When it comes to wearing shorts, men often get it wrong. But like any spring/summer trends, all you need is a bit of advice. Whether you're broad or lanky, our guide gives you the essential tips you need to help you find the perfect pair of shorts.
1 Shorts are unavoidably casual; there is no serious situation in which you want your knees on show.
2 Black shorts should be left to keen cyclists – this is summer wear and shorts should reflect that. Bear in mind darker colours also absorb more heat, so if you're looking for warm weather wear, black isn't ideal.
3 Despite their appeal, orange and bright green shorts will only work with very dark skin. Pair it with simple colours to avoid looking like a clown.
4 If you want to invest in a pair of coloured shorts, a pair in brick red is suitable for a lot of skin types. Otherwise, navy and khaki/olive are failsafe choices.
5 White shorts are great if you’ve got a tan, but they can only be worn once before hitting the laundry basket. Also, if you’re lucky enough to be going on someone’s yacht, check in advance you’re not about to dress like the crew.
6 Want to buy linen shorts? As a thin fabric, linen creases very easily, and creases will show up on lighter colours. Approach with caution.
7 Men with short legs should think about shorts that fit around the waist, rather than the hips.
8 Hem length is subject to the vagaries of fashion, but just grazing the top of the knee is a safe bet. The narrower the shorts, the shorter they should be.
9 Get a women you know and trust to offer some realistic advice about your knees. Some men may do better to invest in linen trousers than shorts.
10 There’s something great about the old colonial look (although we’re not ready for long beige socks or the pith helmet), but the best thing to take from it is that turn ups can be stylish.
11 Three-quarter length trousers are totally, wholly and completely unacceptable. Ever. At all. Under any circumstances.
Shorts pictured, £85, by Tommy Hilfiger
