First published 30 May 2017. Fully re-reported, fact-checked and expanded — last updated 1 August 2026. All prices, measurements and product links verified on that date.
Looking great regardless of the weather is something that most men opt for. To successfully dress for the weather, you’ve got to understand the dynamic that’s involved in menswear and seasons. Summer is a time for floral print shorts men’s fashion styles that keep you stylish, vibrant, and prepared to enjoy. You can improve this style, and even make it look like a high-end outfit, with men’s gold blazer styles that have a shimmering appeal, perhaps the men’s sequin gold blazer style that offers impeccable style and quality. Here’s how to wear a pair of floral shorts correctly.
This guide is about combinations — which shorts go with which jacket, and how each pairing shifts between business and casual. For the fundamentals of fit, fabric and length, start with our companion guide: How To Wear Floral Shorts.
What’s in this guide
- 1. The scenario: you’re at an evening dinner
- 2. The three combinations at a glance
- 3. Multicolor art floral collage shorts & linen charcoal light grey blazer
- 4. Navy blue tribal pattern drawstring shorts & navy blue blazer
- 5. Luxury classic automobile pattern shorts & dark gray linen blazer
- 6. Dress codes and where each combination lands
- 7. Caring for printed shorts
1. The scenario: you’re at an evening dinner
Vibrant colors are what you notice as you look around you at the evening event you’re at. To your surprise, you notice that it isn’t a so-called black-tie event, so much.
One of the top executives of the company wears a pair of paisley patterned shorts; another is dipping his toes in the unpredictable yet exciting waters of floral pattern. Yes, savvy gentlemen are embracing floral and printed shorts designs like never before, and of course, a corresponding matching fashionable blazer.
Steadily coming into your own men’s fashion style isn’t just about trends. If you’re in the business of lagging in style, simply go the way of solid color cargo shorts. Otherwise, pay very close attention.
Floral shorts depict the travel ready savvy gentleman like nothing else.
Here are some floral print shorts and blazer combinations that will have you begging for a break from all the fanfare you’ll be receiving.
Key resource: How To Wear Shorts
2. The three combinations at a glance
| Combination | Print weight | Jacket | Shirt | Shoes | Reads as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multicolor art floral collage | High — multi-colour | Linen charcoal or light grey | Pressed dress shirt, tucked | Low top loafers or white sneakers | Creative, confident |
| Navy blue tribal pattern | Low to medium — tonal | Navy blue | Polo or linen short sleeve | Low top black, tan or white | Composed, travel-ready |
| Classic automobile print | Medium — black and white | Dark gray linen | White dress shirt | Dark brown moccasins | Artful, leaderly |
The rule underneath all three: the louder the shorts, the quieter everything above the waist. A multi-colour collage wants a plain jacket and a plain shirt. A tonal navy print can carry a polo and still look considered.
3. Multicolor art floral collage shorts & linen charcoal light grey blazer
Dense multi-colour florals on cotton sit in the tradition Liberty of London made famous, and the jacket half of the pairing is where Irish and Belgian linen earn their reputation for holding a shape in heat. This winning combo is exceptionally pleasing to the eyes, in both vibrant hues and moderation! You can get this look and instantly make it work in your favor by pairing it casually with leather sandals or white sneakers, or even more “professional” with low top loafers.
Printed Linen Cotton Artistic Luxury Mens Fashion Shorts — $246
Why these shorts will work for you
Keeping your shorts minimally dressy is in. WWD suggests:
“Shorts with virtually nonexistent unseams are an ever-growing trend. A recent heatwave in New York gave the style major exposure.”
Everyone gets that slight feeling that their style gets more monotonic over time. However, during summer, there’s no good reason to shy away from bright and fun colors and patterns. These shorts can add some flavor and much deserved optimism to your outfit. That’s the great thing about being a gentleman in the 21st century. It’s all about doing what you can to enliven and propel yourself to the best you — even if it means being brave with style.
These multi-color shorts can be friend or foe at a business lunch just as much as they can be inside a room full of heavyweight fashionable travelers on that Paris vacation.
