Style Guide: How To Make Jorts

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The summer heat has finally arrived in full force, and while half of the country is melting in the sun, you should be making sure your wardrobe is in survival mode. And because here at Complex we aren't afraid to be servicey, (see our tips for the proper way to wear a tank) here's an essential summer style guide.

Jorts (jeans + shorts) are not only a hilarious word mash-up, they're essential for summer. The best part is that you can make them yourself, and any idiot can do it. But just so you don't blow it, we've broken the simple steps of Jorts making into three parts: The Tools, The Process, and The Fit. So, sacrifice your pant legs to the Sun Gods and start snipping. It's time to make Jorts!

I. The Tools

Here's what you'll need:

1. Old jeans: Well-worn and faded look best.
2. Scissors: Use a good sharp pair so you get a cleaner edge.
3. Chalk: For marking where you'll cut.

II. The Process

Here’s how to get it right:

1. Put the jeans on the way you’d normally wear them.
2. Look in the mirror—not down at yourself—and make a mark with the chalk on one leg where you want to cut.
3. Remove the jeans and use a ruler to draw a straight line with the chalk across the leg.
4. Start snipping. Cut just below the line—you can always make them shorter. Cut one pant leg at a time, making long cuts so you get a straight edge.
5. Cut one leg, then fold the jeans over and use the edge to make a line with the chalk on the other leg so that they’ll be the same length.
6. Put them and check the length in the mirror. If they’re too long, take off another half inch.

JORTS TIP: As you wear and wash them they will fray and get shorter. So don’t go too short at first.

III. The Fit

There are three common fits when it comes to Jorts. The best for for you depends on your body type, but in general, you want to avoid rocking anything that resembles daisy dukes, or manpris.

1. Too Short: Shorter guys can go with a shorter length, but we're talking not much under an eight inch inseam. If you're 6'3" don't bother. No one wants to see your thigh hair.

2. Just Right: The ideal length is just about the center of your kneecap give or take a couple inches. Every dude can rock this length without looking obscene or like Euro trash.

3. Too Long: For dudes who are short or of average height—avoid this fashion fail at all costs. If you're basketball player tall, then you might be able to get away with it. Just keep them slim so they don't look like a jean skirt.