We just wrapped up the first summer theme on the Style Journal, which was none other than the season’s most evasive essential, SHORTS.
Since the season is just getting going, I thought it would be a great time to take a deeper dive into this closet category and share some personal insights on the topic. I realize shorts are not everyone’s favourite, which I totally understand, but knowing what works for you and where to look can help a lot!
This post will cover:
- The shorts in my closet – I only have 3 styles
- A few pairs on my radar right now
- 4 Key things I look for in shorts
- Suggestions for where to find good ones
Let’s hop on in!
THE SHORTS IN MY CLOSET
These are a really great everyday short for the hottest summer days. The linen is breathable and the cut is such that the fabric sits off the frame slightly, allowing for lots of air flow. I have two colours in these shorts, which are both discontinued but there are some lovely options available now.
I wear a size 1 in these and the fit is slightly generous and voluminous. More on the fit in this in-depth post from last summer.
These have been in my closet for a couple of summers and I adore them. They’re between something as comfy as the Papaya Short and something more tailored because they have a front pleat, pockets and button closure but also an elastic waist at the back. I love the raw silk for softness and movement but they also do a linen cotton and a linen / cotton and a cotton twill option for more structure.
I wear a M in these and they’re perfectly relaxed and not too tight in the waist. It would be great if this brand would expand their size offering.
These are the newest addition to my summer closet and I’m so glad I went for it. They’re truly the dream high waisted cutoffs and fit to a T! There are several washes available in the Dee style. For something a little more relaxed and loose I’d try the Parker or the Reese.
I wear a 27 in these which is the higher of the two sizes I tend to go for in denim. They were snug to start with but have been relaxing with wear.
A FEW PAIRS ON MY RADAR
4 Key Things I Look for in Shorts
1 – LOOSE LEG OPENING – Unless I’m going for a bike short, I like a loose fitting leg on my shorts. Anywhere between about 22 to 28 inches is usually loose enough for my liking. You can find out the opening size that works for you by either measuring a pair of shorts that fit the way you like or by measuring your upper leg about where the shorts will fall and adding a couple of inches or more to find an opening measurement that will fit loosely.
A loose fit doesn’t have to mean boxy or bulky either. A fabric with lots of drape and movement, like raw silk, Tencel, viscose or even a linen, will fall closer to the frame than say a cotton canvas.
2 – A 3 – 5 INCH INSEAM – This inseam length is my preference as it’s still fairly short but there’s enough length to go a couple of inches down the leg. Personally, I find this more comfortable for walking, sitting and just going about my daily activities.
3 – HIGH & ELASTIC WAIST – Aside from my denim shorts, all my shorts have an elastic waistband. It’s comfy, flexible and casual. I like my shorts to have a 10 in rise minimum because that’s what I feel best in and it offers a high visual midpoint, which elongates the leg. It also tends to meet any crop tops right where they land above my natural waist so there is barely any gap.
4 – BREATHABLE FABRIC – Sure, polyester blends may not wrinkle, but they sure as heck don’t breathe either. I like 100% cotton for denim shorts but linen (or linen/tencel blends) and raw silk are great too because it offers softness, drape and movement.
Spots to shop for:
RELAXED SHORTS
SOTELA (inclusive and minimal)
FRANK & OAK (Canadian)
MADEWELL (lots of styles)
KOTN (Canadian – Use LEEV10 for 10% Off)
AMAZON ESSENTIALS (great pricepoints)
ONLY CHILD (inclusive and minimal)
J.CREW (Best for mid-rises)
EILEEN FISHER (Best for longer inseams)
TKEES (Canadian & lounge focused)
JAMIE & THE JONES (Raw Silk)
TAILORED SHORT OPTIONS
NA NIN (I love the Oliver)
ARITZIA (Canadian)
SÈZANE (Lots of unique options)
RW & CO (Canadian)
CLUB MONACO (Canadian)
DENIM SHORTS
AGOLDE (The Dee is my favourite)
{ Available via SSENSE // SHOPBOP // REVOLVE }
UTILITY SHORTS
ALTITUDE SPORTS (Canadian)
BEATON LINEN (Canadian)
A Week of Shorts
In case your missed SHORTS week on the Style Journal, here are all the looks I shared:
Thanks for tuning in!
I hope this post points you to some shorts that you love to wear. If you’ve got a go-to source, do share!
Thanks for this Lee. I have a small collection of shorts in similar styles and parameters to the ones you mention, and yet I sometimes hesitate to wear them because it seems maybe skirts/dresses/wide leg trousers would be more flattering on my long, PALE legs. This has given me some helpful new ways to play. Another Canadian company (Saskatchewan, I think?) that makes a good linen short in a variety of colours similar to your Sotela pair is Cedar and Vine. They remind me a bit of the ones ES used to sell too.