The rules for wearing shorts that every gentleman must follow
In decades past, the rule on shorts was simple: Gentlemen do not wear shorts, unless playing sport or on holiday. If I’d been asked to write this article a few years ago, it would have been a much shorter read, a simple repetition of the previous sentiment would have been as much as I could have penned on the subject. But as years have passed, style rules have relaxed. In the same vein as the relaxation of rules regarding ties in the work place or no brown in town, shorts have transcended their way through the confines of their sartorial stigma into the mainstream style stakes, and it’s not as unnerving as we all thought it might be.
Historically speaking, shorts were meant just for children, but like many style staples today, their place in current society harks back to their military association. In WWII shorts were introduced into military uniforms both for comfort in warmer climates, ease of movement when running and due to fabric rationing. These days however, they’re everywhere, from the well manicured lawns of the English countryside to the beach clubs of the Hamptons. But, like everything, there are a few rules to wearing them that you need to make sure you’re obeying this summer.
Not too short/not too long
The length of your shorts is as, if not more so, important as the fabric and colour choice you’re about to make. They should sit just above the knee. Too short and you’ll look like you’ve fallen out of a 80s fitness video, too long and you’ll look like your younger brother during his skater-boy phase in the 90s – which, let’s be honest, we’d all rather forget.,
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