How much thigh is too much? (Getty)(Getty)
When it comes to men's style, few debates are as oddly personal as the length of your shorts. It's part aesthetic choice, part comfort and part existential crisis: Who am I when I show this much thigh?
At 5'7" on a good day, I've thought a lot about inseams, probably more than the average person. A 6-inch short is my comfort zone — it hits that sweet spot where I still feel put-together but don't look like I'm heading to a middle school basketball tryout circa 2001. Five-inch shorts? We're testing boundaries. Seven inches? That's my upper (or lower?) limit.
So how short should your shorts be?
If you're wearing 3-inch shorts (or shorter), there are three things I immediately know about you. First, you're a briefs, not boxers kind of guy. Second, you don't mind standing out. Third, you're incredibly self-assured — so much so that you'd never be caught reading an article about how long your shorts should be because you already know better.
I've worn one pair of 3-inch shorts in my lifetime, a bright orange pair of Nike running shorts, and I immediately knew I had made a mistake. Standing out like that is not for me.
Best for: European beach vacations, bodybuilding competitions, Olympic track and field finals
Style vibe: 1980s Robin Williams and Elton John, Donald Glover on vacation
Watch out for: Wedgies
These are my go-to chino shorts from late spring through early fall. They come in eight colors, have a more put-together look than the Baggies, and the slight stretch makes them comfortable to wear, even after I gorge myself at a summer barbecue.
Of all of the shorts on this list, these are what I wear the most often come summer — and the ones I own the most pairs of. They have a mesh liner (though I know some folks who cut the liner out, I prefer to keep mine in) and are as at home on the beach or in the pool as they are out and about grocery shopping or running. The only downside for me is the absolutely huge front pockets, which are almost too deep to be useful.
Linen is the perfect material for summer. It's light, breathable and ultra-absorbent, meaning it will wick away and evaporate sweat quickly, leaving you cool and dry.
If you want really, really short shorts, The Vannas — with a minuscule 2-inch inseam — are your go-to, albeit currently in limited sizes and colors.
If you're reaching for a 4- to 5-inch inseam, you're either confident, well-proportioned or both. These are shorts that show thigh on purpose. They say, "I own more than one camp shirt." Five-inch shorts are more fashion-forward than functional, though the best options strike a smart balance between the two.
After years of wearing 7-inch inseams, I bought a few 5-inch stretch chino shorts from J.Crew. The switch took some time to get used to — I was not used to showing off that much leg — not to mention a bit more sunscreen. They paired nicely with my normal summer go-tos: short-sleeve button-ups, slim-fit Oxfords and more premium, structured T-shirts.
That said, not all 5-inch shorts are created equal. One of the few pairs I consistently reach for are 5-inch Patagonia Baggies. Why? Because the crotch sits lower than most shorts, so even though the inseam is technically short, they wear more like a 6-inch pair. The fit works. The 7-inch version, on the other hand, feels way too long — like I've wandered into board-short territory.
Best for: Shorter guys (like me!), warm weather, casual settings, showing off your thighs
Style vibe: Peak Paul Newman, Pedro Pascal on the beach
Watch out for: Wide leg openings that make your legs look like toothpicks — more on that in a bit
As I mentioned above, a 6-inch inseam, for me, is perfection. It offers a modern look without venturing into ultra-short territory. It's ideal for athletic builds or anyone looking to show a bit more leg without sacrificing comfort or versatility. This length feels intentionally stylish but not trend-chasing.
Seven inches is the safest bet — and probably what most of you are already wearing. It's just long enough to cover more of your leg without swallowing your proportions. For me, it's nearing the upper limit. If the cut is clean and the taper is right, it still feels modern and intentional. This inseam works whether you're heading out for coffee, walking the dog or pretending you know how to grill.
At my height, 8 inches is where things start to get tricky. If you're not tall, the longer length can easily skew too relaxed or dated if the fit isn't dialed in. Look for a slimmer leg opening and structured fabric to keep things balanced. Otherwise, you run the risk of a look that's more suburban Saturday than summer-ready. If in doubt, cuff them once or twice — it's an easy tweak that can make a big difference.
Best for: Everyday wear, versatility, not overthinking it
Style vibe: Classic, lived-in
Watch out for: Extra bagginess and a low crotch — volume is not your friend here
Look, I'm not here to shame tall people. If you're over 6 feet and want your shorts to land right above the knee, you might need a 9-inch inseam to get there. But for the rest of us, these can be... tricky.
On me, a 9-inch short hits at or below the knee. Anything longer than that and suddenly I'm wearing something that looks like it belongs on a high school PE teacher in 1998. Even with tailoring, it's hard to make them feel intentional unless you're deliberately going for a vintage, retro dad-core look. In that case, might I suggest some Nike Monarchs?
I have no desire to look like the 2008 version of Rafael Nadal, unless we're talking about biceps, so I steer clear of any shorts longer than 8 inches (my favorite pair of lined running shorts feature an 8-inch inseam, though finally this year Patagonia started selling a 6-inch option). But if you consider yourself a more conservative dresser, I get it. Maybe try sliding a leg into the 7-inch (or shorter) world and you might be surprised by how much better the proportions look, especially if you're under 6 feet tall. Sometimes all it takes is one pair of slightly shorter shorts to realize you've been drowning in fabric this whole time.
Best for: Very tall guys and conservative dressers
Style vibe: Hardware store run meets backyard barbecue
Watch out for: Looking like you bought your shorts at Costco in bulk — also, just say no to cargo
You found the right inseam. It's way shorter than you thought. I'm happy for you. But if your shorts flare out like a skirt, all that careful measuring goes out the window.
A few years ago, I picked up a vintage pair of Patagonia Stand Up Shorts. They had a 5-inch inseam, iconic heavyweight canvas and a cool retro vibe (have you seen photos of the guys climbing Yosemite in the '60s and '70s?). On paper, they checked every box. In practice? A complete disaster. The leg openings were huge. I don't skip leg day — actually, I hit it multiple times a week — but these things made my quads look like I'd never seen the inside of a gym, let alone done a squat in my life. Modern 7-inch Stand Up Shorts, which have a slightly narrower, though still quite generous, leg opening were much more my speed.
The lesson: proportions matter. A wide leg opening creates a bell shape that throws off your silhouette, especially if you have thinner legs. A slightly tapered or tailored cut keeps things neat, athletic and way more flattering. Note: I say slightly; you don't want to end up buying the skinny jeans version of shorts that are so tight they look painted on.
Bottom line: Don't just look at the number — look at the shape. A clean fit through the thigh will always look sharper than a pair that turns into sails when the wind picks up.
There's no one perfect inseam — it really depends on your height, build, vibe and maybe how much sun you're willing to expose yourself to. But there is a perfect inseam for you, and it's probably an inch or two shorter than you think.
Start with a 6- or 7-inch pair, see how they feel and work from there. If you're feeling confident, give 5-inch shorts a shot. And if you're clinging to 11-inch cargos from another life? Just know there's a better world waiting for you above the knee.
Fit matters. Fabric matters. Leg openings absolutely matter. But at the end of the day, the goal is simple: shorts that feel good, look intentional and let you enjoy summer without overthinking it.
Now go outside. Slather some sunscreen on those thighs. And maybe leave the old-school basketball shorts at home.
