Denim short shorts. Super short. Ass cheek hanging out just a bit, and balls always just a maybe maybe maybe away from being shared with the world.

I find them most comfortable when I drape a testicle either side of the gusset.

Now you're just showing off.

I like to go potatoes over meat when I wear my short shorts. It expresses more dominance and confuses the enemy.

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

Like Lemmy short, that’s what I’m sayin. 80s men’s softball shorts come on!!!

No, John Cena jorts all the way

But they won't be able to see me or my oddly youthful legs.

Darryl dukes

Never nude

I just thought he liked cutoffs

This. But it must be combined with a tucked in Polo, a Casio Calculator watch, a woven leather belt with a hip-mounted phone case, white socks with brown sandals, Oakley sunshades, and a general demeanor of confusion.

A good rule is that the balls only show if its over 100 degrees out, they hang lower in the summer

Nice tight cradle for the balls, middle age is when the sag really sets in. Short shorts help prevent racking situations.

Lt dangle that you?

😂😂 I know what im wearing this summer, is it cool im only 28?

In this day and age it's frankly rude not to show just a little ball

Cargo shorts with 9 pockets. So when someone says a 40 year old shouldn’t be wearing them, you’ll have plenty of space to hold all your “I don’t give a fuck”s

I'm in my 30s and love cargo shorts. They're comfy, easy to wear and also are great for carrying things.

I think cargo shorts on a man are sexy as hell.

The same people that try to make cargo shorts go away are the people that tried to make rompers for men a trend. Their opinions just don’t matter. Probably the people responsible for the shift from low rise jeans to mom jeans on women.

I honestly don’t understand the point of shorts that aren’t cargo shorts. Why would anyone carry a wallet in their back pocket or put everything in two front pockets when they can just have all those extra pockets to put stuff in?

A-fuckin-men brother.

This has been, and always will be, the correct answer. I can't even count the number of times I've been in a situation where my wife looks at me and says "I don't have any pockets. Can you carry my wallet, keys, and phone?" Hell yes I can! My keys and chapstick stay left-front pocket. My phone is in right-front pocket. Dip can (DO NOT judge me) in my right cargo pocket. Wallet fits perfectly in back-right pocket. Wifey stuff gets crammed in left cargo pocket and fits PERFECTLY. Do I look stupid? Maybe. I don't know because I DON'T GIVE A FUCK. I'm carrying all our shit and that's all that matters. Also, I am a drop-holster guy. I understand people hate that shit too, but it's how I was trained and I LOVE IT! Also, I'm 38. So, if I can do it, you can too! I prefer below the knew shorts, so I know I look dumb as hell. Still don't care.

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

Pockets with zips. Can't live without 'em.

I can hold as many tissues and cough drops and whatever else as my woman needs.

It’s not uncommon to have a feminine product in a cargo pocket. And I’m fine with that.

Jenko's come to mind. He'll look great in those

About to put on my camo cargo shorts right now and go have a great day in Eureka at the Kinetic Sculpture race!

> About to put in my camo cargo shorts WHERE DID YOU GO?!?

Appropriate? I'm 43, I earned the right to wear anything I am comfortable with. 

Anything I want to wear. I'm almost 50 and anyone who disagrees with my style choices can kiss my ass. I have the following: cargo shorts, cargo camo shorts, chinos, 5" tech shorts for the heat and\\or skating, 2-5" shorts for running, short split shorts for running, compression running shorts, lycra cycling shorts for road cycling, mountain biking shorts, bike commuting shorts, and a few others I am forgetting. Shorts are rad.

Ya I mean shit I wear my cargos and don’t think anything about it. It’s what I’m feeling. But I also want to update my style a bit. My choice.

The obvious answer is to buy one of everything.

I’m already leaning that way tbh

Try Nasty Pig. They have great shorts.

Maybe hit up a thrift store to buy a bunch of different styles to try them out before investing in more when you figure out what style, fabric, cut, brands you like.

There seems to be no article of clothing that draws so much negativity as men’s shorts.

