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”.
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.
Best swim shorts
David Gandy Wellwear short length swim shorts
£47.60 at David Gandy Wellwear
These swim shorts don’t just tick the box from a hemline perspective, they’re practical, too – from the built-in UV protection to the biodegradable textiles. For a full look, the brand has a great selection of poolside tops to choose from, too: from a classic white henley to a premium T-shirt.
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Best gorpy shorts
Nike ACG hike shorts
£55 at Nike
£55 at Size?
If you’re always wearing Salomons or Arc’teryx, chances are you’re a gorpcore fan. Thanks to Nike, you can get the short shorts to match. These are designed for hiking and made from sweat-wicking and water-repellent fabric – but they’d work just as well at the pub with a printed tee and trainers.
Best vintage shorts
Vintage Levi’s 555 denim shorts
£30 at Rokit
Thrift stores are a treasure trove for short shorts – and Rokit is no exception. This pair of thigh-skimming Levi’s stand out, but there are plenty of options on the retailer’s virtual shelves, whether you want a classic pair of denim shorts like these or are after something sportier or more retro-inspired. Rokit has even reworked some designs with lace and appliqué patches. If you can’t find any that take your fancy, check out Beyond Retro or Goldsmith Vintage instead.
Best preppy shorts
Ralph Lauren 15.2cm Polo Prepster corduroy shorts
£145 at Ralph Lauren
Brands such as Aimé Leon Dore and Drake’s may be leading the charge on preppy fashion right now, but you can’t go wrong with OG label Ralph Lauren. Anything showing the brand’s polo player logo always looks a little Ivy League, these shorts included. They’re made from a lightweight corduroy and are finished with a comfy drawstring waistband.
Best vintage-style running shorts
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt shorts
£70 at Tracksmith
Still thinking about Paulie’s running shorts in Juno? Then Tracksmith is the brand you need to know about. The US label makes the best retro-inspired shorts on the running market, whether you want to wear them for exercise or just for show. Navy never fails.
Best printed shorts
Frescobol Carioca Rio Sport Raffia Angra Swim
£165 at Frescobol Carioca
Frescobol Carioca is a London-based brand that takes inspiration from Brazil – so it makes sense that it’s the best place to go for a summery print. This woven rattan pattern is a reimagination of the paved streets of Angra dos Reis. Although they’re designed as swim shorts, they’re wearable for every day.
How to style short shorts
This part’s easier than you think. They look good with everything from a big shirt, which is on the smarter side; a boxy tee, more casual; a hoodie, super-casual; or a polo shirt, which is somewhere in the middle. They’re more chic than many other types of shorts (such as cargos, jersey and oversized jorts). If you’re a short king like me (5ft 8in, to be exact), they also give the illusion of extra height.
To show off your shorts in all their glory, a boxy fit is your friend. Don’t wear anything on top that’s so oversized it covers most of your shorts – or you’re in danger of looking like you’ve forgotten to get dressed. Wear them with an Oxford shirt and loafers to double down on smart casual; a T-shirt and retro kicks for a laid-back look; or even a knit for a cooler evening.
Since most of your legs are on show, mid-calf ribbed socks tend to look best. If you need to update your sock drawer, Uniqlo has a great selection in every colour of the rainbow – and four pairs are only £12.90.
In need of a wedding guest-ready suit for summer? Read our guide to the best men’s suits under £400
Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty