Not sure of your size? Find My Fit in under a minute.
The right inseam depends on three things: your height, the size of your thighs, and where you're wearing them. Get it right and your legs look longer, your quads look bigger, and the whole outfit looks intentional. Get it wrong and even a great pair of shorts looks off.
What is inseam in shorts? Inseam is the length of the seam from the crotch to the hem. It's the number you see on every pair of Kojo Fit Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts: 3", 5", 7" or 9".
The quick answer:
- 3 inch: the boldest cut. Best for confident guys with strong legs, beach days, holidays and hot weather.
- 5 inch: sits mid-thigh, shows off your quads, and works for most guys up to about 6 foot.
- 7 inch: the all-rounder. A couple of inches above the knee, easy to dress up, and a great first step if you've only worn longer shorts.
- 9 inch: the classic length. Just above the knee, best for taller guys, smarter settings and anyone who wants more coverage.
Our model in this guide is 181cm / 84kg (5'11" / 185 lbs) and wears a size 32.
Find your best length. Here's how each inseam looks side by side:
3"
Short and bold. For confident legs.
5"
Our favourite. Shows off your quads.
7"
Above the knee. Smart and easy.
9"
Classic length, still tapered.
3" vs 5" vs 7" vs 9" at a glance
| Inseam | Where it sits* | The look | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | Upper thigh | Bold, retro, beach ready | Any height, best under 6'0" |
| 5" | Mid-thigh | Athletic, modern, shows off your quads | Up to about 6'1" |
| 7" | 2 to 3 inches above the knee | Clean, versatile, easy to dress up | Any height |
| 9" | Just above the knee | Classic, smart, more coverage | 5'11" and over |
*On a guy around 5'10". These positions are a guide. Where a short sits on you also depends on your leg length and the size of your thighs, since bigger quads pull the hem up slightly.
3 inch inseam shorts: for the confident
3 inch shorts are the shortest cut we make. They sit high on the upper thigh and show the full length of your legs. It's the look of 70s and 80s summers, and it's firmly back.
Wear 3" if:
- You train legs and want to show it
- You're heading to the beach, the pool or a resort
- You run hot and want maximum airflow
- You're comfortable with a bold look
Style it: keep the top simple and fitted. A plain tee, a knit polo or an open short sleeve shirt balances the short hem. Go sockless with sneakers or slides. Cream, sage and navy are the easiest colours to start with.
Watch out for: 3" is the least forgiving length. If your shorts ride up when you sit, that's normal at this length, so it's better saved for casual days than a sit-down dinner. For more on going shorter, read our guide to men's 3 inch chino shorts.
Shop 3" Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts in Cream | See all 3" chino shorts
5 inch inseam shorts: the sweet spot
Men's 5 inch shorts are our most popular length, and for good reason. They sit mid-thigh, where your quads are widest, so they frame your legs rather than hiding them. On most guys a 5" inseam also makes the legs look longer.
Our 5" Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts have serious stretch through the thigh. That means you can go shorter without the fabric pulling tight or riding up every time you squat, sit or climb stairs.
Wear 5" if:
- You're between about 5'6" and 6'1"
- You have muscular thighs and want shorts that fit them properly
- You want one length for weekends, barbecues, summer events and travel
- You've been wearing 7" to 9" shorts and want a more modern look
Style it: 5" works with almost anything. A fitted tee and white sneakers for weekends. A knit polo or short sleeve button up with loafers for dinner. Navy, khaki and cream are the three to own first.
Shop 5" Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts: Navy | Khaki | Cream | See all 5" chino shorts
7 inch inseam shorts: the all-rounder
7 inch shorts finish two to three inches above the knee. That's short enough to look current and long enough to wear almost anywhere. If you only buy one length, 7" is the safest bet.
It's also the best step down for guys who've spent years in knee-length shorts. One of our customers, in his mid 60s, tried 5", decided it was a step too far, and exchanged them for 7". He's been ordering 7" ever since.
Wear 7" if:
- You want one pair that works from the beach to a restaurant
- You're over 6'0" and find 5" too short
- You want a smarter look for work drinks, golf or travel
- You prefer a bit more coverage but still want a tailored fit
Style it: 7" is the easiest length to dress up. Pair it with a short sleeve button up or a polo tucked in, a belt, and loafers or clean leather sneakers. Black, gunmetal and khaki look sharp at this length.
