Ask A Woman: What’s a woman think when she sees a grown man in shorts?
If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com
Beth,
Where do the ladies come down on guys in shorts? I know they are pretty much standard attire here in the US for the summer months, and more stylish alternatives to the ubiquitous cargo short have been presented; but don’t you think they look a tad bit juvenile? I’m 28, and married, and certainly no stranger to a pair of shorts (soft spot for madras and/or seersucker), but the more I’ve traveled in warmer months the more I’ve come to the opinion that someone in lightweight pants and a real pair of shoes is always going to seem to be better put together than the average Joe in a pair of shorts and sandals or sockless with some canvas sneakers (am I just getting old?). At the same time, on an 85 degree day in August… having the bottom of my legs free to enjoy the breeze is always nice.
– Mike
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Hi Mike,
Well, I write this on a 95 degree day with 60% humidity so you know where I’m coming from. And as I’ve mentioned before–somewhere–I don’t do heat. Not that I’m a fan of extreme cold either–I prefer the middle. I love temperance. Wait a minute…doesn’t that mean not drinking? Uh, that’s not what I meant, clearly [vodka soda with a twist sitting to the left of the keyboard]. Temperate weather, I love temperate weather. Let’s just get after it, shall we? (The question, not the drinking…although, if that’s where you’re at on a Thursday morning, cheers.)
I understand what you’re saying about shorts looking a bit juvenile or unpolished. For many years, I did not wear shorts because they didn’t feel feminine or pretty to me, and that’s a big part of my aesthetic. But in the last two years, designers have been making slim cut Bermuda shorts for women, and I’ve totally embraced that look. I can wear fabulous heels, a beautiful blouse, and my nice jewelry with these shorts, and it looks very put together and elegant.
As for my personal preference? I like a man in shorts, and I know many women who feel the same way. We like men’s calves, quads, and hamstrings, and what better way than shorts to display these assets. I was talking to our fearless Dappered leader about this, and he’s also on the shorts train, though he restricts it to casual daytime wear only, and never wears them for going out in the evening. It’s hot out, you’re at the farmer’s market or running errands or having lunch on the restaurant patio–why not? As long as you’re wearing a t-shirt or polo that’s in good shape, and a slick pair of shoes or sandals, you’re golden.
I agree that shorts are very much a U.S. institution, and this applies to men and women. Maybe South Americans and Europeans sweat less than us, I dunno. But I don’t see any reason why you should suffer through those 80 and 90 degree days in pants, just because an Englishman would.
So if you like shorts, figure out a way to make them work for you. For instance, in addition to wearing the longer Bermuda shorts, I wear them probably a size smaller than intended because I want them to look very tailored and form-fitting, not baggy and saggy. I’m making the clothing work for me, rather than compromising my aesthetic, and this is what style is all about.
I leave you with some picks that I think would show off all your manly muscles and tendons nicely. Chambray is a nice fabric for summer–light, but with the durability of denim. I’m also loving shorts that feature very small prints, like narrow plaid. These shorts are nice and slim–very flattering on the leg, and very elegant. And these solid colored shorts come in a rich brown that would go with almost anything. Since you mentioned cargo shorts, I’ll address them: NO. No, no, no, no. I loathe cargo shorts. They look SO BAD. Who remembers the last time I was this emphatic? No one? That’s because I really have a bone to pick with clothing that makes you look bigger, lumpier, and dumpier. What is the point? Style is supposed to be fun! Flattering! Confidence-boosting! Cargo shorts come in crappy colors and make you look fifteen pounds heavier. But hey, you get a bunch of pockets in which to store your squirt guns and rubber bands and scraps of paper!
Do not wear the cargo short. If you do, I’ll blow my nose at you and then taunt you a second time.
-Beth
Got a question for Beth? Send them to: askawoman@dappered.com
Target’s Merona tailored fit short in red chambray and pincord stripe. A terrific buy for $20 – $25
those of us who carry a good bit more muscle can’t wear slim fitting shorts, and most baggier styles are sloppy.
For running out to the grocery store or Home Depot on a Saturday morning, I’ll throw on cargo shorts and a hoodie, and not care what anyone thinks.
For an outdoor party setting, it’s non-cargo shorts that are cut on the loose side (sometimes a struggle to find them, I have some Nautica that are OK)
For anything else, I’m in long pants. There are plenty of long options that are just as comfortable as shorts, if not more comfortable. And I’m a grown up.
I don’t do heat either but heat = short shorts. So I’ll suck it up for some eye candy.
The hardest part about wearing shorts is choosing what goes on your feet. I recently ditched my sandals and started wearing my boat shoes with shorts.
Good answer, Beth. I think a lot has to do with how your legs look. Some guys have legs that just don’t look good in shorts. I also think guys with skinny legs and then a bigger topside look funny in shorts; long pants help to fill out the lower part and balance the look.
I guess it really depends on your geographic location. In Florida, shorts are the norm year-around, as are sandals.
And don’t knock the cargo shorts. They are a necessity when visiting the theme parks – with all those baggy pockets for wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, phone, keys, a rolled up ball cap, etc. The point is that cargos are so incredibly functional. That’s why they have hung around so long.
seriously? Follow the advice above and you run the risk of looking like this: http://www.walyou.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/hipster4.jpg
1. common sense… hot temps = shorts
2. Be a man first, sartorial edicts come second. To hell with women’s ever-changing opinions. I don’t care what any woman thinks…. I dress for me… shorts, flippy floppies, white snake jacket, stone washed tee shirt…… whatever you wear, wear it because you like it and it makes you comfortable you are the one who has to live with it.
