4 Shorts To Make Your Personality This Summer

There’s a reason running shorts, rugby shorts, and old gym styles have made their way into everyday outfits (and moodboards, thanks to Paul Mescal and Harry Styles). They’re easy, breezy, and just the right kind of irreverent. Shorter inseam shorts (5 or 3 inches) signal confidence without veering into costume territory. They also make sense when it’s 90°F and denim feels like punishment.

Look for athletic cuts with a bit of structure — nylon, mesh, or cotton poplin work best. Pair with a big tee or a polo and let the proportions do the talking. It’s not necessarily about showing off your legs, it’s about movement, comfort, and a little nod to retro sportswear without going full vintage Adidas ad.

These get a bad rap, mostly because the bad versions are everywhere. But a good pair of denim shorts — cut just above the knee, with a slightly wider leg — is one of summer’s most versatile tools. The key? Skip the skinny fits and the fake fades. After all, this isn’t 2009.

Raw or washed indigo, clean hems or a subtle fray — the vibe should be more 'vintage Levi’s hacked off cleanly with kitchen scissors' than 'Coachella leftovers.' They ground lightweight summer layers (linen shirts, camp collars, tank tops) and add a bit of weight to breezier silhouettes.

Wide-legged, below-the-knee shorts used to belong to skaters and dads on vacation. Now, they’re quietly everywhere — from relaxed tailoring brands and cult favorites to streetwear minimalists. There’s a reason: volume looks good in summer. It’s comfortable, it’s directional, and when styled right, it feels surprisingly refined.

The sweet spot is just below the knee, grazing your calf with a generous leg and clean lines. Think about summer-worthy fabrics like washed twill, nylon, or drapey suiting wool, and pair with a boxy tee, camp shirt, or oversized button-up. It’s a silhouette that gives you space — to breathe, to move, to not sweat through everything you own.

Not slim, not preppy, not trying too hard — just tailored. It means the shape feels intentional, the fabric hangs well, and the rise hits where it should. These are the shorts you wear when you want to look put-together without defaulting to trousers.

Here. it's best to look to cotton-linen blends, tropical wool, or crisp poplin, with a volumizing pleat, if you’re into that kind of thing. They play well with loafers, derbies, or pared-back sneakers. Dress them up with a tucked-in shirt or keep it easy with a tank and overshirt. Either way, think of them as your grown-up summer short.