I’ll bet it is easy to style trousers than shorts! What? You may have been wearing shorts for quite a long time but are you wearing them right fit- matching with right shoes, socks- combining right colours of shorts and shirts.
Almost all the guidelines hold fast for the shorts as trousers but shorts are restricted to leisurely activities and more casual social occasions. One cannot wear shorts for business meetings, interviews or workplaces. However, if you are going to put on shorts in your next interview I wish you would encounter this article before this attempt.
Shorts are functional, trendy, and handy clothing item. Shorts are not when you cut your pants half; sew the hem and set off for a picnic. They have a reputation of a much-needed wardrobe element and deserve a rack authoritatively.
Shorts are designed for an array of activities and they feature different fabrics and style. Beach floral shorts, work out shorts, denim shorts, cargo shorts or formal shorts which look good with shirts or polo.
Compatibility of Shorts with Other Garments
Shorts are flexible and can be combined with
• Shirts, T shirts-polo, crew neck.
• Jackets- leather jackets, sweaters, denim jackets
Shoes
• Loafers, boat shoes, sneakers even boots.
• Boat shoes or loafers look perfect with shorts but if you have sports shoes or sneakers then it is ok too.
Accessory
You can accessories shorts with belts, watches, caps, sunglasses- nearly everything save ties and pocket squares.
Functionality of Shorts
You may have never done this but if you count the occasions when you can wear shorts will exceed all other garments. Sports, beach, paint work, fishing, gym, swimming, parties, strolling, boxing, barbecue, food parties.
Shorts are so functional that you can wear them anytime anywhere.
Shorts allow maximum ventilation when you need, ease to move around. You can wade through knee deep water in shorts, in case you want to stay dry. You must have seen professional photographers wearing only shorts while filming videos in the wild.
How to Choose Shorts
Purpose
All shorts types have their own purpose. You need to own 2-3 different types for separate occasions. Beach, floral or striped trunks are for surfing swimming. Cargo shorts have their own occasion. Wear standard khaki shorts with a shirt or a polo to get a trim look. You cannot add belts to all shorts. Neither all shorts have loops nor style to support a belt.
Fit
Pick a nice fit around waist, hips and thighs. Do not wear shorts that are too tight or too baggy. A well-fitting pair of shorts will look graceful and trendy.
Length
Shorts should end just above knees. If yours are longer get them tailored to fit you. Boxers or swimming trunks are shorter in length as needed for free movements during sports. cargo shorts are long and bigger. If you are no traveller nor carry much content in pockets buy other types of shorts than cargo.
Pockets
Choose shorts with two side pockets and minimum one rear pocket. Trousers shorts have two cross pockets and two rear pockets. Running or boxer shorts come with either no pocket or two side pockets since you an athlete does not carry anything during exercise or sport session. Cargo shorts have two extra flap pockets. Usually photographers or field persons need cargo pockets to keep tools and gadgets.
Type of Shorts
Cargo shorts
Oversized shorts for special activities. They feature many pockets. Two rear flap pockets, two front cross pockets and two more flap pockets above the leg opening. The pockets are deeper and wider. A carpenter, or a tourist would definitely be able to use this much space effectively. If you don’t need many pockets go for other type of shorts.
Denim shorts
These can either be made by cutting off denim or bought ready-made. Denim shorts have a tight fitting just like a full denim. A fancy combination could be T-shirt and denim shorts over boots. Being able to absorb more water it is not suitable for swimming since they become heavy to carry. Also, you should avoid denim shorts during vigorous sports activities for the denim fabric allows poor ventilation and causes more sweating making you feel uncomfortable.
Frayed denim shorts are also sold in the market in which the leg opening is left unhemmed giving the shorts a distressed appearance. Some denim shorts have cuff on them. It looks kind of fashionable.
Boxer’s shorts
These are small size shorts with a drawstring and elastic. Usually the seams have piping to reinforce the sewing. They also feature notches on side seams to allow freedom of movement. The leg opening is wider for high kicks and jumping. The waistband has a high quality elastic to ensure perfect fitting during full activity. They also feature many folds in the front to create space around thighs. Boxer shorts are made of synthetic material and have spandex mixed.
Beach shorts
Beach shorts use light sturdy fabric, usually quality cotton. The prints may be images of trees, leaves, or flowers to make it correspond to the water activities. Beach shorts are mainly reserved for beach or swimming pool. They also come in checker or striped patterns.
Chino style shorts
Also called trousers shorts these shorts can be teamed with shirts and polos. They have exactly similar design as chinos with length above knees. You have belt loops to wear a belt. Wear a belt with these shorts if you are pairing a polo T-shirt or a white or other plain shirt. Wear boat shoes or loafers with them. Avoid matching dress shoes with trouser shorts.
Military shorts
A more inspiring shorts design is a military cut. If you like these military camouflage shorts go ahead with them. They are made of a thick fabric to protect you from harsh surrounding and small scratches. Wear black or olive round neck Tees and boots with them. Put a bucket hat on and you are all set to be a jungle cruiser.
How to Style shorts
1. Wear shorts with denim shirt
Have fun with fabric and colours. Combine fitting shorts with an untucked denim shirt. Finish the look with loafers or sneakers whichever suits you best. Wear metal watch and shade to enhance your style. You can also wear a cap to shade your face.
2. Wear printed trunks at beach
Floral or other colourful print is perfect for water activities. The print matches with the surrounding and feels natural. Choose a thin fabric such as cotton which dries up soon and does not retain water for long and dries up soon.
3. Wear Khaki or Chino Shorts at parties or friendly gathering
A formal way to style shorts is to pair it with a shirt or polo. Team a plain black or white polo or a plain shirt with khaki shorts. Tuck the shirt and fasten the belt to achieve a perfect dressed up look. Pair boat shoes or boots to up your attire. This outfit looks better when you want to dress up a little bit. Always wear low ankle socks with shorts. It will absorb the sweat and keep your feet fresh.
Some tips and facts about Shorts
- Shorts are shorts and trousers are trousers. Don’t make a mistake of turning trousers into shorts by turning them up. Buy shorts in stead.
- If you have muscular thighs denim shorts will look great. But wear them tailored else they will look baggy.
- Always wear fitting shorts. However for swimming and work out wear slightly loose to allow free movement.
- Don’t make shorts an identity. Some men wear shorts all the time and go out in them. Just like any other garment shorts too have a time and place. Make sure you put on shorts for the suitable occasions.
- Wear shoes with shorts.
