Chino, Cargo or Linen? The Men's Guide to Summer Shorts

Five styles worth owning, the one length rule that fixes most mistakes, and how to wear each pair without overthinking it this summer.

Most men own the wrong shorts in the wrong length. The fix is simple. Pick the style to suit the occasion, keep the hem at or just above the knee, and let a slim-but-not-tight fit do the rest. Chinos for smart-casual, cargos for utility, linen for heat and holidays, and casual drawstring for easy weekends. Below is how to choose each one, the length that actually works, and how to wear them.

In this article

• The one rule that matters most: length
• Chino shorts: smart-casual all-rounder
• Cargo shorts: utility and everyday
• Linen shorts: heat and holidays
• Casual drawstring shorts: easy weekends
• How should men's shorts fit?
• FAQ

The one rule that matters most: length

Before style or colour, get the length right, because it fixes most shorts mistakes on its own. The rule of thumb: your hem should land at or just above the knee, and it is almost always an inch or two shorter than you think. Anything that covers the kneecap starts to look baggy and dated. Use the inseam as your guide:

Inseam	Where it hits	Best for
5 inch	High on the thigh	Beach and pool, athletic builds, a vintage look
7 inch	Just above the knee	The safe all-rounder that suits most men
9 inch	Right at the knee	More coverage, smart-casual, taller men

If you only remember one thing, make it the 7 inch inseam. It works on nearly everyone and is the easiest way to look intentional rather than sloppy.

Chino shorts: the smart-casual all-rounder

If you buy one pair, make it chinos. Flat-front, clean lines, and a tailored cotton finish mean they read more polished than denim or cargo, yet still wear casual. Stick to neutral colours like khaki, navy, stone or olive and they go with everything. Dress them up with a linen shirt and loafers for a summer dinner, or down with a plain tee and white sneakers for the weekend.

Cargo shorts: utility and everyday

Cargos are back, but the modern version is the key. Skip the baggy, knee-swallowing pairs from years ago and choose a slimmer cut that sits just above the knee. The extra pockets earn their place on travel days and casual weekends. Keep the top half simple, a plain tee or polo, so the utility look stays sharp rather than heavy.

Linen shorts: heat and holidays

When the temperature climbs, linen is a man's best friend. It is light, breathable and wicks sweat, so it keeps you cool when cotton starts to cling. Linen wrinkles by design, so lean into a slightly relaxed fit and let it look easy. These are the shorts for the beach, the villa and the long summer evening. Pair with a linen shirt or a simple tee and sandals.

Casual drawstring shorts: easy weekends

For the days that ask nothing of you, a casual drawstring short is the move. The elastic and drawstring waist means comfort first, but a clean cut and a plain colour keep it looking deliberate rather than like gym kit. This is the throw-on pair for errands, lounging and lazy Sundays, dressed up just enough with a polo and clean trainers.

How should men's shorts fit?

Fit is the other half of the equation. Aim for slim but not tight: the leg should skim your thigh with a little room, not cling to it, and the waist should sit comfortably without a belt straining. The leg opening matters more than people think, since a wide, flared opening undoes a good length and reads baggy. If a pair fits well but runs a touch long, a single cuff is a quick fix that cleans up the whole look. Get the length and the leg opening right and almost any style works.

Frequently asked questions

What length should men's shorts be?

At or just above the knee. A 7 inch inseam works for most men and is the safest choice, 5 inch reads shorter and more athletic, and 9 inch gives more coverage for taller men or smart-casual settings. Avoid anything that covers the kneecap.

What is the difference between chino and cargo shorts?

Chino shorts have a slim, flat-front, minimalist cut in cotton and read smart-casual. Cargo shorts are roomier with utility side pockets and a more rugged, casual look. Chinos dress up more easily, cargos are more practical for active days.

Are cargo shorts still in style?

Yes, in their modern form. The key is a slimmer cut that sits just above the knee, rather than the long, baggy versions from years ago. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and they look current.

What shorts are best for hot weather?

Linen. It is light, breathable and wicks moisture, so it stays cool when cotton feels heavy. A relaxed linen short is ideal for the beach, holidays and the hottest summer days.

How many pairs of shorts does a man need?

Three or four covers most lives: a pair of chino shorts for smart-casual, cargos for everyday and travel, linen for the heat, and a casual drawstring pair for lazy weekends.

Building the full summer look? Pair your shorts with the right top in our guide to how to wear a men's print shirt, and sort your carry with how to choose a men's leather bag.