# 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:** 5
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/81 "2009-10-01T16:08:18Z")
I love shorts. I’d wear them year-round if doing so wouldn’t make my legs freeze off. I’ve got nice legs, dammit. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/82 "2009-10-01T16:09:23Z")
So… why did you come into a thread that was talking about clothing and people’s opinions thereof, if it means so little to you? You don’t see me in threads about football, do you? ETA - that was to DtC, obviously. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/83 "2009-10-01T16:12:34Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > No, she never asks my opinion. She might ask if she has any lint on her, or if something fits, but she has no interest in my wardrobe opinions…not that I really even _have_ any opinions. To be honest, I don’t even notice what she’s wearing most of the time. Hell…put a hand over my eyes and ask my what _I’m_ wearing, and there’s a good chance I won’t know. > > Maybe I’m just unusually indifferent to clothing issues, but it’s a subject that honestly just doesn’t come up with us. > > As for going out…we haven’t gone out by ourselves in ten years. Too many kids. **Zsofia** and her boyfriend aren’t a middle-aged married couple. Why not let them enjoy being a fashionable young hipster couple before they get married, have a passel of kids, and treat “lint-free” as the only consideration required when deciding what to wear out of the house. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/84 "2009-10-01T16:14:08Z")
How am I stopping them from doing anything? ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/85 "2009-10-01T16:21:39Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > So… why did you come into a thread that was talking about clothing and people’s opinions thereof, if it means so little to you? You don’t see me in threads about football, do you? I didn’t see it as a thread about clothing aesthetics, but as a person trying to browbeat her spouse into wearing something he doesn’t want to war. If I started a thread where I was bitching and complaining that my wife didn’t want to go to Vikings games with me, and was calling her “abnormal” for not being interested, that wouldn’t really be a thread about football. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/86 "2009-10-01T16:23:16Z")
What if it was a woman who didn’t feel comfortable wearing one of those tiny tennis skirts for tennis? I mean, [Maria Sharapova](http://dontcostnothing.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/mariasharapova_tennis2.jpg) wears 'em so they must be the height of tennis practicality. Personally I think DtC is on the money here – were the genders reversed this would come out differently. I mean, its terrible how some women want to work out in a loose tshirt, rather than a form fitting, sweat wicking tank top, which would be much cooler. What’s wrong with them!? IMHO, “because I don’t like them” enough of a good reason not to wear a certain style of shorts, even if they are practical. Other things are equally practical and don’t require that you feel self conscious while you’re exercising. As marital disputes go, this one is a)a complete waste of energy and b)the OP is nearly 100% in the wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/87 "2009-10-01T16:26:34Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > What if it was a woman who didn’t feel comfortable wearing one of those tiny tennis skirts for tennis? I mean, [Maria Sharapova](http://dontcostnothing.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/mariasharapova_tennis2.jpg) wears 'em so they must be the height of tennis practicality. Personally I think DtC is on the money here – were the genders reversed this would come out differently. How is that a picture of a skirt? ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/88 "2009-10-01T16:29:44Z")
> [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](#): > > How is that a picture of a skirt? Christ on a pancake - its a dress, ok. It includes a skirt. If it makes you feel happy, you can strike the word “skirt” and substitute the word “tennis dress” in my post. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/89 "2009-10-01T16:29:53Z")
> [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](#): > > How is that a picture of a skirt? Huh? Looks like a woman in a skirt to me? ---
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/90 "2009-10-01T16:34:32Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Huh? Looks like a woman in a skirt to me? Well, is there any lint on it? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/91 "2009-10-01T16:36:41Z")
> [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](#): > > Well, is there any lint on it? I’ve gotta lint brush joke, but. . . ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/92 "2009-10-01T16:46:50Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Why not let them enjoy being a fashionable young hipster couple… Don’t blame us, blame **Zsofia**. She’s the one that’s arguing with her boyfriend about what sort of shorts he’s allowed to wear while running. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/93 "2009-10-01T16:49:08Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > What if it was a woman who didn’t feel comfortable wearing one of those tiny tennis skirts for tennis? I mean, [Maria Sharapova](http://dontcostnothing.