The (literal) rise of the ‘best cropped trousers for men’ in recent years is a welcome development in menswear. Where women enjoy legwear of every conceivable length, men have been stuck with shorts and traditional trousers, at least for the last few decades. (NB: We’re not counting three-quarter length pants and neither should you.)

It’s hardly a 21st-century trend, though. Men have been cropping their trousers in one way or another since Roman times when the sun-kissed conquerors stole some style inspiration from the heathens they were defeating in colder climates. But while empires rise and fall, a good menswear staple is eternal.

If you’re looking for a more recent touchpoint, try the mid-1950s, when the best cropped trousers for men became the legwear of choice for Riviera jet setters. Taking a cue from Capri pants – popular amongst women at the time – cotton or twill trousers finished at the lower shin or ankle, allowing for a sockless look with loafers. After that, streetwear types were the next group to hike up their hems. Then realised that the best cropped trousers for men have many of the same benefits as pinrolled jeans or chinos: they let your ankles breathe, make you look taller, and let you display your prized sneakers. ”

How To Style Cropped Trousers

For some traditionalists, of course, a raised hem brings a raised eye-brow, but follow a few rules and you can’t fail to look stylish. First, keep the vibe strictly Mr. Ripley, says stylist Alex Longmore: “The cut [either slim and tailored or deliberately wide] is the most important aspect of a the best cropped trousers for men, so pair with simple white tees and Cuban collar shirts – cotton and linen are your best bet for authenticity.”

To get mathematical about trouser length, the safest way to wear cropped trews is with the hem sitting about an inch above your ankle. Let it slide any further up your shin and you run the risk of looking like a teenager on a growth spurt. The only exception, perhaps, is the skater trend, where a higher break can be used to show off a pair of white tube socks and your new limited-edition sneakers. But the second it looks like you’re wearing pedal pushers, take them off and find something that actually fits you. With your wallet in mind, these brands offer the real cream of the cropped.