Excuse Me! But Shorts Are Getting Even Shorter This Summer

Shorts might be the most divisive piece of clothing in your summer wardrobe, so much so that we’ve dedicated multiple pieces about how to wear them — from how to make long shorts look good, to the best shorts and sweater combos, and even pants for people who hate shorts — we’ve been paying a lot of attention to the skimpiest part of your outfit. However, things are about to get a lot more polarizing. Enter — short shorts.

Last summer, TikTok became obsessed with short shorts, namely ones with a 5-inch inseam. It was a hilarious time on the app with endless transformation videos where men pulled off their frumpy knee-length shorts to reveal thigh-bearing shorts, while the background music shouted “Oh my god so handsome.” Basically, these videos were the sartorial equivalent of the bookish girl in a rom-com taking down her ponytail and suddenly becoming hot. Helped along by that viral photo of Normal People‘s Paul Mescal wearing GAA men’s shorts, 2020 was officially the summer of short shorts.

Now, however, we have an even shorter shorts inspiration for summer 2021. Milo Ventimiglia (from This Is Us and Gilmore Girls fame) was recently photographed wearing the shortest shorts we’ve ever laid eyes on — and the internet is excited. As WSJ editor Jacob Gallagher put it on Twitter, this will be a “one-inch inseam summer.” If you already jumped on the short shorts trend last summer, perhaps Ventimiglia can convince you to switch up your inseam to something even tinier. For everyone else, maybe he can inspire you to finally let go of the board shorts and let your knees have some sun at least.

We’ve rounded up the best short shorts for men this summer 

ON Running Race Shorts

We’d wager that Ventimiglia was wearing similar running shorts in the image above — only athletic shorts are cut that small. These On Running race shorts are cut high on the outer thigh and dip slightly longer on the inner seam.

• 

• 

Patagonia Baggie shorts are a cult classic among short short enthusiasts and we can see why. Made from 100 percent recycled nylon, these fairtrade shorts double as both everyday wear and swimwear, helping you in your journey towards finding swimwear that’s actually cool.

Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5″

Patagonia Baggie shorts are a cult classic among short short enthusiasts and we can see why. Made from 100 percent recycled nylon, these fairtrade shorts double as both everyday wear and swimwear, helping you in your journey towards finding swimwear that’s actually cool.

ASICS Men’s Light Mesh WVN Short

Made from a comfortable woven fabric, these shorts are also designed with water repellent properties that allow these shorts to keep dry when racing. Additionally, deep side slits improve range of motion, while the drawcord waist tie provides an adjustable fit.

My favorite ASICS running shorts! Comfortable, cool, and good looking. I feel like ASICS has never had true short shorts, but these are them! Split seam and short.

Short Distance 8″ Shorts in Leopard by Satisfy Running

4 pocket Leopard shorts with a Coldblack® lining to reduce heat absorption, give UV protection and keep you cool on your run. Weighs 110g.

Ripstop shell is astonishingly lightweight and fast drying, while offering just the right amount of coverage. Coldblack™ lining with bonded seams for lighter-weight shorts and to ensure that extra fabric doesn’t rub against your skin.

Sweatproof back zipper pocket to carry credit cards or cash, with 2 separate inner key-pouches to stop them from jingling.

It has a phone pocket to keep your screen dry. Drawstrings can be tucked into the double waistband to avoid chafing.

Pace Breaker Short 5″ Lined by Lululemon

This is perfect for run, train, or stretch. Wear this lightweight, multi-sport short for pretty much everything. Zippered storage keeps essentials close. Lululemon explains that the fabric liner made from quick-drying mesh fabric has a built-in pouch for support, and a no-bounce phone pocket with cord exit.

What are thoughts? Let me know in the comment box below.