Here’s how to awesomely pair these shorts with apparel for a business centered event
Business-centered events are really all about networking, so these floral patterned shorts, with a vibrant look, are already an eye-catcher and will certainly put you at an advantage. To not look disrespectfully informal, but very fashionable and outgoing, the best way to wear these shorts in any business event is to be very conservative with your other apparel. Wear a thin black sports coat or even a dark grey one complemented with a neatly pressed dress shirt, tucked in. Black loafer shoes and minimal accessories will suffice.
Here’s how to wear these shorts casually and do it amazingly
Casual fashion is all about being free. These floral multi-color shorts already have a character by themselves and will only add to yours. Wearing them with a white, navy blue or black polo shirt and tennis shoes gives you an instant ten-for-ten look. A natural colored lightweight plaid shirt is another really smart way to comfortably wear these shorts casually.
The suggestion by GQ to wear cut off shorts is a smart, yet controversial way to embrace summer style. For business casual and leisure purposes it’s understandable to be on the fence.
Putting together the right outfit doesn’t have to be too tough though. Perhaps the DIY fashion route can be implemented in your outfit. Make your outfit appear more casual by DIY’ing your t-shirt. Simply roll up the edge of the sleeves to give it more of a neater fit, or cut off about 3/4 inches from the short-sleeved edge to get the ultimate summer look and feel in your casual shorts and t-shirt look!
4. Navy blue tribal pattern drawstring shorts & navy blue blazer
Navy blue shorts somehow fit perfectly into the story of modern men’s style. Shorts with a navy blue tribal pattern along with a navy blue blazer is a workable combo that will make you and your outfit admirable. The great thing about an outfit like this is that it says much without the vulgarity. Your look essentially is determined by the mood you choose to stand in.
Stylish Drawstring Ancient Creative Men Shorts — $178
It’s a common assumption that bright colors are the way to go as a rule of thumb, but if your type of character calls for the more laid back aspects of style, then perhaps the dark blue tribal pattern is your calling. Tribal patterns and navy blue shorts aren’t merely designed for your local beach or swimming pool. If you’re looking forward to a summer of style where you can look cool and dressed for the season, and stylishly do it neatly, then sticking with an outfit combination that’s a nice mix of traditional men’s fashion and modern appeal is the way to go. Shorts that are reserved just for the beach are not as comfortable and appealing as previously assumed.
When it comes to summer style, comfort also depends on the design of the clothing. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing apparel that’s cookie cutter and not really at the top of the fashion picks. It’s easy to opt for plain shorts that you see on the discount rack at a local surf shop, but seriously only consider these if you are staying particular to the perimeter of the beach. There are only a few times when casual shorts can magically look like anything near their more professional counterparts. The navy blue tribal pattern in the shorts coupled up with the navy blue blazer of this combination speaks clearly: easygoing fun character, and passionate composure — all things that stylish gentlemen admire.
Why these shorts will work for you
You may be on the fence about whether or not patterns should play a significant role in your summer outfit. You may even be wondering why you should place so much of an emphasis on the pattern of mere shorts.
The answer goes back to FLEXIBILITY. Summer fashion isn’t particularly only about style, or quality. Flexibility and function are important. Shorts that have a standout pattern can multi-function for you. Navy blue patterned shorts are ideal. The warmer weather calls for a wide range of activities from travel to even simply relaxing. Navy blue tribal pattern shorts will give you a relaxing, travel-ready look.
To take this look to an attractive new level, wear low top black, tan, or white tennis shoes or leather sandals.
Key resource: Men — how to wear shorts
Navy blue tribal pattern shorts are all about flexibility, style, and comfort, whether you’re spending the season in mid leisure or a business lunch.
Here’s how to awesomely pair these shorts with apparel for a business centered event
On the surface, tribal patterns may seriously look like a departure from conservatism, or anything anywhere near business-like. However, you’ll be more than surprised to know that they can be exceptionally acceptable. Thin dress shirts and lightweight summer blazers don’t exist for no reason after all.
