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Style Guide

How to wear shorts?

By Maarten Verhoef

Hoe draag je een korte broek? - Gents

How wonderful is it to stroll through the streets with bare legs in summer temperatures? With shorts, your legs benefit from some cooling, and those pale legs finally get some colour! However, wearing shorts is not as straightforward as it seems. It quickly becomes too casual, which you naturally want to avoid in formal settings. Men's shorts come in many different varieties: from trousers to denim, and from chinos to swim shorts. Which style do you wear and when? And how do you best style a pair of men's shorts? We're happy to explain in this blog!

How gentlemen wear shorts in a refined way

Let's be clear: shorts are essentially not formal wear. Wearing shorts to a wedding or job interview is definitely a no-go. That said, you can certainly wear this garment when the occasion calls for it. For example, at a beach party or to the office if there's an informal dress code. In that case, opt for a refined model of shorts, such as chinos or short trousers for men. Denim shorts are best reserved for casual occasions. Make sure your shorts are neither too short nor too long. The length is perfect when the legs fall just above your knee.

Go casual with men's denim shorts

Have a casual party? Going for a drink on a terrace with friends? Or heading to the beach? Then you can easily wear denim shorts. At GENTS, we have men's denim shorts that you'll comfortably wear in any casual setting. The advantage of denim is that you can easily roll up the legs without it looking odd. Are the legs of your denim shorts just a bit too long? Roll them up to just above your knee and you'll instantly look trendy. Pair your denim shorts with a polo or shirt and you're good to go!

Can you wear swim shorts as regular shorts?

On a warm summer day, you'd naturally love to spend the whole day in your swim shorts. Nice and airy, and if you get too hot, you can take a refreshing dip without any fuss. Shirt off and go! However, if you're heading into town or grabbing a drink on a terrace, you face a dilemma. Do you keep your swim shorts on and wear them as regular shorts? Or is it better to wear something else? In our view, it depends on the model. The print is an important factor here, as you don't want it to be obvious that you're wearing swim shorts. Save the tropical prints for the seaside and opt for a basic swim shorts model, such as one with a solid colour or simple stripe. Also stick to the length rule: the swim shorts should fall just above your knee.

Unsure about your size? Use our sizing guide or consult our stylists in one of the 19 stores.

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