Tailored in a slightly longer below-the-knee profile, Gucci’s shorts are jacquard-woven with the house’s jumbo monogram, which makes them hard to miss among a sea of classic black, beige or navy styles. Wear with loafers and a polo shirt.

The Row’s Cello shorts take design cues from the brand’s popular Marcello trousers. Look closely and you’ll notice the same front pleats and flap pocket. They have a straight-leg silhouette and sit a little higher than standard styles.

Pleats are one of the things the Italian tailoring expert Rubinacci does best, so we couldn’t help but include these shorts in our edit. The side adjusters – a design detail borrowed from the brand’s signature Manny trousers – allow you to forgo a belt.

Dries Van Noten is no stranger to deploying unexpected fabrics or design details to bring its expertly crafted formalwear to life. These quilted shorts are cut from a blend of nylon and cotton, which gives them a sporty edge.

Brunello Cucinelli’s shorts are the kind of versatile staple that can be dressed up or down depending on what you happen to be doing. The double-pleat folds facing the pockets prevent billowing around the drawstring waist and ensure a streamlined fit.