For a truly successful business centered event, it’s all about the race to appear as the most open-minded person in the room. Having a welcoming outfit is smart and will set you ahead of the pack. Focus on accessories and footwear to wear with navy blue tribal pattern shorts. Think upscale. Modern. Comfortable.
Give your outfit some character with crocodile patterned loafers, or with a tan or black satchel or tote bag style — our crocodile pattern briefcase guide covers how to judge those. Depending on exactly how business-centered your event is, you can opt for a slim tie and white dress shirt. When evening approaches, be ready to excel with your navy blue sports coat.
Here’s how to wear these shorts casually and do it amazingly
It’s quite easy to come up with ways to wear a pair of shorts casually — well, at least if they are a pair of swimming trunks and you’re going nowhere but to your local barbecue. Casually do summer fashion with flair. Upscale flair.
Acknowledge the neatness and creativity that comes along with making an outfit that was once casual beautifully turn into something attractive and vacation savvy. You can wear tribal patterned navy blue shorts casually and still keep your cool over not underdressing, by smart pairing.
Make polo shirts and patterned dress shirts your utmost besties. You can get a summer look that’s neat and stylish with tribal patterned shorts by complementing white tennis shoes with linen short sleeve dress shirts and white polo shirts that are breathable and will not take the spotlight away from the outfit as a whole.
5. Luxury classic automobile pattern shorts & dark gray linen blazer
The Bermuda short takes its name and its length from Bermuda, where it emerged as formal warm-weather dress in the early twentieth century, and the printed resort short as we know it was shaped on the Italian Riviera at Portofino and along the Côte d’Azur. Men’s printed shorts aren’t just supposed to all look the same. Some styles, especially pickups here, can be quite pleasing. Classic art is unique; it lasts. LONG. The great thing about classic art patterned shorts is that it’s tough to wear these and not make them look exceptionally cool!
Luxury Classic Automobile Print Mens Bermuda Shorts — $488
What to look at: the repeat across the front in view two. On a large-scale artwork print, whether the motif is centred or cut mid-image at the seam is the difference between a considered piece and a cheap one.
You can have a fashionable look during summer that’s not lacking in style, and truly capable of being a winner. These luxury automobile patterned shorts look like they’ve been crafted in ancient stone, and show that you’ve got character, style, and courage to stand out. Pairing these high-end automobile patterned shorts with dark gray linen blazers will only give you a cool look that’s chic and creative.
Menswear is taking on a new definition, especially in terms of summer style. Sticking with wise pairings that scream ELEGANCE is the way to dress. Printed shorts vary in quality and level of how sophisticated the artwork is. If you want to show your passion, even while traveling, modern patterned shorts 101 is a luxury fashion rule you should abide by!
Why these shorts will work for you
Passionate style is immersed in patterns and designs that spark emotion. The classical nature of these shorts represents a timeless look. Even though the design is classical, with its white and black design and all, it still represents the creative and daring nature of modern fashion. These artsy patterned shorts aren’t exactly showy, but it’s acceptable to say they are far from bland.
These patterned shorts will work in any situation where there’s a crowd of savvy people passionate about a common topic. The design of these shorts stands out so much that you’ll get used to the admiration. Luxury fashion shorts for men aren’t necessarily a new concept, so it’s understandable to think that these automobile patterned shorts are like the few other creative looks you’ve seen!
However, just like the navy blue tribal pattern shorts, these are flexible. Wear them to an event where people are dressed casually, and you’ll be #1. Wear them to a more professional function and you’ll be seen as the outgoing, creative leader of the crowd. The design of these shorts will naturally make people assume that you’ve got something to say. Top this off with the right blazer jacket and these shorts will truly work wonders for your summer style.
Here’s how to awesomely pair these shorts with apparel for a business centered event
Business centered events almost always have one or two people that step outside the boundaries of the expected way to dress. Not that these people are outcasts, lone wolves, or rebellious, but really that their courage in style is seriously sky high. There’s nothing wrong with breaking the mold in style and showing that being unique, and daring in your way, is a good thing. Be that charming guy who stands out at networking and interaction at any event, and it’ll take you a long way!
