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The 5-inch shorts revolution is no longer a funny novelty; it’s more or less universally recognized by everyone (see: women) that a thigh-bearing 5″ short short is vastly superior to oversized 9″ shorts or, even worse, the (gasp) dreaded below-the-knee number. There are exceptions, of course — Adam Sandler chief among them — but for your average joe, it’s high time to embrace the better-fitting style as your length o’ choice.
In case you’ve yet to get the memo, or if you’re in need of some extended options, we’ve found 12 styles perfect for conquering the sweaty throes of summer. There’s literally no better time to make the 5″ switch; from Outdoor Voices to Only NY, here are a ton of options guaranteed to make a short shorts convert out of you yet. Shop 12 great pairs of shorts, none over 5″, below.
Outdoor Voices 5″ High Stride Short
Outdoor Voice’s updated High Stride Shorts include a hidden phone pocket, snug liner and a vintage charm that’s sure to rocket your charisma off the charts. For optimal summer vibes, pair with a full ‘stache and a yes-man attitude.
Old Navy Relaxed Corduroy Jogger Shorts
At just a hair over 5″, we’ll give Old Navy’s breezy corts (that’s corduroy-shorts…catch up) the pass on the sheer fact that these bad boys clock in well under $20.
Lululemon 5″ Bowline Short
Athleisure giants lululemon may be best know for their sportier offerings, but the Bowline shorts look just as good at the bar as they do on the beach.
Bonobos 5″ Easy Lightweight Chino Shorts
This polished, handsome stretch chino is the perfect everyday short (and comes in a variety of colors).
Tracksmith 4″ Van Cortlandt Shorts
Designed with their proprietary 2:09 mesh, Tracksmith’s Van Cortlandt Shorts combine a classic track silhouette with their impossibly light, antimicrobial fabric.
A Kind of Guise Volta Seersucker Drawstring Shorts
A stretch-cotton seersucker blend that oozes informal class, the Volta Short is straight-legged goodness in a sleek 5″ package.
Vuori 5″ Kore Short
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; we’re planning on living in Vuori’s Kore Short this summer.
UO 3″ Lucien Vintage Wash Shorts
These garment-dyed sweat shorts are an affordable, soft and lightweight summer short that’s super easy to style.
Nike 4″ Fast Running Short
In case you need to hit the coffee-shop post 5K, or vice versa.
Pleasures 4.5″ Fuzzer Breakers Stripe Short
We don’t know what we like more about these shorts from skate brand Pleasures; their wavy, textured striping or all the ways we’re going to style them.
Rhone 4″ Lined Swift Short
Rhone’s workout-forward flyers are chock full of useful tech like liner media pockets, 4 way stretch and GOLDFUSION anti-odor technology.
Todd Snyder 5″ Washed Corduroy Weekend Short
Because who wouldn’t want their shorts to look straight out of “Stranger Things”?
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