How short should men's shorts be?

[Fritz]

 

[DSF140]

If you're a bodybuilder, then the shorter the shorts the better. Well-developed quads and hamstrings are great to look at and admire.

 

[894956]

Now that I stopped wearing underwear, I like them with about a 7'" inseam.
Back when shorter shorts were common, I would go as short as about 2" with briefs.

 

[long legs]

I like wearing shorts with 5" inseam and no underwear.

 

[kdubb]

The shorter the better. Especially if the shorts don't have a liner and the guy is not wearing underwear. If he spreads his legs while sitting and his "goodies" happen to peek out, then fantastic!

 

[Anton565]

For street wear (as opposed to gym), I sort of work backwards. I like pockets deep enough to hold my cell phone, keys, etc. without the pockets sticking out the bottom of the leg. Provided that's covered, the shorter, the better, IMO. The shorts need to fit your body. If the shorts are baggy, going shorter will make your legs look skinny.

I've always had big hips and skinny legs for my waist size. Tilly's London Skinny chinos, jeans, and shorts get my the most compliments. An FYI: Although Tilly's caters to the HS and College crowd, much of what you see in their adverts is ALSO available in solid colors, making them a good choice for us older, skinny guys.

 

[622675]

Definitely depends on your perspective.

 

[halcyondays]

I was born in the sixties and came of age in 70s when everyone wore short shorts. Starting in the 80s mens' shorts got longer and longer and the short style hasn't returned.

Sigh. I miss thigh.

 

[894956]

For street wear (as opposed to gym), I sort of work backwards. I like pockets deep enough to hold my cell phone, keys, etc. without the pockets sticking out the bottom of the leg. Provided that's covered, the shorter, the better, IMO. The shorts need to fit your body. If the shorts are baggy, going shorter will make your legs look skinny.

I've always had big hips and skinny legs for my waist size. Tilly's London Skinny chinos, jeans, and shorts get my the most compliments. An FYI: Although Tilly's caters to the HS and College crowd, much of what you see in their adverts is ALSO available in solid colors, making them a good choice for us older, skinny guys.

Back in the 70's the fashion was to wear cutoffs short enough that the bottom of the pocket stuck out.

 

[pdxjoe]

They would look much better on fit guys if they were in the two to six inch range at the inseam. That size will give most guys full coverage with underwear or without underwear, I wear shorts of this size going commando without showing anything. I grew up and came of age in the 50's and 60's we either wore our jeans as cut offs or 3 to 4 inch inseam shorts with no problems, only the most preppy of men wore "clam diggers" down to their knees . I sure miss those days of men not being afraid to show their legs and body.

 

[Fritz]

 

[Anton565]

Back in the 70's the fashion was to wear cutoffs short enough that the bottom of the pocket stuck out.

I was just at the end of that. I thought the pockets sticking out looked weird, but having the shorts long enough to prevent that would have looked far more weird back then.

"I sure miss those days of men not being afraid to show their legs and body."

Me too.... But we should count our blessings; at least tight pants have come back...

 

[ColonialBoy]

I follow various "preppy clothing" blogs, its a style that rarely changes and they prefer shorter shorts.

Here's some inspiration:

http://www.collegetrad.com/?p=36

https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/

Here in Australia, the Stubbies brand has been making short shorts forever:

http://www.stubbiesworkwear.com.au/product/stubbies-original-cotton-drill-short/

 

[erik1dere]

View attachment 830637

The perfect size! View attachment 830642

 

[AdamFin]

Back in the 70's the fashion was to wear cutoffs short enough that the bottom of the pocket stuck out.

Short shorts on men look silly in my view. They look girly.

 

[sdbg]

Shorts with a 6" inseam work best for me. There is a tailor across the street who does inexpensive alterations, and he has shortened many of the long shorts that I have bought.

I also found Soffe mini-mesh gym shorts on line that feature a 5" inseam. I refuse to buy any shorts that cover my knees.

 

[BigDee3]

I think it has to be above the knee for sure

 

[Jefflhlee]

I freeball and have no problem wearing running shorts with 1" inseams... I love those that have full side slits that goes all the way up to the waist...

 

[Sandalguy]

Tend to wear denim cut-offs with 6inch inseam. Allows me to free-ball without too many obvious dick slips... Great to see denim shorts making their mark again. Nothing quite like denim cut offs with white T and strappy brown gladiator or hippie sandals!

 

[894956]

I freeball and have no problem wearing running shorts with 1" inseams... I love those that have full side slits that goes all the way up to the waist...

How do you sit or bend over without everything falling out.