal. Choose neutral shades for a refined and timeless look or experiment with bold colors and patterns to make a statement. Regardless of your choice, luxury shorts epitomize the art of relaxed refinement.
Make Waves: Swim Shorts that Redefine Beachwear
Embrace the call of beaches and pools with stylish swim shorts, designed to offer great comfort and quick-drying functionality.
Constructed from lightweight and water-resistant fabrics, swim shorts feature elasticated waistbands and adjustable drawstrings for a customizable fit. These shorts come in many colors, prints, and patterns, allowing you to express your style at the beach or pool.
Consider features like mesh lining for added support, multiple pockets for practicality, and a range of lengths to suit your preference. For a refined swimwear look, opt for tailored swim shorts in solid tones or subtle patterns. If you're feeling more adventurous, explore bold prints and vibrant colors to make a splash. Whatever your choice, swim shorts provide a blend of style and functionality, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable as you dive into summer adventures.
Extra Length, Extra Style: A Guide to Long Shorts
Unwind in relaxed and laid-back aesthetics with long shorts, a versatile option that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. These shorts typically extend just above or slightly below the knee, providing a more extended silhouette.
Available in various materials such as cotton, linen, or technical fabrics, long shorts offer a range of styling possibilities.
Look for details like adjustable waistbands, deep pockets, and thoughtful stitching that adds a touch of refinement to the relaxed silhouette. Long shorts are ideal for casual occasions, outdoor activities, or days when you want a comfortable yet stylish alternative to traditional shorts. Pair them with a loose-fitting graphic tee and sneakers for a laid-back and effortlessly cool look. For a touch of sophistication, combine them with a lightweight button-up shirt and leather sandals.
Long shorts embody the spirit of effortless summer style, offering comfort without compromising on fashion.
Summertime Cool: Your Guide to the Best Summer Shorts
When temperatures soar, turn to summer shorts as your ultimate allies for keeping cool and comfortable.
These mid-length shorts typically fall just above or at the knee and are crafted from lightweight materials like cotton or linen. With an array of patterns, prints, and solid colors to choose from, summer shorts inject a playful charm into your wardrobe. Here as well, look for details such as rolled cuffs, drawstring waistbands, and breathable fabrics that enhance comfort during those hot summer days.
Consider various styles like chino shorts for a preppy aesthetic, cargo shorts for a touch of utilitarian flair, or patterned shorts for a fun and vibrant look. Style summer shorts with a lightweight summer shirt or a casual short-sleeve shirts for a breezy and effortlessly fashionable summer look.
Complete the look with a good old shorts and hoodie combo, and boat shoes or canvas sneakers for a laid-back vibe or dress it up with loafers or espadrilles for a more polished feel.
Summer shorts are the epitome of easygoing style, keeping you cool and stylish no matter the occasion.
Jorts Everywhere: The Enduring Appeal Of Denim Shorts
Denim shorts, or jorts as we like to call them now, stand the test of time as perennial favorites, offering versatility and an effortlessly cool aesthetic for casual summer styling. Crafted from durable denim fabric, these shorts come in various cuts and finishes, from classic five-pocket designs to distressed or cuffed variations.
Look for styles with a touch of stretch for added comfort and freedom of movement. The denim fabric allows you to opt for different washes and finishes, including faded, vintage-inspired, or raw denim, to match your personal style. Best of all, you can pair them with pretty much anything. You can combine them with a crisp white t-shirt and sandals, adding a touch of sophistication to your casual attire. Denim shorts, are as popular as ever, making them an essential summer staple.
Game On: Sport Shorts That Win On Style
For the active individuals or those seeking a sporty aesthetic, sport shorts provide the perfect combination of functionality and style.
Designed with performance in mind, sport shorts incorporate moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or simply embracing athleisure-inspired fashion, sport shorts offer a practical and fashion-forward choice for working out and more.
Opt for versatile colors like black, navy, or gray for a classic look or experiment with color-blocking for a bolder statement. Combine sport shorts with a lightweight performance tee and sneakers for your workout sessions or style them with a relaxed-fit hoodie and basketball shoes for a sporty-casual ensemble.
Sport shorts seamlessly blend fashion and function, allowing you to stay active and stylish in the summer heat.
Cargo Shorts: Reimagining the Utility Trend
Often undervalued and misunderstood, the cargo short has emerged from the shadows of '90s nostalgia and reclaimed its place as a wardrobe essential for the style-conscious. Once primarily a symbol of practicality and utility, modern cargo shorts fuse functionality with cutting-edge fashion, becoming a staple in the sartorial arsenal of fashion-forward individuals.
In this resurrection, the cargo short has shed its dated image, evolving beyond the baggy, below-the-knee designs of yesteryears. Today's variants champion a refined silhouette – slimmer, tailored, and ready to take your style game to the next level. Now more than ever, cargo shorts are seen strutting down runways, adorning the pages of style magazines, and donned by style influencers, a testament to their newfound status.
The cargo short is a statement – it's about embracing an aesthetic that values both form and function. But how do you style these pocketed marvels without falling into outdated clichés?
Picture this - a pair of sleek, black cargo shorts teamed with a crisp white tee and some fresh sneakers. The look is minimalist yet edgy, a testament to the versatility of the cargo short. Alternatively, lean into the utility trend with a cargo-pocketed jacket, elevating the practical appeal and delivering a coherent, fashion-forward ensemble.
The sheer versatility of cargo shorts allows them to be paired seamlessly with virtually anything in your wardrobe, from oversized shirts to tailored blazers.
Now that you are all up to date on shorts, check out our shoes guide and shirts encyclopedia.
