Shorts are a garment worn by both men and women over their pelvic area, circling the waist, and covering the upper part of the upper legs or more, sometimes extending as far as mid-calf, but not covering the entire length of the leg, either as outer or undergarment. They are called "shorts" because they are a shortened version of pants which cover the entire leg.
Within the United States, historically, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, shorts were only worn by young boys until they reached a certain height or maturity. When they got older, they would receive their first pair of long trousers. This produced the perception that shorts were only for young boys. Because of this perception, men would not wear shorts, to avoid looking immature. Since about World War II, when soldiers often served in tropical locations, adult men have worn shorts more often, but the perception of shorts only being for young boys took several decades to change and to some extent still exists.
Today, shorts are worn by either sex in the United States, from birth through old age without any stigma attached. But in many countries there are few formal settings where wearing shorts would be acceptable, as they are considered casual wear. In many American offices, where there is an official casual dress standard, shorts are often specifically forbidden. Since the 1990s casual office dress has grown in many businesses to include dress shorts. Gym and jean shorts are often seen as too casual for office attire.
In Africa and the Middle East, the wearing of shorts by adults is less common. While it is common for boys to wear shorts, women and young girls almost universally do not. These customs are often due in part to moral and social taboos regarding the perceived sexually suggestive nature of exposing of the female legs. Men on the other hand, almost universally do not wear shorts, possibly for many of the same reasons for which men in the United States would not until the later part of the 20th century.
Styles
There are many styles of shorts:
Baggies: Loose fitting shorts which reach the knees. These were the standard shorts worn by English football teams before File:Image:P1010003-1.JPGA young American male in cargo shortsWorld War II. West Bromwich Albion FC are nicknamed the Baggies because their team used to wear particularly baggy shorts. During the late 1990s this type of shorts had a short revival in popularity among some Premier league teams in England.
Bermuda shorts: Knee-length shorts commonly worn in Bermuda as business attire, or largely any style less than formal or black-tie [1]. The style has also been adopted exclusively as a casual style in other locales.
Board shorts: A combination of shorts and a bathing suit, typically worn by men, which have recently gained in popularity. Board shorts are manufactured by such companies as Billabong, Quiksilver, and Old Navy. The shorts are made of a bathing-suit like material, targeting a beach-going demographic. The "board" refers to surfboards and skimboards, although many wakeboarders also wear them. In the 1980's, board shorts were called "jams".
Boxer shorts: Mainly used as male underwear. Some years ago, this term also related to a basic style male short.
Bun huggers: Short, tight, athletic shorts also known as "racing briefs", commonly made from spandex and/or nylon. These shorts are compulsory for girls and women in some schools and for some adult athletic events such as volleyball. It is claimed that their tight fit and the fact that they barely go down past the "buns" give wearers an unhindered range of motion that is necessary in sports such as volleyball. However, the figure-hugging nature of these shorts makes some wearers feel uncomfortable, and making them compulsory for women has been described as "venturing into the arena of athlete exploitation". [2] Bun huggers for men also exist. These resemble boxer briefs.
Cargo shorts: Typically khaki shorts with cargo pockets. Similar to cargo pants, but around knee-length.
Culottes: A divided skirt resembling a pair of loose-cut shorts, originally popularized as a practical horse and bicycle-riding garment by dress reform feminists at the turn of the 20th century.
Cut-offs: Home-made by cutting the legs off trousers, typically jeans, above the knee. These were particularly popular in the early 1970s. The cut is not finished or hemmed and the fabric is left to fray. They became so popular, they were sold in stores as such. Originally a practical use for trousers with worn-through knees, they are now a type of shorts in their own right. The ultra-short version of jean cut-offs are also known as Daisy Dukes, in reference to Catherine Bach's character of that name from the American television show The Dukes of Hazzard. The character Tobias Fünke from the television series Arrested Development is also known for wearing cut-off jeans.
Cycling shorts: Skin-tight shorts originally worn by cyclists to reduce chafing while cycling, but which have since been adopted as street wear and active wear by girls and younger women. Also commonly known as "bike shorts".
Dolphin shorts: An athletic style of shorts, notable for visible binding of an often contrasting color. The name may refer to a side-view of the binding of each leg's lower hem, resembling the shape of a dolphin tail. Like gym shorts, they often feature a cord to be tied around the waist at the front. These were a popular trend in the 1980s gym scene.
Gym shorts: Cotton or spandex shorts usually with a cord sewn in that can be tied at the front. Gym shorts are often worn in gym class or for participation in sports, hence the name. They are usually not form fitting when worn by men or female athletes, but are often form fitting when worn by women as casual dress. Length is usually from just above the knee to just below the knee. In the 1970s and 1980s in the US gym shorts were often form fitting and only slightly longer than boxer shorts.
Hot pants: Commonly known as "short shorts." These are short, tight shorts, usually made of cotton, nylon, or some other common material. They are meant to emphasize the buttocks and the legs. Hot pants are sometimes worn with dark tights and knee-length boots to create an edgy, sexy look. Hot pants were very popular in the early 1970s, but declined in popularity during the late 1970s. The fashion revived in the 1990s.
An image of a woman wearing jean-shorts (cut-offs)
Skorts: Have a piece of fabric in front, creating the illusion of being a skirt from the front. The term is a portmanteau of "skirt" and "shorts".
Stubbies: Very short, fitted men’s shorts; associated with the 1970s and 1980s. (Named for a character who wore shorts frequently on a 70's TV show. The captain of a cruise ship.)
Running shorts: Reach only the upper thigh; intended to provide maximum freedom of movement in sports activities. These are often made from Nylon, which has the advantage of being very hardwearing. After Adidas sponsored the 1980 Olympic Games [3], Adidas nylon track shorts were a fashion item for some years.
Walking shorts: Long pant length, reaching to the knees. Intended for casual wear in warm weather that is often permissible in work settings. Usually has pockets and waist loops for an optional belt.
Zip-off shorts: A pair of long pants that zip off at the knee, allowing the wearer to change from pants to shorts as the weather changes.
