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Introduction
True fashion followers always attempt to stay ahead of the seasons in order to be one step ahead of the trends – so although your body might currently be craving woollens and layers, your head should be thinking about what might be when the sun pops his hat back on. And based on the collections showcased at various fashion weeks across the globe, one of the key pieces for SS13 are tailored shorts, and the notion of shorts suits.
It may not be particularly ground-breaking to report that shorts are going to become an influential piece of menswear come spring/summer. Nevertheless, what you should be aware of is the style of shorts that are likely to become popular and the items you choose to pair them with.
It is clear from my research that a more traditionally tailored style will be favoured by the majority of the high street come SS13, and as Shortlist magazine writes: “It’s all about the slim cut – from hip to hem.”
The high fashion designers also demonstrated a penchant for shorts paired with blazers. The concept of the shorts suit (aka a suit jacket worn with matching shorts) has been simmering within spring/summer collections for several years now – could SS13 be the season that this trend comes to the forefront?
On The Runways
Turning our attention to the runways, several designers featured tailored shorts and shorts suits in their SS13 collections – from Wooyoungmi to Maison Kitsuné to Raf Simons.
However, two of my favourite collections came from Richard James and Junya Watanabe, who showcased a range of much more wearable styles and looks.
Richard James
The collection by Richard James, showcased in our own fair city of London, was entitled ‘Urban Fete’ and featured crisp linen shorts in bright tones, paisley prints and exciting stripes.
The collection worked so well due to the sheer amount of variation present in the outfits. There was a pair of pale blue tailored shorts with matching single-breasted linen blazer (also showcased in more adventurous shades of electric blue and tangerine), bold patterned board shorts and tonal patterned shorts paired with flip flops.
Richard James also mixed things up by pairing mismatched shorts and blazer combinations. There were candy striped shorts paired with a casual white blazer and paisley print shorts in bright yellow/red paired with loose-fitting shirts for an injection of vibrancy.
Vogue described the Richard James collection as “stunningly intense” and I truly believe that the collection could slip seamlessly into the wardrobe of any modern man:
Junya Watanabe
Junya Watanabe’s collection provided similar wearability to Richard James, although there was slightly less variation. The collection was clearly inspired by the notion of the shorts suit but Watanabe preferred to mix and match styles/colours of shorts and blazers rather than creating traditional two-piece sets.
Particularly notable were Watanabe’s double-breasted grey blazer paired with contrast black tailored shorts and a pale pink single-breasted blazer coupled with contrast white shorts.
Overall, Watanabe proved that the shorts suit can work and is completely wearable. By utilising your blazers and shorts as separates, you can make the most of your existing wardrobe and pull off high summer smart-casual looks with ease:
Raf Simons
We cannot touch on the influence of shorts for SS13 without mentioning the collection by Raf Simons, which contained shorts in almost every outfit.
Raf Simons’ shorts had a more contemporary, sports-influenced feel, with trainers and sports shoes being incorporated within several of the looks. The shorts themselves were much shorter than those featured in other designer collections and typically ended mid-thigh with some slit-detailing cut into them for added effect.
Although the looks created by Raf Simons were much more adventurous and visually impactful, this made them comparatively less wearable than shorts shown by other designers:
The Fashion Press
In the fashion press, one of the biggest advocates of tailored shorts – and more specifically the shorts suit – for SS13 has been Editor-in-Chief of Mr Porter, Jeremy Langmead. Langmead has written feature articles in both Esquire magazine and London’s Evening Standard showing his support for both of these looks.
He fully endorses Watanabe’s approach to the shorts suit by stating that it looks better if the jacket and shorts are slightly mismatched. He also argues that the key to pulling off this look successfully is to dress tailored shorts down, not up.
However, Langmead concedes that the shorts suit cannot really be compared to the normal suit, as it is much more directional and therefore not entirely appropriate for every situation where a suit is worn. In addition, he raises some key issues that need to be considered before even attempting to rock a shorts suit: things like where you work, what the climate is like, how confident you appear and feel and (most importantly) what your legs are like.
In other areas of the fashion press, Shortlist magazine has backed tailored shorts and argues that they are such a versatile piece of clothing they can be worn at all sorts of occasions – from dress down Fridays to city breaks to summer BBQs.
According to Shortlist, the key is to ensure the shorts fit well, and in terms of making an impact, Shortlist writes that “shorts lend themselves to this season’s colour-blocking trend so go to town with a bright pair and contrasting jacket with a natural shirt.”
Back in July 2012, immediately after the SS13 fashion weeks, Esquire magazine included a feature called “How to do summer smart” and showcased several types of tailored shorts in an effort to prove they can work successfully for most men. Esquire magazine wrote “The three rules with shorts are that they must be tailored, not remotely creased, and cut a few inches above the knee”. Sound advice.
