The short story - one for the guys

It's Friday and time for our first guy-centric post at Curious Orange. 

Did I mention that we now stock independent designer clothes for guys? 

Yes, I know I have, but I am well chuffed that we now stock two great Cape Town designers. 

More of that to follow in our Designer Profile post next week.
Now onto the issue at hand. Shorts.

We’ve all heard the lyrics,

“We like short shorts Who wears short shorts We wear short shorts!" But do we all wear short shorts? Well as summer kicks off in the Northern hemisphere and we enjoy long, balmy evenings around the bbq or enduring drinks in the city I challenge you to take the plunge. Find yourself a pair of tailored, slim fit shorts - above the knee goes without saying, but don't be to generous with thigh exposure as you'll achieve a rather different effect - and wear them with confidence.

And now you're thinking,

"That's great in theory, but how do I ensure look more like Al, and less like Bill?

Al and Bill

Exactly what I was thinking before Keith Henning coaxed me into a pair of his tailored shorts and now I'm a short shorts evangelist. So I offer you 6 top tips.

Follow these rules and you won’t be impeached for fashion crimes this summer:


1. Get a tan from your local sun or shop or bottle. I won’t judge you.
2. Unless you are The Hulk, avoid excessive pockets that make your shorts look bulky.
3. They don’t have to be hot pants but they do have to end above the knee, unless you’re a certified gangsta
4. Solid pastel and bright colours are in. They work best with simpler, more formal shorts, you don’t want to look like a clown. Do you?
5. Checks, stripes and tartan work best on swimming trunks, and tend to clash with everything else you are wearing. Don’t wear anything else, and repeat step 1.
6. Always choose a leather or rope belt to complement your shorts style, not to hold them up. Shorts can look great, but are a minefield of faux pas, so use this guide and use shorts only 
for good. 

A final word on what to wear under your shorts. Shoes. Avoid socks. Aim for boat shoes, espadrilles or slim sneakers. Good luck. Good luck.


Alex