# Why are men's shorts down to the knees and beyond? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 20, 2014, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252 "2014-06-20T23:27:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c4cdca/32.png) [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/61 "2014-06-22T15:31:49Z")
> [@PurpleClogs](#): > > Whatever you do guys, please I beg you to say no to [this fad](http://www.becauseiamfabulous.com/product/rick-owens-low-crotch-cotton-jersey-shorts/). And if you already have some, burn them. No one on the planet looks good in them. Wadadeal! For only $257 (!) you can walk around looking like an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/62 "2014-06-22T15:55:52Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > I guess I’ve been blaming the wrong person all this time. Ignorance fought. Naw, you’re right, it was Jordan. From the book “Michael Jordan: The Life”, page 301: > [@](#): > > More specifically, it (1988) was the year that Jordan took over American basketball. His revolution ran both large and small. He entered the pro game in the age of “Daisy Duke” shorts, cut tight and short, and promptly created something better to his liking, baggy pants specially tailored 2.5 inches longer. Before too long, players would be taking the court in full-blown, knee-length pantaloons, easily his most enduring fashion statement. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/63 "2014-06-22T15:56:31Z")
> [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](#): > > wadadeal! For only $257 (!) you can walk around looking like an idiot. $257? Wtf? ---
**Author:** ![PurpleClogs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f04885/32.png) [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/64 "2014-06-22T15:58:36Z")
> [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](#): > > Wadadeal! For only $257 (!) you can walk around looking like an idiot. I know, right? I noticed that too. Even if they looked great I wouldn’t spend $250 on a pair of shorts. Who does that? ---
**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:** [June 22, 2014, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/65 "2014-06-22T16:03:53Z")
Pants that extend behond the knee might be ok, but they’re not “shorts.” ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/66 "2014-06-22T16:05:47Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Pants that extend behond the knee might be ok, but they’re not “shorts.” In womens wear, they’re called capris. ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/67 "2014-06-22T16:52:16Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Pants that extend behond the knee might be ok, but they’re not “shorts.” I consider them clown pants. Capri pants for women, too, unless they’re more form fitting. The current style of long shorts (heh) is why I seldom wear shorts outside the house. I have long thin legs and I think shorts below my knee look terrible on me. I’m glad more variety of lengths are coming around. I saw some 7" inseam shorts at Target yesterday. I may have to go check them out. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/68 "2014-06-22T17:26:41Z")
> [@syncrolecyne](#): > > Is that a LDS Temple Garment? Heh. When I was a kid, there was a big to-do about a local company offering extra-long shorts specifically for Mormons and my dad got a pair that fell about mid-calf. As a middle-aged man, he looked ridiculous. It looks like the company is still around: [http://www.kneeshorts.com/lds\_shorts.html](http://www.kneeshorts.com/lds_shorts.html) ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/69 "2014-06-22T17:40:42Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I like the longer shorts (to the knee, anyway). Much more comfortable and deeper pockets. Except for my running shorts, the only shorts I have (two pairs) are down to my knee. A co-worker who saw them once told me I’d be jumped and beaten for wearing a pair that short, being taken for a homosexual. I had to laugh, considering the stuff I wore running track in the 70s and 80s, which were much shorter and open at the sides! I guess since more men are openly gay nowadays, people are more worried about being misidentified (or outed). Now shorts have to go comfortably below the knee. I asked how wearing capri pants made the young guys look more butch, but the question made him uncomfortable. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/70 "2014-06-22T21:50:56Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > Really? Have you ever noticed that people in truly hot climates tend to wear robes? Loose, light natural fabrics deflect heat and protect from the sun. Huh. I was not aware that people in the tropical rain forest wore robes. I truly do learn something new here every single day. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/71 "2014-06-22T22:04:34Z")
Some lucky guys need lower inseams, to avoid creating a “wardrobe malfunction.” My partner couldn’t wear off-the-rack shorts since puberty, and had to make do with ugly “Bermuda” shorts. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/72 "2014-06-22T23:19:53Z")
