Brooks
5” Essential Short
£26
There’s an old Fry and Laurie sketch where the two main protagonists are discussing the best type of trouser fly. “Are you a zip or button man?” says the Fry character. “Neither, I’m a Velcro man,” comes the reply. At MR Towers, the debate rages about the acceptable length of short – are you a 3.5”, a 5”, 8” or even 12” kind of guy? For those who are looking for a halfway house, this 5” short from Brooks offers a good solution. These shorts do exactly what they say on the tin: no bells or whistles, just a couple of handy pockets, reflectivity and a comfortable, modest fit. Definitely part of our summer wardrobe.
Asics
7” Short
£25
This was one of the longer shorts we tested, at 7 inches. These are slim-fitting shorts made from a lightweight stretch material woven with moisture management extra breathability and comfort. Extra features include an elasticated waistband and with draw cord for adjustability and a zip pocket at the back for storage.
Puma
Shorts
£18
If you’re off a squeamish disposition, then look away – these shorts are short! That said, they are surprisingly comfortable, but we’d understand if you wanted a bit of extra material. Made from Puma’s CoolCELL, they are highly breathable: the material draws sweat away from your skin while anatomically placed air-flow features provide good temperature regulation to keep you cool and dry during exercise. Folded key pockets provide room for keys and small MP3 devices.
North Face
GTD Running Short
£40
Off-road brand The North Face (TNF) makes cool kit; in fact, I once swapped a mobile phone for a TNF gilet, that’s how much I wanted it. This tee might not be everyone’s cup of tea with its acid looks and psychedelic graphics, but it does offer a great fit, and the lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric delivers excellent breathability, which is exactly what you’ll need come spring time.
