Men's Shorts

Inseam decides everything else about a pair of shorts, because where the hem lands sets the proportion and the rest follows. Knee-length cuts, roughly a nine to eleven inch inseam, finish at or just above the kneecap and read closest to a trouser, with flat-front tailored pairs alongside cargo, denim and drawstring versions. Mid-thigh shorts pull about four inches higher, around five to seven inches, where chino, jersey and swim-derived styles all live.

Shorter cuts stop well above that again, drafted close through the leg with a wide hem opening so the stride stays free. Cloth follows the length: cotton twill and denim hold a crease and a heavier drape, linen crumples by design, and French terry gives with the body. Waistbands are the last variable: belt loops and a button on tailored pairs, elastic and drawcord on everything softer.