There’s a spring trend on the horizon that is taking a little while to catch on, and we surmise the reason might be the horrendous moniker it’s been given: the manpri. We simply like to call these badboys “long shorts” or “cropped pants,” but whatever name you call it this is a style worth trying out.

Manpri’s have garnered the ire of bloggers, fashion critics, and awe-stricken passerby in past years, but we still insist there are occasions when it works. Our guinea pigs scoffed when we shoved them into a fitting room with armloads of these odd looking shorts to model, but they all emerged as converted fans. Sitting halfway between the knee and the ankle, these pseudo-pants work best with a simple tee or short sleeved button-up dress shirt – but do not attempt tucking in with this look. To pull off this style and avoid crass public humiliation, stay away from khaki, camo, cargo, and anything that unzips into 3 different sizes. Instead choose cotton twill with belt loops and a wider leg in black, grey or dark brown. And do the world a favour by canning the term “manpri” and “spants” (short pants) – along with the baneful “murse.”

For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group

Above: Lucas wearing Obakki.