jean shorts are not so good

The jeans short "was popular in the mid-to-late '90s," says Wayne Klebe, a senior designer for Parisian stores. "Some men get stuck on an item they like and refuse to move away from that particular item." The jeans short, he adds, "is one of those caught-in-a-time-warp-items similar to Warner Bros. or Disney cartoon ties, MC Hammer pants or Oakley sunglasses."

Gregg Andrews, a fashion director for Nordstrom, says, "Some things shouldn't be messed with. If you're going to wear jeans, wear jeans. Five-pocket jeans are iconic, and when you start altering their length, it's like disrespecting the flag."

So what should men wear instead?

Trim-fitting, but not tight, plaid, khaki or seersucker shorts that hit just above the knee.

"The must-have shorts for men are plaid, Bermuda-length," says Andrews. "We're seeing everything from very traditional plaids -- navy, red, white; brown, cream -- to brighter colors that give it a little bit more of a modern take."

What's different about men's shorts this season is that they are less baggy -- take notice, hip-hoppers -- than the shorts of years past.

"Men's shorts are starting to take on a more polished and dressed-up look," says Andrews.

Some helpful hints for pulling off the look:

• DO embrace your inner prepster and pair your Bermudas with a classic shirt such as a polo.

• DO wear understated footwear such as classic Stan Smith tennis shoes. Jacked-up Nikes do not work well with the preppy Bermuda look.

• DO know that most men look best in shorts that hit right above the knee, falling straight from the hip line. Unless you're modeling for International Male, there's no reason to wear short shorts -- ever.

• DO know that cargo shorts are here to stay for a while though, like other shorts, this year's silhouette is slimmer.

• DON'T fall for pleats. Go for flat fronts.

• DON'T wear your shorts below your belly. "What I run across is the guy's stomach is so big, he wears the shorts underneath," says Steven Ross, owner of Serman's, a menswear store in Detroit. "It looks horrible."

• DON'T wear a tucked-in shirt with cargos. Untucked gives you a more casual feel; remember, cargos are casual shorts. Feel free to tuck in with other shorts, though.

And ladies, no matter what, DON'T allow the men in your life to wear jeans shorts.

Consider it a public service.