Short Shorts: Why Boys Are Showing Legs And Thigh Highs Have Become The De Rigueur Menswear Move
Esquire India explores why less is definitely more this summer
Exciting for some, alarming for others, men's upper thighs are having a moment. Once confined to the bedroom, the humble boxer shorts have swaggered onto the red carpet with rakish nonchalance. Blame Paul Mescal and Jonathan Bailey—two pop-culture idols who never miss an opportunity to flaunt their sculpted quads. Time and again, the Gladiator actor has rocked them on errand runs and fashion FROWs alike, while the Bridgerton heartthrob keeps breaking the internet in sheer tops and barely there shorts.
Back home, Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi have been championing the look. Scroll through their IG feeds to see how they’re turning workout short shorts into a major style statement, and a thirst trap for many. The fact of the matter is, hemlines on men’s shorts go up and down, much like women’s skirts. Menswear designer Sahil Aneja sums it up: “This style revival channels the fearless energy of the ’80s, when athleticism and confidence were key.”
The ’80s and early ’90s were the golden era of short shorts, though they mostly stayed within the confines of aerobics classes, gyms and country clubs. Hollywood stars and jetsetters, however, embraced them while unwinding in the South of France or soaking up the sun at summer resorts. Harrison Ford’s off-duty look in Côte d’Azur in 1982 instantly comes to mind—skimpy blue shorts paired with Adidas trainers. JFK Jr’s beachside appearances from the era attest to his allegiance to tiny sport trunks. Moreover, the likes of Tom Cruise, David Letterman, Tom Selleck, Elton John, Andre Agassi, Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger and, of course, one of the biggest champions of short shorts—George Michael—all stayed loyal to the trend in the ’80s.
Cut to the present, and the trend is back. Fashion heavyweights—Sabato De Sarno at Gucci, Kim Jones at Dior Men, and the creative minds at Prada—have turned this menswear staple into an instantly desirable ‘it’ piece, styled with everything from evening blazers to sweeping duster coats. Designers and brands alike—David Koma, Lazoschmidl, Ranra, White Mountaineering, Charles Jeffery Loverboy, MSGM, Martine Rose and Coach—have reimagined them in playful iterations, transforming them into versatile separates that pair effortlessly with just about anything. Back home, Aneja, Dhruv Vaish, Line Outline and Shivan & Narresh have given them a desi spin with rich textiles and vibrant prints. Wear them under a trench with nonchalance, layer them over a preppy knit or toughen them up with a leather chore jacket.
Fashion often mirrors societal shifts, and the return of short shorts signals a new era of masculinity—one that embraces body positivity and self-expression. “It’s just not just a trend; it’s a rebellion against outdated standards, encouraging men to embrace their bodies and express their individuality freely,” Aneja states.
While girls have always borrowed from their boyfriends’ closets, the rise of micro shorts flips the script—if women can, why can’t men? “Short shorts prove that men today are macho enough to embrace it,” says designer Dhruv Vaish. Designer Gaurav Khanijo, who has always showcased shorts in his collections, agrees. “It’s a reflection of a sartorial cross-pollination between genders. Plus, short shorts are perfect for our humid climate,” says Khanijo, who often pairs linen shorts with blazers.
Versatile and effortlessly stylish, short shorts no longer look out of place on the red carpet. Vaish suggests teaming them with a long jacket. “Or an oversized shirt or bomber. I’d also recommend pairing them with a waistcoat in the same colour,” he adds.
With the sweltering summer heat in full swing, short shorts are more than just a practical choice—they’re a power move. Wear them with confidence, and you’ll own every room you step into.
The Esquire Take
Today, short shorts are a menswear mainstay, endorsed strongly by designers, celebrities, stylists and numerous social media influencers and digital expressionists. So, what’s the key to pull them off? Well, first and foremost —know your reasons. We’re big endorsers of self-expression. But don’t just wear them because Mescal does. He knows what he’s doing and has an army of brands and stylists dressing him up. Do you? That’s the question. Second—if you’re going thigh-high, own it. Confidence is the ultimate trump card to pull off anything and everything.
Got all that? Good. Now go on—show some leg.
To read more such stories from Esquire India's March 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.