During spring, every one of us stands in front of our wardrobes and thinks about what to wear. If you are one of these people and can relate to this question, then just like most individuals, you too probably picked out a pair of shorts and put it together with a t-shirt to make a decent outfit.

This article is not for those who know what to wear and have their outfits planned down. You can skip ahead and enjoy your day!

For all of the other individuals, we have got some kickass ideas. We are here to upgrade your regular spring outfits a bit and take it from ordinary shorts to cargo shorts! Yes, you heard it right! We will help you learn everything you need to know about styling the simple cargo work shorts and put together the most amazing of outfits. So let’s get started and see if we can answer all of those burning questions.

A Guide to Styling Men’s Cargo Shorts

If we take a little trip back to the 1800s, we will see that only young boys used to wear shorts. Today not only little boys but adults too love wearing this fashion staple. Cargo shorts are everyone’s favorite piece in their wardrobes. As spring and summer come around the corner, these shorts come out of hiding and become an everyday constant.

It is really simple to style these down-to-earth fashion pieces. Pair them with a nice cool-looking t-shirt, and off you go! While this is the most common way to wear these shorts, you guys might be looking for some new ways to style them. And that is what we are here for, aren’t we? Yes, we are! But it’s not just about what to pair with these shorts. There are many other bases to cover when it comes to styling. So let’s begin with the basics.

Styling Cargo Shorts According to Body Types

Even though cargo work shorts have a baggy fit, they must fit you perfectly. It is quite simple to pair them up with a good-looking top, but it is pretty challenging to pick out the right kind of shorts that suit your body type. Therefore, you must learn how to style these shorts depending on how your body carries them.

Each individual’s body needs a different cut and length of these shorts. And everyone should not simply go with the traditional cargo shorts. So to understand how you can perfectly pair these shorts depending on the type of body you have, we have a little guide for you.

If you have an athletic build, i.e., your shoulders are broad, and your waist is small, you can pick a style from a wide range of choices. However, the best way to go is to avoid loose shorts, as that would make your body look disproportional. Instead, you should opt for a tailored fit. Something that is not too baggy nor too tight. The best way to balance out a bulky body is to opt for light-colored cargo shorts. You can choose from colors like khaki, white, light blue, and salmon pink.

Furthermore, if you have a slim body, it is best if you opt for slim-fit shorts. And similar to the heavy build guys, you too need to avoid wearing baggy shorts. Wearing loose shorts on a slim body might make your figure look disproportionate. To look your best, you must go with straight-leg shorts that fit you perfectly.

Now, for those who carry a little extra weight. If you carry a pound or two extra around your waist and have a bigger midsection, you must avoid going for slim-fit shorts. It is because slimmer shorts tend to emphasize the stomach. And when you have a little extra weight around there, you do not want your shorts to create lines around your waist. Therefore, for such body types, it is best to opt for wide-leg shorts. You can go for anything a little baggy so that it does not highlight your stomach.

You can also go for a slim-fit cut but make sure it is not too tight as that would not look flattering. Also, try and avoid elastic waistbands as that would pinch you around the stomach and cause a muffin top. Moreover, make sure that your shorts are knee-long, as anything beyond that length would make you look short and bulky.

What to Wear with Men’s Cargo Shorts

What you should wear your cargo shorts with greatly depends upon the length of your shorts. The ideal length of shorts depends upon your height. However, the rule says your shorts should always cover one-third of your leg. This rule also applies to work shorts with the logo that most employees wear to work.

Coming back to your casual shorts, if you are going out for a morning game with friends or grabbing a coffee, you would probably want to clean up a bit. A Polo shirt is the best top you can pair with your shorts for casual morning attire. They give you the right kind of look for a low-key hangout. If you wear a polo shirt, your shorts should end two to three inches above your knee. It will give you the look of desire. Try to go for light colors for the top, or you can opt for white for a classier look.

If you want to go beyond a casual look and add a fancier, more party-like touch to your outfit, you can go for a button-down shirt with your cargo shorts. Pick out any light-colored shirt to pair it with khaki shorts to achieve the perfect summer look. In this case, you would want your shorts to end just a little above the knee. If the seam is grazing the top of the knee, that would be fine too, but it should not go beyond that.

Guys who are 5’7’’ and shorter, go for an inseam, i.e., shorter than 7 inches. If you go beyond that, your small frame will look engulfed in the giant cargo shorts. Therefore, try and go for a 5-inch inseam. Depending upon the occasion, you can pair plain t-shirts, floral button-downs, polos, or a v-neck tee with your shorts. For tall men, it is best to go for a 9-inch long inseam in shorts, which is paired with a short-sleeved button-down or a fitted polo. Try going for loafers or slides to get the best summer look.