Normalizing Shorts and Flip-Flops At The Office Is An Idea Whose Temp Has Come

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There is steam coming off the streets of New York City right now. It is high summer, and temperatures and humidity levels are reaching the upper limit of what human beings can tolerate. It smells bad, and everyone you pass on the street looks exhausted and desperate for even a weekend escape. When you are existing in this swamp, the clothing you choose matters, and practicality should take over. The only chatter I’m seeing online is about whether men should wear shorts or flip-flops in the city, with many staunch views coming from both sides of the argument. I know that I am part of the problem. I spew my advice and opinions freely in several forums on the World Wide Web. I tell men they shouldn’t wear pants at the gym and that no-show socks are for losers. However, with this argument, one that I am passionate about, I must be on the right side of history.

Yesterday, I had a meeting in Flatiron, a normally-pleasant walk, train ride, or Citi Bike ride from SoHo. I stood in front of my closet, doing mental gymnastics about what I could wear to look presentable without showing up as if I had just run 10 miles on the West Side Highway. I stared at several shorts options—from vintage pleated Polo khakis to debadged Patagonia Baggies to some new Harry Styles-at-Glastonbury-length cotton shorts from H-O-R-S-E. I knew in my heart of hearts that none of these were appropriate, and reached for a vintage pair of Levi’s 505s. But the minute I opened the door to walk outside, I immediately regretted that choice—and I decided right then that we need to normalize and accept men in shorts and flip-flops when temperatures reach a certain level, because it’s inhumane to let this shame spiral continue.

I decided to take the 6 train, and found myself seated next to a man wearing a suit and tie. Even in the air-conditioned train car, I could see the pain in his eyes as sweat made its way down his back, turning his crisp white button-down into a wet rag. Is there any way the discomfort that man was feeling wasn’t going to bleed into his next meeting and hinder his performance? The tyranny of trousers and closed-toed footwear, no matter how high the temperature soars, isn’t just making us miserable—it’s probably affecting the national bottom line.

Not everyone looks good or feels comfortable in shorts, and men’s feet are often a mangled, unmanicured mess. However, maybe if we change the conversation around these choices, then fewer men will be okay with skipping leg day or a bi-weekly pedicure appointment. If we want to wear some cut-off chinos and Havianas in urban settings, we need to take responsibility; we must pump and groom appropriately. I love wearing shorts, and I think flip-flops can look quite cool, but preparations must be made. I would love nothing more than to be able to look smart and sharp no matter what Mother Nature throws at me, but summer in the city is too much. To be clear, I am not advocating for everyone to look like they have a Barry’s Bootcamp class to attend; as with everything, there is room to take it too far. But we must be allowed to do what we can to survive and perform comfortably. A tasteful pair of shorts or a brown leather pair of Rainbow sandals will look better and more presentable than a sweat-stained and wrinkled linen dress shirt. I draw the line at the handheld personal fan; you might as well carry around a wet washcloth for the back of your neck. But free the quads, and free the dogs. We don’t have to debate it anymore.