Mens Shorts: Style, Fashion, and Features

by Michael Harding on May 11, 2010

With the arrival of warmer weather, it is time to start thinking about the style of mens shorts one would like to wear. There are many different types and styles of men’s shorts; depending on the activities men may be interested in. Shorts for men should be fashionable as well as functional.

One should first know the exact size of shorts needed. Men’s sizes are based on the measurement around the waist. The fit should be snug and comfortable. Younger men may prefer to wear their shorts lower on their hips. Just be sure that this style is appropriate for the area or situation one will be wearing them to.

Men’s shorts come in a variety of styles to suit nearly any need and function. One popular style for young men is mens cargo shorts. Cargo shorts come in a variety of different materials; however, khaki and denim are the most popular. These shorts are very functional, as they have multiple pockets for keeping items. Especially today, when people leave the house with keys, their cell phone, a pocket PC, wallet, and other modern necessities in their pockets. Cargo shorts with large pockets are most appropriate for college age men, as men get older the pocket size should decrease. Of course, this is dependent on the situation and area.

For casual settings, having a nice pair of mens denim shorts is always handy. The length of these styles can vary, and should be taken into consideration. Younger men’s shorts tend to have a longer length. Older men prefer their denim shorts to come down to about the knee.

Most men have at least a few athletic shorts in their closets. If a guy is going to do any kind of physical activity, it is important to have a few pairs of mens athletic shorts. Traditional athletic or mens running shorts are made out of cotton and have an elastic waistband. Cotton offers breath ability and comfort, which certainly helps when one is running or at the gym. The elastic band keeps the shorts in place without any snaps or buttons, which can be caught on exercise equipment or can pinch the skin while working out. However, cotton has its limitations. The material can get heavy when damp, and it takes a long time to dry. Newer material such as Lycra dries much faster and offers more breathability than cotton shorts. It is also very stretchy, so the shorts move with the athlete and are not bunched up. Some fabrics are especially made to wick sweat off the body, this is an important feature in athletic shorts and especially for running shorts. Running shorts can also have some sort of ventilation system, sometimes built into the hem. This helps to keep them dry, as well as cooling off the runner.

Cycling shorts come in a variety of styles and offer many different functions. Since many cyclists ride for long distances, some mens cycling shorts have padding to keep the cyclist comfortable. This is a great feature, but may not be necessary if one is going on shorter trips. There are two main types of fabrics for cycling shorts. One is called compression. This means the fabric is tight and compresses on specific areas of the muscles. Many athletes believe that compression helps with blood flow and circulation. Compression is mainly a matter of preference; some athletes may find it uncomfortable, while others swear by it. Having the cycling shorts tight against the body also prevents the fabric from being caught on the bike. The other popular fabric found in most cycling shorts is a nylon blend. These shorts have a looser fit, which may make them more comfortable for some men. The fabric wicks sweat away and cools the cyclist in the process. Nylon cycling shorts often come with pockets, which can be very convenient for the cyclist.

If swimming or going to the beach is a fun activity, then a guy should have some form of swim shorts. A popular style of mens swim shorts are called board shorts. These are sized the same way traditional shorts are, which is by the waist. They are equipped with some form of closure, which varies depending on the brand. Some offer a tie closure, often in combination with Velcro. Others have snaps or a button fly. Men should try different varieties to decide which they prefer and feel the most comfortable wearing. Board shorts are made out of a nylon blend, which repels water and dries quickly. Many come with pockets and even key loops, which add convenience and function. Traditional swim shorts are made out of similar materials. However, there are some differences. They often utilize an elastic waistband, which provides comfort and makes them easy to change in and out of. Some may have pockets, but the pockets tend to be smaller than on board shorts.

There are many different varieties and styles of men’s shorts, each with their pros and cons. What matters most is individual comfort and sense of style.

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