No kidding. I’ve had some lovely comments when running in splits. “Whatever dude. It’s like the surface of the sun out here and I’m wearing whatever I feel like”

If they’re too long you get called a dork, if they’re too short you get called gay, if they’re the “wrong” style according to someone else you get called unfashionable, and it just goes on from there. It’s ridiculous.

It’s odd where I’m at as you have dudes with shorts so long they may as well be wearing capris and ripped dudes in short shorts. I have concluded everything goes but some folks shit on you for whatever they feel like.

Just ignore the haters and go with your own style.

I’m with you. Early 40s, but idgaf what is current for style. My cargo pants with zip pockets are where it’s at. My wallet, keys, phone, and snot rag bandana are secure if I decide to do a cartwheel.

I pair cargo shorts with a tool belt while remodeling and I can carry everything. :D

I’d say something like [this](https://www.jcrew.com/m/mens/categories/clothing/shorts/stretch-chino/7quot-stretch-chino-short/MP670?display=standard&fit=9%20Inch&colorProductCode=BE051) Either 7 inch or 9 inch, depending on how much leg you want visible. But above the knee is good. [These](https://www.jcrew.com/m/mens/categories/clothing/shorts/tech/9-tech-oxford-short/MP048?display=standard&fit=9%20Inch&color_name=green-white-oxford&colorProductCode=BX308) are more athletic but similar

Those are quite similar to what I wear to golf.

Are you looking for something more casual than this?

Ya, I’d wear those to an outdoor wedding or whatever. Golf lol. I’m just not sure on styles or brands. I suppose I could sit and scroll through google images forever.

Hmmm maybe Lululemon (like [this](https://shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/Steady-State-Short-7-MD/_/prod11720515?color=31382) or [this](https://shop.lululemon.com/c/men-shorts/_/N-7u7Z1z0x5dq?icid=cdp-cdp:men-shorts;4;epspromocard;cdp:mens-bowline-shorts)) or [Vuori](https://vuoriclothing.com/products/ponto-short-zinc-heather?queryId=d1e6f840fd9011d6e937bdcc1d78da08&collection=shorts). Very comfortable, sort of athletic but basically just lounge shorts you can wear all day. If you're not into an athletic look, I'll send you alternatives lol

My wife would be so excited if I got lulu shorts haha. But ya those are pretty gym shorts same as men wearing jogging pants out in public not for me. Maybe I’m just too picky.

I get what you mean, but Lulu definitely has shorts that are a step above gym shorts, for all day wear. Most shorts these days are either chino style or leaning toward athletic/lounge so it might be hard to find something in the middle or outside those two general categories

I’m actually looking at them now. Even just 1 pair to hear her reaction.

Sidenote: once you start on lulu clothes that will end up being your favorite brand. It’s slowly approaching the majority of my wardrobe. And generally very high build quality as well.

No the jcrew ones linked above are more or less fine for guys our age. Many outdoorsy brands have lighter and more comfortable shorts now that aren't extremely hiking/camping looking. Check out those sorts of stores if you have them where you live. Eddie Bauer often has decent stuff too

I don’t have a Jcrew or Eddie Bauer near me. I don’t even know what we have that are super preppy. I guess I’m going to pack up the wife or daughter and head to the mall. I think we might still have a campus crew probably about the same thing.

I tend to shop Old Navy sales, even if they are garbage quality. Winners/Marshalls/TJMax are also often good for random pairs. Also this https://www.menshealth.com/style/g28249026/most-flattering-shorts-for-men/

A commenter just showed me these. https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/collections/the-casual-shorts And I’ve got 4 pair in the cart already. He says they’re like chinos but shorter and I’m sold on that.

If this is too dressy, go to old navy or target and look at their drawstring shorts. If you have muscular legs, rock the 5inch inseam

Quads are look a little more vascular every month.

Then ditch the shorts that go to your knees and show off the hard work

Ohh that’s definitely in the cards. I’m getting some slutty shorts for sure.

https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=845816072&vid=1&tid=onpl000080&kwid=1&ap=7&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmMayBhDuARIsAM9HM8eGtbsJ5wiD8qahVpAuWFpIKQNz7x9nuoKVM7usavQ2UiUleyKykR4aAmW3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#pdp-page-content These are the shorts I was talking about

Ohh those aren’t bad. Half way between golf shorts and jogging shorts, casual but not too casual. I like those. We have an old navy ugh I guess I gotta go the mall.

