Conventional proportions dictate that men should follow the golden ratio, which rules that one’s outfit ought to be divided into three equal segments: the top third goes from your neck to your natural waist, while the lower two segments are for your pants, thus naturally following the body’s features. But capris fly in the face of that wisdom. They both lengthen the torso and shorten the legs, severing the body into awkward proportions that don’t play as easily with other garments. You may be wondering, But why would men put themselves in such a complicated stylistic position? Now, our boldest dressers are counter-arguing, Well, why not?
Joseph Quiñones, co-founder of Los Angeles menswear store Departamento, has been stocking capri styles in his store, which he hopes will open up a stylistic door for men. “First, it offers a sense of proportion play that aligns with the larger menswear narrative of volume and silhouette experimentation. Second, it reintroduces an element of effortless coolness without reverting to full trousers—making them appealing for transitional seasonal use,” Quiñones says. “I really believe it’s that simple.” Plus, he adds, “those who have chosen to explore the style are already delivering it with precision and confidence.”
Capris are an artier alternative to the internet-boyfriend silhouette of short shorts and cropped hoodies, though you’ll still see both styles in droves at menswear-minded places like Ray’s Bar. And while capri-length pants don’t quite exclude you from “dressing for the algorithm,” they at least say, Hey man, my algorithm is different.
But the trend is gaining traction enough that it’s not just niche designers who are nudging capris into the zeitgeist. Well-known dressers like Justin Bieber and Marc Kalman (whose fashion label, Still Kelly, sells capris) are already riding the wave. The label Off-White showed men wearing capris with tall boots during their recent New York Fashion Week show. Even Levi’s has introduced a variation to the market—and while many others brands have designed their versions without such a bold distinction, Levi’s called it like it is and named its product “the 478 Baggy Capris.” With the ability to purchase capri-length pants at such a huge retailer, that sort of access could embolden even more men to experiment.
That said, whether or not capris will catch on with men on a larger scale remains to be seen—and if it does, it’s even less certain how long (or short) the trend will last. Quiñones thinks the next big pants trend will be more “architectural,” and will be embraced mainly by fashion purists. Fortgens says he’s done with the oversized look and believes that three-quarter-length pants will stick around for a while in slimmer cuts. “Not for too long though,” Fortgens adds. “It’s too difficult.”
Personally, my curiosity for capris is steady. So long as they continue to offer a counterpoint to the menswear mainstream, my infatuation shall remain. I like that they’re weird. I like that they’re difficult. I like that they’re not major TikTok fodder just yet. But I also agree with Fortgens—I don’t think they’ll last long as a trend, and I’m not convinced that they’ll ever get as popular as baggy pants. There’s a high chance that I’ll look back on my capri exploration with regret. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
