In my experience, going back to the basics can sometimes work wonders for your summer style essentials and your menswear wardrobe in general. After all, as I always say, the classics are the classics for a reason: A perfect sustainable shirt jacket for summer nights, a breezy USA-made tee, and yes, these Outerknown chino shorts at the top of the page all qualify, at least in my book.

It only gets better from there when it comes to the sustainable style brand founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, because the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts check off all the right boxes in terms of a prime summer look. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s start with the fabrication and fit, because in my experience, Outerknown delivers on both accounts.

Helpfully, the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts are modeled off straight leg chinos, so you needn’t worry about them being overly baggy, a la cargo shorts of days gone by. They’re also crafted from durable, strong organic cotton that’s also been garment-washed — they’re just the right mix of supple and sturdy.

And that garment washing also gives the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts a lived-in, aged look and feel, which is never a bad style move to have in your rotation.

For good measure, the “Hollywood waistband” means the belt loops and pockets are sewn right into the shorts themselves, a cool touch that also calls to mind, say, vintage fatigue shorts or throwback chinos.

Yes indeed, in my book, the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts — in either Faded Olive or a crisp Navy — are ready to be worn with everything from canvas sneakers and your favorite henley to an ultra-soft cotton polo and leather loafers (to name but a few potential ensembles). Make these yours now for a sustainable, stylish summer.