> [@CrazyCatLady](#): > > Huh. I was not aware that people in the tropical rain forest wore robes. I truly do learn something new here every single day. [Arab dress.](https://www.google.ca/search?q=arabic+dress+male&client=firefox-a&hs=RRD&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&imgil=9PLfHzD0Q8ZZ3M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcQYgbhfPnqGRGLQnF1ox8hPfDEDyp51jDGX0mi07Hs1XkpeWw7Tug%253B740%253B404%253BCSzE6oI4vFXyqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.traderscity.com%25252Fabcg%25252Fpic1.htm&source=iu&usg=__m1hW4o7B59vd4nLsgwNMbtr8A1w%3D&sa=X&ei=KmSnU8HxENGGyATs0IGIDg&sqi=2&ved=0CB4Q9QEwAA&biw=1366&bih=634#facrc=_&imgrc=9PLfHzD0Q8ZZ3M%253A%3BCSzE6oI4vFXyqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.traderscity.com%252Fimages%252Farabclothes.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.traderscity.com%252Fabcg%252Fpic1.htm%3B740%3B404) ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2014, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/73 "2014-06-22T23:44:10Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > [Arab dress.](https://www.google.ca/search?q=arabic+dress+male&client=firefox-a&hs=RRD&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&imgil=9PLfHzD0Q8ZZ3M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcQYgbhfPnqGRGLQnF1ox8hPfDEDyp51jDGX0mi07Hs1XkpeWw7Tug%253B740%253B404%253BCSzE6oI4vFXyqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.traderscity.com%25252Fabcg%25252Fpic1.htm&source=iu&usg=__m1hW4o7B59vd4nLsgwNMbtr8A1w%3D&sa=X&ei=KmSnU8HxENGGyATs0IGIDg&sqi=2&ved=0CB4Q9QEwAA&biw=1366&bih=634#facrc=_&imgrc=9PLfHzD0Q8ZZ3M%253A%3BCSzE6oI4vFXyqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.traderscity.com%252Fimages%252Farabclothes.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.traderscity.com%252Fabcg%252Fpic1.htm%3B740%3B404) Or the boubou. Or the kurta. Or the Ao Ba Ba. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/74 "2014-06-23T01:59:12Z")
Your posts have been foolish enough in this thread without adding to it. “I think shorts look ridiculous on adults” would have elicited plenty of eye-rolls, but most people wouldn’t have said much. Adding on a heaping pile of bullshit about how people in the US are too stupid to actually know which clothes are most comfortable for the climate in which they live entered the realm world-class arrogance, fueled by ignorance. On top of it, it appears that you still haven’t figured out the difference between an arid and a humid environment. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/75 "2014-06-23T02:46:10Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > $257? Wtf? Don’t you want to look like someone who is, for better or for worse, the most prominent Canadian these days? They’re also very convenient if you’ve really got to pee and the only thing within 2 feet is a mop bucket. Got another $120? Complete the [modern hip hop look](http://www.okayplayer.com/news/style-kanye-west-apc-120-plain-white-hiphop-t-shirt-sells-out.html)! ---
**Author:** ![Nema98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d2c977/32.png) [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/76 "2014-06-23T03:16:09Z")
I don’t know, but women generally look better with short shorts, men do not. No matter how attractive he is and if he has nice toned legs. I would say this same exact thing even if I were a gay man, men look ridiculous if their shorts so short that their butt cheeks are showing. In some sports shorter than usual shorts are normal. Most shorts on men on I see are just about the knee caps, so normal. I do agree that shorts that are way down to ankles are awful, they should know pants have been invented. While on the topic I will share a photo of myself when I was a kid, and I was the only kid in my school with the shortest shorts. Here is the link, hope it works. [https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/549926\_10200515248992844\_348303001\_n.jpg](https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/549926_10200515248992844_348303001_n.jpg) [https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1606997\_10203091287152188\_1661015182\_n.jpg](https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1606997_10203091287152188_1661015182_n.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/77 "2014-06-23T03:26:52Z")
When I was in high school (graduated in 78) wearing knee length pants was the kiss of death socially. “Look! Smith’s wearing knee-knockers!” And this coming from a kid wearing a pocket protector. The only kids who wore knee-knockers were ones whose parents made them. And while Michael Jordan may have increased their popularity, I first noticed teenagers wearing longer shorts (mostly the afore-mentioned jams) around 1983 or 84 when I started playing in a band run by a guy who had a 14 year old son that wore them. I haven’t worn shorts in years because proper shorts are out of style, but I still think knee-knockers or longer look like the ultimate dorkwear. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/78 "2014-06-23T04:13:28Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > That seems rather culturally insensitive for someone who prides herself for being the opposite. Robes are not generally worn outside the home in the U.S. And magazines show you that there are tons of adults who wear shorts. Claiming that shorts are not for grownups is cultural elitism–the same kind you like to accuse the rest of us of. **Even Sven** you are making me agree with **BigT** here. That on its own should tell you something is wrong. > [@even\_sven](#): > > I’m not convinced the guy in denim cargo shorts and athletic shoes is getting much cooling effect at all. Well the next time you’re in the sub-tropics, try an experiment and convince yourself. Till then, keep your mouth shut on the subject lest you say something equally silly. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/79 "2014-06-23T19:22:59Z")
As a guy with a long torso and short legs, most “shorts” nowadays go below my knees, and I hate them. If I wanted to wear manpris and look like a total douchebag, I would have bought them. I want shorts that hit right at the knee or no more than an inch above them, but they’re hard to find. And as for what underwear to wear with them, I generally don’t wear underwear with shorts. I find them too uncomfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2014, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/80 "2014-06-23T19:35:20Z")
> [@PurpleClogs](#): > > Whatever you do guys, please I beg you to say no to [this fad](http://www.becauseiamfabulous.com/product/rick-owens-low-crotch-cotton-jersey-shorts/). And if you already have some, burn them. No one on the planet looks good in them. MY EYES!!! THE GOGGLES DO NOTHING!!! Regards, Shodan [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252.md?page=5)