Short Cuts
The Seventies–they gave us Jaws, tight-fitting clothes and Saturday Night Fever. I’m quite fond of the silhouette for men that evolved out of that era. Robert Ellsworth’s costume design for the 1975 classic open-water thriller brought New England preppy to the forefront. These cut-off chino shorts are a tribute to that decade; that Summer weekend sailing uniform.
Photographed in Marina del Ray, CA
Steve McQueen in 1968’s The Thomas Crown Affair. The epitome of cool, McQueen wore the short style chino before the ensuing decade adopted the trend.
Image via Gant
Do it yourself: Measure your chino shorts to the desired length, measuring from the inseam (mine boast a 4” inseam). In order to insure that your front pockets show, turn your shorts inside-out to make your mark (pencil or chalk work). Fold each leg onto each other and cut both together. Sew a top-stitch around the hem in order to prevent excessive fraying (or have your tailor do this). Wash, hang dry, wear with the swagger of a leading man.
left a comment on 2/25/2010 at 1:35 PM:
Ught the shorts look awesome and are so on point for the Spring look. Well done Unabashedly. I’m 6’2 and I’m going to be rocking them all over New York S/S.
left a comment on 9/1/2009 at 10:12 PM:
I stand by the rule that a gentleman’s shorts be longer than his female counterpart. However, that ‘68 McQueen and Dunaway shot is to die for.
left a comment on 9/1/2009 at 2:09 PM:
Rhonda, thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Come back often…and spread the word if you like what you read/see.
left a comment on 9/1/2009 at 10:13 AM:
You have done a great job, Fred! this is definitely worth the wait!
Charles left a comment on 7/23/2011 at 11:19 AM:
I"ve been proudly wearing a 6” inseam for a few months now, and when others mention how short they are, I proudly say thank you