Introduction

Denim, denim, denim – where would menswear be without it? It forms a significant part of our wardrobes, the backbone if you will, and has done so now for centuries.

Despite its perennial presence, denim has in fact been recognised as a major trend for this spring/summer. Designers such as Valentino and Calvin Klein have had their say and are championing this most rugged of fabrics for the season; using it for everything from tuxedos and suits to full denim ensembles.

Whilst its popularity is undeniably enduring, in its traditional guise of jeans, denim isn’t the most comfortable choice for warm weather.

Step forward the denim/jean short. Breezier than its full-length counterpart and far more weather-appropriate, especially as we begin the transition into autumn, denim shorts are a serious alternative to chino versions and a popular choice for denim-heads and streetwear aficionados come high summer.

Denim Shorts

Although they are still a controversial style for some, over the past couple of years denim shorts have cemented themselves as a casual summer staple. This popularity is highly unlikely to wane either, especially with mums and students up and down the country lopping old jeans into this shorter alternative – something we so happen to have a very handy guide to. After all, we can’t have you wandering around in mis-cut, lopsided jean/short hybrids can we?

Whether your denim shorts are a D.I.Y. effort or a more conventional purchase, the first thing to understand is that they are a casual piece. Although the short suits debate is currently dominating menswear – and shorts continue to plot to take over the realm of smart-casual – denim shorts won’t be fighting in the vanguard for this one. They will be firmly left behind to hold down the fort on the more casual side of the divide; pair them with tees not ties.