# Men - what is your problem when it comes to shorts? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 30, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113 "2009-09-30T16:12:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Red\_Skeezix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aca169/32.png) [@Red\_Skeezix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Skeezix)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/21 "2009-09-30T18:08:37Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > After a year of trying to pester my boyfriend into running with me, he gets into boxing and he’s all about it. > [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > And scuba divers have scuba tanks and wetsuits. She wants him to join her runs, _ergo ipso facto,_ he needs running shorts. :rolleyes: [QUOTE=Zofia] I don’t mean to disparage his equipment, but it isn’t twelve inches long on a brisk September morning. [/QUOTE] ETA: Please ignore this, I didn’t read closely enough. I thought he was just boxing. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/22 "2009-09-30T18:10:21Z")
> [@Red\_Skeezix](#): > > :rolleyes: Yes, the OP was inartfully phrased. She wants him to run with her. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/23 "2009-09-30T18:12:25Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Remember that fad where men would wear those shorts… on the outside of a pair of sweat pants? I never got what that was about. :dubious: Ohh yeaahhh…I remember that. I recall doing it in soccer when I was a kid in the '70s when the only sweat pants we had (or I was aware of) were the baggy drawstring sweatshirt material kind. We didn’t have the range of sweat/track/lycra/etc. pants we have today. The reason for shorts over sweats, IIRC (and there’s no guarantee of that), was to keep the crotch up and also to prevent damaging your sweatpants too much from all the sliding and what not (we played on some real shitty fields). Plus, didn’t it look cool? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/24 "2009-09-30T18:19:27Z")
for us old guys (over 40) everything the “kids” wear now is ridiculous. If they hit the knee or lower, they’re not shorts, they’re just stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/25 "2009-09-30T18:22:14Z")
The thing is, he’s generally quite old fashioned, sartorially speaking. He certainly doesn’t sag his pants or anything - he dresses up in three piece suits. Just doesn’t believe normal-length shorts are appropriate. (And yes, he’s in his 20’s.) ETA - sorry I wasn’t clearer - he wants to run now because he’s boxing. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/26 "2009-09-30T18:22:56Z")
I’d venture to say there’s no single “right” answer regarding men’s shorts length. Different guys are comfortable wearing different things. So, why are you so gung-ho to make your guy wear something he’s not comfortable in? Let the poor guy wear what he wants. What’s the big deal? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/27 "2009-09-30T18:28:33Z")
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am having a ball Googling men’s shorts form the 1970s. It is pretty funny how something so de rigueur one day can be out of the question the next, especially when we’re (supposedly) more enlightened when it comes to gender issues and homosexuality. [hijack] Does anyone else remember the episode of _Three’s Company_ where Jack clearly had some junk hanging out while sitting on one of the girls’ beds? It was amazing. Also, he is a prime example of guys who look hot in short shorts. [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Dante](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dante/32/9673_2.png) [@Dante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/28 "2009-09-30T18:44:39Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Why can’t he buy/wear whatever he wants? Still looking for a good answer to this question. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/29 "2009-09-30T18:49:12Z")
I agree , he should wear what he wants. ``` I guess the issue is some women who are very into fashion want their husband to look as good as they do. Most men are like me and don't really worry too much about their clothes. ``` ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/30 "2009-09-30T18:52:44Z")
I want my wife to wear really short skirts. Short skirts are hot, but she won’t wear anything above the knee. How can I get her to wear normal sized skirts? ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/31 "2009-09-30T19:06:20Z")
> [@Cat\_Fight](#): > > [hijack] Does anyone else remember the episode of _Three’s Company_ where Jack clearly had some junk hanging out while sitting on one of the girls’ beds? It was amazing. Also, he is a prime example of guys who look hot in short shorts. [/hijack] No, but I’d like to remember it. Got a YouTube link or episode name/description so I can look for one? As for why the OP’s feller can’t buy/wear whatever he wants, I’m all for him doing so just as long as he understands that any griping about practical things he could have avoided with actual running shorts will result in him being strangled with his own manpris. ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/32 "2009-09-30T19:07:11Z")
> [@Bijou Drains](#): > > I agree , he should wear what he wants. He _is_ wearing what he wants. Which is why this thread exists at all. Someone likes to control someone else and here we are. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/33 "2009-09-30T20:01:09Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > The thing is, he’s generally quite old fashioned, sartorially speaking. He certainly doesn’t sag his pants or anything - he dresses up in three piece suits. Just doesn’t believe normal-length shorts are appropriate. (And yes, he’s in his 20’s.) What sort of 20something wears three piece suits?:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/34 "2009-09-30T20:11:41Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > What sort of 20something wears three piece suits?:dubious: It’s not so hard to believe if he’s in his later 20s is it? Perhaps for work or something? ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/35 "2009-09-30T20:24:08Z")
Of course he can wear what he wants, but maybe she cares what he looks like and doesn’t want him looking like an idiot wearing manpris for running. That’s the type of thing that married people do for each other. It’s easy to find appropriately-lengthed running shorts- any sporting good store should have them. B-ball shorts are long, soccer shorts are a little shorter, and running shorts are just above the knee. That’s where I like them. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/36 "2009-09-30T20:28:42Z")
> [@Cat\_Fight](#): > > I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am having a ball Googling men’s shorts form the 1970s. It is pretty funny how something so de rigueur one day can be out of the question the next, especially when we’re (supposedly) more enlightened when it comes to gender issues and homosexuality. > > [hijack] Does anyone else remember the episode of _Three’s Company_ where Jack clearly had some junk hanging out while sitting on one of the girls’ beds? It was amazing. Also, he is a prime example of guys who look hot in short shorts. [/hijack] Here’s Snopes on [Jack and his junk](http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/ritter.asp) ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/37 "2009-09-30T20:30:38Z")
Dude, I was paying for the ugly-ass shorts. And I certainly do have a right to bitch about the ugly-ass shorts my man wears - that’s what we do here, right? And loose baggy shorts just don’t seem like they _work_ for running - they have a liner, yeah, but I’d think all that fabric is going to crawl up and wrap around his leg and do all sorts of undignified things. He wears suits because he’s one of those modern dandy fellows. Right now he’s obsessed with safety razors - he’s ordered literally six different kinds of blade looking for the Perfect Shave. ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/38 "2009-09-30T20:32:57Z")
Shorts are evil. No, not above the knee shorts, shorts in general. _Hasn’t worn anything shorter than jeans in the past 6 years_ ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/39 "2009-09-30T20:42:15Z")
Do you run in South Carolina? Because that’s why I was buying the guy some shorts. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/40 "2009-09-30T20:45:21Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Dude, I was paying for the ugly-ass shorts. And I certainly do have a right to bitch about the ugly-ass shorts my man wears - that’s what we do here, right? And loose baggy shorts just don’t seem like they _work_ for running - I just wear full running pants for that activity. I just don’t like shorts of any kind any more. But if I did, I would opt for normal running shorts, that look like [this](http://halhigdenrunningshoes.com/stockxpertcom_id13568561_jpg_d3d9de3f42bef25239f46712720e4455.jpg). Is that too short for him? They don’t look like 70s-era NBA short, tight shorts, yet they look comfortable for running. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113.md?page=3)