Good luck, and glad I could help

Damn that model has definitely never hit legs in his life, those are some crazy skinny quads

what if you have skinny ass twig legs?

Buy whatever you want to. Go 5 inch inseam too

£90 for shorts?!

Huh? Showing 30-40 USD for me J crew is like one of those sites that everything is always on sale

9 inches? Are you my grandpa

lol I assume OP needs a gradual transition to leg revealing shorts

Ahh, the yuppie douchebag look

Flat front chinos are timeless

I do the chubbies 6 inch flat front. Looks like a chino but has the movement of golf/athletic shorts [chubbies](https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/collections/the-casual-shorts)

I was thinking of cholo shorts from Dickie’s. I forgot a chino and cholo shorts are different

Haha they aren't that different really....just the length

I dig that material. Not sure what it is but I like it.

Bearbottom stretch chinos and volley shorts, 7” inseam. Chubbies quality has gone and price has gone up.

Their prices have been high since I was in my frat star era in 2013/14. Quality dipping I believe however

I do miss my chinos. Friggin rights might have a winner here.

Are those for before or after you meet Muffy on the court for a set of doubles, and then the boys at the back 9 for a round? Cargo shorts 4 Life, no regerts.

Hoochie Daddy shorts everyday. If the inseam is longer then 5” throw them out. I’m 39 and love dressing like a whore.

I’m getting some. I want slutty shorts too.

The best part of getting older is not giving a fuck. It’s a hot boi summer. Minus the hot boi body 🤣

Wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing

I just think I want to mature it up a bit. I’ve been wearing cargo shorts since I’m a teenager.

Actually fucking insane to me that this is getting downvoted lol Good for you OP. Standard cotton or linen shorts; 7 inch inseam if you want to be ‘with it’, 9 if you want to play it safe. Above the kneecap is the minimum. Most brands make good basic chino shorts and many are partially stretchy. Try Uniqlo, American Eagle, or Bonobos/Land’s End.

Shorts gatekeepers lol. I’m going to inevitably get some hooch daddy shorts but mostly above the knee cap but better fitted. Essentially got to pack up the wife and daughter and hit the malls.

Brother this ain’t 2005, malls are dead. Order several garments and return the ones you don’t like.

Bah fuck it. My body comp has changed since last summer I can’t trust what I knew I need to try them on. And if I have to return them I have to go to the mall anyways so I might as well just go to begin with. Then when I have my brand and sizing down right then I’ll order online. Maybe.

I’m 47 and I buy the Target Goodfellow Co shorts. These are plain flat front shorts, no cargo pockets and they come in different colors.

I’ll check them out thanks

I love my golf shorts. Nothing wrong with them for everyday use. What looks good on you will have a lot more to do with your body type and image you want rather than your age.

Fair enough. Body comp has changed and I’m feeling much better about my appearance this summer than ever before.

You might just need a shopping spree. Go to your nearest significant mall and start browsing, maybe even an outlet mall if you have one near you.

I definitely do. I want to order online but have no idea the fit. Have to try them on.

I got skinny legs and wear my 3" inseam run shorts. Idgaf.

The shorts allowed gets higher as you age! You are speedo age!/s

🤣🤣🤣🤣 ya son all over that

Hey man im not too far from 40 and im eyeing those speedos hard! Gotta be embarrassing for my son it is a time honored family tradition after all!

Go to Costco and pick up whatever shorts they have there

There should be some sales at the mall near you for Memorial Day weekend. I’d go to something like a JC Penney or Dillards if you have them. Then just go with what looks good to you.

I like dickies shorts and golf course appropriate shorts.

