If you’re under 5’8”, you’ve probably had this experience: You walk into a store, grab a pair of pants, try them on—and they pool at your ankles like you borrowed them from your dad. The truth is, most pants aren’t made for guys like us. What we really need are pants designed with shorter inseams, better proportions, and no compromises.
But what exactly makes short pants work? And why are they so hard to find?
The Problem With Standard Pants (Short Pants Don’t Just Mean Hemming)
Most brands make a single version of pants and just chop the leg length to create smaller sizes. But that doesn't make them true pants short pants. The rise stays too long. The knee breaks at the wrong place. The whole silhouette feels off.
Good short pants aren’t just about a shorter inseam—they’re designed from the ground up with the shorter guy in mind. That means a better balance between the rise, the taper, and the leg opening. In other words, it’s not just about making pants shorter—it’s about making short pants better.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Cuff or Hem
We get it—sometimes you just want your pants to stop dragging on the floor. But hemming standard pants doesn’t give you the look or feel of real pants short pants. You end up with wide leg openings, off proportions, and a sloppy fit that doesn’t do you any favors.
Cuffing can work in a pinch, but cuffing isn’t a long-term solution either. You deserve pants short pants that fit properly out of the box.
What to Look for in Short Pants
So what separates the good from the bad? Here’s what we recommend when shopping for short pants:
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Shorter inseams without affecting the overall shape of the pant.
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Adjusted rise so the pants don’t ride too high or sag too low.
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Proportional leg taper that works for smaller frames.
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No extra fabric pooling at the ankle or thigh.
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Clean lines that make your outfit look intentional, not improvised.
Once you wear real short pants, you’ll never go back to off-the-rack “one-size-fits-all” options again.
Where to Get Short Pants That Aren’t an Afterthought
Let’s be real—most brands don’t prioritize pants short pants. That’s why we started Abbreviated. We design every piece from scratch for shorter guys. Our pants short pants aren’t a cut-down version of something else—they’re built for better fit, better proportions, and better style.
Whether you’re looking for everyday chinos, rugged work pants, or something in between, we’ve got pants short pants that actually fit—and feel damn good doing it.