Yearning for Hemingway: The Casual Cool of Men's Shorts

Ernest Hemingway, he should be called not a writer, but a 'man'. Nowadays, everyone lives cautiously, avoiding both harm and causing it. Anyway, today, let's scribble about Hemingway and his nonchalant shorts. His fashion... if we can even call it that, it's more like just wearing clothes, embodying freedom and boldness.

Ernest Hemingway with Cigarrett

He really didn't care about dressing up. Back then, did men even have the concept of dressing casually? Hemingway's attire is freedom personified. Of course, in a hot country like Cuba, fashion isn't a big deal. Unbuttoned shirts, shorts, leather sandals, bracelets, and a cigar.

Ernest Hemingway Grukah Shorts

Hemingway also enjoyed wearing Gurkha shorts. Comfortable around the waist and loose-fitting for a cool breeze. But aren't Gurkha pants military wear?! It wasn't about fashion back then! I bet he just picked up whatever fit him.

I also like pairing shorts with summer knits. Personally, I prefer long sleeves. The concept of 'summer shorts' and 'knits' usually clash, but that's where the charm lies! Summer knits aren't that hot, actually.

Ernest Hemingway

The cat at my house name Kim Triceratops, also sit at home in that casual posture like the Scottish Fold cat, on the pic. Petting a cat and listening to its purring really relieves stress. Ah, just look at the mood in this photo. Such natural yet confident mood.

After fashion comes style. After style comes mood. Fashion follows trends, style follows history, and mood follows the person. So, fashion can be solved with money, style requires study, and mood requires inherent coolness.

Still, if we have to point out something, it's the fit and length of those shorts! And the harmony with the top!

Hemingway wearing shorts

Hemingway wearing shorts

Saying 'shorts symbolize freedom' might be a bit overdramatic, but it's not entirely wrong. By the way, Hemingway was good friends with Picasso. I knew it since I started wearing Basque shirts!

Does writing get better when you wear shorts? Hemingway always seems ready for adventures, hunting, drinking, swimming in the sea, fishing, writing, and street fights, dressed for the occasion.

PS 1: There's a brand named after Ernest Hemingway. What's Discovery doing? They should make Hemingway shorts under his name. "Discovery Hemingway Shorts" with the cap he loved would be a great set!

Ernest Hemingway Lu

PS 2: Shorts on the rise in the rankings on Musinsa: All elastic waistband shorts! Clothing keeps getting easier and easier. How much easier will it get?

Korean Native Visual Magazine 'Monthly Style' March 1986 Issue

Check out the price of that bag~

Cho Chi-hoon's pants are pretty cool.

The pen holder is pretty~

The Champion of Men's Summer Shorts: Patagonia Baggies

Born in 1982, they're practically my age! When we talk about Patagonia Baggies, they come in a wide range of colors, from contemporary to vintage, and the level of looseness varies slightly depending on the era. Some are longer, some shorter—so it really comes down to how much you want to show off those legs.

• First off, let's go classic outdoor vibes.

When you think of Patagonia Baggies, this image comes to mind. If you look closely, there are signs of well-worn love. Patagonia has that vibe! Looks like it's been worn for about 20 years.

That little kid picture is famous too^^

I'm starting to think about collecting Patagonia Baggies myself. Of course, vintage, and if possible, made in the USA! There really isn't anything better for men's summer shorts. I'm almost worried I'll end up wearing only these everywhere haha.

What kind of men will these kids grow up to be?

Now, translating Baggies into fashion...↓

Honestly, there's a lot to say from a fashion perspective here at Watermelon Vintage. How to integrate Patagonia Baggies into everyday life, into the urban setting.

First, I... go for a slightly oversized fit to ensure some roominess around the thighs. And I start with dark colors as a baseline! Dark colors even look cool paired with suede loafers in a tone-on-tone style, going for that dressed-down vibe.

And pulling off vibrant colors like purple or pink in a street style way seems pretty cool too.

By the way, you do know that shorts aren't just for summer, right? I wear them straight into early autumn. Look at the top picture—paired with a lightweight fleece!

Both options are so appealing. The picture on the right somehow gives off a scent of Aime Leon Dore, doesn't it? haha

In 2019, there was a plan at Hyoja Watermelon Barbershop to offer haircuts on Sundays. That day, Jung-ho wore an outfit that perfectly fit the Watermelon theme... Exactly the way one might wear Patagonia Baggies in the city! Individualized checkered shirt, Patagonia Baggies nylon shorts, Alden suede loafers, and a custom bucket hat.

From Patagonia catalog...