# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/101 "2014-06-24T14:50:04Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > I live in DC and haven’t owned a pair of shorts in maybe a decade. They can’t be worn to work and are only good for one season, so basically they are only useful for summer weekends. And my summer weekends are reserved for cute sundresses, which are cooler, more attractive, and much more versatile (put on tights and a cardi and you are ready for fall, put on a blazer and heels and it’s time for work.) To each their own, but I’m next door in MD and I’d have to jump on the pro-shorts wagon. This is probably the only time I can say from memory, that I’ve seen someone have anything against them like this. British schoolboys and preteens? Damn. Just the other weekend, the neighbor, retired in her 70-80s, was outside doing yard work in shorts. I’m not sure how I could arrive at any other conclusion than they were comfortable and allowed her to enjoy the weather. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/102 "2014-06-24T14:56:16Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > I live in DC and haven’t owned a pair of shorts in maybe a decade. They can’t be worn to work and are only good for one season, so basically they are only useful for summer weekends. And my summer weekends are reserved for cute sundresses, which are cooler, more attractive, and much more versatile (put on tights and a cardi and you are ready for fall, put on a blazer and heels and it’s time for work.) Well, us guys can’t put on a cute sundress and heels (and the hair bunches up under tights) and it’s shorts weather 9 months out of the year where I am. ---
**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 24, 2014, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/103 "2014-06-24T15:23:32Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > I live in DC and haven’t owned a pair of shorts in maybe a decade. They can’t be worn to work and are only good for one season, so basically they are only useful for summer weekends. And my summer weekends are reserved for cute sundresses, which are cooler, more attractive, and much more versatile (put on tights and a cardi and you are ready for fall, put on a blazer and heels and it’s time for work.) Neat. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/104 "2014-06-24T16:07:28Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > I live in DC and haven’t owned a pair of shorts in maybe a decade. They can’t be worn to work and are only good for one season, so basically they are only useful for summer weekends. **And my summer weekends are reserved for cute sundresses** , which are cooler, more attractive, and much more versatile (put on tights and a cardi and you are ready for fall, put on a blazer and heels and it’s time for work.) This is very useful info in a thread about men’s shorts. Hear that guys? When it’s hot out, don’t wear shorts, wear sundresses instead. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/105 "2014-06-24T16:26:41Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > I live in Atlanta, and I don’t know a single person who doesn’t ever wear shorts. I’m sure there are a few people like you out there, but your attitude about shorts is about as ridiculous as disliking shoes with laces. Shoes with laces is, of course, the more formal and common year-round clothing. Perhaps disliking shoes without laces is more akin with the analogy you are trying to make (though I do wear loafers - sometimes with jeans even ;)). Besides, even on the hottest of days in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll find plenty of folks with jeans on. You just gotta look around. ---
**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 24, 2014, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/106 "2014-06-24T16:32:38Z")
Yes, I’m wearing jeans right now. Not sure what that has to do with anything. Disliking shoes with laces would be an equally ridiculous fashion opinion held by very, very few people. That was the point of the analogy. ---
**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 24, 2014, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/107 "2014-06-24T17:29:24Z")
Well just so you know, when I’m queen of the world and in charge of all clothing sales, you shorts-lovers are screwed. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/108 "2014-06-24T17:38:02Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Well, us guys can’t put on a cute sundress and heels That sounds like a dare! ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/109 "2014-06-24T17:43:15Z")
OK, if you say so, but what about those days when we’re spotting? ---
**Author:** ![shiftless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/110 "2014-06-24T17:52:08Z")
I grew up wearing rugby shorts, so short shorts are what I’m used to. Most of the men’s shorts I see these days I would call ‘pedalpushers’ or ‘coolots.’ For example: the NBA has adopted coolots as their official shorts, can Shaq in a tube top be far behind? ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/111 "2014-06-24T18:29:46Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > That sounds like a dare! Don’t bother. Living close to Boystown I’ve seen men wearing sundresses. It’s more ridiculous than New York City’s attempt to bring back kilts a while back. ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/112 "2014-06-24T18:58:33Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Nobody wants to see hairy man-leg. Actually I think it is more that nobody wants to see upper man-leg and junk. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/113 "2014-06-24T19:22:54Z")
