Buyer's Guide to Shorts

Once worn only by young European and British boys, shorts are now accessories and are available in exiting, sporty, sexy trends. Shorts are the ‘in-thing’ today.

From men wearing skirts similar to Scottish-kilts in Europe, to breeches in the 14th -16th century to knickerboxers, full trousers just below the knees, shorts are pretty historic. Initially worn mostly as sportswear, knee-length pants and shorts for kids have now become quite popular. Influenced by the British, private boys’ schools have pantsuits as their uniform.

Bermuda shorts came into being in the 20th century and were immediately taken up by the British soldiers, who wanted to dress up appropriately for warmer areas.

Football, hockey and rugby were the first to introduce shorts as a part of their uniform, and in 1932 in the US Men’s Championships, Bunny Austin followed suit and introduced shorts onto the tennis courts.

In 1931, with Sentoria de Alvares wearing the first divided skirt in a tennis match, and with Alice Marble doing the same 2 years hence, women bike shorts were made acceptable.

Track shorts for running, Bun huggers (though quite revealing and comprising of nylon and spandex) are worn by women today. Compression women’s bike shorts made of lycra and nylon are quite popular as they support the waist, groin as well as thighs. Loose shorts and women’s bike shorts are also quite common. 3-quarter length pants, walking shorts and Bermudas are casual and comfortable to wear and hence, popular. Zip-off shorts are also a favorite as they make a transition from pants to shorts considerably easy.

Women wear divided skirts which are shorts which look like skirts.

Hot pants or short shorts invented in the 20th century by John Herbert are quite sexy. So, if you want to look sexy, you can thank John Herbert and don the hot pants.