Men’s shorts – a style run-down (and how to avoid looking like you’re still at school)

Men’s shorts are never going to be the easiest of items to wear – especially if you’re British and are used to keeping most of your flesh under wraps for the best part of the year.

But when the sun finally does shine and there’s nowt else to do about it but don a pair of shorts, here’s how to make sure you don’t end up looking like a five-year-old on their way to primary school.

1. Get the length right

Men’s shorts come in a whole array of leg-skimming lengths, from super-skimpy 80s style tennis numbers to ‘boardie’-style shorts that hang well below the knee. Firstly, unless you are doing it ironically, please – for the nation’s sake – avoid men’s shorts that are definitely in the skimpy category. However hot it is, no passerby needs to feel they’re at risk of catching a glimpse of your crown jewels. Instead, accept the fact that the universally most-accepted length of men’s shorts is ‘just above the knee’, and stick to that as best you can.

2. The look

In terms of wearability, it’s got to be the chino-style short that wins hands down. This easy-to-wear style comes in a vast selection of colours from standard navy right through to neon – so go with what’s right for the occasion (we’re not sure neon would work in a 9-5 situation, but on a night out in Ibiza, it’s a totally different matter). Elsewhere, denim shorts work great when paired with loose-fit tees, jogger-material shorts belong on a sports pitch, and cut-offs can add a touch of sex appeal.

3. To drop crotch, or not drop crotch?

The drop crotch has been around for a while – but mainly on trousers. However, the look has made the leap into men’s shorts… so the question is do you dare? It’s a style that probably needs an upper age limit in place – that being 33 (or 35 if you had an easy paper round). There’s no doubt that – due to their relaxed fit – drop crotch shorts hold hot weather appeal, but you’ll need the swagger to pull these off.

4. A prince in prints

Double denim may well have worked its way back into the nation’s fashion consciousness, but prints on prints is a no no. Men’s shorts can pull off a print or two – whether it’s Hawaiian-inspired, a bit of paisley, or a repetitive dot – but just steer clear of a patterned top-half.

5. Never (ever) wear men’s shorts in grey polyester

They were the shorts du jour in years 4,5 and 6 – but that’s where this look stays – in the playground.

For a timeless – and safely just-above-the-knee – look, check out Crew Clothing’s classic, lightweight bermuda shorts, pictured above, available in a range of colours including bright blue, raspberry and navy. The shorts are priced at £50 each, but until 31 December 2014 you can get 5% off when you spend £50 on any full-priced items at Crew Clothing online and quote the code ‘SAIL50′ at checkout.

Price quoted is correct as of 10 June 2014, but may be subject to change.