3. Ask Alan Flusser and Andy Gilchrist http://askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/index.php.
I’m a big guy and slim pants / shorts look terrible on big men. They make you look like humpty dumpty. Like other posters I find that the footwear is a struggle with shorts. I also recently ditched my sandals for sockless boat-shoes.
Slim fitting shorts = hipster. Gotcha.
I’m anti-shorts. They’re fine for others but I’ve never found myself thinking “Man, I’m WAY too hot from the knee down.”
Daytime errands? Afternoon grilling? Drinking outside with the guys? Shorts are certainly appropriate. The author makes a good point with the ‘no shorts in the evening.’ You don’t want to roll up to dinner or drinks rocking shorts and sandals unless your 19 and trying to figure out which frat you want to join.
I imagine her saying slim means that you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a skirt because the leg openings are so big. Your comment is akin to saying that anything but baggy jeans = skinny jeans.
Also, “be a man” and using the term “flippy floppies”, even as a joke / with the reference to Lonely Island…
”
whatever you wear, wear it because you like it and it makes you comfortable. you are the one who has to live with it.”
And you are on this blog… why?
Same here. I never wear shorts other than a swimsuit. Just a mental block that I can’t get over.
I think boat shoes or drivers are big improvements over flip flops or sandals, with shorts or otherwise.
if you are 19 and not wearing cargo shorts, you are probably already in a fraternity.
You’d be surprised how much having fresh air on your ankles will cool off your whole body. To each his own, of course.
Disagree… I’ve got ginormous thighs and I am perfectly fine in slim-fitting shorts. Sometimes I have to size up from my usual pant size, but that’s about it.
Picked up a pair the Target’s tailored fit Merona shorts last week. The fit is great. Price is great. Can’t go wrong.
I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
About seven years back I had a job in an indoor city shopping center that drew a lot of tourists from all over the world. That summer there were a large number of younger foreign men wearing what I can only describe as “man-capris.” I was horrified, to say the least. I don’t love cargo shorts, but sometimes they are just easier and more practical. The ones I have are a Polo style from about ten years ago, before everything had huge pleated side pockets. But I only wear them for running around on weekends.
Does anyone else feel that Beth tries a little too hard? I don’t come here for the humor, but rather for the sound advice on men’s style. I love you, Beth, but you’re not passing as “just one of the guys”.
His look would be so much cleaner with a pair of movie theater 3D glasses with the lenses removed.
I definitely come here for the humor and for the advice. Plus, we don’t want her to be “just one of the guys.” The whole point is to get a woman’s perspective.
Nope. Personally think Beth does a great job.
Great answer. Picked up a pair of the LEC slim fit chino shorts recently, and I’ve been pretty happy with the way they look. Slim fit definitely makes a difference.
Just ordered a pair of the LEC slim fit chino shorts myself actually, they should be here tomorrow. Hope they fit as well for me as they did for you.
As an aside, I’m all for wearing shorts when comfortable, such as daytime errands, but I do prefer to wear denim when I go out at night. I think it provides a more polished look, and helps you stand out from everyone else wearing cargo shorts.
i’m a huge fan of shorts. i mean even if i don’t think my legs are hot, just the placebo effect of wearing shorts makes me feel less hot. that and per my gf, i have nice legs so i gotta show them off. i really do think if you have athletic legs and don’t have cankles or chicken legs, shorts are a great way to change it up. that being said, i cannot wear a long-sleeved casual button down with shorts.
i also disagree. i have 25″ thighs with a 32″ waist and have found quite a few slim shorts that fit well.
Absolutely not. I love her columns. They’re one of the best parts of the site.
As long the shorts are not “daisy dukes” why not?
“No one has gotten a hand job in cargo shorts since Nam.”
Why do you carry so much shit in your pockets? You may as well get a purse.
Since we’re talking about shorts and sandals, just a comment about sandals — wear no socks ever, IMHO. They look dorky.
Wearing pants in the summer time living in Oklahoma is a death wish for me. I have to wear khaki pants to work (Target) but I work in a cooler so it feels great. Anytime else though? I’m wearing a pair of shorts. The heat combined with humidity is a killer combination and pants just don’t cut it. For me I have a pair of khaki, seersucker, red chambray, and light blue oxford shorts and I get plenty of compliments on the way I look and no one tells me that I should be wearing pants.
If you can wear anything labeled/considered “slim fitting” you and I are not using the same definition.
why did you comment? Same reason i bet
shrubberies
Im wearing the merona shorts pictured at the bottom right now.
I’m always wearing shorts, more comfy than jeans. Shorts are great for everything, school, going to the store, hangin with friends. I like the way it makes you look juvenile to some cuz i’m just a 19 year old guy dressing like everyone else. I kinda laugh to myself when i go out to dinner or whatever wearin shorts with family them all wearin jeans or whatever and they give me funny looks or comments. I’m like whatever and go out and smoke a cigarette. I just like being comfy and hanging loose.
Just to add in, try rocking boardshorts with w/ a button down, seriously. I mean it is the summer so theoretically you will be close to bodies of water.
As a disclaimer I have lived in mostly temperate climates: Hawaii, Virginia Beach, San Francisco, etc. Anyways, try it and love it.