This morning on the Tube, I noticed a rather dapper, if not eager gent, sporting a mean pair of shorts. (To be fair some sunshine did peer through the clouds for about an hour.)  And I found myself wondering; should men actually wear shorts?

Apart from the obvious, practical reasons to wear them, such as mowing the lawn or surfing, are shorts a garment that deserves the label of a staple, and if so, what are the rules?

With GQ hailing shorts as this season’s must have as a result of scantily clad school-boys gracing the catwalks back in Feb, is there really a way that your average knobbly-kneed and hairy-legged male can look good in shorts?

I would certainly have to say that while there is a time and place for them, there is an appropriateness that needs to be addressed, and colours, fabrics, styles and cuts must be considered. So to navigate you through the sales labyrinth and ensure the best investment, I have put together the low-down on the short front:

Chino shorts
The most versatile of the shorts. Easy to wear and comfy breathable fabrics that can give a crisp and neat more cultured look, than the baggy cargo shorts alternative.

• Great for: City breaks and weekends in London
• Colours: Choose classic colours like navy, earthy colours
  
• Brands: Banana Republic, Diesel

Bermuda shorts
Only acceptable whilst on holiday, and not OK for cultured city breaks or weekending in the Hamptons. There is nothing smart or chic about Bermudas, they are simply fun and practical.

• Great for casual beachy resorts like Australia, Florida and Cornwall
• Colours: Go as wild as you dare, this is where you can buy crazy prints
• Brands: Quicksilver & Fatface

Swimming shorts
A summer staple. Sensible and stylish for the beach, but be careful. Drawstring is better than an elasticated waist-band, which cuts in to beer bellies, creating a string-round-pork look, in other words not attractive. And unless you are Daniel Craig or blessed with the body of Eros, avoid teeny, tiny swim trunks.

• Great for:  Swimming & bathing
• Colours: Darker colours, when wet, white will give amorous onlookers more than they bargained for
• Brands: Hugo Boss, Speedo

Sports shorts
When I say sporty shorts, I definitely do not mean he bottom half of the West Ham strip. Obviously there are rules on the golf course, but choose tailored cuts in breathable fabrics to avoid the much complained about ‘golfers bum’, and be careful with the length of these shorts.

• Great for: Golf, sailing
• Colours: Neutral checks, yellow
• Brands: Hugo Boss, J Lindeberg

Tailored shorts
Perhaps my favourite on the market at the moment, having made a huge impact this season. This school-boy meets chic style is a bold statement and summer staple. I have seen them worn well as a part of a suit, though I'm not sure the boss would agree. Casually, these shorts look great with loafers, light knitwear and blazers.

• Colours: Grey
• Great for: Watching tennis and cricket, or in the office if you dare
• Brands: Topman, D&G

Finally, I feel I owe it to the City to remind all men that the biggest mistake is cutting off your jeans to create your own shorts. This is an absolute no-no. Cut-off jeans and frayed fringes are simply lacking in style and unattractive.

No excuse I'm afraid, not even for mowing the lawn!

Here Is The Writer : lisab1

Following an international modelling career, and after meeting some of the world's most successful men, Lisa Bathurst learnt the secrets to success. Understanding what differentiates the ordinary from the extraordinary, Lisa helps men create an image congruent with the lifestyle they strive for through her lifestyle consulting service, Urbanity. Lisa has lived in more than 10 countries, and is an expert at overcoming language, cultural and class differences, with an impressive ability to cope in varying social situations whilst always oozing and maintaining confidence and sophistication.  Not only does she have extensive knowledge in the fashion industry, she also brings the added benefit of a network of experts, having worked with some of the worlds best stylists, hair and make up artists. Lisa studied Psychology and has undertaken various counselling courses, and brings a professionally empathetic approach to provide a supportive, understanding life coach role, putting to good use her specialist training.

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