How To Cut Men Shorts

Fashion designers are often asked how to cut men shorts as opposed to unisex. Though shorts cut to fit the figures of both men and women may still qualify as men shorts, they lack the sex appeal and functionality of shorts cut especially for men. If you’re looking to cut men’s shorts, you have several length options and very clear fashion requirements concerning the bottom hem. Here’s a complete guide on how to cut men shorts for all types of guys and fashion styles.

What you’ll need to cut men shorts for different fashion styles:

• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Sewing needle or access to a sewing machine
• Thread to match the existing thread of the pants
• Tweezers
• P-220 grit sandpaper
• Full body mirror

1. Consider the pockets. When you cut men’s pants into shorts, the position of the various pockets should dictate the length and style of the shorts. If you disregard existing pockets and cut into them, the shorts will look silly. Therefore, always cut men’s shorts below or between leg pockets.
2. Consider the cut of the pants. Just as different men’s pants sit differently on the body, so the best way to cut men’s shorts depends on the original cut of the pants. Baggy and wide leg cuts are too full around the thighs to be cut into 4 inch or even 6 inch long men shorts. Instead, wide pants should be cut into Bermuda length, which comes down to the knees or a few inches above them. Conversely, straight leg pants can be cut into Tennis length men’s shorts, which end mid-thigh or even higher.
3. Consider the fabric of the pants. Faded denim or cotton, military style fabrics or tough canvas make excellent candidates for men’s shorts in any length. But when you cut suit pants or tailored cotton slacks into men’s shorts, a long trouser leg will look ridiculously thin. Therefore cut tailored pants into 4 inch or 6 inch men shorts and no longer.
4. Consider the appropriate hem. There are three ways to finish the hem when you cut men's shorts. You can fold the cut end of the pants inwardly, then sew it with a thread similar in color to the one used elsewhere in the pants, most likely a bright color like rusty yellow or orange. Alternatively, you can fold the bottom outwardly, secure it with sewing pins and then sew the fold in place with a thread that matches the color of the pants. Finally, you can fray the cut end of the shorts by sanding it down with P-220 grit sandpaper and then pulling the cross fibers loose with tweezers. As a general rule, the first option of a tailored hem is least obtrusive and goes best with men’s shorts of all lengths, styles and fabrics. An outward folded hem is only recommended when the lining of the pants is of a different color or pattern, which enhances the beauty of the shorts when exposed at the fold. The frayed fringe is least common in men’s shorts, mostly because of its prevalence in women’s, and should be used only with cargo, Bermuda shorts that exude masculinity.
5. Consider the personal style of the wearer. Just as important as the style of the pants you are cutting is the style of the man who will wear them. Cut Tennis length shorts for a man with skinny legs and he is hardly likely to look manly in them. For men of shorter stature it is better to cut men shorts well above the knee, as this will make them seem taller. Conversely, very tall men will look more proportional in knee length shorts. Before cutting men’s shorts, it’s best to wear the long pants in front of a full body mirror, fold the legs to different lengths and decide on the best cut for the pants and the wearer.