Reviewed: Politics "Leo 500" Rhinestone Denim Short

Every catalogue needs one piece that is not trying to be versatile. This is ours.

What it is

Black denim shorts, knee length, with multicoloured rhinestones set in scattered clusters across both thighs and around the pocket openings — red, blue, green, yellow and clear, catching light in every direction. Metal studs run the waistband and the belt loops. The hem is chopped raw and left to fray.

The stones are set, not glued flat, and they sit proud of the fabric. Expect to lose one or two eventually; that is the nature of every rhinestone garment ever made and not a sign of a bad one.

How to actually wear it

One loud piece per fit. This is the loud piece, so everything else goes quiet: a plain black or white tee, a clean sneaker, and a cap with no colour in it. Our fit engine will refuse to pair this with anything else carrying stones or an allover print, and it is right to.

The black base does more work than it looks like it does — the stones read as detail on a dark ground rather than as an allover surface.

Sizing

True to waist, nine sizes, 30 through 44. Denim rather than twill here, so it holds its shape and is stiffer through the first few wears.

Wash inside out, cold, and never in a dryer. Heat is what loosens stone settings.

Who it's for

Somebody who wants to be looked at, and knows it. If you are not sure, you probably want the Jordan Craig twill short instead — and there is no shame in that, it is the one we sell most of.

9 sizes. $89.99.

Shop the Politics "Leo 500" Rhinestone Denim Short — Jet Black — free US shipping over $150.