THIS style of shorts = all you need!

Hey Reader,

Happy Thursday!

Here are a few things from this week I think you'll enjoy.

My favorite travel bag — On STEEP Sale 🧳

I take my Nomad Lane Bento Bag with me every time I travel. And right now the newest version in Black / Bronze is $100 off, so I had to tell you about it.

The Bento Bag fits 1-2 outfits, toiletries, and all my tech gear (Macbook Pro, chargers, etc.) And best of all, it fits underneath the plane seat in front of you, so it counts as a personal item (meaning you can still bring your carry-on)

I've done a number of videos on the Bento Bag since it came out a few years back. They're now on version 4 and it's the best one to date! I just used it on my last trip to Charleston and Denver and the little improvements the team makes with each release are so good.

Get $100 OFF the newest Bento Bag (v4) in Black / Bronze (limited time, sale ending soon) →

Reader Q: Keep It Simple, Shorts

Here's a seasonally-appropriate question I received from reader, Kevin (shortened and summarized by me):

What style shorts should I be wearing? What length and colors should the shorts be for my age and body type? Can they all be one style, just different colors, or should I have different styles and lengths?

He included a few other details: He's in his 50s, around 6', 195 lbs, average / toned build. He mentioned being interested in the menswear neutral colors too.

So here's my advice, no matter your age:

re: Style — Go for a standard chino short, something like Flint and Tinder's 365 Shorts or J.Crew's version. Stretch is optional (but definitely more comfortable). If you want to cover your basics, then just get this one style. They'll work in every situation where shorts are appropriate.

re: Length — 7" is the optimal length for most guys. If you're under 5'6", go for the 5" inseam. If you're like 6'2"+ (or have long legs in general) try the 9" inseam. You want the shorts' hem to be ~2-3" above the center of your kneecap.

re: Color — Tan / khaki is a classic. Navy will get a ton of use. Same with a charcoal grey. I'd also recommend an off white / cream color. Once you have those 3-4 colors in standard 7" chino shorts, you can experiment with whatever else strikes your fancy, style- or color-wise (Nantucket Red, camo, stripes, corduroy, nylon, etc.)

re: Fit — You're wearing shorts in hot weather, so keep the fit looser and more relaxed. To give you an idea, if you can fit a tennis (or other similarly sized) ball up the leg without it falling out (like this), that's a good width to shoot for.

(Also, note the length of my shorts in the photo, that's what you want.)

So, to summarize: Standard chino shorts in a regular / relaxed fit, 7" inseam length, in navy, tan / khaki, charcoal grey, and off white.

Examples: Flint and Tinder's 365 Shorts or J.Crew's Stretch Chino Shorts

Those four pairs of shorts I just described will serve you well in every warm weather smart casual dress situation. Once you have those basics covered, you can then experiment with other colors and styles.

Got a clothing- or style-related question? Ask me here.

Worth The Read 📖

Rugged, easy to wear, with all the wardrobe staples: If you haven't heard of Flint and Tinder, definitely check out our updated overview + our 10 must-haves from this hard-wearing brand carrying the classics that always have a place in your closet.

Are affordable clothes terrible? Here's a hot take: Fashion newsletter Blackbird Spyplane struck a nerve recently when he stated that the concept of “best affordable XYZ” is garbage. Personally, I can see where he's coming from, but I don't wholeheartedly agree for every situation. Curious what you think! (Blackbird Spyplane)

The top watches of 2023: From the grailest grail to the best revival, this round-up leaves no category untouched when it comes to the very best watches of the year. (GQ)

Related, these are the 15 top watches from EG's favorite brand, Seiko.

Clothing Worth Considering 🛍

Up to 60% off at Koio's Huge Summer Sale — The fan favorite Capri is $50 off, plus many other models worth checking out as we head into fall
40% off BR’s Slim Core Temp Pant, in Snow Drift White. That’s $59.99 for a $100 pant. This colorway is slightly darker than a true white but lighter than a khaki, giving it a year-round appeal
40% off the Evans Performance Oxford at Ledbury’s warehouse sale. Topnotch fabric and excellent tailoring. Tons of other cool pieces on sale too

Visual Inspiration 📸

Here's your weekly dose of (mystery) style inspo!

Summer ain't over! 10 Spring / Summer Items, 10 Outfit Ideas 👕💡

Grab our SPRING & SUMMER guide, Effortless Outfits, once you're ready to go beyond the lean, minimalist wardrobe.

It's easy to use and super straight-forward. Just tap to buy our latest wardrobe suggestions, and once you receive them, wear the outfits as they're laid out for you in the guide!

Comes with our "Endless Options" Guarantee.

Tap here to learn more and get $20 off Effortless Outfits →

Did you enjoy this week's email?

Hit reply and let me know what you think! And if you have any specific questions, you can send 'em in here.

–Barron