In 2025, the fashion landscape for men's summer legwear has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from a singular dominant trend towards an inclusive array of styles. This year's assessment by GQ's style team reveals a collective embrace of individuality and comfort, with no one-size-fits-all answer for the quintessential summer short. Instead, the focus is on a diverse range of lengths, fabrics, and designs, each catering to distinct preferences and activities. This evolution signifies a broader acceptance of personal expression in warm-weather attire, ensuring that every man can find a pair that suits his unique aesthetic and practical needs, whether for casual outings or more refined occasions.
For years, a common practice within the fashion industry has been to designate a specific item as the season's must-have. Previous summers saw iconic pieces like Patagonia Baggies or Gramicci's G shorts crowned as the undisputed champions of summer style. However, the current year marks a departure from this tradition. The fashion sphere is witnessing extremes in short lengths, from those that skim the ankle to daringly brief styles that barely extend beyond the thigh. This diverse movement underscores a breakdown of conventional norms regarding inseam length, reflecting a more fluid and less prescriptive approach to menswear.
This shift is not a cause for concern but rather a celebration of personal style. The GQ editorial team, typically known for its rigorous debates over fashion choices, found unprecedented harmony in their latest discussions regarding summer shorts. This consensus led to the selection of six distinct shorts and one pair of trousers, each championed by a different editor. Their choices highlight the rich variety available, from pleated designs offering ample volume and breathability to lightweight soccer shorts ideal for scorching temperatures, and even versatile cotton shorts that blend casual comfort with public acceptability.
Among the highlighted selections are Outlier's Injex Pleatedshorts, lauded for their innovative blend of warp-knit polyester and linen, offering both structure and lightness. Lemaire's Maxi Pleated Bermuda Shorts cater to those who prefer a longer, more flowy silhouette, blurring the lines between traditional shorts and capris. For a more classic yet dressed-up option, Banana Republic's 7” Pleated Linen Shorts provide a refined look suitable for various settings when paired with an oversized Oxford shirt. J.Crew's 5” Cotton Short with Piping offers a comfortably short, boxer-like fit that's socially appropriate, perfect for a relaxed yet stylish summer vibe.
The Manresa Ravine Short stands out for its faithful recreation of a retro baggy nylon short, offering enhanced roominess and practical design elements like shallower pockets. Lastly, Puma's Olympique de Marseille Soccer Shorts are embraced for their extreme lightness and relaxed fit, making them an excellent choice for the hottest days. Interestingly, one editor steadfastly advocated for the timeless appeal of full-length chinos, suggesting that for some, classic trousers remain the preferred option regardless of the temperature, emphasizing personal comfort over seasonal trends.
Ultimately, the overarching theme for summer legwear in 2025, as observed by industry experts, is the freedom to choose. This progressive outlook reflects a deeper understanding that personal comfort and individual taste should guide fashion decisions, especially during the warmer months. The collective endorsement of various styles by the GQ staff signals a move towards an era where diversity in hemlines and silhouettes is not just accepted but celebrated, fostering an environment where men can confidently wear what they genuinely prefer, free from rigid sartorial rules.