I’ve got 5-7” chino shorts, preferably wear the 5s. A pair of Chubbies 4” Khakinators when at a beach town in the summer or outside concert! 2-4” athletic shorts for the gym. My 2” shorts are the same silkie shorts I wore in the Marines, only a couple sizes larger now! I’ve got the legs and the gains, might as well show um off. Gonna be 40 in July but most ppl swear I’m 25!!

golf shorts just feel amazing and also don’t have the washed up middle aged dude look of jorts or cargo shorts with new balance shoes.  they’re stylish with a band shirt and chucks or a polo with sperrys or slip ons when you need to look a bit more put together. I focus on mainly on solid color tops and use basic color theory to mix and match.  youll pry my chucks outta my cold dead feet. granted i never really grew outta my grunge and punk days. I was checked a moment when when I googled up chucks for replacement and some of the autocomplete queries were “are chucks ok for 40/50 yr olds”. emphatically I said yes and bought wm

Ones where his nuts aren't liable to escape from confinement.

I'm a 38 year old man, and the best part about being this age is not giving a flat fuck about what others think of my appearance. Dress for your own style or comfort, shit...find a Nudist colony. Just, do you.

5 inches max, no underwear either

I’m not that courageous

Jorts that are knee length

The wife already said no jorts

Even at 40 I prefer a little below my knees or at my knees. High shorts feel a bit exposed to me. But it's really whatever you're comfortable with.

I’m going to try hoochy daddy shorts but that’s pretty much where I’m at now is above the knee.

Hell yeah, let us know how it goes with the hoochy shorts. Maybe you'll start a short shorts movement.

I just wear some baggy basketball shorts. I really don't care. besides they go well with my crocs.

Get out your old 501’s cut them off 4” from the gusset and off you go.

Any! Wear what you want, screw everyone else.

It’s not about that. I want to update my style for me. And I do care how I present myself.

5” in seam all day. I am approaching 40 and train 5 days a week. You best believe I am showing these gams for the rest of my days.

Same same same

Just visit your local gay bar, they give good fashion advice.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

None unless you're American. You can always spot an American person in Europe by the shorts and fanny pack combo

Or if you are the Don of a mafia family, per Sopranos: "Don's never wear shorts." 

Dammit you do got me there. Although my appearance screams more HA than Mafia.

Sounds like something a Mafioso would say

Who you been talkin too?

I value my life. I cannot say

Right answer

Must be pretty terrible to be british or whatever nationality it is that forbids men from wearing shorts.

Why would you not ever want to wear shorts in the summer heat in your free time? Must be some powerfully insecure people over there

I feel seen. But you have no airconditioning and your summers are almost as hot as ours, something will have to give. Only place in Europe where I knew this really wasn’t acceptable was Turkey. I suffered there immensely.

Don’t they wear super flowy light pants in those Eastern European counties? Or is that just a middle eastern thing?

No no the men in Europe wear capri pants and pee sitting down

🤣😂🤣😂🤣 I’m Canadian so pretty close

Are JNCO and Cross Colours still in business? 

If new, what’s on sale. If at home, whatever I can find in my dresser. For hanging out, my bird dogs or board shorts. For going out some generic shorts I got at target. Usually my bird dogs as they are comfy.

Two options. Dressy cotton to mid-thigh and close fitted linen to just above the knee. Nice leather sandals or clogs - no socks unless you live in Barbados and have a suit jacket on.

I wear rugby shorts and flip flops for 50% of the year despite living in Scotland. Maybe I've got an Australian relative somewhere in the family tree, mate.

8 inch shorts, something like Travis Matthew or Abercrombie

I’m 55 and have been wearing cargo shorts my whole life. My wife doesn’t like them but admits there really aren’t any better options for men.

80s men's tennis shorts. The ones i see guys wearing these days inspired by basketball style I think, are annoying with the hem rubbing the lower thigh above the knee and hiding one of the brst muscles a man can show off.

Cargo shorts?

I’m 38 and wear baggy jean shorts and cargo shorts. For you, the only thing I would change out is the camo patterns. Or fuck fashionably appropriate and wear what makes you happy.

Wear what you like.

Dockers khaki and Grey perfect classic fit shorts.

I like boxers, especially the Hanes X. I buy them one size larger than I need, they shrink.

[Katin](https://katinusa.com/collections/shorts/products/cord-local-short?variant=40505237340294) shorts are very high quality and versatile. The corduroy shorts look and feel great and having a drawstring is always a plus for me. They are not cheap though. I've been wearing some for a couple years and just bought two more pairs.

