The Short Shorts Guide by Probably This

Beau is wearing No. 4 in the list below and Matt is wearing No. 13!

Matt is wearing No. 10 in the list below!

It’s safe to say we know a thing or two about short shorts!! They’ve filled our dresser drawers for many many years, and we wear them for pretty much every warm weather activity. From an outdoor HIIT workout to bee-lining it to the white wine station at a summer gathering, the freedom and flexibility short shorts provide is unmatched. 

 After many years of combing through retailers to find anyone offering mens’ shorts in a 5-inch inseam, we’re so beyond elated to see society finally recognizing Article 5.47c of the Gay Agenda, which reads, and I quote, “a 5-inch inseam is the only appropriate inseam for mens’ shorts.” 

A 5 or 6-inch inseam is the perfect length for making my 5’ 8” frame look proportional, or showing off just enough of Matt’s thigh. 

We’ve been testing out a few new pairs, and below we’ve put together a whole smattering of favorites from different retailers for you to find the perfect-for-you pair. Take a look and let us know what you get!

Beau is wearing No. 4 in the list below and Matt is wearing No. 13!


  1. Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short 5" Updated | A 5-inch workout short for every activity!! 

  2. Lululemon Bowline Short 5" Stretch Ripstop | Stretchy enough to allow for movement during a workout but classic enough to be a part of a casual out-on-the-town outfit. A great pair of everyday athleisure shorts in 13 different colorways.

  3. Lululemon License to Train Linerless Short 5" | The ultra lightweight material and tapered leg make these a go-to for intense training!

  4. J.Crew 5" stretch chino short | A timeless classic with a little flex for everyday movement. Dress these chinos up or down all spring and summer long.

  5. Madewell 5 1/2" Corduroy Everywear Shorts | Sprinkle a little fancy on ‘em with corduroy shorts! Love that they have an elastic waistband, and the upscale fabric make these perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

  6. Madewell 4 1/2" Cotton Everywear Shorts | A 4.5-inch inseam! You won’t really find anything shorter that isn’t a running short. Perfect for vertically challenged folks or anyone who really just wants to lay the thigh on ‘em. The soft cotton twill means these are delivering lots of soft cotton comfort.

  7. Madewell Pleated Cotton-Linen Shorts | A dressy short! The pleating here is key to making a simple short that can be worn to nicer events. I’d embrace the prep here with a polo or short-sleeve button up, ideally in the same color palette as the shorts (there are three color options!)

  8. Madewell 4 1/2" (Re)sourced Everywear Shorts | A simple, comfortable, everyday and all-activities short in multiple colors, several of which are on clearance!

  9. Abercrombie 6 Inch Linen-Blend Pull-On Short | A simple lightweight pull-on short available in 13 colors. This is the kind of short you want to own several pairs of to make putting an outfit together easy breezy.

  10. Abercrombie Retro Mesh 6 Inch Short | Love love love the throwback  fit and the different color and pattern options! Great for a day of play, like frisbee or basketball, or for a casual cute everyday athleisure look.

  11. Abercrombie A&F 5 Inch All-Day Short | Simple and straightforward, these shorts can be part of pretty much any outfit. Another great pair of shorts to have in multiple colors!

  12. Abercrombie A&F 6 Inch Court Short | Pull-on shorts in a gorgeous washed cotton for a relaxed fit that’s comfortable as heck!! Love the cell-phone zip pocket also!

  13. Abercrombie A&F 5 Inch Athletic Fit All-Day Short | A tapered athletic fit for anyone who really wants to show off that figure. Big fans.

  14. Alex Mill Indigo Dyed Pull on Shorts in Fine Wale Cord | Alex Mill is synonymous with easy elegance, and these shorts are just that. A gorgeously rich indigo color and a high quality material means you’ll have them for years to come.

  15. Alex Mill Pull on Short in Fine Wale Corduroy | Lightweight corduroy is in!!! Perfect for any season that allows for shorts, you’re going to love how these feel!

  16. Alex Mill Pull on Short in Fine Wale Corduroy | Same as above but in a beautiful navy color! Porque no las dos!


Thanks for stopping by the blog today!! We hope you’ve found the perfect piece for spring and summer.

xoxo Beau

& Matt & For & Barley & Rye