How To Wear
In terms of how to wear, tailored shorts look best when matched with other smart-casual pieces. Oxford shirts, polos, granddad collars and slim-fit knitwear are the perfect accompaniments, and tucking yourself in is also something that complements the essence of this look.
Whether you opt for timeless neutral shorts or more striking statement colours/patterns is completely up to you:
- Ralph Lauren Maritime Chino Shorts
- Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Shorts
- Paul Smith Mens Fuchsia Pink Cotton Shorts
- Chino Shorts
- Polo Ralph Lauren Tailored Shorts 153310
- Chino Shorts
- Allsaints Mitre Shorts
- Alexander Mcqueen Jacquard Cotton-blend Shorts
- Etro Cotton-blend Seersucker Shorts
- Vivienne Westwood – Man Mu0028-41491 White & Blue Stripe Shorts
- J.crew Stanton Flower-print Cotton Shorts
- Topman Villain Pattern Shorts
Modern Shorts Suit & Separates
It is clear that this is a trend which has been trying to claim the limelight for a several seasons now, and I think SS13 could be the time for the tailored shorts suit to shine.
For those looking to take on the shorts suit approach this SS13, it has already been proven that you don’t have to utilise matching pieces in order for it to be successful. The traditional shorts suit is a look that is still not appropriate for the majority of office settings, so instead mix and match your existing separates together in order to create refined, summer appropriate outfits for the weekends or holidaying.
With this in mind, the style of the shorts is more important, so keep them well fitted at the waist (they should be able to be worn without a belt) and make sure they closely follow the lines of your thighs, stopping an inch or two above the knee:
- Allsaints Preston Jacket
- Asos Slim Fit Blazer In Stripe
- Richard James Seishin Slim-fit Cotton Suit Jacket
- Marc By Marc Jacobs Harvey Cotton-twill Blazer
- Allsaints Preston Shorts
- Asos Shorts In Stripe
- Richard James Slim-fit Cotton Suit Shorts
- Marc By Marc Jacobs Harvey Cotton-twill Shorts
- Uniqlo Men Dry Easy Jacket
- Gucci Dylan Slim-fit Jersey Blazer
- Uniqlo Men Wash Cotton Jacket
- Topman Grey Flannel Skinny Blazer
- Levis Made & Crafted 59100 Blue Drill Shorts
- Etro Striped Seersucker Shorts
- Topman Cream Palm Tree Chino Shorts
- Paul Smith Cotton Shorts
Final Word
So, what do you guys think? Are tailored shorts already a modern wardrobe classic? Would you go a brave step further and pair tailored shorts with a blazer in order to develop your own take on the shorts suit?
If bravery prevails – do you see yourself pairing shorts and jackets in the same prints and colours, or do you dare to mismatch for a more striking, forward-thinking look?
As always, we welcome your feedback and comments.
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Safari
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
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Combinations of jackets, or tucked in shirts and shorts in rougher materials and textures, and in earthy tones reminiscent of expeditions and digs in the Orient work well, especially for a summer vacation, or a business trip to a sunny part of the world.
I think that the translation of that look into finer textures, and in typical office palettes of darker blues, greys and metallics, with the addition of brogues worn without socks and of ties (!) verges on the slightly ridiculous: think christening ceremony older brother outfit ca 1978, accidents ruining the lower part of one’s trousers etc.; even worse, it reeks of trying too hard…
Like any eccentricity, an unusual outfit should first give the impression of an impromptu last moment decision and not of copying a particular catwalk look.
add an old school cap and instantly i’m transported back to the 80s / not a good thing for a man in his mid 30s
I think it work well as a casual chic in asia. When you want to look a little better.
I wore short suit to my sister’s graduation day and love it. I want to add pink junya one to my collection.
I love this style and have been wearing the shorts suit look since last summer.
It all depends on your age and body type. A trimmed and fit 21 old can look good in it. Probably.
I’m sorry suits and shorts will never BE
There isn’t a situation where this is appropriate. If you are going somewhere that requires you to be formally dressed at all then you shouldn’t be in shorts–not even for business casual. So in effect you are wearing a suit just to wear a suit, and that doesn’t “suit” anyones style who wants to be effortlessly stylish in any given situation.
100% agree
Ive always liked the idea of tailored shorts and blazers but my legs are too hairy. I thought of trimming them down a notch but the back of the legs would be hard to do. Any help please?
Adil, you can ask a friend to do it with a trimmer, or try yourself and I’m sure you can do it. Carefully, though to avoid any scratches,
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! :)
About linen suits for summer, they would most likely be made with minimal shoulder padding and no canvas. this would make the blazer more similar to an unstructured blazer. The blazer would help you keep cool as it shades the arms.
