The Long and Short of it

Greetings Gentle Readers,

As the dogs days of summer endure, we've decided to tackle an issue we've noticed several of our gentleman friends seem to be having with their warmer weather wardrobes: Short length. Ladies, b/c of the variety of choices in length of your shorts, you avoid this problem... Whether Bermudas, walking shorts, or short shorts, you all can pretty much wear anything, b/c let's face it... Everyone wants to see a bit of leg... The fellas, well, we have a bit more of a struggle.

So, we'll cut right to the chase (pun intended) the most universally flattering style of short for a gentleman is a flat front walking short. Just like your flat front khakis and trousers, the flat front walking short should be pleat-less, and fall straight down the length of your leg. These are the shorts that we're recommending for daily use, your everyday, pound the pavement, out and about, and even, night out shorts. They should end right about at the knee, maybe a little above.

The taller you are, the longer than can be. Those around or above 6'0" can rock a mid knee or knee length short (knee length here meaning it just about covers the knee) those 5'9"-5-11" should stick to at the knee or just above. And those 5'8" and under should stick to above the knee styles, lest you be over whelmed by shorts.

Longer than knee length should be saved for your gym shorts, unless you're going for that whole capri-pants thing, and then, that's an entirely different subject manner. Gents, it's summer, they're shorts, it's hot, and you look uncomfortable roaming the streets in the 90+ degree weather in the same jeans you rocked when there was a foot of snow on the ground... If not for the mere cooling effect, then think of the attraction appeal; You know how you like seeing a bit of skin on those you're attracted to... The effect works vice versa...

And if you can't find shorts that fit you in your desired length, then make them yourself, luckily, cut offs are really en vogue for dudes right now, and we'll tell you how to get the look on the recession special!!! (None of that, "take 'em to the tailor" here!!! ... Well, not right now at least) Take a pair of jeans, khakis or trousers you don't really wear anymore (the slimmer the better) put them on, get a marker, safety pin, push-pin, whatever, and mark them right in the middle of your knee. Take them off and fold them seam-wise (You know, w/the legs together) by length. Grab a pair of really sharp scissors (the goal here is a clean cut, not a jagged edge like the early 00's singing group) and cut across where you marked, and VOILA!!! There you have it, your very own shorts!!! Bam! Simple, easy, effective.

Keep these tips in mind, as the days of August have been known to be some of the summer's most vicious, and you'll be cool, calm, collected, AND stylish. Until next time...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashions fade, style is eternal." -Yves Saint Laurent

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