For the longest time, shorts have been an indispensable part of every man’s wardrobe. Their versatility offers comfort and ease of wear; often made in a myriad of colours and sizes for all personal styles. While traditionally thought of as casual loungewear or for active occasions, there has been a recent surge in dressier alternatives both in luxury fashion and on the streets. These shorts—distinguished by their longer inseam and pleated detailing—usually lack maximal prints or bold colours, and serve as the perfect piece to add flair into an outfit while remaining elegant.
On the men’s spring/summer 2024 runways, tailored shorts were everywhere. Pharrell Williams’s debut collection for Louis Vuitton menswear saw a tribute to classic house codes while infusing the producer-designer’s penchant for streetwear. Many of the models donned knee-length shorts, oversized and relaxed in silhouette while encompassing contemporary tailoring details.
Prada menswear presented a shorter alternative that cut off at the mid-thigh, a modish variation to a traditional dress short. Its wide hem opening and cotton poplin blend makes for a great everyday option in the stifling heat of our local climes. Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus and Thom Browne, too showed a sleuth of looks paired with oversized shorts, all in their signature silhouettes and varying fabrics that the respective houses have been producing for some time now.
Some of Hollywood’s biggest male stars have also taken to this style trend. The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal rocked a classic pair of pleated dress shorts from Valentino at this year’s Met Gala, proving that the sartorial staple can be dressed up for even the fanciest of events. Australian heartthrob—and street style maven in his own right—Jacob Elordi has also been seen sporting variations of shorts, from attending Milan men’s spring/summer 2024 fashion week to strutting down the sunny streets of Los Angeles.
With a dizzying list of brands and cuts to choose from, one is simply spoilt for choice. This summer, shop Vogue Singapore’s curation of the best men’s dress shorts, below.
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Jil Sander wool garbadine pleated shorts, $1,246
Available at Jil Sander.
