Daishi Nishino
I'll be able to wear shorts again after Golden Week, but what about you, Ozaki?
Yuhi Ozaki
Summers have been incredibly hot lately, so shorts are a necessity. However, I can tolerate the heat quite well, so I'll hold off until August. Once you're allowed to wear them, there's no going back.
Nishino
Yes, I certainly can't go back. How do you dress?
Ozaki
Basically, I feel like saying, "Sorry for wearing shorts," but I also try to balance it out by saying, "Please forgive me because I'm wearing leather shoes." (laughs) It's not that sneakers are a bad combination, but to me they seem a little too casual.
Nishino
I agree. They make you look childish, or rather, they make you look older. Leather shoes are also considered an adult element.
Ozaki
I also try to wear long sleeves. I wear shirts or cardigans. Shorts and short sleeves just don't feel right. It's unbalanced, or maybe it's too loose and bothers me.
Nishino
I agree. Pairing it with a long-sleeved shirt makes it look more relaxed. Is there anyone you look up to?
Ozaki
I've always admired Paul Newman's style. The super short length he wore is too short for Japan, but it's a length I like. As a reaction to that, I wear this length when I go on business trips to the US in the summer.
Nishino
It's true that super short pants are difficult to wear in Japan. You end up looking like a certain musician (lol). My idol is John F. Kennedy. His shirt, shorts, and deck shoes look traditional and cool. But what really concerns me is the length of the pants.
The short pants style that both of them admire
Speaking of coveted short pants styles, John F. Kennedy (right, Nishino) and Paul Newman (left, Ozaki) are both representative figures of America's Golden Age and are well-known in the fashion category. Their unpretentious, clean, and refined adult style is appealing.
Nishino
I think the correct answer is to have your knees exposed, but what do you think?
Ozaki
Same here. I've tried a lot of different things, and I keep that in mind when I make my own brand's products. In America, you can actually choose the length, like 10 inches or 12 inches. So, I make some products in two different lengths.
Nishino
Length is very important for our brand, and customers react sensitively to even a difference of 1-2cm.
Ozaki
The type of shorts that look good on you changes with age. Lately, I've been in the mood for wider, shorter shorts like the ones I'm wearing today from Polo Ralph Lauren. By the way, I'm still looking for a pair of Levi's 550ZXX shorts. I found them at a thrift store once, but they didn't fit, so a junior colleague who went with me bought them for me, and I still regret it.
Nishino
I'm also looking for a larger size of the same model! I hesitated to buy it before and missed out. If I find it again, I'll definitely buy it no matter how expensive it is. Shorts for adults are really difficult, but knee-length shorts with leather shoes might be the answer.
Ozaki's Favorite Shorts
Patagonia: These shorts are a long-time favorite of mine, and they have a charming traditional feel, like shortened chinos. Ozaki's style is unique in how she wears these short pants. 
Polo Ralph Lauren: These cotton shorts are from his favorite brand. They're above the knee length, making them a staple in midsummer. They're typically paired with a cotton shirt or cardigan for a sophisticated look. 
The North Face: The faded texture is exquisite. As you can see, the workwear-like design with its complex pattern is intriguing. This is another pair I wear often. 
No-brand item/ "It's probably handmade by someone, but when you look closely, you're attracted to the elaborate craftsmanship," says Ozaki, who fell in love with this no-brand item at first sight and purchased it.
Nishino's Favorite Shorts
Polo Jeans Company: Vintage denim shorts from a brand that debuted in the late 90s. These attractive shorts have an American casual feel that goes perfectly with a long-sleeved shirt and deck shoes. 
Nike: The "Agassi" model is named after Andre Agassi, a pro tennis player who was active since the 1990s. Made of nylon mesh material, it's breathable and a favorite of many. 
I cut off my neat/cotton pants to the length I wanted. If I have pants that I don't wear often, I cut them up and use them as shorts. It's also a good way to recycle. 
These are a sophisticated take on the classic military Gurkha shorts. They're comfortable to wear but have a clean silhouette, making them a great pair with leather shoes. Check out the piping at the hem.
