| reat thing about shorts is the comfort they | | | | with the legs “cut off” after they |
| provide. Made from a variety of materials and | | | | became too worn to patch. The length depended |
| styled in a number of lengths, they are | | | | on the wearer’s taste and extended |
| appropriate gear for a variety of uses, including | | | | anywhere from below the crotch to just above |
| sports, walking, climbing, swimming and all around | | | | the knee. |
| casual wear. | | | | Shorts changed greatly over the years. In the |
| Athletic shorts are used when playing racquetball, | | | | 1960’s and 70’s, short shorts, or |
| working out at the gym, and playing sports. They | | | | hotpants, were designed to emphasize the |
| are generally loose fitting and made of nylon for | | | | buttocks and legs and were very popular with |
| shape or cotton jersey for breathability. "Bun | | | | young women. Culottes, or very long shorts, can |
| huggers" are short, tight, and made from spandex | | | | substitute for skirts and are sometimes worn |
| and/or nylon. They are worn by girls and young | | | | with tights in the winter. “Skorts” |
| women when playing such sports as volleyball. | | | | are shorts with an extra piece of fabric in the |
| Their tight fit and ultra short length give the | | | | front that makes them resemble a skirt. Capri |
| wearer an increased range of motion. | | | | pants are shorts that extend below the knee. |
| For biking and running, special shorts are made | | | | Cargo shorts have large “cargo” |
| from tight-fitting lycra and spandex to prevent | | | | pockets, are made from khaki material, and may |
| chafing and extra movement. These shorts also | | | | be khaki brown, OD green or camouflage colors. |
| make the athlete more aerodynamic, adding to his | | | | Currently, “Boy Shorts” are in |
| her performance. | | | | fashion with young women. They are tight fitting |
| Today, walking shorts are more for style than for | | | | shorts that extend from just below the navel to |
| walking. They come down to the knees or right | | | | crotch level. There are types designed for the |
| above them. Women wear walking shorts when | | | | outdoors and worn as short shorts or a cover for |
| they want to be casual, without showing too | | | | bikini swimwear. As well, boy shorts are made in |
| much skin. They are perfect at a casual summer | | | | lighter weight materials and used as lingerie, usually |
| lunch or barbeque and can be worn to do light | | | | incorporating lace or ribbons in their design. Both |
| gardening. | | | | types are made from a variety of fabrics and |
| Swim shorts, or trunks, are used by men to | | | | come in many styles and colors. |
| swim or sunbathe. They are usually made of | | | | Although there are countless styles to choose |
| nylon or some other quick drying, shape retaining | | | | from, one should pick shorts that flatter the form |
| fabric. The length varies from mid-thigh to well | | | | while concealing its weak points. Style and length |
| below the knees. | | | | matter when choosing shorts for any occasion. |
| Bermuda shorts were not invented in Bermuda. | | | | Most shorts come in both flat front or pleated |
| They were designed in London, England, at the | | | | styles. Some incorporate a drawstring waist, |
| turn of the 20th century for British soldiers | | | | which allows the wearer to adjust the waist size. |
| stationed in tropical and subtropical climates. | | | | A salesperson can be of help by suggesting |
| Today’s Bermuda shorts extend to three | | | | alternative sizes and cuts. |
| inches above the knee, with a three inch, hand | | | | As a person gets older, the style of their shorts |
| sewn hem, to make them hang properly. They | | | | should change. Shorts that are too short look |
| come in a variety of colors and light weight | | | | tacky and those that are too long look frumpy. |
| fabrics in both pleated and flat fronts. | | | | Well fitted shorts are a must. The larger a person |
| Almost everyone had cut-off shorts when they | | | | is, the more their shorts should be tailored and |
| were growing up and even into their college years. | | | | lengthy to flatter their body. |
| Cut offs were usually a pair of pants or jeans | | | | |