If you don’t like the idea of a blazer you could always switch the blazer for a summer waistcoat and i know they are great for the heat because iv’e gone clubbing in my summer waistcoat in sky blue and white pinstripe seersucker.
I’ve always been a fan of tailored shorts even during times it was a no-no. All I had was 3 tailored shorts and one blazer, but that was all i needed for a month of style (and yes, i wash my clothes haha!). It’s really practical for me especially here in the Philippines (a tropical country) to be stylish and still comfortable (since layering isn’t always an option here). The only problem I had, is that I couldn’t go to school or offices (other than where i work right now) because they think it’s unacceptable. So, I would always have a pair of chinos in my bag or car just in case I need it.
I call for a challenge! 6 looks. 3 tailored shorts + 1 blazer challenge. This is quite easy though. Any suggestions to make it more challenging? :)
It would be fun to have a proper linen suit with full length trousers, but with inside buttons so that the trousers can be turned into shorts in a second. So you go to the office or a meeting, and then unbutton and stay with the shorts. I still don’t see the need to keep the jacket on though. In hot climates it’s hard enough to wear a shirt!
I don’t know. I am a huge fan of tailored shorts and it always works for me with a cotton shirt but somehow short suit doesn’t seem right.
One more thing im looking at these suits and most of them dont even look that short, but that aside the ‘short suit’ trend seems like another fast ending trend.
If you really wanted to shed the heat you could wear a sheer shirt over a vest, then layer a unlined unstructured linen blazer over with some linen shorts and a linen cap (baker boy maybe). Fine knit cashmere socks would save you from looking a little try hard and keep the heat out.
nice lookbook though.
I’m a big fan of tailored shorts, been wearing them for some time, but I am not a fan of pairing them with a suit jacket. Shirt or polo t-shirt – yes, but a jacket is just a bit too much for my liking.
I was rocking this look last summer, with navy blue blazer and chino shorts. Very comfortable in the odd hot day we had last summer, I just wish this summer I have more excuses to wear it more!
In southern countries it’s already summer and tailored shorts have proven to be great pieces in every wardrobe. Bright colors are quite trendy and if you don’t want to look way too formal you can wear them with t-shirts. For me, at least, tailored shorts have been great either to go out or during the afternoons in the city. As for shoes I’ve pulled the shorts out both with slip-ons (A favorite of mine) and leather boots.
i love topman but it’s too expensive i cant avail here in the Philippines first of all the currency money of the Phillipines
where did they get the jacket shown in the 1st pic
Where is the jacket from in the header? Looks superb!
Why so long?
For years I have had great difficulty buying nice short shorts. All I can find are shorts for particular sports – and even they tend to be around half way to the knee.
The ladies wear them very short but apart from swimming shorts, shorts for men generally are so long that the freedom advantage is lost.
Over now to the designers!
@Mike
I absolutely agree with you. I’ve been looking for some time now for some affordable tailored short shorts, but it’s very hard to find. As already said, the shorts in this lookbook aren’t even that short..
My tailor hems all my shorts…. shorter. I am not tall or long legged, so if I wore the purchased length it would make me appear even smaller. Its cheap,and way worth the cost.
This not a style for a mature man. I can not think of a mature man I know who would wear a suit that looks as if it belongs to a small child . I have always enjoyed fashion but this too little look leaves a lot to be desired.
I’m just say’n
I wore a lot of short suits last summer and found they worked perfectly in almost any situation. My experience though was that shorter, slimer cut jackets worked best. I really love the colour and fabric combinations from Richard James but the jackets are too traditionally cut, the flaired skirt is just too bulky on the hip when you have your legs exposed. A big thumbs up for the Raf/Watanabe collections!
Hopefully short suits would be allowed in the workplace sometime soon,worldwide.It’s high time and way overdue.Women can choose shorter sleeveless variations of their dress,skirt and blouses,so why is it men must be forced to stick to the conventional full length suits?I hope to see more short pants among men in any sort of workplace,physical or office.
It’s ironic that when one single country just intends to ban miniskirts,there is a worldwide outcry;amd yet restriction on premises and occassions pertaining men and shorts have existed for so long and hardly anyone makes a noise about it.It’s high time things change and our rights to freedom be recognised.
At the senior prom at a local high school one student showed up in a tux with shorts. He was the envy of the class. I have been wearing short suits for some time now. I have alwas had to have them made because I did not know if any retailer sold them. It is extremely classy at outdoor events. I usually have someone ask me where I bought it. Women seem to be especially impressed by my outfits. If I don’t wear a shorts suit, I will wear a blazer with shorts. The important thing is how I feel…not how sombody else sees it!