Men's short shorts can be a great option for a comfortable, relaxed fit on hot summer days. Shorts, like pants, come in a huge variety of lengths, styles, and fits, but unlike the latter—where most men can judge the appropriate length based on their height—shorts are a bit more convoluted.

As a general rule, shorts should never, under any circumstance, extend below the knee. 

Why? It’s incredibly unflattering. When shorts extend past the knee, they visually cut your leg length in half, dwarfing your overall appearance.

As with any item of clothing, the fit should always accentuate the body in a complementary manner. Wearing ill-fitting shorts—or any unflattering garment for that matter—is quite literally doing the exact opposite of this. 

Details to Look For:

  • Tailored Fit: Shorts should be fitted (not tight) and lovingly hug your butt and thighs. To test this, put on shorts and gently pinch the material that’s around your thigh. If you can pinch 1 inch of material, they’re perfect. Any more, they’re too loose; any less, they’re too tight.

  • Flat Front: Although pleats work wonderfully on trousers, shorts don’t have the same weight and drape necessary to position pleats correctly. Opt for a sleek, universally flattering flat front.

  • Tapered Leg Opening: The hem width should taper and define the thigh. Remember: tapered doesn’t mean tight. There should still be ample room at the hem to move and sit comfortably.

  • 2”- 4” Above Knee: In general, a 6” to 9” inseam are optimal lengths for most men. This length situates the hem around 1”- 4” inches above the knee (depending on your height).

Details to Be Aware Of:

  • Skinny Fit: A tailored, slim fit does NOT mean skin tight. Skinny fit shorts will throw off the balance of your lower half by overly defining your thighs, butt, and waist.  A tailored fit will minimise your less desirable areas while defining your best assets.

  • Oversized: Unless you’re going for a rapper look circa 2005, avoid oversized shorts at all costs. Most of the time, these types of shorts aren’t truly even shorts; they’re culottes!

  • Elastic Waistbands: Elastic waistbands hug where they may, giving no control to the wearer. Not all shorts with elastic waistbands are terrible, but they’re more volatile in terms of flattery. When in doubt, go for a standard buttoned waist.

  • Too Many Details: The design principle, KISS (keep it simple, stupid), says it all. Avoid details like huge cargo pockets, flap pockets, or any other detail that adds unnecessary protrusion. 

Here are some tips for choosing the right style of short shorts for different body types:

  • For athletic body types: If you have a muscular, athletic body type, you can choose a pair of short shorts that are fitted and tailored to show off your muscles.
  • For slim body types: If you have a slim body type, you can choose a pair of loose-fitting short shorts to add some volume and fullness to your legs. Opt for shorts with a looser fit and a longer length to create a balanced, proportionate look.
  • For curvy body types: If you have a curvy body type, choose a pair of short shorts that are fitted and tailored to flatter your curves. Opt for shorts with a higher rise to provide more coverage and support, and choose a shorter length to show off your legs.
  • For plus-size body types: If you have a plus-size body type, you can choose a pair of shorts that are comfortable and supportive. Opt for shorts with a higher rise and a looser fit to provide more coverage and comfort, and choose a longer length to balance out your proportions.

    By choosing the right fit and length, you can find a pair of shorts that will flatter your body and help you to feel comfortable and confident.

    FAQs: R.M. Williams Sizing and Fit

    Are R.M. Williams boots true to size?

    Yes, R.M. Williams boots are generally true to size. However, if you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit, you may want to size up. Keep in mind that leather boots will stretch slightly with wear, so if your boots feel a bit snug initially, they will become more comfortable after a few wears.

    Where is the size on R.M. Williams boots?

    The size of R.M. Williams boots can typically be found on the inside of the boot near the heel. Look for the stamped size on the leather or in the boot's lining. If you're unsure, the size can also be confirmed by the box the boots came in.

    What size R.M. Williams boots am I?

    To find your correct R.M. Williams size, measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it to the R.M. Williams size chart above. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for added comfort. You can also visit a Blowes Clothing store to try on different sizes and find the best fit for you.

    How should my R.M. Williams boots fit?

    R.M. Williams boots should fit snugly around the arch and heel but should not pinch your toes. Ideally, there should be a small amount of space in the toe box to allow for natural foot movement, but not so much that your feet slide inside the boots. As the boots are made from high-quality leather, they will mold to your feet over time, providing a custom fit.

    Should I size up or down for R.M. Williams boots?

    If you're between sizes, it's generally better to size up rather than down, as R.M. Williams boots will naturally stretch and loosen slightly after a few wears. If you prefer a tighter fit, you may opt for the smaller size. It’s always a good idea to try the boots on first or use the size guide to make an informed decision.

    Why Choose R.M. Williams Boots?

    R.M. Williams is an iconic Australian brand known for producing boots that combine rugged durability with timeless style. Whether you’re looking for work boots, casual footwear, or something in between, R.M. Williams boots are designed to last a lifetime, offering both comfort and style.

    Explore our collection of R.M. Williams boots at Blowes Clothing and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We offer fast shipping across Australia and easy in-store pickup at our locations in Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, and Dubbo.