Wear these automobile patterned shorts with a dark gray linen blazer, and a white dress shirt, along with dark brown moccasins for a business casual summer look that will make you look something like a young CEO. Add essential accessories such as a silver bracelet and even a black tote bag to complement this look. To be inspiring, surprise ’em with a floral patterned tie. Show that you can bring something unique and cool to the table, and you’ll be rewarded for it. This means embracing a style that’s diverse and vibrant!
Here’s how to wear these shorts casually and do it amazingly
Wearing patterned shorts is like a kind of art. Careful attention to the colors you work into the overall masterpiece should be your #1 priority. Wearing the automobile patterned shorts casually is all about balance. You can wear these with a white t-shirt and know that the outfit will truly be workable. You’ll not only be comfortable, but the look will not be too much flair for summer. BALANCE.
On floral t-shirts
If you can find a floral t-shirt that’s white and black, then you’re in luck. Wear these classically styled shorts with the vibrant and subtle design of floral t-shirts and it’s an instant win. You can coordinate your look casually without dressing down by sticking with subtle and not so loud colors of t-shirts and dress shirts. If you’re really on the fence about how to wear patterned shorts, then be simple and stick with a plain white t-shirt.
6. Dress codes and where each combination lands
| Dress code | Which combination | Jacket | Footwear | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black tie | None | — | — | Shorts of any kind |
| Traditional business | None | — | — | Save all three for after hours |
| Business centered event | Navy tribal, or automobile print | Navy or dark gray linen | Black loafers or dark brown moccasins | Multi-colour collage; sandals |
| Summer evening dinner | Automobile print | Dark gray linen | Loafers | Tennis shoes; anything athletic |
| Smart casual | Any of the three | Optional linen | White sneakers, loafers | Overmatching every colour in the print |
| Resort / weekend | Multi-colour collage | None needed | Leather sandals, espadrilles | Nothing — this is its habitat |
Key resource: Men’s shorts outfit combinations
7. Caring for printed shorts
| Frequency | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every wash | Inside out, cold water, mild detergent | Protects the print surface from abrasion |
| Every wash | Line dry, or tumble on low | Heat fades printed cotton faster than washing does |
| Ironing | Warm iron, reverse side only | Direct heat glosses and flattens a print permanently |
| Linen blends | Accept the creasing | Creasing is the character of the cloth, not a fault |
| Storage | Fold, out of direct sunlight | Sun fades print faster than wear does |
On the cloth itself, one credential is worth asking about: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifies that a textile has been tested for harmful substances, which matters more on heavily printed goods where the dye load is higher than on plain cloth.
An ode to floral and printed shorts
Floral and printed luxury shorts for men are breaking myths and misconceptions about how men should dress. The designs that complement a flexible summer — where you’ll find yourself attending a wedding, a barbecue, and walking on the beach possibly all within a few hours — make it truly important to stick with shorts that have a creative knack, with the right fit and quality, and upscale summer blazers to complement them. Overall, placing a value on a pair of shorts’ ability to be multi-functional, capable of being business casual or laid back casual literally on a whim, is important!
Once smart dressing with shorts is handled, the other things about your summer greatness can be pushed to the forefront, such as your passion and your style of awesome character!
The printed short is not a modern invention either. The Victoria & Albert Museum holds one of the world’s major collections of European figured and printed dress, and the Museum at FIT documents how print moves between couture and ready-to-wear. Wearing pattern is a return, not a novelty.
Looking to dress the part? You can browse our luxury shorts at PILAEO.
More men’s fashion reading you’d like
- How To Wear Floral Shorts — The Complete Guide
- Here’s How Ostrich Grain Briefcases Give A Professional Look
- Look More Stylish In Oil Waxed Leather Backpacks
- The Floral Blazer That Changed Menswear
- 2 Crocodile Briefcases To Give You More Fashion Flair
- Why Crocodile Briefcases Make You Fashionable
- How To Make Your Outfit Luxury And Fashionable With The Men’s Crocodile Briefcase
- Missoni History Revisited
- Luxury Men’s Backpack-Savvy Destinations
5 outfit combinations to wear with floral shorts
- White linen shirt for breezy eleganceThe most photographed pairing in resort menswear. White linen against floral shorts captures classic summer luxury without effort.
