How to Choose the Perfect Shorts Length for Your Look - Family Britches (2024)

For males, the issue ofshorts lengthis a particularly perplexing one when it comes to apparel buying. How much shin do you have to spare? What amount of anything is too little? For shorts, height doesn’t matter as much as it doesfor pants, wherethe length of your legs is the deciding factor.

The length of the shorts should be according to the height of the wearer. Tall men should choose shorts that are a little longer, while shorter men should choose shorts that are a little shorter. How about, though, a bit of information? What’s the best way to figure out what length to use? When you’re wearing shorts, here are some things to keep in mind.

Tips to Make the Right Decision for Shorts Length

When picking a length for shorts, there are two key considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Your height is the most critical consideration. It’s a good idea to steer clear of shorts with an inseam longer than 9-10 inches if you’re shorter than typical men, as we will explain later in the post. It’s best to avoid the 5-inch shorts if you’re more than 6 feet tall unless you’ve got a lot of confidence in your legs.
  2. Consider how confident you are in your abilities. Shorts with a 5-inch inseam are perfect for showing off your thighs if you’re comfortable doing so. However, the choice depends on your needs, if you wish to avoid shorts, feel free to do so. People can tell if you’re self-conscious about the length of your shorts if you don’t feel at ease in your skin. Those who lack self-assurance should stay away from either extreme (too short and too long).

But, regardless of your level of self-confidence, shorts should never go past the knee. The optimal shorts length is about an inch above the kneecap, with the exact largest being over the top of the kneecap.

We Can Use Inseam Length to Categorize Several Types of Shorts

Shorts of different lengths and styles will be appropriate for different types of events. Different lengths will say different things, so be aware of this:

Shorts With A 4-Inch Inseam

Most men do not wear shorts with such a short inseam on a daily basis. This inseam length is for men’s swim trunks and athletic shorts. Those who are smaller in stature should choose shorts that have a 4″ inseam. They’d be best suited to shorter, leaner men in an ideal world.

Don’t wear shorts that are too small as they are uncomfortable. They can also cause problems like limiting blood flow to the legs or, in more serious cases, infections in the urinary tract.

Shorts With an Inseam of 5 to 7 Inches

For people with more self-confidence in their thighs, the 5″ inseam is the best option. If you have a 5-inch inseam, you’re likely to have a mid-thigh gap. 5 to 7-inch inseam shorts are excellent for men between 5’5″ and 6’1″ in height.

Shorts with a 7″ inseam seem to be the most common length for men’s clothing. This inseam length in shorts is most popular among men since it falls above the knee. For a preppy look, thin or athletic men may go for 5 to 7 inches inseams.

Short sleeve tees are a go-to choice for young men who want to create a stylish and youthful outfit. Shorts should be roughly 2 inches above your knee if you’re unsure about the correct inseam length for your body.

Shorts With Inseams of 9″ to 11″

For guys over 6 feet in height, the 9 to 11-inch inseam shorts are the finest option. If you want to appear shorter for taller males, a cuff at the bottom of your shorts will do the trick. Skinny men will look unattractive in 9 to 11-inch inseam shorts designed for taller men.

Wearing shorts with very narrow legs might create a more casual vibe. A tapered design of shorts will help a loose fit if you’re a taller man with thinner legs.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Shorts

Selecting the perfect pair of shorts can be intimidating. There are many options, like different colors, different lengths, and a lot of other things to look at. Some people toss their hands in the air and declare, “I’m not even going to bother attempting this.” Remember what we talked about today to make your next shopping experience more fun.

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How to Choose the Perfect Shorts Length for Your Look - Family Britches (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose the Perfect Shorts Length for Your Look - Family Britches? ›

Choosing the Ideal Short Length Based on Height

What is the most attractive length for shorts? ›

As is the case with any article of clothing, their length is best determined by the wearer's frame and personal preference. Generally speaking, the longer a pair of shorts' inseam, the more conservative the look. A good rule of thumb is that shorts should always hit above the knee.

