Men’s shorts are finally classy

A piece of thigh. Exposed calf. Knees get some much-needed sunlight.

If one adheres to the traditional mens dress code, men’s shorts that reveal bare legs are the antithesis of professional, formal wear. Even in July, when the humidity in New York turns the city into a hotbox, one can find streams of trouser-clad businessmen pouring into the streets with a thick sheen of sweat covering their brows. But, increasingly, the menswear maverick is embracing shorts for the most high-profile occasions, from date nights (with Rihanna of course) to extravagant fashion shows and even the Met Gala.

A meaningful reconsideration of where and when shorts fit is long overdue. They have long been positioned as too casual (see: beachwear) or youthful (perhaps because, for a long time, they were known as 19th-century children’s underpants). The very wise Tom Ford once said, A man mustn’t wear shorts in town. Shorts may only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach. But limits on shorts in Crucial Situations aren’t entirely practical for menswear wearers, especially when sun dresses and breezy skirts are more than acceptable. As my colleague Christian Allaire once wrote, The problem is, men showing off their legs in a professional setting has become an absolute taboo. Wearing shorts to the office? Forget it: Human Resources will personally escort me out of the building.

However, fashion is increasingly lifting shorts. No one masters their fantasy iteration better than euphoria actor Jacob Elordy last week. The internet heartthrob attended Valentino’s spring 2024 show in a pair of expertly (and strategically) pleated shorts. Trousers by Pierpaolo Piccioli achieve, what I like to call, the golden thigh-to-toe ratio in Elordi. The look feels flirty and sleek, compared to short wearers who often fall victim to casual, slouchy, or childish looks. Paired with a leather blazer, light black tie and wide-rimmed sunglasses, the Elordi gives an outfit a mature, sharp edge and is perfect for the studious student. Pice match? The actors exposed Nike branded socks.

Certain parts of the internet liked the look. This summer shorts are SHORT! one user wrote.