The 10 Best men's shorts

Whether you’re man enough to wear a pair to the office or just want to keep cool as you trot the globe, these are the top picks

1. Ben Sherman

£50, bensherman.com

Madras check shorts needn’t be brashly coloured. This pair  combines tasteful blue and pink pastels for an altogether softer look. Team with a pastel  T-shirt in tone with the shorts.

2. Raf Simons

£295, mrporter.com

Stand out amidst a sea of navy  tailored shorts with this eye-catching pair. Emblazoned with luminous florals, simply wear  with a crisp white shirt and let  the flowers do the talking.

3. J Crew

£75, mrporter.com

J Crew is known for its successful take on the urban wardrobe of the stylish gent. The washed-out feel of this stripy pair of shorts is pretty much perfect wherever  you decide to wear them.

4. Wooyoungmi

£132.50, mrporter.com

Make the most of the sales and invest in these statement shorts. They’ll see you through any number of high-profile summer events, or dress to impress at the obligatory barbecues.

5. Maine

£18, debenhams.com

Yellow shorts are probably best saved for when you’ve managed  to work up a bit of a tan. These ones are made from lightweight cotton, so are perfect for keeping cool in warmer climes.

6. French Connection

£45, frenchconnection.com

These pale pink shorts from French Connection come with a button fastening and a zip fly and are 100 per cent cotton. Wear with a fine-knit polo shirt and loafers in understated Italian style.

7. Margaret Howell

£195, margarethowell.co.uk

These traditional shorts by Margaret Howell, purveyor of all things wonderfully English, are made to last. They will work with almost anything you choose to sport, smart or casual.

8. Topman

£32, topman.com

A loud print on a pair of shorts is nothing new. But to find it done so tastefully on the high street is a rarity. Topman calls this print “jungle” – with a white shirt they’ll fit in perfectly in the urban one.

9. Neil Barrett

£305, thecorner.com

The cut of these shorts will sit somewhere on the upper thigh, so you’ll need to be blessed with a good pair of legs. Balance out the abstract print with a navy polo shirt and a pair of Persol shades.

10. Jonathan Saunders

£395, matchesfashion.com

Wearing tailored shorts with a front pleat and busy print isn’t for everyone, but Jonathan Saunders doesn’t design for withering wallflowers. These savvy shorts are perfect for a summer wedding.