the bermuda shorts.

for some reason, i now have this sudden fondness towards shorts.

i know the "leggy" trend in men has been around for quite some time now, yet it wasn't until yesterday that i actually wore pseudo-short shorts (cut above the knee). i've always been a tad bit conscious about my legs since i've always thought they're not long or toned enough for display. as a matter of fact, i shocked myself yesterday for having had the guts to cuff my bermudas above the knee.

photo: the Sartorialist

it never really occurred to me how the length of one's shorts is actually essential to the look that one is trying to achieve. until this moment, that is. now i know why some men prefer to wear theirs shorter than the usual Quicksilver/ Billabong cut. i see that unlike boardies, they make my legs look longer and they make my entire outfit look sleeker. which apparently means, this can help make any guy look more proportioned and less sloppy. nice, 'di ba?

the British Army in Bermuda (where the shorts first became popular). circa 1930s.

but of course i'm talking about bermuda shorts. obviously, there are different kinds available in the market. these are more tailored and can oftentimes be worn in dressy occasions. take note that unlike cargo shorts or baggy khakis, its hem can be cuffed or un-cuffed around one to two inches above the knee. that means they're really made short. so don't just fold any type of pair you have lying around your closet thinking that you can use them for this look. 

some inspirations:

Louis Vuitton S/S 2009

Neil Barrett S/S 2009

Versace S/S 2009 (my favorite)

Veronique Branquinho S/S 2009

this is how i wore them. what do you think?

here's a few tips if you plan to wear these shorts:

fit is of primary importance. pick a trimmer style. avoid those loose baggy ones, unless you have big muscular legs. or else you'll end up having two toothpicks hanging below your torso. for the length: just above the knee is perfect. don't go too long OR too short (well, that's another story).

i also suggest you wear them with rolled-up long-sleeves or an open jacket. believe me, you won't go wrong with that. as for footwear: loafers, slip-ons, moccasins, and other dress shoes are the most appropriate. and yeah. please don't show your socks.

the sport.

most of you might not know this but i'm an extreme tennis fanatic. i watch all the matches on TV (thank you balls!) and i keep track of the ATP rankings.

i used to play when i was a lot younger. and by that, i meant my preteen years. looking back, i wish i made the most out of it. if i continued on training, i'd probably be really good by now. perhaps even good enough to compete in Wimbledon or the US Open. haha! asa.

but seriously. tennis is the only sport (golf is just a back-up) that i genuinely enjoy. since i don't play anything else (no basketball, football, etc. for me), i should've at least made an effort to be terrific at it.

Nike Air Breath Max Cage II (worn by Rafael Nadal)

that's why i plan to get myself new tennis shoes (still deciding if i should replace my old racquet or not) so i can go back to the courts. great thing my friend Lauren has promised she'd play with me every week. we still need to find two more recruits though, so we can play mixed doubles.

here's a pic of the new World's No.1 Rafael Nadal of Spain and my favorite tennis player Richard Gasquet of France. Rafa recently replaced the Swiss champion Roger Federer  on the no.1 position in the South African Airways ATP rankings. not only that, he also won gold in the Beijing Olympics. man. he's totally wicked.

however. Gasquet is still my tennis idol. he's only on the no.12 spot but i still think he's awesome. GO TEAM FRANCE! haha.