A shorts story: Models Spencer Phipps & Timo Nuñez show us sexy, stylish ways to rock shorts

Shorts find their moment in the sun with models Spencer Phipps and Timo Nuñez at the Tom of Finland House. Stylist Martin Gregory Jerez gives advice on rocking them this season and beyond.

Shorts are a staple of the runway right now. What is their appeal to the major fashion houses?

I think the fashion industry has realized that the male gender has finally reaccepted shorts of all lengths back into their personal wardrobe, which is such a relief! If you look back at the male personal wardrobe in the ’70s and ’80s, every man (and their father) had 3- to 5-inch shorts in their closet or even shorter. I think the casualness of the ’90s and early ’00s really threw shorts to the wayside, unless they were extremely baggy. Which I have no personal problem with, but that can’t be the only option. It was almost sacrilegious to be wearing shorts above the knee back in those days!

Which labels are rocking the shorts game right now?

There are way too many to list as everyone has jumped on the shorts bandwagon, but some of my personal favorites are Bode, Ernest W. Baker, and Dsquared2. Bode makes handmade shorts from vintage fabrics in almost every color with quirky quilted details. Ernest W. Baker makes so many suits that are paired with [shorts] — my absolute favorite (and the pricing is always favorable). Dsquared2 makes denim shorts in literally any size, shape, and length. You want baggy bumsters? Or how about super-short shorts? Tattered fabrics? Patches? Cargo pockets? [Dsquared2 designers] Dean and Dan got your back.

Can I wear shorts at a formal event?

For the most part, hell yes. Especially if it’s an outdoor event! I would make sure the shorts are paired with a great blazer, and don’t be afraid to dress up with a shirt and tie. A nice pair of loafers (with or without high white socks) or a clean pair of boots always does the trick. If you have a matching blazer/short suit, go for it.

What is your method for choosing the perfect shorts length for an occasion?

Personally, I love a pair of shorts that stops at my mid-thigh. I do think it’s a flattering length for most proportions.

Are shorts a seasonal item? Or can you advocate for year-long wear?

I guess shorts should be a seasonal item, but there are no rules in fashion anymore. I can definitely advocate for almost year-long wear. A comfy baggier denim short with high boots and a big comfy sweater always looks good. Just ask [our featured model] Spencer Phipps.

Are there shorts you would avoid?

I really have a high disdain for shorts that look like they were once…tight trousers chopped in half. You know what I am talking about — almost like a highwater short. Shorts should have some sort of flounce to the hemline. It should not look like you took a pair of scissors to your favorite skinny/straight-leg jeans and just chopped them off right below the knee. Please, for the sake of the fashion gods, don’t do that.

You’re packing for a summer vacation to a beachside resort. Which shorts would you bring?

The shortest shorts possible, because why the hell not? But in all seriousness, if it’s hot outside, and you’re at the beach, the less amount of clothing the better (no matter what shape your body is in — be free!). I’m always in a Speedo on vacation, so a couple pairs of stretchy waistband shorts are perfect for the day. Dressier shorts for dinner and the club later!

Now you’re planning an outdoor adventure with hiking. Which shorts would you pack?

I would pack baggier shorts with cargo pockets. Because when you’re on a hike, you need a lot of things — things that could easily be reached, and a cargo pocket always comes in handy at times like that.

Tell us a story about your favorite pair of shorts.

My favorite pair of shorts are these super-tattered baggy Dsquared2 number that I got on super-duper sale on Yoox.com (which is basically an online outlet center for high-end brands). I was 25 years old and finally running up in the ranks of my career as a model agent, which means I finally had some expendable income. The shorts were a whopping 80 percent off at this point and two sizes too big for me, but I really didn’t care. I wanted the shorts — I wanted the Dsquared2 dream! So I bought them. And I wore them almost every day (with a belt to sustain myself), and I still wear them to this day, 10 years later. The only difference now, is that I don’t need a belt and they don’t fall off my body anymore.

Any final thoughts on shorts?

The smaller the inseam, the closer to heaven.

This article is part of Out's July/August issue, which hits newsstands on July 2. Support queer media and subscribe— or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting June 18.

Models: Timo Nuñez (@timonunez_official) & Spencer Phipps (@spencerphipps)

Photographer: Ben Prince (@benprinceusa)

Photographer’s assistant: Sean Ford (@theonlyseanford)

Stylist: Martin Gregory Jerez (@martin_gregory)

Grooming: Paige Morton (@404paige_notfound)

Videographer: Mylo Butler (@mylo__b)

Location: Tom of Finland House (@tomoffinlandfoundation). Learn more about the Tom of Finland Foundation and upcoming events at tomoffinland.org