@mikemonnette What do you think, should shorter guys wear wide pants? #menswear #mensstyle #style #shortkings ♬ Oh Boy - Cam'Ron

Should Short Guys Wear Wide Pants?

If you’ve been around menswear blogs for a while, you’ve probably heard the old advice: shorter guys should stick to slim or tapered pants. The thinking goes that extra fabric will “swallow you up” or make you look shorter.

But here’s the thing — those rules are outdated. A well-cut wide leg pant can actually be incredibly flattering on shorter guys. It’s all about proportion.

Why Wide Works

The trick is to focus on straight wide legs, not sloppy, shapeless fabric pools. A clean, wide silhouette adds presence, gives your outfit some weight, and actually makes your frame look more balanced.

Pair that with a mid or high rise, and you’re visually lengthening your legs — a move that works wonders for shorter proportions. When the rise sits closer to your natural waist, your lower half reads as longer, which offsets any visual bulk from the width of the leg.

The result? A fit that feels modern, comfortable, and surprisingly sharp.

What to Look For in Wide Pants if You’re Under 5'9"

• Straight cut: Avoid extreme flares or exaggerated balloon shapes.
• Mid or high rise: Low-rise wide pants will work against you.
• Clean break: Aim for a slight or full break, but skip heavy stacking at the ankle.
• Structured drape: Soft, flowy fabrics can work, but structured cottons and denims are easier to style.

Great Wide Pants for Shorter Guys

• Loose Fit Workwear Pants — Abbreviated
  • Made with a proportionally balanced rise and leg width for shorter frames, our Loose Fit Workwear Pants bring a clean, straight silhouette without overwhelming your build. They’re built in a sturdy cotton blend that drapes well and holds its shape — ideal for pairing with sneakers, boots, or even loafers.
• Baggy Trouser — Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Abercrombie’s Baggy Trouser hits the sweet spot between relaxed and refined. The rise is high enough to flatter, and the straight leg creates a long, unbroken line from hip to hem. They also come in a 28 inch inseam which saves many of us shorter guys from having to take them to the tailor.

Final Word

Short guys don’t need to fear wide pants — they just need the right cut. Done well, wide legs create a strong, confident silhouette that’s far from frumpy. Think of them as another tool in your style kit — one that adds versatility and a more relaxed, modern edge to your look.