There's often a reluctance to wear shorts as we grow older, but don't give up on them, we need them in this hot weather
In the heat of summer the need to expose the legs to the sun and cooling breezes becomes overbearing. However, many men are reluctant to wear shorts in public, particularly as they reach middle age and beyond. I know I feel that my knees have become knobblier – varicose veins, scars of previous sporting derring-do and general wear and tear, as well as a chalky pallor, make me wonder if they are best kept hidden.
I hope to persuade you otherwise. Older men and shorts can mix well if suitable styles are chosen. There is a tendency to wear shorts too long or too short, too baggy or laden with pockets. Length and cut are everything.
I'm not being proscriptive here – a man is free, after all, to wear what he likes. However, whatever your size and shape, I suggest that the best length for a pair of shorts has the hem two or three inches above the top of the kneecap. Too short and you run the risk of looking like a 70s football player – a bit too revealing, perhaps. Too long and, you may look like something out of It Ain't Half Hot Mum – not always flattering.
I avoid cargo shorts if sartorial elegance is the aim – keep them for mountain walking or gardening – as the pockets fill up with phone, wallet, keys etc they rapidly lose shape.
Try patterned shorts for the beach, but you may want to make sure that other clothes will complement them. The more complex and larger the pattern, the harder it is to do this. A vivid pair of Hawaiian-style print shorts such as these from Riz Boardshorts will need plain colours elsewhere. Safest are neutral or calmer plain colours, such as khaki and navy blue, or discreet stripes, such as these from Oliver Spencer. Brighter plain colours, cobalt blues, reds, pinks, green, soft yellow, are fashionable options (such as these from Hackett), but may present problems if you're not confident mixing colours.
So, in general, the most stylish shorts will be well-cut, reasonably fitting around leg and waist, straight-leg, just above knee-length and plain in design, with no extra pockets.
One recent development that has yet to take off in a big way, but which I mention in case you want to lead the way in sartorial style, is the matching shorts and jacket – a shorts suit. Alternatively, wear shorts, of whatever colour, with a cotton blazer or summer jacket, enlivened with a colourful pocket square.
So, gentleman, don't hide those legs away – with sensibly chosen and stylish shorts you may pleasantly surprise yourself, and others.
*Where to buy shorts?*
Many shops are well into selling autumn/winter clothes now, but try Marks & Spencer, Universal Works, or Jacamo for good selections.
How do you feel about wearing shorts? Any preferences for type, colour, style? Reported by guardian.co.uk 6 hours ago.
In the heat of summer the need to expose the legs to the sun and cooling breezes becomes overbearing. However, many men are reluctant to wear shorts in public, particularly as they reach middle age and beyond. I know I feel that my knees have become knobblier – varicose veins, scars of previous sporting derring-do and general wear and tear, as well as a chalky pallor, make me wonder if they are best kept hidden.
I hope to persuade you otherwise. Older men and shorts can mix well if suitable styles are chosen. There is a tendency to wear shorts too long or too short, too baggy or laden with pockets. Length and cut are everything.
I'm not being proscriptive here – a man is free, after all, to wear what he likes. However, whatever your size and shape, I suggest that the best length for a pair of shorts has the hem two or three inches above the top of the kneecap. Too short and you run the risk of looking like a 70s football player – a bit too revealing, perhaps. Too long and, you may look like something out of It Ain't Half Hot Mum – not always flattering.
I avoid cargo shorts if sartorial elegance is the aim – keep them for mountain walking or gardening – as the pockets fill up with phone, wallet, keys etc they rapidly lose shape.
Try patterned shorts for the beach, but you may want to make sure that other clothes will complement them. The more complex and larger the pattern, the harder it is to do this. A vivid pair of Hawaiian-style print shorts such as these from Riz Boardshorts will need plain colours elsewhere. Safest are neutral or calmer plain colours, such as khaki and navy blue, or discreet stripes, such as these from Oliver Spencer. Brighter plain colours, cobalt blues, reds, pinks, green, soft yellow, are fashionable options (such as these from Hackett), but may present problems if you're not confident mixing colours.
So, in general, the most stylish shorts will be well-cut, reasonably fitting around leg and waist, straight-leg, just above knee-length and plain in design, with no extra pockets.
One recent development that has yet to take off in a big way, but which I mention in case you want to lead the way in sartorial style, is the matching shorts and jacket – a shorts suit. Alternatively, wear shorts, of whatever colour, with a cotton blazer or summer jacket, enlivened with a colourful pocket square.
So, gentleman, don't hide those legs away – with sensibly chosen and stylish shorts you may pleasantly surprise yourself, and others.
*Where to buy shorts?*
Many shops are well into selling autumn/winter clothes now, but try Marks & Spencer, Universal Works, or Jacamo for good selections.
How do you feel about wearing shorts? Any preferences for type, colour, style? Reported by guardian.co.uk 6 hours ago.