Paul Mescal Discusses the Short Shorts Trend and His Fashion Influence
Paul Mescal on the Rise of Short Shorts: “I Don’t Think I’m Responsible”
Paul Mescal, the star of the acclaimed series Normal People, has become a prominent figure in the world of fashion, particularly for his bold choice of wearing short shorts. In a recent cover story for Variety, released on November 13, Mescal addressed the growing trend, asserting, “For the record, I don’t think I’m responsible.” He explained that his preference for shorter styles is simply a reflection of the typical attire worn by Irishmen involved in Gaelic Athletic Association football.
The Short Shorts Phenomenon
The interview with writer Alex Ritman begins with an amusing observation: as he awaited Mescal, he spotted “eight men in short shorts walk past on the street” in chilly late September London. This was not a casual jog; rather, it was a curious sight given the weather.
As Mescal greeted Ritman, another man resembling him strolled by, wearing a similar outfit complete with short shorts and scruffy hair. Mescal couldn’t help but smile and acknowledged, “I have noticed certain similarities in certain specific boroughs of London.”
Fashion Statements and Influences
This sartorial shift arguably gained momentum when Mescal attended the Gucci menswear show at Milan Fashion Week in June 2024, donning what he described as “a cute pair of shorts” paired with a loose blue Oxford shirt and horsebit loafers. Speaking with GQ, he emphasized the importance of proportion in achieving the look: “A shorter short with maybe a longer top. I’m a big advocate for men wearing shorter shorts.”
His fashion choices did not go unnoticed, leading Vogue to crown him the “king of thigh chutzpah.” This acclaim inspired a wave of fans to embrace the trend themselves, with many women opting for men’s boxers as shorts, creating a summer staple that pairs well with oversized shirts and loafers.
A Personal Touch
Mescal has previously expressed his love for short shorts in interviews. He once told Dakota Johnson that he has “a pretty extensive short shorts wardrobe” and later revealed to Harper’s Bazaar that he couldn’t imagine surviving summer without them: “I don’t do well in the heat.”
Despite the buzz around his fashion choices, Mescal humorously stated during a group interview with his All of Us Strangers co-star Andrew Scott, “Let’s stop talking about it. Please, for the love of God.” Nevertheless, his co-star Saoirse Ronan praised him for making a less conventional style look appealing, saying, “He’s somehow managed to make something that’s not really cool look really cool.”
Looking Ahead
As Mescal prepares for his role in the upcoming Gladiator II, set to hit theaters on November 22, he’s expected to grace the screen in even shorter togas and thigh-high gladiator sandals. With his toned legs likely to steal the spotlight once again, it appears that the conversation around short shorts is far from over.