How do you pick shorts length? ›

Quick Inseam Guidelines
  1. If you're 5'8” or under, you might want to go with the 5" inseam.
  2. Guys falling between 5'8” and 6' would do well to consider 7”.
  3. Any taller than 6', and a 9” inseam is a good option for you.
May 21, 2024

Is 5-inch or 7-inch shorts better? ›

For people with more self-confidence in their thighs, the 5″ inseam is the best option. If you have a 5-inch inseam, you're likely to have a mid-thigh gap. 5 to 7-inch inseam shorts are excellent for men between 5'5″ and 6'1″ in height. Shorts with a 7″ inseam seem to be the most common length for men's clothing.

Are 3 inch shorts too short? ›

Shorts typically come in 3″, 5″, 7″ and 9″ lengths. The 3″ (and 2") shorts are basically underwear, so approach with caution, or please not at all. Five and seven inch shorts are a good average inseam, and also a good marker for casual (i.e. not business) skirts and dresses.

What style of shorts are most flattering? ›

Let's Talk Cuts
  • A higher rise elongates the leg by creating the illusion that the legs “start” higher up on the body. ...
  • A low rise short will shorten the leg line but does elongate and therefore slim the midsection. ...
  • A mid rise if the go to for most people because of it's versatility and flattering ease.
Jun 26, 2023

What length shorts make you look taller? ›

How to Style Shorts to Look Taller
  • Choose a 3-inch inseam. A shorter inseam creates the illusion of longer legs. ...
  • Opt for high-waist. Higher cut waistlines paired with a crop length or tucked-in top emphasize the waist and elongate the lower body. ...
  • Add longer layers. ...
  • Pick heels with a low-cut vamp.
Jul 13, 2023

What length shorts should a 50 year old woman wear? ›

Bermuda shorts are a wardrobe staple that offers both comfort and style, which is why they're such a great choice for women over 50. Their length, typically hitting just above the knee, strikes a balance between showing some leg while still providing ample coverage.

Are 9 inch shorts too long? ›

The typical inseam lengths are 5, 7, 9 and 11 inches. If your height is average or on the shorter side, you'll want to avoid a longer inseam to keep your shorts from falling below your knees. If you're under 6 feet tall, you may want to stick to the 5 to 7-inch inseam range.

Why are 5 inch shorts popular? ›

This goes hand by hand with the fact that quads became the new biceps in today's society. So, the obvious reason that these shorts are trending for men is that they simply show more legs. So, men wearing 5-inch shorts and having strong legs with quads are the ones who receive the whole focus of attention.

How much is too short for shorts? ›

Her rule of thumb is men's shorts should be around two inches above the knee. “At longest, they should be hitting right above the top of the kneecap, not longer,” she says.

Where do 5 inch shorts fit? ›

5” and 5.5” inseam shorts hit higher on your leg, several inches above the knee – a flattering length that offers a well-fitted look, gives your legs some extra sun, and makes you look a little taller compared to shorter shorts (we swear).

How do you tell if shorts are too small for you? ›

Shorts that are too small can look just as silly. If you think you may have a pair of shorts that are too tight, try this trick: if you can fit your index and middle finger between the skin and the shorts with ease, then they're likely not too tight. But if it's a struggle, then they're definitely too tight.

How long are shorts normally? ›

Like pants, shorts are measured via inseam - the length from the crotch to the hem. Common short lengths are 5”, 7”, 9”, and 11”.

Should shorts go below the knee? ›

Basically, the right length is hovering near the knee -- either closely above it or closely below it. Choose a color to contrast sharply with the shorts, whichever is your own best color (if you don't recognize your best color at your age, ask someone whose opinion you trust).

Are 4 inch shorts too short? ›

Whatever your height, you'll also want to make sure your shorts don't come too far up. Too-short shorts can be unflattering or even indecent — it's best to stick to shorts at least 5 inches long.

Is 72 good for shorts? ›

70-degree weather is the ideal weather for a pair of shorts but these shorts go above and beyond just being a style choice.

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