Image via Complex Original
Thinking about throwing on those old cargo shorts buried deep in your closet? Before you commit, here’s a news flash for you: Cargo shorts haven’t been cool since the day you stopped pissing your pants. Hopefully, for many of you, that day was a long, long time ago.
While we’re all for being bold and venturing out from the norm when it comes to your personal style, wearing cargo shorts is a deadly sin that you just can’t come back from. The baggy, rigid look that cargo shorts provide is totally played out—it simply doesn’t stack up to the trim, fitted aesthetic that fuels menswear these days. With that said, we present to you a selection of shorts swaggier than cargo that will have you looking proper as the summer heat goes into full swing.
Wings + Horns Double Knit Heather PO Shorts
Buy now: $87
Luxe gym shorts are a thing…and they’re the shit right now. This double-knit version from Wings + Horns, with a light construction and perforated lining, hits on all levels. Pockets included.
Wood Wood Seger Shorts
Buy it now: $207
The value of these shorts? $207. The value of your swagger? Priceless. Think about it.
Muttonhead Roamer Shorts
Buy now: $59
Canadian brand Muttonhead comes correct with these heathered French terry shorts that sit above the knees but still stay on the right side of your comfort level. The shorts also look fresh in a khaki version.
Theory Moris Static Terry Shorts
Buy now: $145
Once again, gym-inspired sweatshorts converted into a summer streetwear staple—except this time in a longer silhouette that even Yeezy would approve of.
Reigning Champ Twill & Tiger Terry Sweatshorts
Buy now: $120
You the real MVP, Reigning Champ, for making these bad boys.
RVCA All Time Chino Cutoffs
Buy now: $40
If you haven’t chopped up your old denim or chinos for a pair of DIY cutoff shorts yet this summer, you’re trippin’. At this point you might as well let RVCA handle it for you.
Penfield Grafton Shorts
Buy now: $85
On the streets, traditional camo is well beyond played out. Penfield’s retro-meets-contemporary rendition, however, sets the new standard.
Gitman Vintage Jade Overdye Shorts
Buy now: $78
These are them joints that you rock to South Beach with a crisp, white half-sleeve button-down. Bright colors can be hit or miss, but this jade is on point.
Norse Projects Light Denim Marvin Shorts
Buy now: $175
You know this list wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from the infamous jort—well, sort of. These lightweight shorts from Norse Projects are actually chinos that have been given a denim treatment. Somehow, they work.
Obey Mainline Street Trunks
Buy now: $59
And if you’re looking for street-ready shorts that can also handle a spontaneous dip in the pool, here you are.