#. A 30-something male office worker, Mr. A, who works at Samsung Electronics' research institute, comes to work wearing cotton shorts that reach his knees. It is also common to see colleagues in the same office coming to work in shorts. Since there are no dress code restrictions in his department and due to the intense heat, more male office workers are choosing neat shorts over long pants.
With consecutive days of extreme heat, men's work attire is changing. While shorts used to be worn only after work or on weekends, they have recently emerged as a new choice for summer workwear as styles that can be paired with shirts or jackets have increased. The fashion industry is also responding to this trend by introducing neat yet cool-looking shorts products.
According to the industry on the 6th, demand for men's shorts surged this summer alongside the heatwave. Search volume for "men's shorts" on LF Mall last month increased by approximately 30% compared to the previous month. In particular, Bermuda pants that reach the knees have become popular as workwear, leading more brands to expand their related product lines.
Maestro, a men's clothing brand under LF, saw its shorts sales increase by 120% year-on-year last month. This is the result of doubling the variety of shorts offered this year compared to last year in response to climate change and increased demand for workwear. The company explained that "Dying Half Pants," a Bermuda-style product, received a good response as suitable for commuting.
Heathedge also strengthened its lineup of summer Bermuda pants. They were designed with a more relaxed length than the 5-7 inch lengths typically offered by global brands. Half of the customers purchasing Bermuda pants are in their 30s and 40s, and black colors have sold out due to high popularity.
Samsung C&T Fashion Division also expanded its men's shorts lineup. The "Gentle Tech" series from Beanpole Men, featuring lightweight and refreshing fabrics and sets, recorded sales increases of approximately 30% year-on-year since its launch in April. Sales of Eight Seconds' "Surfer Banding Shorts" increased by about 40% compared to last month.
Samsung C&T Fashion Division analyzed that shorts are gaining attention as the boundaries between workwear and casual wear, known as "Workleisure," have blurred among male office workers, and the "Citywear" trend, which combines formality and mobility even in office environments, has spread.
The same trend appeared on online fashion platforms. On Musinsa, Bermuda pants that reach below the knees are leading the men's shorts trend. The "Bermuda Sweat Pants" by Nande, ranked number one in monthly men's sales for the recent month, recorded cumulative sales of approximately 20,000 units.
Changes in corporate culture also contribute to this trend. While there are differences by department, Samsung Electronics has allowed male employees to wear shorts to work since 2016. LG Electronics implemented dress code autonomy in 2018, and Hyundai Motor followed suit in 2019. The fashion industry is also operating with a free dress culture, including LF, Samsung C&T Fashion Division, and Musinsa, creating an atmosphere where it is easy to see employees coming to work in shorts.
An LF representative said, "There is a trend favoring lengths that can be worn without burden compared to short pants, and styles that are not too casual are receiving positive responses." He added, "Shorts that can be widely used from workwear to vacation destinations will establish themselves as a key item for the summer season."
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