Much is said about the sartorial struggles of short guys, yet we rarely speak about the lofty lad. Perhaps it’s for that reason: They’re the lucky ones, right?
At 6ft 2in, on a good day, I’m far from Shaquille O’Neal. But I do at least understand some of the complications that occur when long legs are looking for something suitable to slip into.
In this guide I’m going to be taking a look at the best shorts for tall men, helping big blokes and gangly guys find the ideal length for their frame. Keep reading as I round up every option that should be considered.
Key Takeaways
For the towering top-shelf reachers, finding the perfect pair of shorts is a tall order. It, of course, depends on just how tall you are, but even those with slightly longer legs can often find it stressful knowing what does and doesn’t work. The trick is to strike the right balance, avoiding those that are too long or short and hitting the sweet spot somewhere around your mid-thigh.
To help point you in the right direction, I’ve spent the last few weeks reading ratings, reviews, and forums to find the very best shorts for tall men. Focusing on the designs that offer the ideal length, fit, and comfort, I’ve managed to create a list of seven stellar styles, including options from Wax London and Luca Faloni.
Why they’re great: Easy, breezy, and bloody brilliant, Wax London’s linen shorts have all the qualities you need when dressing in the heat: Light, breathable, quick-drying, and temperature-regulating.
The perfect length for the taller chap, they’re cut for a relaxed fit and come with a drawstring waist that ensures they stay where they ought to. When you’re not wearing them on vacation with a tank top and sandals, they look just as good with a camp collar shirt and loafers.
Who are these for? Sitting firmly in the smart-casual category, these shorts for tall men are an awesome everyday option that can be easily dressed up or down. And thanks to the linen construction, there’s no better choice for balmy weather.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Linen creases easily, but don’t panic; embrace the crinkles, and you’ll be just fine.
Material: 100% Linen | Sizes: 28–38” | Colors: 2
Why they’re great: Designed with travel in mind, Wahts’ Fillin shorts are the ultimate everyday option that can be worn year-round. Able to effortlessly transition from a day of exploring to a relaxed evening out, the light, breathable fabric ensures comfort in warm weather, and the water-repellent feature keeps you dry during unexpected showers.
Who are these for? With a tailored fit that flatters any tall frame and a design that’s both functional and stylish, these shorts are a versatile addition to any wardrobe, perfect for those who value practicality without sacrificing style. Whether you’re on the go or just lounging, they’ll keep up with every adventure.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The unique construction and clever features make them quite pricey.
Material: 100% Technical stretch fabric | Sizes: S–XXL | Colors: 4
Why they’re great: Luca Faloni’s shorts may just become the most reliable staple in your warm-weather wardrobe. Taking you from beach bars and clubs to city adventures and stuffy offices, they’re a versatile option in a length that’s just right for leggy dudes.
They’re straight-cut with an internal drawstring waistband, and I’m obsessed with the breathable, light linen fabric that’s been garment-dyed to give them that charming lived-in look.
Who are these for? Neutral, straight-leg shorts like these are a classic, offering a reliable option that’ll keep you cool in style. Better yet, the drawstring allows you to customize the fit, so there’s no need to worry about overdoing it at the all-inclusive buffet.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These shorts for tall men are more expensive than similar styles on the market, but you’ll realize why once you put them on.
Material: 100% Linen | Sizes: 28–40” | Colors: 11
Why they’re great: These Amazon Essentials’ shorts might be cheap, but they certainly don’t look or feel it. Made from soft cotton, they’re roomy through the hip and thigh while narrowing slightly at the leg, giving you plenty of room while still flattering your shape. The nine-each inseam is ideal, and the size range is huge.
Who are these for? These shorts for tall men were originally recommended to me by several friends who have sported them at backyard parties, vacations, and on deck. They’re cut to suit all builds, and the price tag makes them the go-to shorts for tall men on a budget.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The pockets could probably be a little deeper, especially if you plan on carrying around a large smartphone or wallet.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28–60” | Colors: 10+
Why they’re great: Timeless, hardwearing, and as comfortable as sweatpants, Wrangler’s shorts are presented in a flat front style that perfectly treads the line between casual and dressy. Made from cotton with a hint of stretch, they come in a 7- or 9-inch inseam that flatters both tall and shorter guys.
Who are these for? Wrangler’s gear is rooted in the Western lifestyle, so it’s excellent for the outdoorsy type or anyone who just wants reliable staples you can wear time and time again. These shorts wash well and look great with everything, making them an excellent all-rounder for tall guys looking for a solid pair of shorts.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I found that the sizing runs slightly bigger than what I’ve been used to from other brands.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Sizes: 29–46” | Colors: 4
Why they’re great: Reminiscent of the pair that Tom Selleck (6ft 4) would wear in Magnum, P.I., these four-inch shorts in the khaki colorway are a timeless addition to any summer collection. Showing off plenty of thigh and hugging comfortably around your waist, they’re light, breathable, and slightly stretchy. Plus, they have massive pockets big enough for your keys, wallet, and cell.
