# 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:** 5\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/121 "2014-06-25T03:29:57Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > I just mentally out them in the same space as yoga pants, sweats and pajamas in public. Maybe not so down the list as sweats or pajamas, but I’m mostly with you. > [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > 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. I wonder why you are being so defensive as to what amounts to a personal opinion from whoever doesn’t like how shorts look on people? Unless you really do feel on some level shorts are lacking. You appear to be taking it personally that some people just think that shorts look ridiculous. Unless you are in the business of selling shorts. Then perhaps I can see any anti-short opinion as being some sort of personal affront. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/122 "2014-06-25T03:37:33Z")
One of _the_ most depressing things about the end of my vacations is having to put long pants on for work. I can’t say if my legs are ogle-worthy but I’m after comfort, not fashion or style. I wear hiking shorts ([Ex Officio](http://www.amazon.com/ExOfficio-Mens-Nio-Amphi-Short/dp/B0043EVGRA)) most of the time except in winter. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/123 "2014-06-25T04:02:24Z")
> [@Ad\_Astra](#): > > [Chubbies](http://www.chubbiesshorts.com/) are also becoming more and more popular - quite a few guys I know (all recent college grads, to narrow down the age) have many pairs. They’re a bit fratty for my taste, but sometimes that look works. Personally, I’ve got a ton of Docker’s shorts which, while not as short as the Chubbies, are noticeably shorter than what I wore in middle school and high school. > > Now that I think about it, when I’m back home (Midwest), the shorts there are much longer than when I’m back on the East Coast, J. Crew’s/Chubbies’ popularity notwithstanding. I’d be willing to bet there’s a significant geographical/demographic component to what you’re seeing as well. Are mullets back in? Zubaz pants? ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2014, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/124 "2014-06-25T04:16:28Z")
I took my kids to the pool yesterday and I was very conscious of the length and fit of my swim trunks. These trunks, purchased in 1998, ended right above the kneecap. While sitting/driving, the ends were pretty much bunched up around my crotch. I think it would be pretty uncomfortable wearing anything shorter, and I would not be able to wear my preferred underwear, if any. I guess i could try sewing in netting. ---
**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, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252/125 "2014-06-25T11:37:21Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > Maybe not so down the list as sweats or pajamas, but I’m mostly with you. > > I wonder why you are being so defensive as to what amounts to a personal opinion from whoever doesn’t like how shorts look on people? Unless you really do feel on some level shorts are lacking. You appear to be taking it personally that some people just think that shorts look ridiculous. > > Unless you are in the business of selling shorts. Then perhaps I can see any anti-short opinion as being some sort of personal affront. :rolleyes: Wow, you really seem to be taking my opinion of your fashion sense personally. You must be a writer for GQ magazine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mens-shorts-down-to-the-knees-and-beyond/691252.md?page=6)