When the dog days of summer roll in, shorts are an absolute essential. Forget all the hand-wringing about when and where to wear them—you’ll know. It might be a backyard barbecue. Or a particularly balmy evening at the bar. Or, in this particular instance, one of the first truly blistering days of the season at New York’s storied Coney Island.
We took three real guys—heights: 6'3", 6', and 5'8"—for some sun, sand, and Nathan’s hotdogs so they could put the three key shorts lengths to the test. A word on those lengths: they’re 5, 7, and 9 inches, all referring to the inseam. Each one has its place in your wardrobe. So whether you’re looking to bare some thigh or just keep your knees cool, here’s what you need to know.
Call it the modern option or the throwback. Both descriptions are accurate. Shorter inseams were the name of the game back in the day, and they’re right back in style today. For very tall guys, this might prove a little challenging—but you can just lean into the vibe with an Ivy Style polo if you’re worried about how to rock this length. For shorter guys, the inseam will actually keep you nicely in proportion. And if you’re right in the middle? All good. The style is surprisingly versatile. Just make sure you remember your sunscreen.
5" Shorts ($78) by Bonobos. Left: Polo shirt ($85) by Polo Ralph Lauren, sunglasses ($250 for similar) by Tomas Maier, bracelet ($95) by Miansai, watch ($138) by Timex x Todd Snyder, sandals ($70) by Teva. Center: Popover shirt ($70 for similar) by Chubbies, bracelet ($85) by Miansai, watch ($129) by Timex, sneakers ($85) by Converse. Right: Shirt ($91) by Allsaints, sunglasses ($260) by Persol, necklace ($165) by Miansai, sneakers ($60) by Vans.
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Think of this length as the utility player of your shorts wardrobe. It’ll work for just about anything (except maybe the office). It gives you just a little bit of exposure on the thigh, but not enough to garner any Daisy Duke comparisons. Plus, this length lends itself to both the reserved (think a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled) and something a little more adventurous (hello, boldly printed popover).
7" shorts ($55) by Chubbies. Left: Shirt ($70 for similar) by Chubbies, sunglasses ($250 for similar) by Tomas Maier, bracelet ($95) by Miansai, watch ($138) by Timex x Todd Snyder. Center: Shirt ($91) by Allsaints, T-shirt ($28) by Alternative, sunglasses ($490) by Salt, bracelet ($165) by Miansai, watch ($129) by Timex. Right: Shirt ($90) by Polo Ralph Lauren, sunglasses ($387) by State Optical, bracelet ($365) by Miansai, watch (model's own) by Longines.
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This is the most conservative of the bunch when it comes to showing off those legs. Depending on your height, it’ll likely skim the very top of your kneecap. If you’re quite tall, you might get a little less coverage. If you’re on the shorter side, you might catch yourself with your calves (very slightly) covered. In that case, reverse course. We’re well past the days of shorts masquerading as capri pants. (And trust us, you don’t want them to come back.)
9" shorts ($105) by Polo Ralph Lauren. Left: Shirt ($60) by Everlane, sunglasses ($250 for similar) by Tomas Maier, sneakers ($80) by Converse. Center: T-shirt ($30) by Mott & Bow, necklace ($145) by Miansai, sunglasses ($490) by Salt, socks ($49 for six pairs) by Nice Laundry, sneakers ($60) by Vans. Right: Shirt ($69) and T-shirt ($30) by Mott & Bow, sunglasses ($387) by State Optical, watch (model's own) by Longines, sneakers ($80) by Converse.
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Photography by Kat Wirsing • Video by Tyler Joe • Video Edit by Eddie Phan • Styling by Jonathan Evans & Christine Flammia • Grooming by Nina Soriano • Special Thanks to Models, Ned Clinard & David Weis
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