Guys – with about a month left to bust out those shorts – you could follow every summer trend out there, or you could just settle for shorts and sneakers and be done with it.
Whether you’re walking the streets of London or partying your way through Ibiza, every guy needs some solid shorts and sneakers in their wardrobe. From Chino shorts to combat shorts, I’ve scoured the www for the best ones about. I’ve also paired them with some iconic trainers, from Adidas to New Balance, combining the colours and shapes so you can double-down on a foolproof combo.
Just steer away from hi-tops. They’ll cut you off and generally make you look short, and nobody wants to look shorter than they actually are.
Bode + New Balance
Bode shorts, for example, are inspired by a French kitchen towel from the 20th century. So, pair them with some trainers that give off the same old school aura. While the 993 was introduced in 2008, it looks cosy in a vintage way, but without the second-hand smell.
Bottega Veneta + Adidas
These bleached denim shorts are cut for a relaxed fit to hit at the knee. Rock ’em with the SL-72 RS, slightly sleeker and slightly comfier – the colours work together without being an obvious match-up.
Brunello Cucinelli + Nike
Pleated shorts are some of the fanciest shorts that you’ll ever own in your entire life. They’re usually crafted by heavyweight makers and while they look like something that you’d wear with some boat shoes or loafers, try the Cortez 23 Premium instead. It’s essentially like the “normal” Cortez, but slightly chunkier (and with the power to update some very old school shorts).
Cherry Los Angeles + Off-White
If an Arizona gas station sold luxury merch, it’d probably look a lot like Cherry Los Angeles – I love this label. An American sportswear that’s scored fans like Justin Bieber. Its sweat shorts are very much in the haute trucker vein, so try amping up the volume with Off-White’s brand new (and slightly experimental) Be Right Back sneakers so you’ve got old school and new school mixed together in one cohesive combo.
Hanro + Stepney Workers Club
Hanro is mostly a comfy undies and cosy PJs brand. That gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect with their Natural Living shorts. Made for nothing but vibing, you should combine these with the brand new Osier S-Strike sneakers by Stepney Workers Club in the matching ‘Desert’ colour.
Jacquemus + Nike
Designer Jacquemus is a big fan of the Air Force 1, to the point that, in 2023, he released his own version which was very appropriately-named the J FORCE 1. These have since sold out everywhere, but the classic ‘Triple White’ works well with Jacquemus’ shorts creating a sexy southern French city vibe.
Polo Ralph Lauren + Autry
Polo Ralph Lauren went head first into its archives to bring back one of its old school short designs. Because it rocked in the ’90s and it rocks now. They come with corduroy construction, but they’ve now been updated with an elasticated drawstring waistband. The Autry sneaker is from the same period (it was, for a time, the biggest sneaker in America and based out of Texas), and does old school beach vibeswithout trying too hard.
Stone Island + Asics
These are the cult-STONEY shorts. They’re made from the brand’s signature Nylon Metal material and they’re also water and wind resistant. So counter the hype with these low-key Oakley Asics kicks instead.
The Row + Adidas
The Row’s Gerhardt shorts aren’t cheap. But over the years, the ultra-luxury label has gained itself a bit of a cult following, and every single time they come back in stock, they sell out pretty quickly afterwards. These would go well with just your “regular” Adidas Sambas.
