A hoodie and shorts is the kind of combo that shouldn’t work. And yet, it does.
At first glance, it’s a pairing that can seem mismatched and out of place. Shorts are the symbol of summer; hoodies are staples of cooler weather.
But when executed properly, the hoodie and shorts outfit is effortlessly cool. As long as you put some thought into your look, you can be one of the best-dressed on the block (and the most comfortable).
If you’ve been wondering how to dress better or just looking for casual outfit inspiration—you’re in the right place. These five trending combos will have you pulling out your best hoodie in the middle of summer.
1. Classic Comfort: Solid Hoodie with Denim Shorts
Chances are you already have a single-colored hoodie in your closet. If you do, styling it is as easy as putting on cut-off blue denim shorts and your favorite chunky sneakers. Any color will do—that’s the beauty of blue or black jean shorts.
If you don’t have a go-to oversized hoodie, your first job is to grab a neutral one. A white, gray, or black every day hoodie will give you the most bang for your buck; it’ll go just as well with your denim shorts as your joggers or jeans. From there, consider experimenting with other colors that might complement your wardrobe, like:
- Green
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
Before we move on to the next outfit ideas, here’s a quick tip that applies to all hoodie and shorts combos moving forward: The shirt you wear underneath your hoodie will almost certainly become part of your look. As soon as the sun comes out, or you run for the bus, or you play a game of pick-up basketball at lunch, that hoodie is coming off.
So, think about your tee or long-sleeve before you throw a hoodie over it, especially if you prefer a zip-up hoodie. An open zip-up with a white tee underneath is another quintessential springtime look that pairs well with denim shorts.
2. Athletic Edge: Performance Hoodie with Athletic Shorts
Now, if you already know you’ll be jumping into a basketball game, you can plan ahead. The active hoodie and shorts combo blends streetwear style and function—perfect for those one-the-move days.
The trick is to dress the part. One option is to wear a technical hoodie with mesh-paneled athletic shorts, then finish the look with your running shoes or high tops.
If you want to be game-time ready without looking too athletic, opt for a more neutral pair of streetwear shorts. Something as simple as these vintage black sweatshorts would mesh with a thin hoodie of any style or color.
Speaking of color, the athletic vibe begs for a monochrome look. By pairing a blue hoodie with some matching shorts, you can create a pseudo-sweatsuit fit that looks as good at the gym as it does for a breakfast date.
3. Street Style Savvy: Graphic Hoodie with Cargo Shorts
For something completely different, step away from athletics into the realm of streetwear. Wearing a graphic hoodie with cargo shorts keeps you comfortable, but it also shows off a heightened sense of style in a league above solid colors.
A classic example of this look is the black graphic hoodie with some distressed camo cargo shorts and a pair of white sneakers. In this case, baggier is better.
Of course, camo isn’t your only option. If you’re more into the idea of techwear-inspired fashion, you could reach for olive green active cargo shorts instead, then layer on a vintage black graphic sweater and some heavy boots. Are cargo shorts in style? Contrary to popular belief, they never were out of style.
And you can go even more basic if that’s your thing. Classic, baggy cargo shorts are in style, and when you nab them in neutral black or beige tones, they pair perfectly with your black graphic hoodie of choice.
4. Minimalist Chic: Hoodie with Chino Shorts
What if you want a clean, streamlined look? The hoodie and shorts combo has your back here, too.
To put a minimalist look together, start with some slim chino shorts, ideally in khaki or black. Then, throw a tighter-fitting, solid-colored hoodie on top. This vintage black hoodie fits the bill.
Zip-up hoodies also lend themselves well to this kind of outfit. For example, you can easily wear a gray zip-up hoodie unzipped with a solid or striped tee underneath, then finish with a simple pair of chinos.
As for shoes, these looks are as open as your zip-up on a sunny spring day. Depending on the weather and the vibe you’re shooting for, you could complete the chinos-and-hoodie combo with:
- Sneakers
- Loafers
- Running shoes
- Sandals
5. Bold and Bright: Vibrant Hoodie with Patterned Shorts
Sometimes, you throw on a hoodie because you want to blend in. But when you’re ready to stand out, this hoodie and shorts outfit won’t let you down.
To make a statement, grab a brushed gradient hoodie, find some shorts that create contrast, and toss on a pair of colorful high tops.
For a little less of an “in your face” energy, you can source your vibrant color from a solid antique red hoodie. This kind of top is easy to match with any patterned, neutral short or with some high-color striped shorts. Basketball shoes would be the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re after patterned shorts that you can throw on with almost any hoodie, these black paisley knit shorts are the ticket. Put on your favorite bright sweater and white sneakers, and you’re set.
How to Choose the Right Combo for You
With so many hoodies and men’s shorts styles out there, picking the right ones can be a challenge. Mixing and matching them “correctly” is even tougher.
With that in mind, here are a few considerations to keep in mind when shopping:
- Fit – How your clothes fit is largely about personal preference, but oversized clothes are definitely in right now. Note that oversized doesn’t have to mean long—baggy shorts with a shorter inseam are all the rage. The same goes for hoodies: Aim for waist-length; anything longer will start to dwarf your shorts.
- Color – For anyone beginning to build a wardrobe, the best advice is to start with neutral colors that go with anything, then expand your collection to include a few statement pieces. If you already have a few hoodies and shorts you love, consider picking up something unique, like a blue mohair hoodie; otherwise, start with the basics.
- Function – You also want to think about when and where you’ll be sporting your hoodies and shorts. If you’re often at the gym or the field after work, an active hoodie might be your best bet. If you need a cold-weather option, a double layer hoodie may be better.
Create Your Own Hoodie and Shorts Combos with mnml
As the days get warmer, the shorts and hoodie outfits will start to come out. If you want to be ready for this shoulder season, now is the time to shop.
For hoodies you can wear year-round and shorts that’ll keep you cool all summer, check out the mnml collection. Our curated selection of high-quality streetwear has the inspiration you need to experiment with these hoodie-and-shorts looks—and to come up with your own.
