The Big Shorts: A Pair of Summer Britches for Every Gent

Terry cloth. All whites. We even found an acceptable cargo.

May 19, 2016 9:00 am

“A gentleman never wears shorts.”

Tom Ford said it. Fran Lebowitz, too.

Don’t listen to those people. At least this time around. The world isn’t getting any cooler, and a nice pair of shorts is a fresh — and merciful — look.  

Of course, not just any shorts will do the trick. There are some rules to consider.

Below the knee? Those are out. Technicolor patterns? Also out. You’re looking for a slim fit cut slightly above the knee, and nothing too flashy on the print front. That’s what your shirt’s for.

Here are seven options for different circumstances, from laying about to running court at a garden party.

Alternative Apparel Terry Shorts $48 | Zanerobe Sureshot Short $90 | Scotch & Soda Embroidered Shorts $95 | Faherty Indigo Chore Short $98 | Life After Denim Maldives Short $98 | Engineered Garments Fatigue Short $195 | Nanamica Cargo Shorts $240

This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September

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