The one shorts mistake men keep making according to a menswear writer

A great pair of shorts can make or break a summer outfit. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more As someone who spends a lot of time writing about menswear, one thing I’ve learnt is that a great pair of shorts can make or break a summer outfit. It’s not just about following trends; it’s also about taking into account your proportions, finding the right length for your height and body shape, and choosing fabrics that work for you. Whether you’re after tailored styles for the office, relaxed linen pairs for holiday, or sporty options for the weekend, here’s everything you need to know before adding another pair to your wardrobe. Before we get into it, it’s worth noting what actually makes a great pair of shorts. The right fit can make your legs look longer, balance your proportions and instantly smarten up your outfit, while the wrong pair can have the opposite effect, and no one wants that. For instance, when it comes to how they should fit, they should skim the leg, rather than be tight or hug it. Unless you’re going for an intentional oversized or relaxed vibe, I would stay clear of baggy styles. These have an effect of creating an illusion of larger legs. Additionally, the length can make all of the difference. I would recommend most men opt for a 7inch inseam; this flatters most men’s leg length, and they’re most suitable for a range of events from everyday outfits, holidays, city breaks, BBQs and more. Whether you’re slim, athletic, or broader in build, this length works for nearly everyone. If you’re particularly tall, then I would choose a longer length. Following this, if you like your shorts to sit higher, then go for 5inch inseams. These are particularly great for athletic or muscular legs, or if you have shorter legs, they create the illusion of longer proportions by tricking the eye. Pair these with oversize shirts or boxy T-shirts for a cool, modern edge that balances out your proportions. Lastly, 9-inch inseams are most suited to those who are taller and prefer a little more coverage. Styles that tend to fit this length are chinos and tailored shorts. They land just above the knee, creating a more classic silhouette. When shorts start covering the knee, they can visually shorten the leg. Without any further ado, let’s jump into the guide of the best shorts to snap up right now. The best linen shorts Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Linen is one of the ultimate fabrics for the warmer temperatures. Yes, it naturally creases, but don’t fight it; embrace it. It’s all part of the charm. Latest heatwave news and guidance They’re lightweight and allow for breathability due to the weave of the fabric. Style them with a coordinating linen shirt, a knitted polo top, and a pair of espadrilles of Birkenstock sandals. Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts If you like a dark shade to your shorts, swap out black for one of the hottest colours of the year: brown. This Uniqlo pair can easily be dressed up with a white linen shirt and loafers, or dressed down with a graphic tee and trainers. Buy Now for £19.90 Next Ecru White Belted Cotton Linen Blend 7 Inch Shorts A classic neutral colour pays off when it comes to versatility and styling potential. They make for a great base of any outfit, allowing you to build your look around them without stress. Buy Now for £32 M&S Cotton Linen Blend Stretch Shorts Swap up plain designs for playful prints or classic stripes like this option from M&S. These will work brilliantly on holiday for daytime exploring, or cocktails at sunset. Buy Now for £18 The Best Chino Shorts Chinos are the smart-casual heroes of men’s wardrobes. They’re the perfect style for garden parties, summer office days, and dinners out, looking smart, but not over the top. These always team well with tailored shirts, loafers and even suede trainers and a trusty tote bag. River Island Pink Slim Fit Stretch Belted Chino Shorts If you’re looking to branch out from the beiges, then consider this your sign. Not too daring, this muted pink option is surprisingly smart and pairs brilliantly with whites, stones, and even olive shades. Buy Now for £32 Tu Khaki Chino Shorts Khaki chinos are always a safe option. They’re timeless, endlessly versatile and go with pretty much everything. Buy Now for £15 Matalan Light Blue Regular Fit Chino Shorts Inject some fun colour into your summer wardrobe by embracing pastels like this pale blue style from Matalan. They’ll not only brighten up your outfit, but they’ll brighten up your day also. Buy Now for £15 The Best Denim Shorts Denim has come a long way with various shades, styles and designs taking over. Whether they’re short shorts, have appliqued stars splashed across them, have embroidery, or transfer stickers, denim has stepped into a new era. boohooMAN Relaxed Laser Printed Denim Shorts If your wardrobe is crying out for a bit of personality, or you simply want to add a little something extra to your looks, then these are just the ticket. The subtle laser-printed designs add just the right amount of edge without creating too much of a statement. Buy Now for £35 Levi 501® Original Shorts If there’s one pair of denim shorts worth investing in, then it’s the Levi 501s. Cut from the brand's iconic jeans, they have that effortlessly cool feel that only gets better the more you wear them. Buy Now for £60 Timberland Denim Shorts for Men in Dark Blue Dark-wash denim always feels a little bit smart, making these a great option if you’re wanting a more polished style. Pair them with a crisp linen shirt for summer evenings, or keep it cool and casual with a plain white tee. Buy Now for £37.50 (was £75) The Best Cargo Shorts Cargo shorts have had a serious reinvention in recent years, so it’s no wonder they’re back on trend. Forget the bulky, oversized pairs from the 2000’s; today’s styles are cleaner, more streamlined and easier to wear. The laid-back design, completed with the utility pockets, gives your look a stylish outdoorsy feel. Next Blue Vintage Stretch Cotton Rich Cargo Shorts If you’re dipping your toe into the cargo trend for the first time, then this pair from Next is a great place to start. The blue wash gives them a softer, lived-in feel, while the stretch cotton fabric makes them super comfortable. Buy Now for £28 H&M Regular Fit Cargo Shorts You don’t need to spend a fortune on the utility trend, and H&M are proving that. This regular-fit style strikes the perfect balance between practical and stylish, while the design keeps them looking modern rather than overly military-inspired. Buy Now for £22.99 White Stuff Halsall Organic Cargo Shorts If you’re after a pair that will see you through this summer and into the next, these are worth the investment. Crafted from organic cotton, they feel premium without working too hard. The pockets are more understated, keeping the look clean and contemporary. Buy Now for £55 The Best Sporty Shorts Sporty shorts are having a huge moment in 2026, thanks to the likes of Harry Styles and Pedro Pascal leading the way. No more are these reserved solely for the gym; they’re not for the pavements to show off too. They’re lightweight, comfortable and effortlessly cool. adidas Originals Three Stripe Shorts In Red You can’t go wrong with an adidas classic. Their instantly recognisable thanks to the iconic side stripes, this vibrant red pair adds a brilliant pop of colour to your summer wardrobe. Buy Now for £39.99 (was £45) Umbro UO Exclusive Deep Red Checkerboard Shorts If your style is more playful, then these checkerboard shorts are guaranteed to stand out. The deep red colourway and retro-inspired pattern perfectly taps into the athleisure trend. Buy Now for £24 (was £40) Superdry Monogram Shorts For those who like to keep their sportswear more understated, this Superdry pair ticks all of the boxes. The subtle monogram adds a premium touch, whilst the basic design gives more runway and PE vibes. Buy Now for £44.99 An extra styling tip from me to you: If your shorts are bold, then keep the top half simple. You don’t need two bold colours or prints fighting against one another. And remember, your shorts should always end above the knee, slim your thighs rather than squeeze them, and ultimately, make you feel comfortable. Trends come and go, but if the fit is right, then you’ll be reaching for them summer after summer. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: The trainers dominating men’s fashion right now, including Sambas and Air Force 1s Arrow MORE: Best men’s swim shorts for summer 2026 – 9 stylish pairs from Next, M&S, H&M and more Arrow MORE: The best men’s layering shirts to upgrade your summer wardrobe Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!