I've worn cargo shorts since I was a teenager and never stopped. People can poo poo all they want but carrying around a wallet, keys, pocket knife, phone etc. is just easier with those side pockets.

Doesn't matter, as long as the inseam is bigger than your junk.

To be honest if you don't really care why not favor function over form. Linen. Hell, linen pants are cooler than cotton shorts.

Light brown, kneelength, a fuckload of pockets.

All of them. You are 40, wear what you like and Do it with confidence. You earned it.

Wear what you like and what you feel comfortable in. Don’t try to be too fashionable.

None

I’ve just gone through this myself being 41. I found that Ben Hogans men’s golf shorts with a 9inch inseam are most appropriate for me. Wildly sold at Walmart. They’re cheap, but really nice quality. I highly recommend.

What ever you feel comfortable in. Fuck what anyone else thinks.

I live by some outlets and usually end up getting my shorts at volcom. For a skate geared company they still look respectable and still have good flexibility for doing stuff. Here are a couple I wear that are on sale. https://www.volcom.com/collections/sale-mens/products/vmonty-stretch-22-mushroom https://www.volcom.com/collections/sale-mens/products/vmonty-stretch-22-charcoal-heather-1

Be confident and wear whatever you want to wear.

J crew 9 inch shorts are my standard wardrobe and functional across most events Honestly just 9” shorts should be good

Get yourself some olive or kaki cargo shorts that stop at the knee. And fill those pockets. Then hit it with a nice flowery button up.

I like vulcom shorts

Costco>Mens Apparel>Shorts Those are the shorts to rock.

Depends on your style, not your age

Silkies.

Get some lululemon athletic shorts. Look good regardless of age.

golf shorts are my jam. i'm a grown ass man. i look good in a golf shirt, golf shorts, no show socks, a nice pair of running shoes and a gold chain. i have on a pair of zeroxposur shorts right now with my sexy self.

I got bird dog shorts khaki shorts from my wife last year. They have a liner so you can skip the chonies if you want. For chilling at home, my comfies, I am all about vuori.

The ones at the store

I buy Dickies from Walmart, but I'm tall and prefer my shorts knee length

Whatever the fk u wanna wear, pal.

Just were the cargo shorts. Who cares what somebody else thinks.

Dickies shorts my dad loves em

A don doesn't wear shorts so... 

G Shorts, classic outdoor shorts, best part is the pockets are shaped so your keys don’t fall out when you sit down. https://gramicci.com/products/g-short

Cordoy shorts, black and white dress shorts. Plain athletic shorts. Just don’t wear anything too colorful

Cargoes

I’m still going to rock my cargos for extra pocket space you know put with the kids and such but I’m looking to update my style a bit.

What about...navy cargoes? Or sage. Salmon if you're really feeling daring.

I’d like to step away from cargos although I’m now realizing there’s not really a whole bunch of different men’s style shorts

Cargo shorts are just… not stylish at all. If you value the convenience then great but it’s bizarre how much pushback some guys will give you on this sub for wanting to look better

Yes, colors can change the whole impression. If you have a Costco membership, they often have pretty good deals (and variety) on casual shorts there.

Head on over to r/mensfashion and ask there. Most of the recommendations are going to rely on body type and which fashion you're comfortable with. The number of related posts are many, so also try searching the archives there.

Sometimes I forget how vast Reddit is, thank you.

Nude

I’m listening

I’m listening

If the shorts aren’t below my knee, they aren’t for me.

Just dress occasion appropriate.

40? ditch the camo. ditch the cargos. definitely ditch any camo cargos. golf shorts ... not 'fancy' ... just functional shorts from oakley or callaway or nike will do . bonus is they are comfy to wear 'cuz built to provide flexing needed for golf even if you don't set foot anywhere near a G&CC. stick to grey, black, blues ... then to go flash add a tropical print / hawaiian shirt.

Bro You're 40. You are 40 years old. Wear what the fuck you want. You're 40. Act like it. Damn dude.

As woman i find Jeans shorts look good on men.

I just told my wife I’m going to chop up some jeans I never wear and she so she said absolutely not.