How to Wear Jordans with Shorts

Co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby and Eric McClure

Last Updated: February 25, 2021 References

Getting sneakers to work well with shorts can be a challenge since highly-stylized sneakers can look kind of bulky without pants. However, you can easily put the right outfit together if you’re conscious of the socks and shorts that you’re pairing your shoes with. Since Jordans come in a variety of styles and colors, there are a variety of different socks and shorts you can pair them with.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Picking the Right Jordans

1
Pick a pair of Jordans with some color variation for a textured look. There are tons of Jordans on the market that have elegant color variation that make the shoes stand out. Jordans with a vibrant color scheme will pop even more than they normally do when you’re wearing shorts since there won’t be any pant legs to draw the eye away from the shoes.^{[1]
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- Unlike Converse or Adidas, most Jordans incorporate more than 2 colors in their designs. Don’t worry about matching with the tertiary colors and minor accents, since they provide some texture for the shoe but don’t create a big impression on their own.
- Jordans that are mainly white and have two accent colors are popular and versatile choices.
- Jordan 3s are a classic choice that will work with a variety of short styles.
- Jordan 9s come in a variety of colors and can make any outfit pop.
2
Stick with all-white Jordans for a cleaner vibe. If you’re going for a classier or cleaner look, pick a pair of all-white Jordans. Be mindful of where you’re heading though, since you may scuff your shoes if you’re going to be running around or walking a lot.^{[2]
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- White Air Jordans are the classic choice. They come in a few different varieties and can pair well with any outfit.
Tip: You can wear all-black sneakers if you’d like, but if you have white socks or lighter skin, the contrast may make your feet stand out more.^{[3]
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3
Select Jordans with thinner tongues and collars for a streamlined look. Jordans with really thick tongues and collars are great for pants because you can tuck the bottom of your pants behind the collar and tongue to show off the shoe. Thicker tongues and collars will stick out to the sides if you’re wearing shorts though, and they’ll look kind of clunky and big on your feet.^{[4]
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- The collar refers to the section in the back of the shoe where it meets the top of your ankle. The tongue refers to the middle length of fabric on top of your shoe that goes under the laces.
- Jordan Retro 11s and Space Jams are great options for a sleeker shoe with a thinner collar and tongue.
4
Go with Jordan runners if you’re going to be working out or running. If you’re playing some outdoor basketball or running around all day performing errands, standard Jordans will look a little too stylish for the occasion. Pick some Jordan runners to fit the athletic vibe that you’re going for and to keep your feet comfortable while you’re moving.^{[5]
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- Runners are typically black, gray, and white (or some combination of the 3). There are more colorful options on the market though if you prefer!
- Jordan Reacts and Trunners are trendy running shoes with tons of color variation. They’re a highly stylish choice that will keep your outfit looking trendy.
- Jordan 89 Racers are a running shoe that have a typical Jordan vibe if you’re a traditionalist looking for a more standard-looking sneaker.
- Most Jordan runners are low-top shoes. Keep that mind if you’re picking them up and need a little more ankle support.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selecting Appropriate Shorts

