According to the hemline index, skirts shift upwards during prosperous times – the theory being that hemlines rise and fall in line with the economy. Well, it seems that for guys, it’s the opposite. With turbulent markets, our shorts are rising higher than ever – so much so that this season has been dubbed “thigh guy summer”.
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Sure, we’ve sort of been here before. Donald Glover was spotted in teeny tiny shorts back in 2022 while Paul Mescal, the king of short shorts, has been wearing them ever since Normal People was released in 2020. And lest we forget Milo Ventimiglia’s viral moment in his post-workout micro-minis in 2021.
However, this year has brought a gear change that can’t go unnoticed: Marks & Spencer, purveyor of British wholesomeness, has jumped on board. The high-street retailer has released a range of its shortest shorts ever, with an in-seam of less than 12.7cm (5in) – clear proof that a thigh-grazing length is going mainstream.
What’s so interesting about short shorts, though, is that they always make headlines. They’ve been around for decades (think John Travolta in Perfect, Tom Selleck as Magnum PI, and basically every pair of running shorts in the 70s), but a man’s bare legs still cause a stir. Whenever a celebrity wears anything above the knee – whether on the red carpet or spotted in the wild – it sends the internet into swooning overdrive: whether it’s Vogue and GQ reporting on Paul Mescal wearing boxers as shorts or the hoards of people thirsting over the Gladiator actor’s legs on X.
Mere mortals may not receive such high praise for baring a little leg, but only because it’s not fully normalised for a guy to show his mid-thigh area – yet. Even as a stylist and fashion writer, I’ve received a disapproving glance or two from more conservative folk, but the compliments always far outweigh the flak.
And, as a menswear expert, trust me when I say it just looks so good. It’s sexy. It’s cool. It even makes you look taller by visually elongating your legs. So, us guys have to be brave, pull our socks up, and put our short shorts on (look at Alexander Skarsgård on Lorraine, below, to see how it’s done). The best part? They’re the comfiest bottoms going, too.
To get it right, there are a few easy rules to follow. First of all, context is key. You may not want to wear them somewhere formal or if you’re likely to be with people who are more conservative. Second, always wear underwear to avoid any Basic Instinct-coded mishaps.
So, whether you need new swim shorts for an upcoming holiday, a tailored pair to wear to dinner or a sporty pair for casual dressing, I’ve put together a list of all the best short shorts you can buy now – most of which are less than £100 – as well as tips on how to wear them.
The best men’s short shorts for summer 2025
Best sports shorts
Adidas Adicolor Classics sprinter shorts
£40 at Adidas
£40 at Asos
Adidas is your best bet for a sporty take. Whether you’ve spotted them on TikTok or on fashionable guys everywhere, the triple-stripe Originals shorts are having a moment. My favourite? This red pair, which looks great with a relaxed, boxy white shirt like this one by Arket.
Boxy white shirt
£77 at Arket
Best boxer shorts
Sunspel classic boxer shorts
£45 at Sunspel
Underwear as outerwear is becoming more popular – see Paul Mescal’s Glasto look for proof. It’s an excuse to splash out on a luxury pair of boxers. Heritage British menswear expert Sunspel has a great selection, all made in a slightly heavier cotton to give them more structure. It’s usually best to size up for a roomy fit.
Best tailored shorts
Zara linen/cotton bermuda shorts
£35.99 at Zara
Zara is known for designing collections that look like they’ve walked off a luxury designer’s runway but without the price tag. Case in point: these tailored short shorts that could perhaps pass as Ralph Lauren or Brunello Cucinelli. The front pleats and tortoiseshell buttons are the small details that elevate them to the next level.
Best chino shorts
Marks & Spencer chino shorts
£20 at Marks & Spencer
Classic chino shorts are easy to dress up or down, making them one of the most versatile options. Marks & Spencer has entered the short shorts chat with a range of shorter-in-seam chino shorts.
