Finding the perfect pair of shorts can be a challenge for men with skinny legs. Most mainstream shorts have wide, baggy leg openings that only emphasize slender calves and ankles. But don’t worry – there are plenty of shorts with narrow leg openings that are flattering for men with thin legs.
The key is to look for shorts with slim, tapered leg silhouettes. An inseam between 7 and 9 inches is ideal. This hits just above the knee, showing off a little leg while balancing out skinny calves. Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or nylon that skim close to the body.
Consider a 7 to 9 Inch Inseam
A shorter inseam will show off more leg which can draw attention away from skinny calves and ankles. Stick to inseams between 7 and 9 inches. This is short enough to reveal a bit of thigh and calf, but not so short as to look like 1980s running shorts.
Chubbies makes several 7-inch shorts perfect for men with slender legs. The Stretch Navy Plaid Short and the Sky Blue Solid Short have elastic waistbands and lightweight material that won’t overwhelm thin legs.
For a bit more coverage, the IZOD Men’s Flex Short comes in several colors and has a 9-inch inseam. The polyester and spandex blend hugs thinner legs for a flattering silhouette.
Go for a Tapered, Tailored Leg Opening
Look for shorts advertised as having a “tailored” or “tapered” leg opening. This means the leg opening will be narrower through the thigh and calf than mainstream shorts.
Dockers makes several shorts for men with skinny legs. The Men’s Perfect Short has a slim leg opening and comes in over 15 colors. For a dressier option try the Men’s Slim Fit Flat Front Short.
The Men’s Slim-Fit Stretch Built-In Short from Amazon Essentials has stretch for optimal comfort and a tapered leg.
Lightweight Fabrics Are Best
Look for shorts made of lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t cling to slender legs. Great options include cotton, nylon, polyester blends, and technical fabrics like spandex or elastane.
The adidas Men’s Essentials Short comes in over 25 colorways and is made of feather-light polyester. It has a 7 inch inseam and split leg hem for freedom of movement.
For a casual cotton option, the Men’s Cotton Stretch Built-In Short from Amazon Essentials has stretch for comfort. The 7 inch inseam hits just above the knee.
For something more upscale, the PUMA Golf Tech Short is made with moisture-wicking materials and has a slim fit through the hips and thighs.
Focus on the Length
Don’t worry if slim shorts are a little loose in the waist or thighs. The key is getting the right above-the-knee length to balance skinny legs.
The Men’s Stretch Built-In Short from Amazon Essentials is designed to hit above the knee. Reviewers say to size down if you prefer a tighter fit.
Chubbies Stretch Pull-On Shorts like the Sour Beers Short have relaxed fits but don’t overwhelm skinny legs thanks to the 7-inch inseam.
The adidas Men’s Essentials Short has a relaxed fit through the thigh then tapers from the knee down for a lean look.
Other Styling Tips
A few other tips for picking shorts that flatter skinny legs:
- Look for shorts with side slits or small hems – this elongates the look of the legs.
- Dark shorts like black, navy or charcoal slim the appearance of legs.
- Wear shorts with shoes that match your leg size – slim sneakers or slides keep things proportionate.
- Cuff longer shorts above the knee for a DIY skinny short effect.
Having skinny legs doesn’t mean you’re limited on wearing shorts in the spring and summer. Brands like Dockers, Amazon Essentials, Chubbies, and adidas offer shorts with leg openings made for thinner guys. Just keep the inseam around 7 inches and choose lightweight, tapered shorts.
Finding shorts that properly fit and flatter thinner legs can seem like an impossible task. Most mainstream shorts have wide, billowy legs made for beefier thigh muscles. But there are plenty of narrow leg shorts specifically designed for men with skinny legs.
The key is looking for shorts made of stretchy fabrics that cling to your body shape. An above-the-knee inseam also helps balance out slender calves. With the right shorts, you can show off your legs with confidence.
Stretch Fabric Provides a Trim Fit
Look for shorts made of fabrics with some stretch like spandex blends. The stretch allows the shorts to cling to the leg for a tapered look.
Chubbies Stretch shorts like the Hibiscus Hootenanny are made of nylon and spandex for flexibility. The fabric hugs skinny legs and the 7-inch inseam hits just above the knees.
The adidas Men’s Essentials Short is also made of stretchy polyester. Reviewers say the lightweight material is “clingy” in a good way for thinner guys.
For a sporty option, the adidas Own the Run Short is perfect for athletic builds. The lightweight polyester and spandex blend “moves with you.”
Go for a 7-9 Inch Inseam
The ideal inseam for men with slender legs is between 7 and 9 inches. Any longer and you risk overwhelming thin calves and ankles.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short hits just above the knee at 7 inches. The tailored leg opening prevents any billowing around the thigh.
For more coverage, the IZOD Flat Front Classic Fit Short has a 9-inch inseam. The cotton and spandex fabric hugs the quads before tapering at the knee.
The Hibiscus Stretch Shorts from Chubbies measure 7 inches but feel shorter thanks to the high-cut leg opening. Reviewers say they’re flattering on skinny legs.
