Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

4 Reasons why the “Short Suit” is a bad idea

June 16, 2014 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Business Insider & NPR: Short Suits Go Mainstream.

Many thanks to Reuben A. and Jon L. for sending in the style tips on this story. Of course it’s fine to not like a trend or a specific article of clothing. But throwing rocks at something without actually giving a reason (or reasons) as to why you don’t like it, doesn’t do anyone any good. That said, here’s an attempt to explain why the short suit might not be the best idea for most:
.

1. Is it even practical? Are you really going to be that much cooler?

When it comes to staying cool while wearing a suit in warm weather, the pants are the least of your worries. It’s the jacket that causes the most problems. Often fully lined (and on the cheapest options, in suffocating polyester), suit jackets can smother your core. Yes, some jackets are made (like the Bemberg lined J. Crew jackets above) to be more breathable, and extra points for half lined jackets. But chopping the usually unlined or barely lined pants at the knee in an attempt to stay cooler, while wearing a jacket + shirt & tie, is kinda like having an AC window unit in the basement, but sleeping on the 2nd floor.

 

2. Male legs don’t look as good as female legs.

The hair. The stockiness. The overall unkempt state of the skin (y’know how much time & effort women put into the skin on their legs?). Us guys don’t have gams, we’ve got gahs.

macys bar III short suits40% off? Looks more like 60 – 65%.

 

3. You’re stuck going sockless

Sure, plenty of guys like going sockless, but for others, all that foot funk accelerates the mucking up of their nice dress shoes. There are ways to minimize this of course, but bare sweaty feet + dress shoes can also make for blisters. Sometimes a cool, fresh pair of socks feels better. But who’s gonna wear socks with their short suit? Because that would be crazy.

 

4. It’s a clash of formality. It’s too high/low.

This is why it visually looks “off” to so many. The high/low thing (mixing traditionally more formal pieces w/ more casual pieces in one outfit) works when the pieces aren’t really that far apart in formality. A tweed sportcoat w/ dark wash jeans works because traditionally, a tweed sportcoat was made for more casual activities (riding, shooting, etc…). Dark wash jeans are considered to be the most dressed-up version of denim (mainly uniform color in somber navy), so combining the two isn’t that big of a leap. But shorts? Shorts are really casual. And suits, even in summer fabrics, really aren’t. It’s this uber high/low conflict that drove the Beverly Hillbillies. Come to think of it, Jed would probably hack the legs off a pair of suit pants for summer.

Your turn fellas. Can you see it ever working? Or do you see these things rotting in the clearance section of the retailers who are selling them forever and ever? Leave it all below.

Filed Under: Clothing Tagged With: short suit

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Chelsea boots, suede sneakers, and a lot of dress oxfords. Ranking the 10 best from one of AE’s biggest sales of the year.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.