> [@shiftless](#): > > I grew up wearing rugby shorts, so short shorts are what I’m used to. Most of the men’s shorts I see these days I would call ‘pedalpushers’ or ‘coolots.’ For example: the NBA has adopted coolots as their official shorts, can Shaq in a tube top be far behind? [Culottes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culottes)? Pedal pushers, or Capris\* are typically semi-tight against the calf. Basketball shorts are much more baggy, and I think are _supposed_ to be ~2" shorter. \*I guess there’s a distinction but I don’t know what. They may be cuffed, like short jeans. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/114 "2014-06-24T21:44:05Z")
> [@Lukeinva](#): > > Actually I think it is more that nobody wants to see upper man-leg and junk. Speak for yourself! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/115 "2014-06-24T22:38:00Z")
Cheer up, everyone, things could be [worse.](http://stupidest.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cod-piece-pants.jpg) MUCH worse. ETA: I should probably mention that the reason that was spoilered was to comply with our NSFW guidelines. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/116 "2014-06-24T22:54:53Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > Well just so you know, when I’m queen of the world and in charge of all clothing sales, you shorts-lovers are screwed. Is this just for men or are you against women wearing shorts too? (This is seriously one of the more bizarre beliefs I’ve seen on this board. Especially coming from you, who is constantly defending any kind of disparaging remark made about another country’s culture, like Chinese kids wearing split pants so they can shit in public. You even were positive towards the fashion trend of men sagging their pants under their ass because of “cultural differences.”) But if it’s something \*American \*(or white)… ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/117 "2014-06-24T23:33:22Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Yes, I’m wearing jeans right now. Not sure what that has to do with anything. > > Disliking shoes with laces would be an equally ridiculous fashion opinion held by very, very few people. That was the point of the analogy. I think its strange that you think its such a rare opinion. > **[A Man's Guide to Wearing Shorts](https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/guide-to-shorts/)** > > Men's shorts - We'll uncover why that is, and offer some tips on the how, what, where, and why of wearing them. > [@](#): > > Shorts as a piece of comfortable, casual summer wear for men did not show up until the 1950s. Even then — championed by trendsetters in Hollywood and other men in the spotlight — the idea took a long time to catch on as “normal.” There are still plenty of men alive today who remember shorts being basically clothing for young boys. > [@](#): > > So shorts, at the end of the day, still have a boyish association. That’s no longer a cultural expectation, and no one’s going to think you’ve lost your mind if you wear them. Clothing manufacturers love the idea of being able to sell men even more pieces of clothing each season, and men love the cool comfort shorts provide, so that genie is unlikely to ever go back into the bottle. But it is still something we, particularly if you’re an older man, instinctively think of as “boyish,” even when we’re not conscious of making that judgment. ---
**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 24, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/118 "2014-06-24T23:51:21Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > Is this just for men or are you against women wearing shorts too? > > (This is seriously one of the more bizarre beliefs I’ve seen on this board. Especially coming from you, who is constantly defending any kind of disparaging remark made about another country’s culture, like Chinese kids wearing split pants so they can shit in public. You even were positive towards the fashion trend of men sagging their pants under their ass because of “cultural differences.”) > > But if it’s something \*American \*(or white)… Yeah that’s it. I hate America. I think shorts are silly looking on women as well. I just personally don’t find it a fetching look. I don’t think they should be banned and I don’t have any problem with people wearing them, I just mentally out them in the same space as yoga pants, sweats and pajamas in public. ---
**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 25, 2014, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/119 "2014-06-25T00:20:00Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > I think its strange that you think its such a rare opinion. > > [Man's Guide to Wearing Shorts | The Art of Manliness](http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/05/30/guide-to-shorts/) It is not a common opinion amongst anyone under the age of 80, no matter matter what some random website says. There’s a reason why multiple people in this thread are wondering what the hell you people are talking about. Every single source for men’s fashion, including magazines, retail stores, and pop culture figures, treat shorts as a common, mainstream garment for men to wear on a regular basis. A lot of octogenarians think jeans are for farmers, so I don’t think you need to cite the older set as any authority on what is accepted in today’s fashion world. ---
**Author:** ![OurLordPeace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e8c25b/32.png) [@OurLordPeace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OurLordPeace)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/120 "2014-06-25T02:38:04Z")
Growing up, shorts were for warm weather and jeans/sweats/warmups were for cool weather. (Khakis and anything dressier were only for “special occasions,” though that may have changed a bit as I got older.) It seemed perfectly sensible, considering the temperatures outside. My mother once mentioned how it was often decision-making time on Halloween… “Shorts or long pants?” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252.md?page=7)