Can You Wear Shorts to the Office?

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.faherty / buck mason2 min readWith the way summers have been trending, it’s criminal to be expected to wear pants year-round. We can shed our parkas and our heavy-duty sweaters. If you drop a blazer and only wear a polo, that’s fine. But we have to keep on our pants because of some outdated rules? Sure, there are linen pairs and other lightweight options, but on an 85 degree day, we know you’re wishing your thighs were getting more airflow.Thus we get to the age-old debate: Can you wear shorts to the office? On one side—as we’ve expressed—yes, it’s hot as heck out there. But on the other, it’s the notorious bane of professional dress codes. It all comes down to reading the room. If you’re in a more relaxed or creative field, then yes, go for it. Unless you’re in a pretty corporate environment or client-facing role, you should be able to get away with wearing shorts to work. Also, take note of your coworkers (and boss). Follow the leader.So if it seems like people are indeed wearing shorts to the office, it might be time to invest in a good pair. Rule of thumb is nothing under a seven-inch inseam. You’ll want tailored cuts, pleated trouser shorts, structured Bermuda ones. We know you love your gym shorts and Patagonia Baggies, but please, leave those behind. If you’re craving the performance fabric, at least opt for a sleek style from Vuori.Below, find our favorite shorts that you can actually wear to the office. Consider this your summer savior.Before we get into the rest of the story, here’s an opposing opinion from Esquire’s commerce editor, Luke Guillory:“I take a libertarian view on shorts in the office. You have the right to do it, and I respect that. With post-2020 office culture being what it is, there’s no reason not to show some leg. But for me? Personally? It’s always a no. My legs are hairy, so they feel inherently lewd. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet, what their background is, and what they’ll consider off-putting. This is one old-school rule where I’d rather stick with the safety of convention.“I could try and psychoanalyze why that is, but truthfully it’s just because wearing a pair of pants isn’t that bad. I love Casatlantic, and my pick would be the flat-front El Jadida trousers—when done in linen, a gem. They catch a breeze. They look smart without wearing too stuffily. They fit wide and sit high without the use of pleats—which I avoid because I think they look a bit frumpy. They look great with loafers and boots. And they’re not much more expensive than what you’ll get from a mall brand these days.“I’ve worn them on multiple 100 degree days in Georgia’s sweltering midsummer heat; you’ll be fine wearing them on the walk from the parking garage to the office.”When it comes to elevated wardrobe basics, Todd never disappoints. Case in point: these simple chinos. Made from a soft cotton twill, this is a pair you can dress up or down—and everything in between.Percival’s creative takes on traditional silhouettes make every style feel unique. And they are unique: Fewer than 200 pairs were made of this particular example. Aside from its exclusivity, it’s also lightweight in its linen-blend composition and has a pleated, professional look.When in doubt, go with classic chinos. A seven-inch inseam ensures that they just make the cut, and a little bit of spandex is woven into the cotton fabrication so they have just enough stretch for all-day comfort.For a casual Friday—or for the man who really loves his performance attire—Vuori’s Meta shorts do the trick. Moisture wicking, quick drying, and with a four-way stretch, they really do help you beat the heat on the hottest days. We’d recommend dressing them up with a belt and polo.Seersucker is one of our favorite summer materials, and for good reason. Ultra lightweight and breathable, these shorts will keep you cool while still looking presentable due to their pleated design. We know the inseam is a little shorter on these, but they were too good not to include.These are the most casual on our list, but they’ll get the job done. Literally. They aren’t quite as laid-back as traditional denim shorts, and with their eight-inch inseam, they can pass at the office (on the most informal days). We like that they’re machine washable, and you can pair them with a button-up and espadrilles for an easy summer fit.Linen shorts are a no-brainer, and Alex Crane makes a pair that lives among the best. Spun from high-quality Normandy flax, these are buttery soft, finished with tailored pleats and a lived-in feel.You may know Duer for its self-dubbed title of having “the world’s most comfortable pants,” but its shorts also impress. With more than 1,500 raving reviews, these shorts balance a polished look with premium comforts. As their name suggests, moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties have you ready for the wicked temperatures ahead.