You heard it from M&S, and the boys of Wimbledon are baring all: it’s officially “Thigh Guy Summer”. Forget what you know about beige chinos and safe navy shorts. This is the summer of thigh supremacy. Short shorts – tailored, cheeky, and utterly unapologetic – are defining a new era of masculine style. And if you’re lucky enough to be soaking up the rays in St Tropez or Kamthere’s no better time (or place) to show some leg.
Now, before you panic and cling to your knee-length cargos, understand this: short shorts are no longer the preserve of lifeguards and sprinters. This isn’t about wearing your PE kit from 1998. It’s about confidence, tailoring, and mastering the balance between Riviera chic and tropical island cool. So here’s how to do short shorts with panache, without looking like you’re lost en route to a CrossFit session.
1. Choose the Right Length – Five Inches is the Sweet Spot
We’re not talking Daisy Dukes, but we are saying it’s time to kiss the knee goodbye. A five-inch inseam hits the mid-thigh sweet spot – just enough to flash muscle and tan while keeping things classy. This cut flatters most body types, especially when paired with well-fitted tops and a dose of confidence.
For St Tropez, where elegance rules, opt for crisp cotton or linen shorts in shades of white, sand, navy or stone. In Koh Samui, don’t shy away from colour – think coral, turquoise, or banana yellow to match the sunset.
2. Tailored, Not Tight
The fit should skim the thigh, not strangle it. Your shorts should flatter your legs, not fight them. If you’re well-built like a rugby player, go for relaxed tailoring. If you’re lean, you can play with snugger silhouettes – just make sure the hem doesn’t scream “extra from Baywatch”.
Brands like Orlebar Brown and Frescobol Carioca have nailed the art of refined resortwear shorts. Bonus if you find a pair with adjustable side tabs – it’s tailoring without the belt.
3. Fabric Matters – Think Light and Luxe
You’re in St Tropez or Koh Samui, not a wet beer garden in Croydon. Ditch the denim cut-offs and synthetic gym shorts. Lightweight cotton, breathable linen, or stretch-twill are your allies. They drape well, keep you cool, and say “I’ve arrived” rather than “I forgot my suitcase”.
In Koh Samui’s humidity, linen reigns. Linen-blend shorts in pastel hues or tropical prints offer breathability with flair. In St Tropez, go for polished cotton with a fine stripe or subtle nautical detail to blend in among the billionaire yachts.
4. Pair with a Shirt – Button-Downs Beat T-Shirts
A simple white shirt, preferably linen or seersucker, elevates your short shorts from “beach bum” to “beachfront boss”. Roll the sleeves. Pop the collar if you must. In St Tropez, tuck it in slightly and add a woven belt. In Koh Samui, keep it breezy and untucked.
Want to really up the ante? Try a Cuban collar shirt in a bold print from Japan, think tropical florals or geometric patterns. It’s playful, stylish, and made for sipping mojitos at a beach club.
5. Footwear – Sandals or Espadrilles Only
Ditch the clunky trainers. Your shorts demand finesse. In St Tropez, leather sandals or suede espadrilles are the epitome of Riviera refinement. Tod’s, Berluti, or even handmade Italian styles will make all the difference. For Koh Samui, lean into woven slip-ons or fisherman sandals.
If you must wear sneakers, they need to be white, minimal, and clean. Think Common Projects or Veja – understated but elevated.
No socks. Ever. Unless they’re invisible. This is thigh guy summer, not granddad at the golf club.
6. Accessories – Go Bold or Go Home
If you’re going thigh-forward, you need to accessorise like you mean it. In St Tropez, think vintage Persol sunglasses, a silk scarf around your neck or wrist, and a straw fedora. Add a leather-strapped watch, and your look says “Matisse meets Maserati”.
In Koh Samui, swap the leather watch for waterproof beads, add a woven bracelet, and don’t forget your canvas tote or raffia beach bag. Bonus points for styling with a printed fan or an oversized beach umbrella.
Thighs out, accessories on – it’s a simple equation.
7. Tan Like You Mean It – But Never Burn
Short shorts reveal a lot. And patchy tans or lobster legs are not part of the look. Gradual tanning moisturiser is your friend. Apply daily in the lead-up to your holiday. Once in the sun, use SPF 30+ liberally. A bronzed thigh is a confident thigh. A sunburnt one? Not so much.
Also, if your thighs haven’t seen daylight since 2019, ease them into the world. Try ten minutes a day. Build up like you would leg day.
8. Grooming – Keep it Tidy
No one’s saying you need to wax your thighs (unless you want to), but trim the wild foliage. A neat leg says you’ve thought this through. Bonus: your tan looks sharper.
Feet matter too. A simple pedicure before your trip will ensure you don’t ruin the illusion from the ankle down. Whether in espadrilles or sandals, your toes will be on display.
9. Don’t Overthink It – Own the Look
Yes, you may get second glances. Yes, your mate in jeans might raise an eyebrow. But you’re the one drinking rosé in St Tropez or sipping coconut water in Samui, not sweating in cargo shorts.
The secret to pulling off short shorts? Confidence. Shoulders back, smile on, thighs out. You’re not just wearing fashion – you are fashion.
Final Word – It’s a Lifestyle, Not Just a Look
‘Thigh Guy Summer’ isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up. It’s the modern man’s rejection of baggy indecision and beige boredom. It’s saying yes to tailoring, yes to colour, yes to a little breeze between the knees.
In St Tropez, style them with a vintage convertible and a Negroni in hand. In Koh Samui, team them with a hammock, sea breeze, and a chilled Singha. Either way, your legs – and your fashion sense – deserve the spotlight.
Chinos had a good run. But this summer, thighs rule.
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