Focus on Fit Around the Thighs
Don’t stress if shorts are a little loose around your skinny waist or calves. The key is getting a clean fit around the thighs.
The IZOD Flat Front Short has a relaxed seat and waistband but tapers through the thigh to prevent excess fabric.
Chubbies’ Stretch Shorts hug the hips and thighs before relaxing around the knee and calf for comfort. Reviewers say the Hibiscus Short is perfect for athletic builds.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short uses an elastic waistband and tailored leg opening to accentuate thinner legs.
Consider Darker Colors
Dark shorts like black, charcoal and navy can create a slimming effect on legs.
The IZOD Men’s Advantage Short comes in black and charcoal, blending seamlessly into skinny legs.
For athletic builds, the adidas Men’s Essentials Short comes in over 20 dark colorways like black, night navy and charcoal.
Chubbies offers skinny-leg-friendly shorts like the Dark Knights in black and gray to streamline your silhouette.
So don’t be afraid to bare your legs just because they’re on the slender side. Brands like Chubbies, Dockers, and IZOD make shorts specifically tailored for men with skinny legs. Focus on stretch fabrics, 7-9 inch inseams, and dark colors for the most flattering effect.
Finding shorts that properly fit thin legs can feel impossible. Most mainstream shorts have billowy, oversized legs made for larger frames. But there are styles tailored specifically for men with slender legs.
The key is avoiding loose, baggy shorts in favor of slim, tapered options. Look for shorts made with stretch fabrics in dark colors with a 7-9 inch inseam. With the right shorts, you can show off your legs with confidence.
Avoid Oversized, Baggy Styles
Oversized shorts will only exaggerate thin legs. Keep the fit slim and opt for tailored shorts over voluminous cargo styles.
Instead of loose basketball shorts, try the adidas Men’s Essentials Short. The lightweight material hugs the thighs before tapering down for a streamlined look.
Swap baggy cargo shorts for the Dockers Men’s Perfect Short. Its tailored leg opening prevents excess fabric around the calves.
Instead of loose swim trunks, go for the Pink Flamingos Stretch Short from Chubbies. The built-in brief liner keeps things secure while showing off slender legs.
Prioritize a Tapered Silhouette
Look for shorts that taper from hip to hem for a lean look.CLEANvacuum between charges 50-60 mins.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short fits relaxed through the seat and thighs before tapering below the knees.
Chubbies Stretch Shorts like the Hibiscus Short slim down from hip to hem thanks to strategically placed spandex.
The IZOD Advantage Short hugs the hips and thighs before tapering below the knee.
Consider 7-9 Inch Inseams
The ideal inseam for slim legs is 7-9 inches. This hits right above the knee, balancing out skinny calves.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short has a 7-inch inseam for plenty of leg exposure.
For more coverage, go for the IZOD Flat Front Short with a 9-inch inseam. The mid-thigh cut prevents a stubby look.
The Pink Flamingos Stretch Short from Chubbies hits mid-thigh for leg-lengthening.
Go for Stretch Fabrics
Look for shorts made with stretchy material like spandex or elastane blends. This clings to skinny legs for a tapered silhouette.
Chubbies Stretch Shorts like the Pink Flamingos are made of flexible nylon and spandex.
The adidas Men’s Essentials Short is crafted from lightweight polyester with plenty of give.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short uses spandex to hug slender legs without constricting.
So don’t hide your legs away all summer. With the right slim, stretchy shorts, you can flaunt your skinny legs in style.
Finding shorts that properly fit thin legs can seem impossible. But there are styles made just for men with skinny legs – you just have to know what to look for.
The key is finding shorts with a flat front instead of pleats. Aim for a tapered silhouette in stretch fabrics. The right pair of shorts can help you show off slender legs with confidence.
Go for Flat Front Shorts
Pleated fronts tend to add excess volume and bulk up skinny legs. Flat front shorts offer a clean, streamlined silhouette.
The IZOD Advantage Short is crafted with a flat front to avoid bulk. The smooth fabric follows the contours of your legs.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short also utilizes a clean flat front. Reviewers say it “shows off thin legs.”
Chubbies flat front stretch shorts like the Pink Flamingos avoid pleats for a fitted look.
Go For Versatile Neutrals
Stick to versatile neutrals like black, gray, navy or khaki. These elongate the look of legs.
The IZOD Advantage Short comes in versatile black and charcoal options that work for any occasion.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short is available in go-with-anything khaki, navy, gray and black.
Chubbies shorts like the Dark Knights come in neutral black or gray.
Consider a 7-9 Inch Inseam
Look for shorts with a 7-9 inch inseam to balance skinny legs. Anything longer can overwhelm thin calves.
The IZOD Advantage Short has a 7-inch inseam for the ideal leg-baring length.
The Dockers Men’s Perfect Short also utilizes a 7-inch inseam above the knee.
Size up in the Hibiscus Stretch Short from Chubbies for a 9-inch inseam.
Having skinny legs doesn’t mean you can’t wear shorts. With the right flat front, tailored fit, you can highlight your legs with confidence.