Shop 7" Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts: Black | Gunmetal | Cream | See all 7" chino shorts
Prefer a real cotton chino? Cotton Stretch in 5" and 7"
Ultra-Stretch is our softest, stretchiest short, closer to activewear. If you want the structure and twill texture of a traditional chino, our new Cotton Stretch Chino Shorts come in both 5" and 7" inseams. They're woven from a 97% cotton, 3% elastane twill and cut with room for your thighs. Read our guide to men's stretch chino shorts to compare them.
9 inch inseam shorts: classic and smart
9 inch shorts sit just above the knee. It's the traditional chino short length, and on the right guy it looks polished rather than old fashioned. The key is a slim, tapered leg. A 9" short that's baggy at the hem looks dated fast, while a fitted one looks tailored.
Wear 9" if:
- You're 6'0" or taller, where 9" sits like a 7" does on shorter guys
- You need shorts for a smart casual dress code or a summer wedding
- You prefer knee-length coverage
- You want shorts you can wear to the office on casual Friday
Style it: treat 9" like a pair of chinos. A tucked in button up, a belt and loafers or boat shoes. Neutral colours like khaki, stone and navy keep it smart.
Watch out for: if you're under about 5'8", 9" can cut your leg line and make you look shorter. Try 7" first.
Shop 9" Ultra-Stretch Chino Shorts: Khaki | Navy | Cream | See all 9" chino shorts
How to choose your inseam
By height
| Your height | Start with | Also try |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5'8" | 5" | 3" |
| 5'8" to 6'0" | 5" | 7" |
| 6'1" and over | 7" | 9" |
Shorter guys look taller in shorter shorts, because more visible leg lengthens your frame. Taller guys can carry longer inseams without them looking like they reach the knee.
By thighs
If you train legs, shorter inseams usually look better. A 5" or 7" hem sits above the widest part of your quad, so the shorts frame the muscle instead of stretching tight across it. Stretch fabric matters just as much as length here: rigid cotton shorts pull tight and ride up on big thighs, whatever the inseam. Our guide to the best shorts for thick and muscular thighs goes deeper.
By occasion
| Occasion | Best inseam |
|---|---|
| Beach, pool, holidays | 3" or 5" |
| Weekends, barbecues, casual lunches | 5" |
| Dinners, work drinks, travel days | 5" or 7" |
| Golf | 7" |
| Smart casual events, summer weddings | 7" or 9" |
How to measure your ideal inseam
Take a pair of shorts you already like the length of. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the hem. That number is your current inseam. If you want a more modern look, go two inches shorter.
Struggle to get the right size?
Find My Fit matches you to our tailoring in under a minute. Answer a few quick questions and get your size.
Find my fitFAQ
What does inseam mean in shorts?
Inseam is the length of the inside leg seam, measured from the crotch to the hem. The smaller the number, the shorter the shorts.
How long should men's shorts be?
Most men's shorts should finish somewhere between mid-thigh and just above the knee. For most guys that means a 5" to 7" inseam. Shorts that cover the knee tend to look dated and make your legs look shorter.
5 inch vs 7 inch shorts: which is better?
5" is more modern and athletic, and it shows off your quads. 7" is more versatile and easier to dress up. If you're under 6'0" and train legs, start with 5". If you're taller, or want one pair for every occasion, start with 7".
7 inch vs 9 inch shorts: what's the difference?
On a guy around 5'10", 7" finishes two to three inches above the knee and 9" finishes just above it. 7" looks more current. 9" is more traditional and suits taller guys and smarter dress codes.
Are 5 inch shorts too short?
No. 5" is now the most popular length for athletic guys and sits mid-thigh on most men. It only looks too short when the fit is wrong, for example when rigid fabric rides up. Stretch fabric keeps a 5" short sitting where it should.
Can men over 40 wear 5 inch shorts?
Yes. Plenty of our customers in their 40s, 50s and 60s wear 5". If you keep your legs in shape, it's one of the easiest ways to look younger and fitter. If 5" feels like too big a jump, 7" gives you the same tailored look with a little more coverage.
What are short inseam shorts?
Short inseam shorts are any shorts with an inseam of 5" or less. They're sometimes called short shorts or hoochie daddy shorts, and they're back in style for men who want to show a bit more leg.
Do the lengths fit the same in the waist?
Yes. Every Kojo Fit Ultra-Stretch Chino Short uses the same waist and seat, so if you know your size in one length, it's the same across all four.
Find your length
Still not sure? Start with 5" if you're under 6'0" and 7" if you're over. Every Kojo Fit Ultra-Stretch Chino Short is cut for athletic legs, with stretch through the thigh so they move with you at any length.
Not the right length? Swap it for another inseam. Plenty of our customers own all four.