Quick answer Tan shorts look smartest with a plain tee, an Oxford shirt or a fine knit, finished with white leather trainers, suede loafers or leather sandals. The hem should sit just above the knee (a 5–7 inch inseam for most men), the fit should be straight but not tight, and pleats or a crease make them look tailored rather than casual.
Tan shorts are the summer equivalent of chinos: smart enough for a terrace lunch, easy enough for a weekend away. Most men get them nearly right. The difference is in the length, the shoes and how the top sits.
The fit notes
- Length: the hem should sit just above the knee. For most men that’s a 7 inch inseam; go shorter if you’re under about 5’9″.
- Leg: straight and slightly relaxed, with room to move but no flapping. Too wide looks like cargo shorts; too slim looks dated.
- Rise: a mid rise, so a shirt can be tucked if you want.
- Details: pleats, a pressed crease or a turn-up make shorts look tailored rather than sporty.
- Shoes: white leather trainers, suede loafers or leather sandals. Avoid running shoes and heavy boots.
15 ways to wear tan shorts
Look 01: White tee and white trainers
A heavyweight white T-shirt, tan pleated shorts and white leather trainers. Simple, clean and the base for everything else.
Fit note: the tee should end at the hip, around the middle of the fly. Longer than that and it covers the shorts and shortens your legs.
Look 02: Oxford shirt and suede loafers
A pale blue Oxford button-down, sleeves rolled, worn untucked with brown suede loafers. The classic smart-casual summer outfit.
Look 03: The cricket knit
A cream cricket jumper with tan shorts and loafers for cooler summer evenings.
Fit note: under 5’9″? A 5–7 inch inseam keeps the leg line unbroken. Anything longer cuts you at the knee and shortens the whole look.
Look 04: Navy polo
A navy knitted or piqué polo tucked in with a brown leather belt and loafers. Smart enough for a golf club or a summer lunch.
Look 05: Linen shirt
A white or blue linen shirt, open at the collar, with leather sandals. The easiest holiday outfit.
Look 06: Striped tee
A navy and white Breton tee with canvas trainers. Relaxed and a little nautical.
Look 07: Camp-collar shirt
A camp-collar shirt in a muted print or solid colour, untucked, with white trainers. Keep the print small so it stays grown-up.
Look 08: Tonal neutrals
A cream tee or knit with tan shorts and tan suede loafers. Shades of one colour look considered with no effort.
Look 09: Navy and tan
A navy tee or knitted polo with tan shorts and white trainers. Navy is the most reliable colour to pair with tan.
Look 10: Overshirt
A light cotton overshirt in olive or navy over a white tee. Good for evenings when the temperature drops.
Look 11: Grandad-collar shirt
A collarless linen shirt with leather sandals. Relaxed but more interesting than a tee.
Look 12: Fine-knit crew
A short-sleeve fine knit in sage or navy with suede loafers. Smarter than a tee, cooler than a shirt.
Look 13: Black tee
A black tee with tan shorts and black loafers or trainers. Sharper and a little more modern.
Look 14: Denim shirt
A light-wash denim shirt with sleeves rolled and white trainers. Mixing two casual fabrics works if the fit is neat.
Look 15: Summer wedding (casual)
For a relaxed outdoor wedding where shorts are allowed: a linen shirt, unstructured blazer and suede loafers. Check the dress code first.
What to buy at every budget
- High street (around £20–£40): fine for a first pair. Check the inseam and look for a cotton twill that isn’t too thin.
- Mid-range (around £50–£100): better cotton, cleaner tailoring, pleats and proper turn-ups.
- Investment (£100+): heavier twill that holds a crease and keeps its colour.
The cheaper pair is often the better buy for holidays and hot weekends. Spend more if you want pleated, tailored shorts to wear with loafers and Oxford shirts.
Frequently asked questions
How long should men’s shorts be?
They should end just above the knee. A 7 inch inseam suits most men; choose 5 inches if you’re shorter or have shorter legs, and 9 inches only if you’re tall.
What shoes go with khaki shorts?
White leather trainers, suede loafers, boat shoes and leather sandals. Avoid running shoes, heavy boots and formal lace-ups.
What colour shirt goes with tan shorts?
White, navy, light blue, cream, olive and black all work. Navy and white are the most reliable.
Should you tuck a shirt into shorts?
Tuck polos and knits for a smart look with a belt. Leave casual shirts and tees untucked as long as they end at the hip.
