Item of the week: the suit shorts

What exactly is it:

If there was one piece of clothing that genuinely made men’s tailoring stand out for SS24 and beyond, it was the introduction of the suit short, a chic new addition to the bottoms category that offered an updated version of formal wear. Although some men might see the shift to shorter suits as being a bit outrageous, a wide range of designers have embraced the style, and some still endorse the “daring clothes season-after-season ” in their male-specific collections. This style is not as controversial in womenswear, and more women accept the kind that is summer-friendly.

What you’ll need to know:

In contrast to the typical trousers and blazer combo, short suits provide breathing space and are an excellent alternative for warm days. In the past, they’ve also evolved into a more gender-neutral item, incorporating into both womenswear and menswear collections – but it’s the latter group sees the piece as more of a necessity. However, menswear’s resurgence has been caused by the growing trend of ‘preppy,’ popularized by brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dsquared2, which have seen collegiate-inspired clothes brought to the forefront.

What we’ve seen:

Shorts for suits were everywhere on the runways for menswear SS24. They were seen in various elegant variations that gave an insight into options beyond the standard tailored trouser. For Prada, for example, shorts were an integral portion of the collection, appearing on virtually every model to walk down the catwalk’s industrial style. A few wore matching blazers over their waists, while others featured prints on shirts or bright outerwear. Similar techniques can be seen on the runways of MSGM, Hermes, and Valentino, and brands such as Zegna and Paul Smith instead opted for matching shirt styles to complement the look in a more modern style.

What to wear:

For women, a short suit is an easy fashion look that can be easily worn with blouses and blazers. They create a casual outfit that works on both a simple and formal level. The suit shorts can be paired with strappy heels or sneakers according to the event that it will be dressed. For men, the options to play with the suit-shorts are limitless. To maintain the look of bold style statements, pair it with the latest print shirt or layer it with similar knits or college-style pieces.

Although the suit shorts might have been initially a part of the traditional Dandy style, they are now included in various fashion styles, including the look of collegiate or formal wear. This casual piece is suited for those who want to get out of their comfort zone. In contrast, for women, they’re an everyday wardrobe staple that offers a more comfortable alternative to the traditional suit.