1
Coordinate the color with your Jordans for a uniform look. If you’re interested in matching and coordinating your clothes, pick shorts with a similar color scheme as your sneakers.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
Fashion Stylist
Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.} White shorts can work with white Jordans for a summery vibe, while intricately-patterned shorts work well with highly-textured sneakers.^{[7]
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- White socks are the standard choice if you’re trying to match, but you can choose black socks even if you don’t have a lot of black in your shoes and shorts.
Tip: The colors don’t have to match entirely to work with your Jordans. For example, if your Jordans are black, white, red, and gray, some red and gray shorts can work well.
2
Pick black, white, or khaki shorts to highlight your sneakers. If you really want to emphasize your sneakers, stick with some simple, solid-colored shorts. Black, white, khaki, and grey will all work well alongside some colorful Jordans. This contrast will draw people’s eyes towards your shoes and ensure that people take not of what you’ve got on your feet.^{[8]
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- This is a good choice if you’ve got high-top sneakers that will make a bigger impression.
- Black socks can create a stunning contrast with all-white shoes.
3
Rock some distressed denim shorts for a highly-fashionable vibe. Distressed denim shorts are jean shorts that have a variety of textures and look intentionally well-worn. They may also have rips or strings designed into the fabric. Distressed denim shorts are an excellent choice if you’re going for a more stylish look that’s contemporary and fashionable.^{[9]
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- In general, you probably want your denim shorts to extend past your knees. Higher denim shorts will look kind of goofy if you don’t have the right outfit.
4
Go with wide and long shorts for a trendier, hipper look. If you’re into unique fashion trends, wide and long shorts with baggy thighs can work well alongside your Jordans. This style of shorts is unique and will make quite the statement alongside your sneakers.^{[10]
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- Cargo shorts are a good alternative if you’re into more traditional clothing styles but like the look of bulkier pants.
- This style of shorts come in a variety of fabrics and colors. Pick a style that you like and compliments the colors of your kicks.
5
Throw on some basketball shorts for an athletic outfit. Basketball, or athletic shorts are usually shiny and loose-fitting. They work well alongside Jordans since they match the athletic connotations of the brand. Throw on some simple athletic or basketball shorts for a standard, easy look that seems laid back and ready to move.^{[11]
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- If you’re a fan of the Jordan brand, Jordan makes tons of different athletic shorts that come in a variety of colors and styles.
6
Wear sweatpant shorts for a laid-back style on cooler days. If you want to wear shorts but it’s a little on the cooler side, pick up some trendy sweat shorts. Your sweat shorts can be black, white, or the standard gray. You can also find a version with some patterns for a hip, comfy look.^{[12]
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- This is a great choice for low-top Jordans that naturally create a more laid-back impression.
- Sweat shorts can work if you’re working out or running around as well, since they’re pretty comfy and easy to match with a variety of tops.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing Your Socks

1
Go with hidden socks to really emphasize your sneakers. Hidden socks are a great choice if you’re trying to keep the attention on your sneakers. They’re also more commonly-worn today so you won’t be making any fashion faux pas by wearing them.^{[13]
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- These are a good choice if you have some Jordans with thicker tongues or heel fabric, since taller socks will make the shoes look even bigger.
Warning: Hidden socks can be kind of uncomfortable if you’ve got sensitive skin or your shoes haven’t been broken in yet. The fabric on the heel can rub against your skin and cause blisters.
2
Stick with ankle socks for a more comfortable and laid back vibe. While they don’t tend to be as stylish, ankle socks will protect your ankle and heel from rubbing against your shoe while de-emphasizing your sock choice. Ankle socks are a great choice if you’re going to be doing anything athletic as well, since they won’t make your legs hot while you’re running around.^{[14]
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- Ankle socks are less popular than they used to be, but you still won’t be making much of a statement if you choose to wear them with your Jordans. This is a good thing if you’re trying to play your shoes down, but you may want to go with some flashier socks if you’re trying to stand out!
3
Go with quarter-length or mid-calf socks for a retro flavor. If you want to really stand out, pick some quarter-length or mid-calf socks that will stick up past your shoes and hug your calves. Pick patterned socks with interesting colors and images for a really out-of-the-box look, or stick with simple white socks for a vintage style.^{[15]
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- Get some mid-calf socks with stripes near the top for the truly old school look!
- You can absolutely wear black socks if you’d like, but they may make your legs look bigger if you have lighter skin.
- Longer socks were historically more popular in the 70s and 80s. If you’ve got a retro or vintage fashion sense, taller socks work well.

Expert Q&A
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How do I style my Jordans?

Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France.

Chloée Ohayon-Crosby

Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist

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Choose an outfit that has a similar color scheme so your shoes don't clash.