Men's Shorts: Lisa's Recommendations For Summer 2009

Here are a few shorts I recommend; and don't recommend, for the everyman's man this summer season:

Every man should have a pair of white, flat front shorts in his closet. This example is from Bonobos and it comes in Regular or Long to custom fit different height and leg lengths.  White shorts are a classic, summer staple and can easily be dressed up or down.

 

Here are two, timelessly, classic examples.  On the right is a linen, flat front short from Joseph Abboud; a very elegant look. 

On the left is a traditional, flat front houndstooth short by Theory.  

While I don't recommend shorts for the business workplace, these shorts would be appropriate for an elegant, outdoor picnic on a hot, summer day.  The edgier crew could have fun wearing these in a formal meets casually hip combination.

I like these plaid shorts for their clean lines and modern, playful look.  They would be versatile options to dress up with a dress shirt or polo; or dress down with a T-shirt.  Please wear a belt with them if you are tucking your shirt in (which I recommend for a mature and polished look).  These three examples are from Canterbury of New Zealand, Original Penguin and Ben Sherman respectively.

  

Here are three more patterned options I like.  The first is a casually polished plaid by 7 For All Mankind.  The second is a pinstriped short from Lacoste (I know it looks like a solid from afar, but that is the magic of pinstripe!).  The third is a fun plaid that has a playfully European look to it and a very nice shape.  It's a "washed canvas short" by Penguin.  Very Sherlock Holmes.

Yes, collared shirts are required on the golf course, however pleated pants are not.  These pleats date your look, and age you unnecessarily.  They can also give you a saggy rear and pear shaped hips. Need I say more?  I recommend you replace your pleated shorts with some of the aforementioned flat front options.

 

Darling, these are not shorts, they are called capris.  Unless you are going for the capris look, I suggest you pack up these cargo-capris and buy some shorts, man.

 

Another example of cargo shorts (which I am not a fan of unless you really need six or more pockets on your pants).  Many designer shorts this season have drawstrings at the hem.  I am not a fan of this look because it breaks the visual line (which runs from your neck to your toes) and in my opinion, looks goofy (unless you are playing flag football).

I feel a bit incomplete because I didn't recommended seersucker short.  However, I haven't found a pair I love this season. Let me know if you have a good suggestion.

My next post will include tips on how to wear shorts well to look your best.

-Lisa Bruckner Trunk Club Expert

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