Looking for shorts... got some questions.

[Jay687]

I'm looking to get some shorts to wear around casually this summer. I've never really worn shorts, well... it's been a while. So, need help.

I'd like them to stop right above my knee and currently have one pair of Gap shorts from years ago that have 10" inseam and 10" rise. These are about 2 - 3" too long. Additionally, wish they were a bit more narrow.

Most shorts never have any inseam options, which is ridiculous IMO. However, some of J. Crew shorts do. However, need to know the rise to get an idea of where the shorts will fall. Does anyone know the rise on J. Crew shorts?

They mostly have 9" inseams, so hoping for 9" rise... then could get the narrow legged shorts. However, I have a feeling they are more like 10-11" and in that case, need the 7" inseam chino shorts.

Anyway, if someone could give me some information on J. Crew shorts or direct more towards another brand perhaps. Thanks!

 

[alliswell]

What does the rise have to do with the inseam?

 

[westinghouse]

This is Style Forum. Nobody here would be caught dead in shorts.

 

[onix]

Originally Posted by Jay687

I'm looking to get some shorts to wear around casually this summer. I've never really worn shorts, well... it's been a while. So, need help.

I'd like them to stop right above my knee and currently have one pair of Gap shorts from years ago that have 10" inseam and 10" rise. These are about 2 - 3" too long. Additionally, wish they were a bit more narrow.

Most shorts never have any inseam options, which is ridiculous IMO. However, some of J. Crew shorts do. However, need to know the rise to get an idea of where the shorts will fall. Does anyone know the rise on J. Crew shorts?

They mostly have 9" inseams, so hoping for 9" rise... then could get the narrow legged shorts. However, I have a feeling they are more like 10-11" and in that case, need the 7" inseam chino shorts.

Anyway, if someone could give me some information on J. Crew shorts or direct more towards another brand perhaps. Thanks!

Why don't you go to the store and try them on?

 

[InsBrokerTX]

Originally Posted by westinghouse

This is Style Forum. Nobody here would be caught dead in shorts.
I wear them every chance I get.

 

[matt22616]

Depending on how short you are I think either the 5" or 7" Patagonia Stand-up shorts may be what you're looking for. I'm 6'1" and the 7" fall about 2" above my knee. http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...?p=57227-0-176 Also, if you live in the southeast, shorts are by no means a faux pas. They are a necessity.

 

[Jay687]

Thanks for replies.

About inseam/rise.

The inseam measures from the bottom of the rise down to end of the leg. The shorter the rise, the shorter the distance from the waist to the end of the leg. Now, lower rise is not the same as shorter rise... but ultimately, if the rise is X length, and inseam Y length, the total length (and where shorts or even pants) will be a combination.

So... shorter/lower rise means that I can have longer inseam.

Ultimately though, lower rise doesn't make much of a difference since you assumably have a shorter rise there because you wear them lower, the inseam then starts and ultimately ends in thr same spot.

BUT ANYWAY!

Why doesn't styleforum like shorts? I never really did, but realizing (after trying) that it can be so much nicer in the heat/humidity, so why not?

And I wish I could try them on but stores like J.Crew for instance... are an hour or so away. A bit of a hassle. Easier to come here for now.

Also, I'm actually pretty short at 5'4", which is why shorts are often long on me.

I'm like the to fall right above knee (not more than 1" above). So, assuming the 10" on you is 5" in your legs and perhaps 2-3" extra from waist to knee... then maybe 7" will fall just above my knee?

Hmm... here's to hoping anyway.

 

[Nataku]

Originally Posted by Jay687

Why doesn't styleforum like shorts? I never really did, but realizing (after trying) that it can be so much nicer in the heat/humidity, so why not?


Yeah, I don't get this. Unless it's a really formal event during the spring/summer/early fall months, I'm in shorts. I can't deal with the heat and humidity here with long pants or even a long sleeved shirt. There are some great casual looks that can be pulled off with shorts.

 

[glowell222]

Sounds like a job for your tailor.

I like to take my old chinos and linen trousers to the tailor and have them converted into shorts.

Originally Posted by Jay687

I'm looking to get some shorts to wear around casually this summer. I've never really worn shorts, well... it's been a while. So, need help.

I'd like them to stop right above my knee and currently have one pair of Gap shorts from years ago that have 10" inseam and 10" rise. These are about 2 - 3" too long. Additionally, wish they were a bit more narrow.



Anyway, if someone could give me some information on J. Crew shorts or direct more towards another brand perhaps. Thanks!

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by Jay687

Thanks for replies.

About inseam/rise.

(1) The inseam measures from the bottom of the rise down to end of the leg.
(2) The shorter the rise, the shorter the distance from the waist to the end of the leg.
(3) Now, lower rise is not the same as shorter rise... but ultimately, if the rise is X length, and inseam Y length, the total length (and where shorts or even pants) will be a combination.

(4) So... shorter/lower rise means that I can have longer inseam.

Ultimately though, lower rise doesn't make much of a difference since
(5) you assumably have a shorter rise there because you wear them lower,
(6) the inseam then starts and ultimately ends in thr same spot.


OK, you were getting there by yourself, but let's think it through.

(1) is true, by definition
(2) is true for a constant inseam
(3) is true, and can be made stronger: the outside length of the shorts is equal to the inseam plus the rise

Here's where you go off the reservation: you don't define the rise, and you don't understand how to select a rise when you wear pants.

The (front) rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the waist.

The rise is determined by (a) where you want the waist on your pants to sit (e.g., on your hips, just below the navel, nipple-high) and (b) how much room you want to leave at your crotch (e.g. moose knuckle, low slung)

The rise is not intended to have anything to do with where you want the hem of your pants to sit. Figure out (a) and (b) and then you have your rise.

OK, back to you.

(4) notwithstanding what I've just said, this is true. For a constant rise and inseam, you can adjust the position of the hem by lowering and raising your pants at the waist. Homeless guys, jailbirds and toddlers do this all the time.
(5) however, by doing so, you do not change the rise. The rise is a measure of the pants, not of how you wear them. (Also "assumably" - webster that and let me know what it means)
(6) you ran out of time, obviously - this sentence means nothing.

To sum up: If you want to change where the hem of your shorts sit, buy a pair of shorts that fit iyou in the waist and crotch and have them adjusted.

 

[clausc]

Originally Posted by glowell222

Sounds like a job for your tailor.

I like to take my old chinos and linen trousers to the tailor and have them converted into shorts.


Very good idea. I have too many Incotex cotton and linen pants in fancy colors, I'll probably wear them more often as shorts.
I ordered this morning a Montedoro jacket from Yoox and was thinking of getting these 'Incotex city shorts'. Better yet, the chinolino model from Barney's, a bit expensive though.

More pics

 

[onix]

^ Those are nice looking shorts.

 

[Harold falcon]

That is ridiculous.

 

[lee_44106]

whatever you do, make sure you've got the 2" cuffs on the shorts.

 

[clausc]