Paul Mescal dubbed 'King of Short Shorts' as he leads the men in tiny boxers and loafers at Milan Fashion Week

He's made a name for himself as one of the most fashionable young stars in Hollywood.

But Paul Mescal's latest look may have proven to be a step too far for some fans.

Earlier this week, the Normal People actor, 28, attended Gucci's Milan Fashion Week SS25 show wearing items from the fashion house's new collection.

For the occasion, the star - who appeared in a Gucci campaign in October 2023 to promote their 1953 Horsebit Loafer - opted for a light blue shirt with the brand's logo, which he only half buttoned up.

Paul then paired this with some striped short shorts, which resembled a pair of boxers.  

Pictured: Paul Mescal seen wearing short shorts at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show earlier this week

The star completed his fashion-forward ensemble with some long white socks and black Gucci loafers. 

Speaking to GQ, Paul said he is a 'big advocate for men wearing shorter shorts'. 

Explaining how he put the outfit together, the star said: 'From my eye, it's to do with proportion.

'Like shorter shorts with maybe a longer top.' 

However, Paul wasn't the only guest at Milan Fashion Week who jumped at the opportunity to show off their sculpted pins. 

Earlier in the day, Italian rapper Tony Effe was pictured arriving at the show in style.

The 33-year-old musician opted for a pair of black short shorts, which he teamed with a red shirt.

Taking a similar approach to Paul, Tony also wore some long white socks and chunky black loafers, with silver embellishment. 

Pictured: Italian rapper Tony Effe seen arriving at the Gucci Milan Fashion Week show in short shorts

Singer Alvin Chong was pictured at the Zegna show wearing a black blazer, matching t-shirt and shorts

Pictured: Gucci model seen wearing the fashion house's new short shorts, which appear in their SS25 collection

Pictured: Gucci models seen wearing the fashion house's new short shorts, which are in their SS25 collection

What's more, the theme of short shorts carried onto the catwalk too.

One model was pictured wearing a red oversized short-sleeved shirt and fluorescent pink shorts.

Meanwhile, another was styled very similarly to Paul Mescal and was pictured in a purple button-down shirt which flashed their washboard abs.

The Gucci team completed this catwalk look with black shorts and some pointy loafers.  

That said, the Gucci models and guests weren't the only ones to hop on the divisive fashion trend. 

Singer Alvin Chong was pictured at the Zegna show wearing a black blazer and matching t-shirt.

Paul Mescal mingled with Normal People in March 2024 as he ventured out in a pair of snug-fitting gym shorts

Pictured: Normal People star Paul Mescal seen on a run in London in 2020 wearing short running shorts

Left: Paul Mescal going for a run in London in 2020. Right: the Normal People star at Milan Fashion Week in 2020

The musician, 33, finished off his Milan Fashion Week look with some boxer-length shorts, which Paul Mescal would no doubt approve of.

Since Normal People aired in 2020, Paul Mescal has been pictured wearing short running shorts on numerous occasions - which fans have dubbed 'sl*t shorts'.

In March 2024, the Irish star set pulses racing when he was spotted out and about in New York wearing some snug gym shorts. 

In October 2020, the actor was pictured in a pair of micro black shorts while on the set of The Lost Daughter.

Sharing a photo of Nike's favourite running brand on X, one fan wrote in May: 'Brothers... it's time.

'The sl**ty shorts got sl**tier in time for summer.'

The star (pictured) - who appeared in a Gucci campaign in October 202 3 to promote their 1953 Horsebit Loafer - opted for a light blue shirt with the brand's logo, which he only half buttoned up

Meanwhile, British GQ have also referred to the clothing as 'sl*t shorts'. 

GQ's interview with Paul at Milan Fashion Week earlier this week sent fans into a frenzy online - with one dubbing him the 'King of Short Shorts'.

Another added: 'Never stop wearing short shorts, Paul.' 

'THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,' a third gushed. 

However, a fourth insisted the short shorts trend has 'gotten out of hand'. 

'Those are boxers,' another critic said.