Men are putting their best foot forward and showing more leg than ever before as temperatures across the UK continue to soar.
Sales data released by retailer Debenhams shows that demand for men’s shorts that sit at the top of thighs, rather than knees has shot up by an amazing 156% in the last week.
The trend it seems is spurred on by celebrities as well as the temperature with well-known faces such as TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Mark Wright, Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny Dyer, Olly Murs and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson preferring the thigh-skimming option.
Spotted on the recent SS14 catwalks of Versace, Emporio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gieves & Hawkes, this is one trend that has definitely made the leap to the great British high street, and looks set to continue.
Men’s chino shorts from Debenhams’ Red Herring range were first launched in March and measure 52cm from waist to hem, whilst the majority of other styles come in at 70cms.
Said Debenhams spokesperson Ed Watson; “We have all heard about the emergence of ‘mankles’ – male ankles peeking out from rolled up trousers. Well, this takes it to the next level.”
“All over the world, British men are renowned for exposing their white knobbly knees during the summer holidays.”
Watson continues, “For the daring few, wearing short shorts can be a liberating experience, particularly when faced with the recent tropic temperatures.”
“We haven’t seen a demand for short shorts as high as this since Wham sparked the trend in the 1980s – we are currently considering whether or not to go even shorter for next summer!”
The retailer has seen a particularly high demand for short shorts in Newcastle, Glasgow and Cardiff.