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/mariasharapova_tennis2.jpg) wears 'em so they must be the height of tennis practicality. Personally I think DtC is on the money here – were the genders reversed this would come out differently. > > I mean, its terrible how some women want to work out in a loose tshirt, rather than a form fitting, sweat wicking tank top, which would be much cooler. What’s wrong with them!? > > IMHO, “because I don’t like them” enough of a good reason not to wear a certain style of shorts, even if they are practical. Other things are equally practical and don’t require that you feel self conscious while you’re exercising. > > As marital disputes go, this one is a)a complete waste of energy and b)the OP is nearly 100% in the wrong. I think you’re wrong, but you bring up a point that has been in the back of everyone’s mind: self-consciousness. Some people dress frumpily because they don’t think they’re attractive. Unlike you, I don’t think letting your significant other wallow in unfashionable self-pity is doing them any favors. I don’t think **Zsofia** is out to make her boyfriend look ridiculous. And if a husband suggested to his wife that she should try a form-fitting workout top, I’d be willing to take him at face value that he was suggesting that for her real benefit, not to humiliate her. And I think some people need that push, and when they do present a nicer appearance, their inclination to self-consciousness seems to abate. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/94 "2009-10-01T16:58:21Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Huh? Looks like a woman in a skirt to me? 😃 Oof. You were right about your “clothing blindness”. Broadly, skirts cover only from the waist down. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/95 "2009-10-01T17:14:20Z")
Men’s shorts should stop no more then an inch above or below the knee. Below the knee is uncomfortable when lots of deep bending is involved, squats or in the case of the rugby shorts above scrumming. But I hate running in short shorts they are uncomfortable because there isn’t enough weight to stop them from climbing. The best workout shorts I have are a nice double mesh that stop just above my knee, they don’t ride up and they allow lots of air flow. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/96 "2009-10-01T17:16:13Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Unlike you, I don’t think letting your significant other wallow in unfashionable self-pity is doing them any favors. And some people dress “frumpily” for “jogging” because jogging is uncomfrotable enough without clothes that make you feel absurd. You truly feel you’re entitled to “improve” your SO right down to their _workout clothes_? And if they choose to wear something comfy and loose while they are exercising, they are, ahem, “wallowing in unfashionable self-pity.” ooookay. We “differ somewhat” on this. ---
**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:** [October 1, 2009, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/97 "2009-10-01T17:30:33Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > You truly feel you’re entitled to “improve” your SO right down to their _workout clothes_? You’re certainly allowed to make suggestions. And to say “Well, boyfriend, I think you’re being a little silly by not even trying them.” I guess it’s because I’ve always tried to cultivate enough trust in my relationships that each of us thinks the other is looking out for our best interests and that clothing suggestions are motivated by what we think would look good on the other person, and not a desire to control their lives or make them the object of derision. YMMV, I suppose. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/98 "2009-10-01T17:41:35Z")
Not to mention that I’ve been running for a year and he hasn’t, and I might know a lot more about running clothes? Plus, it was MY MONEY. I don’t get any input? Trust me, he feels free to snicker and point at me when I wear running tights when it’s cold. It’s okay - I know I look like a tool. I wear them for practicality and try not to think about people making fun of how much jiggle is involved. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/99 "2009-10-01T17:46:08Z")
I don’t see the OP as trying to force her boyfriend to wear something he doesn’t like. He is new to running; she is not. She tried to point out why he might want to get something more suitable to the activity and he decided to ignore her advice and go with what makes him comfortable. That’s OK, but it’s also OK for the OP to come here and ask why some men don’t like anything but long shorts. I run a lot and would much rather wear a mid-lengh short (not short-shorts) than any of my knee-length shorts. Something like [this](http://www.target.com/C9-by-Champion-Running-Short/dp/B001QTC2S2/ref=br_1_3?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=10825231&node=10825231&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=C9%20by%20Champion%20Running%20Short). My image of what the OP’s boyfriend picked out is something like [this](http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/homegrownsportinggoods_1893_3982558). Let the bf run in those a few times (getting them all soaked up and heavy with sweat) and then see if he wants to try something a little shorter/lighter. ---
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113/100 "2009-10-01T17:46:23Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Plus, it was MY MONEY. I don’t get any input? Trust me, he feels free to snicker and point at me when I wear running tights when it’s cold. It’s okay - I know I look like a tool. I wear them for practicality and try not to think about people making fun of how much jiggle is involved. Sorry, I was with you all along but tights, including running tights, are adorable AND practical on women. You’re way off on that one. Or half way off, I guess. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-what-is-your-problem-when-it-comes-to-shorts/512113.md?page=6)