The problem with most men’s shorts is the length. Too long and you look like you never quite made it to the beach. The retro cut, sitting at mid thigh rather than the knee, is the one that actually looks like a choice rather than a default. It works with a linen shirt worn open, a plain tee, or even a lightweight knit on a cooler summer evening. We’ve been paying attention to this category for a while now and the options have got considerably better. The key things we look for are a proper waistband that sits right, a fabric with enough body to hold its shape through a full day, and a colour palette that doesn’t require you to compromise everything else you own. No garish prints, no awkward proportions. These are shorts that look like they belong in a wardrobe that’s been thought about, not just assembled at the nearest airport departure lounge.