This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Ana Sofia Corral Morales. Find her on Instagram at @sofi.photographsss. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
The world of fashion is a constant state of change: girls wearing longer and longer jorts and the contrary in guy’s case, with what is known as ‘slutty short shorts’. I’m sure a lot of us read the GQ article about this trend, hinting that this will be the slut boy summer, but where have they been for 2 years? This bold statement is not just a throwback to the 70s and 80s but also a reflection of contemporary shifts in gender norms and personal expression. Will the short shorts men fashion define 2024 summer? All signs point to a resounding yes.
The Roots
You probably remembered mid article about the soccer and basketball athletes rocking the shorts during the 80s Olympics. For example, NBA players wore short shorts to improve performance on the court. This style eventually fell out of flavor, adopting longer, baggier shorts in the 90s and early 2000s.
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the first NBA players to adopt this game style.
Influence
Tom Selleck was the golden standard, looking back at his work on the “Magnum, P.I.” movie really set up the short shorts men fashion. “Shorts are coming the way they should be,” says Selleck in the Kelly Clarkson Show. His looks have inspired a tone of celebrities who have played a crucial role in setting and popularizing trends. Harry Styles for example, known for his excentric and daring fashion choices, has been spotted numerous times in short shorts, pairing them with vintage tees and huge accessories that highlight his style. Harry’s filming partner Chris Pine has also expressed his vibe with the clothing piece: “It’s the best vibe. It’s like a Tom Selleck vibe. It’s like a 70’s surfer vibe. I prefer that.” We can’t forget the infamous Paul Mescal image 4 years ago, styling some sports shorts to help him get the athletic vibe. He’s still asked about it.
Until The Legs Go
How short can the shorts go? A very asked question. By navigating on TikTok, I’ve gathered different male opinions regarding the length, which get to these general models:
3-Inch Inseam: Very revealing, the 3-inch inseam offers a slutty aesthetic while providing covarage. This length is popular in athletic wear, particularly in running shorts, where freedom of movement is crucial.
4-Inch Inseam: The 4-inch inseam strikes a balance between daring and practical. It’s short enough to stay on trend but offers a bit more modesty. This length is versatile, suitable for both athletic and casual wear, and can be styled in various ways.
5-Inch Inseam: The most modest of the short shorts category, the 5-inch inseam provides more coverage while still being shorter than traditional men’s shorts. This length is ideal for those who want to participate in the trend without going too extreme. It’s also a popular choice for everyday casual wear and can be easily paired with different tops and accessories.
However, many individuals demonstrate how the 2-Inch inseam is the very limit. These varying lengths allow people to choose the level of exposure they are comfortable with, making the trend accessible to a wider audience.
New Trend?
People not only admire legs, but healthy and muscular legs. A new study by Wroclaw University found that both men and women will find people with long legs attractive. Researchers asked more than 200 male and female volunteers to rate the attractiveness of seven male and female images. All the people in the images were the same height, but had different leg lengths, which varied 5, 10 and 15 percent longer than the social norm. Like I mentioned earlier, long legs isn’t purely aesthetic.The study also links short legs with certain diseases, so people might prefer slightly long legs because they are an indicator for health.
As we move towards a more inclusive and expressive fashion landscape, the short shorts trend represents a shift in how we perceive clothing and personal style. It encourages people to embrace their bodies, challenge societal norms, and express themselves freely. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that short shorts are making a statement.
Moreover, the trend aligns with wider cultural movements towards sustainability and ethical fashion. Shorter garments require less fabric, which can potentially reduce waste and environmental impact. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions, the trend towards more minimalistic and efficient designs like short shorts may gain further traction. In conclusion, the short shorts men fashion trend will define this 2024 summer.
Do you guys own your slutty shorts? Comment down below and don’t be afraid to navigate through our social media to read more fashion content: Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest!
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