“Shorts can be a powerful look any time of the year,” saysJeremy Hershan,founder of Australian brand Haulier,who sent men down the Australian Fashion Week runway in May wearing shorts with blazers,socks and loafers.
“We love to mix traditional codes and throw our athletic-inspired track shorts or sailing shorts on with luxurious silk button-down shirts and a tailored jacket for an unexpected,carefree feel.”
When pushing shorts beyond the beach and building site,Hershan drew inspiration from Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa,the thigh-baring band AC/DC,Marvin Gaye,Harrison Ford and John F Kennedy Jr.
Men’s tailor Oscar Hunt is preparing for the increase in interest above the knees by including shorts in their upcoming men’s ready-to-wear collection. Unlike US tailor Thom Browne,rarely seen out of shorts,the Australian label is not ready to pair them with formal suits.
“We love to throw a blazer over sportswear en route from gym to office,” says Oscar Hunt founder Chris Edwards. “They’re best cut with some volume and a generous pleat,finishing a couple of inches above the knee.”
Shorts have been peeking out from backstage at the menswear shows at Thom Browne,Dries Van Noten,Prada and Lanvin since 2021. The trend went into overdrive whenThe Last of Us actor Pedro Pascal wore black shorts by Valentino,with a red shirt and coat tothe Met Gala in May,making men look down and decide that bare biceps aren’t the only gun show in town.