- Pastel polo for refined casualA pale blue, mint, or soft pink polo balances the floral statement without competing, perfect for daytime gatherings and casual lunches.
- Solid color tee for understatementA premium white, navy, or cream tee in fine cotton lets the shorts carry full visual weight — minimalism that respects the pattern.
- Light linen blazer for evening dinnerAdding an unstructured cream or pale blue linen blazer transforms floral shorts from beach-day to dinner-appropriate without losing summer character.
- Leather sandals or boat shoes complete the lookFootwear should echo summer ease — quality leather sandals, espadrilles, or boat shoes ground the outfit and avoid sneaker disconnect.
Frequently asked questions
What top works best with floral shorts?
Solid colors in white, cream, pastels, or navy work universally. Premium linen, cotton, or fine knit fabrics align with the relaxed luxury aesthetic. Avoid patterned tops which create visual chaos.
Can floral shorts be worn to restaurants?
At resort restaurants, beach clubs, and outdoor summer dining venues, absolutely. For upscale indoor restaurants requiring smart casual, pair with a refined linen shirt and quality footwear.
What shoes pair with floral shorts?
Leather sandals, quality espadrilles, boat shoes, or minimalist white sneakers. Avoid heavy boots, formal dress shoes, or athletic sneakers — all create stylistic conflict with summer shorts.
Should I match colors in my floral shorts outfit?
Pick one accent color from the shorts pattern and echo it in your top or accessories. Don't match every color — just one connection creates visual harmony without looking matchy.
Where can I find quality floral shorts for adult menswear?
PILAEO carries distinctive floral shorts in premium fabrics with editorial-quality design. Browse at pilaeo.com.
Can I ever wear a patterned shirt with patterned shorts?
Yes, but only under the subtle and extreme rule. One piece carries the pattern loudly and the other stays quiet, so multicolored shorts take a subtle tonal shirt, and a black and white classic print can take a floral tee in the same two colours. What does not work is two loud patterns competing at equal weight, which is why the safe default remains a solid top.
Which blazer goes with printed shorts?
Match the jacket to the volume of the print. Multicolour collage prints want charcoal or light grey linen, which is neutral enough to let the shorts speak. Tonal navy patterns can take a navy blazer for a considered head to toe effect. Black and white classic prints suit dark grey linen with a white dress shirt. In every case the jacket should be lightweight and unstructured, since a formal blazer over shorts reads as a mistake rather than a choice.
Are printed shorts acceptable at a business event?
At networking and creative industry events, yes, provided everything else is conservative. Wear a thin sports coat in black or dark grey, a neatly pressed dress shirt tucked in, black loafers and minimal accessories. Tonal or two colour prints work far better than multicolour ones. For traditional finance, law or client meetings, the answer is no regardless of how well the outfit is put together.
What fabric should printed shorts be made from?
Linen and cotton blends suit hot weather and daytime events and wash cold and line dry. Chino is the smart casual option for weekends and travel and takes a warm iron. Drawstring styles suit beach and poolside. Printed and striped fabrics carry the statement looks but should be washed inside out to protect the print. On any heavily printed cloth, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification is worth asking about, since dye load is higher than on plain fabric.
How do I judge print scale and quality before buying?
Look at where the pattern crosses a seam. On a large scale artwork print, whether the motif sits centred or is cut mid image at the seam is the difference between a considered piece and a cheap one. Scale should also follow your frame, with larger repeats suiting broader builds and smaller repeats suiting slimmer ones, though fit matters more than scale in every case.
How do I keep the print from fading?
Wash inside out in cold water with a mild detergent, then line dry or tumble on low, because heat rather than washing is what fades printed cotton. Iron on the reverse side only, since direct heat glosses and flattens a print permanently. Fold rather than hang for storage and keep them out of direct sunlight, which fades print faster than wear does. With linen blends, accept the creasing as the character of the cloth.
