Mango Man

Short Shorts

Who loves short shorts? Menswear designers, that’s who. And after a couple of drinks, we’ll admit that we do too. Before you baulk at the prospect of exposing “underbum”, let us first clarify that there’s a difference between short shorts and hotpants. It pays to be precise. We’re talking about shorts that just hit the upper middle thigh, not anything that could be mistaken for your groin region.

Unsurprisingly, the condition of your legs makes a massive difference to how easily you can pull this fabric-swerving style off: slimmer or larger legs will have no place to hide, so short shorts are best avoided for those with bottom-half hang-ups.

Still, even professional sprinters will have to exercise some caution and avoid anything remotely snug. You’ll need to summon the spirit of Armie Hammer in Call Me By Your Name. For this you’ll need a loose long-sleeved Oxford shirt, worn-in retro sneakers and a pair of white sports socks. By covering up a around the ankle, you’ll be counterbalancing the acres of leg flesh on show.

Suitsupply

Printed Shorts

Printed shorts are a funny old beast because there seems to be no mid-point on the taste continuum: they’re either solidly striped perfection or some crass comedy cartoon print. Too many examples of the latter have encouraged chronic aversion among most men, often at the cost of the former.

To wear the trend without your bottom causing eyes on stalks this summer, it’s advisable to stick to abstract camouflage or bold multi-coloured stripes which get the stamp of menswear approval. Too much? Look at micro print shorts for a quieter way to get involved.

The double-print co-ord thing may have taken sway on the catwalks, but at the pub or in the park, you’re going to want to curtail the crazy. For this a block colour open collar polo shirt or a classic white Oxford shirt is your best bet and let some black or tan penny loafers smarten things up a bit.