Short-Sighted

Men, don’t shortchange your chances with the ladies because of ill-fitting attire. You can thank me later.

I love A MAN who can pull off summer shorts, and I’ve seen them rocked a variety of ways: jean shorts to the knee, paired with some Vans; cuffed shorts with Sperrys, a t-shirt, and shades (swoonville). I’m even a fan of surf shorts and no shirt—if it stays near the beach. (And, preferably, near a surfboard.)

But let’s be clear: there are only a few inches of fabric between 7th grade sk8r boi and grown man, so you’d better tread carefully. Equally unacceptable: shorts with hemlines above my running shorts. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you’re not sure your shorts hit the mark, the answer is probably no. If you are sure, still get a female’s opinion. This is one white lie we’re not willing to tell. —ms