On Trend : Shorts

Remerging after the long winter, shorts are back in rotation for warmer spring days and the summer ahead. When beach trips require versatile waterproof swim shorts, sweatshorts are essential for in-transit travel and durable cargo shorts are necessary for endless skate days, the selection of shorts for spring summer 2021 caters to all of this and more.

Demonstrating a scope of influential eras: new colour tones, print patterns and characteristics added to individual brand designs bring attention to possibilities within menswear to chop and change your look to suit your mood, schedule and inspiration of the day. Checkered prints reminiscent of original patterns from early ‘70s beach shorts have been incorporated by Stussy and Carhartt WIP whilst oversized ‘90s cargo designs from Levi's® Red Tab™ feature DIY elements that harness the energy of skate youth culture. Replacing commonly chosen denim or full length sports trousers, Brixton sweatshorts offer premium comfort for at-home days whilst Patagonia has achieved the perfect statement sustainable short suited to wear in and out of the water. For versatility, grey, black and brown earth-style colour tones are popular for an interchangeable finish whilst pops of yellow make reference to one of the key Pantone colours of the year.

Carrying hints of vintage nostalgia, checkered shorts have been reintroduced for the season and can be compared with the timelessness of a striped t-shirt. Gaining popularity during the 1950’s and again through the early 1970’s, the checkered prints from Carhartt and Stussy reflect the heritage-driven elements of either brand and bring attention to styles of yesteryear, but with an updated longer cut in comparison to the original predecessors. Surprisingly easy to pair with other printed and colour focused designs, there is an option for a coordinating set from Carhartt through the Vilay Shorts and Vilay Short Sleeve Shirt, complete with side pockets, a matching collar neckline and subtle patch pocket which we can imagine for festivals or city-breaks. Similarly, Stussy has developed their own option, the Stussy Brushed Cotton Mountain Shorts to reflect their connections within surf, street and hip hop culture. Suiting the hybrid blend of design details commonly intertwined through current-day trends, checkered shorts are a welcomed update of more simplistic beach-ready styles of the season.

The foundation of any wardrobe focused towards comfort, sweatshorts are not just favourites for summer but for any informal occasion when you are seeking a combination of sportswear influence and casual styling. Choosing their own favourite cotton blends, Dickies, Brixton and Carhartt have selected varying weights and desirable features to create their ultimate summer shorts style, complete with sweat wicking loopback finishes and personalised branding. A go-to combination for many, pairing the adidas Shmoofoil Slides, a medium weight fleece hoodie and the Brixton Stem Fleece Shorts guarantees cosy comfort, but when your plans are looking to be more active we suggest the lightweight fit of the Dickies Champlin Shorts as well as the comparable Carhartt Chase Shorts as part of the established Carhartt Chase collection which focuses on using premium jersey blends inspired by traditional sportswear designs. Coinciding with popular collegiate inspired styling for SS21, sports-style branded artwork helps to distinguish individual brand character whilst also acting as a reminder of the origins of sweatshorts and their ability to be worn for a variety of activities.

Whilst shorts are not often used to make a statement, the by Parra Serpent Pattern Swim Shorts certainly take the lead this season with an all over, multicoloured print expressive of founder Pieter ‘Parra’ Janssen’s creative style; recognised in both skateboarding and the artworld. Brighter colour-pop variations from Patagonia also stand out from the crowd not just for their bold colourways, but as sustainable alternatives to conventional designs. Suitable for wear in and out of the water, the Patagonia Baggies Lights Shorts are reworked each season to ensure the best in comfort, versatile styling and improved environmentally conscious production. Ready for action with an easy going summer-ready shape, the nylon Satta Surya Swim Shorts are a more low-key option for wear near the water and convey a similar silhouette to styles such as the Stussy Roses Water Shorts which feature a minimalistic, monochrome outlined floral pattern. With festival styling in mind, the choice is yours as to whether you double up on a statement colourway or for more low-key poolside times, we suggest layering with a lightweight cotton t-shirt and a pair of Carhartt Slippers to see you into the evenings.

Presenting updates on a utility trend that is set to progress through 2021, contrasting top stitching and highlighted pocket details are prominent across cargo shorts from Carhartt and Levi's® Red Tab™ designs, constructed with visible engineering in mind. Influenced by military designs and traditional workwear, the Levi's® Red Tab™ Cargo Denim Shorts are enhanced by neat contrasting top stitch detailing and promote practicality for everyday, in addition to a level of strength that is associated with either brand’s workwear origins. Having lost their once questionable reputation, cargo shorts are now a prime example of the benefits of modern updates across a purpose-driven design through the use of robust materials such as mechanical stretch polyester and natural cotton hemp blends. Prime examples of how to execute this, both the Nike SB Cargo Shorts and Dickies Funkley Shorts feature generously sized pockets, practical reinforcements and minimal fuss as a demonstration of how two household names have remained in tune with modern developments and styling preferences. Recommended for wear during summer skate sessions, it is best to pair cargo shorts with structured jackets, overshirts or a short sleeve t-shirt, and to hit the utilitarian trend further, double up with a lightweight bucket hat.

Following the same focus of providing a combination of robust durability and everyday comfort suited to skateboarding, corduroy shorts for SS21 are simple and effective with attention to practical, ease of movement cuts. The Kavu Chilli Roy Shorts have a shorter length than other options for the season to allow for full range of movement during outdoor activities, whilst the Pop Trading Company DRS Shorts have characteristics commonly seen from leading heavy duty apparel specialists Stan Ray, including two smaller pockets on the side of either leg and a decorative hammer loop for an alternative touch. Similarly, the Carhartt Flint Shorts are also equipped with workwear-style elements with a longer length than average for coverage without restriction; a shape that is suited particularly well to skateboarding for a fit that is sure to be in heavy rotation through the warmer months and into autumn. As noted in previous seasons, corduroy remains a favourite for its raised surface texture, natural warmth and durability which warrants easy going styling with a t-shirt or sweatshirt as an effective combination that will withstand repetitive abrasions with a classic look.

 

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