Who are these for? Shorter shorts are best suited to thickset fellas—think Paul Mescal or Milo Ventimiglia. Being tall is perfectly fine; just be careful if you have super skinny legs or a gangly frame.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I found that these shorts for tall men wrinkled quite easily, especially after a long journey in the car.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Sizes: 30–38” | Colors: 12
Why they’re great: Once the preserve of suburban dads cooking up a storm on the barbecue, denim shorts or jorts are now an indispensable part of any warm-weather closet.
Tough, timeless, and comfy, this pair from Lee has a 10-inch inseam that makes them a must-have for blokes on the search for the best shorts for tall men. The type of design that gets even better with age, they’ll pair with everything from plain white tees and canvas sneakers to loafers and Oxford shirts.
Who are these for? If you spend your life in jeans, then these are the ideal alternatives for the summer months. And the universal appeal of denim means that you can wear them with just about anything.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: For particularly scorching days, you might want to consider something lighter.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | Sizes: 28–42” | Colors: 2
Buying Considerations for the Best Shorts For Tall Men
Inseam
The best shorts for tall men have a longer inseam, typically between 9 and 11 inches. This ensures that they hit just above the knee or slightly higher, balancing proportions and avoiding the awkward look of shorts that are too short or long. Certainly, don’t be afraid of wearing short shorts, but bear in mind that they tend to suit more muscular legs best.
Fit
Finding the right fit will depend on your build just as much as your height. As a general rule of thumb, try looking for the fit that compliments your frame without being too tight or loose. Just like any other pair of pants, your shorts should be comfortable as well as flattering.
Rise
Consider the rise of the shorts, which should sit comfortably on your waist without being too low. A mid-rise is often ideal for taller men, offering a balanced look that enhances your natural proportions.
How We Chose
To find the best shorts for tall men, I combined thorough research with personal experience. I started by diving deep into ratings and reviews, analyzing feedback from other tall men who shared their experiences with various brands and styles. I also reached out to tall friends, family, and colleagues, gathering their insights and preferences on what works best for longer legs.
My own journey with finding shorts that suit my lanky frame further informed my search, allowing me to test different options and identify the key factors that make shorts both comfortable and flattering for tall men. This comprehensive approach allowed me to draw up a shortlist of 20 styles before using the below criteria to narrow them down further.
Style: When evaluating shorts for tall men, style was a top priority. I considered a range of designs that offer a flattering silhouette. The goal was to find shorts that not only suit a tall frame but also look stylish and versatile enough to pair with various outfits.
Length: Length is crucial for tall men, so I carefully considered the inseam of each pair of shorts on my shortlist. Though I prioritize those that hit just above the knee—a sweet spot that provides a balanced, proportional look for longer legs—I also looked at various other options to suit different frames and builds.
Price: Price was a key factor in narrowing down this list. I looked for styles that offered the best value for money, considering both budget-friendly and higher-end choices. The aim was to find those that not only fit well and look good but also provide durability and quality that justify their price.
Customer Feedback: Customer feedback played a significant role in my decision-making process. I closely examined reviews from other tall men, paying attention to recurring themes like fit, comfort, and overall satisfaction. This real-world input helped me gauge how the shorts performed in everyday situations beyond just their appearance or brand reputation.
Why Trust Us?
As a (fairly) tall fellow, Billy brings first-hand experience to this search. A seasoned journalist and menswear expert, he is FashionBeans’ go-to guy for all things style and grooming, covering everything from comfortable formalwear to his favorite high-waisted and five-pocket pants.
Before talking about trousers or sourcing sneakers, he worked as a stylist and spent years in retail, helping customers find clothing that fits well and flatters their frame. His combination of personal experience, industry knowledge, and retail expertise makes him a reliable guide in finding the top shorts for tall men.
Final Verdict
The best shorts for tall men strike the perfect balance between style, length, comfort, and value. They should have a flattering fit that complements a tall frame, with a longer inseam to ensure proportionality and a design that suits various occasions.
After thoroughly researching and testing various options, I found Wax London’s to be the standout choice. They excel in all the key areas—from their modern fit to a generous inseam—and they’re comfortable, breathable, and super easy to style.
FAQ
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Yes, shorts can look great on tall guys. The key is finding the right fit and length. Tall men can easily pull off slim-fit styles and longer inseams that hit just above the knee, creating a balanced and timeless look.
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Though it depends just how tall you are, the ideal shorts length for tall guys is typically between 9 to 11 inches in the inseam. This length ensures the shorts hit the sweet spot, providing a balanced and proportional look that flatters longer legs.
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Men with long legs should focus on balance and fit. Try choosing slim shorts with a longer inseam which will hit just above the knee and pair them with tops that complement your build, like a fitted T-shirt, polo, or button-down. Neutral or solid colors work well to keep the look cohesive.
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