Men, it’s a slutty shorts summer
IMAGE VIA @PARTHRAHATEKAR/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY PARTH RAHATEKAR
The thigh guy club needs you.
Like religion, I open Twitter (sorry, X) in the mornings before work. On this particular day, I’m confronted with an all too familiar image. It’s Paul Mescal waiting to cross the street, wired earphones in ears and green bag in hand. His gym wear is cropped and his shorts, slutty.
I don’t even have to read the thirst tweet that accompanied it – it was something along the lines of barking at the sight of him. I saw, enjoyed and even participated in creating so many versions of this thirst tweet when the image first went viral. “Nothing new here, moving on,” I thought.
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A few more scrolls in, I come across an image of Jonathan Bailey in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (One thing you should know about me, I have major ‘I got here first syndrome’ with this man. I’ve had a crush on him way before everyone saw him in Bridgerton, Wicked and Fellow Travellers. I was there since Crashing and Chewing Gum, and he shall know it one day).
Here I am, still scrolling languidly, contemplating booking the next flight to Sydney and screaming this truth to him, when suddenly, I realise: He isn’t wearing pants. Instead, he’s sporting really short shorts. Never have I zipped to the Jetstar website so fast.
Forget the growing list of people (Jonathan Bailey, Jacob Elordi and Jack Schlossberg) who have joined Paul Mescal as tiny shorts-wearing heartthrobs. As someone who was once again, here first, I’m going to call it for the men: It’s a Slutty Shorts Summer.
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Even before Mike Faist fan edits and Challengers tennis shorts thirst was a thing, I spend the whole of last year shuttling between cities in India in my barely there jorts. With my consultancy job requiring me to travel to Goa, Mumbai, Delhi or Bhopal at a moment’s notice – all places hitting above 30 degrees for most of the year – my wardrobe became centred around my reliable cut-offs.
It also made life so much easier to pack – shorts go with everything and take up zero space! The best part was I was always ready to explore the city right after work. Ever since I’ve been strongly advocating against pants. Simply turn to the women or gay men in your life and ask them if they agree. The answer will be a resounding yes.
Why should you leave a lot to the imagination? Legs, in all their different shapes and sizes, are gorgeous. Rarely do they get a moment like they have now. Thick thighs, muscly thighs, svelte thighs and thighs in general have always been desirable, but add to that the underrated charm of calves? Swooning. Slutty shorts are perfect for your leg-up selfies and the world deserves to see them.
The right pair of shorts can also be super versatile. Wear them with long shirts and short tops, you have a look that’s beachy and carefree. Wear them with vests or statement jackets, you’re structured and chic. Besides, it’s summer! What more of an excuse do you need? If you’re heading abroad, shorts are travel essentials. Think spirited seasonal adventure, spritzy bevvies in tow. You can wear them on dates, brunches, art gallery visits – the world is your street crossing.
The easiest, low-investment way to embrace Mescal’s sporty look is to scroll eBay or scour your local Vinnies for pre-loved Adidas or Nike shorts. But if that’s not quite your vibe, there are plenty of options (including some new styles from local designers) to partake in the slutty short frenzy.
Simple styles, for when you just want you to shine
Joseph and James Smart shorts
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Structured and smart. Savour the sun in these!
Get them here.
Venroy Lounge shorts
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Chocolate brown for the chocolate boys.
Get them here.
Statement styles, for when your shorts are the star
Guizio Paillette shorts
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Disco? Yes. Poof doof? Yes. These standout shorts bring the party to you.
Get them here.
Kahe Back Buckle mini shorts in gold
Just like you, these are golden and ready to party.
Get them here.
Nofunovic Harmonika shorts in limestone
Pared back styling to let the plissé fabric speak, or all-out glam that keeps the spotlight on you.
Get them here.
Sporty styles that’ll get you running laps in someone’s mind
Double Rainbouu Fast Car Pool Shark shorts
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Makes it easy to bask in your glory.
Get them here.
Adidas Designed for Training shorts
For the run club fans and their fans.
Get them here.
Denim styles that are rugged and just right
NWT Roundtree & Yorke shorts
Pleated, blue, classic. Daisy Dukes would swipe right.
Get them here.
For more men in slutty shorts, try this.
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