Short Pants are clothing worn over the pelvic area, encircling the waist and dividing to cover the top of the foot, sometimes extending to the knees but not covering the entire length of the foot. They are called "shorts" because they are short shorts, which cover the entire leg, but not in the legs. Shorts are usually worn in warm weather or in environments where comfort and airflow are more important than foot protection.
There are various kinds of shorts, ranging from knee-length shorts which in some situations can be worn as formal wear for beach wear and athletic shorts. Some types of shorts are usually worn by women, such as kulot, which are separate skirts that resemble short-cut shorts.
Video Shorts
Terminology differences
In the UK, the term "shorts" has been used, but only for shorts which are short versions of real trousers (shorts), such as adjustable shorts, often coated, as usually worn as part of a school uniform for boys until their early teenagers, and by soldiers and police in tropical climates. The term "American shorts" may be the closest match in the United States, where they may now be called "dress shorts", a term that has not gained much money in Britain. The same garment worn by men in Australia is called "stubbies". "Shorts" are used inadequately in English English to refer to sport shorts, athletic shorts, or casual shorts: the latter is usual in warm weather in the UK.
The term "boxer pants" is the American currency for certain types of men's underwear, and is now common in England. However, boxer shorts are often referred to as "boxers" in the United States. The word "pants" refers to the outerwear (trousers) in American usage (except when modified to "underwear") but when used is not eligible in English English usually means underwear.
Maps Shorts
Sociology
Europe and America
In most of Europe and America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, shorts were worn as outerwear only by young boys until they reached a certain height or maturity. When boys get older, usually around puberty, they will receive their first trousers. This results in the perception that shorts are only for young boys. Therefore, men will not wear shorts to avoid looking immature. Women tend not to wear shorts in most cultures, due to social customs: they are expected to wear dresses, or skirts and blouses.
In the 1890s, knee pants (first type shorts) became standard attire for American children. Many portraits of urban schools from the 1890s show all but the oldest boys wearing knee pants. North American boys usually wear knee pants with short stockings. It began to change after 1900 when North American boys began wearing tight pants, while shorts became more popular in Europe. In the 1930s, shorts began to be worn for casual comfort (eg outdoor and athletic activities) by both men and women. However, it is still taboo wearing shorts outside of certain activities.
Since around the time of the First World War, when many soldiers served in tropical locations, adult males often wore shorts, especially in summer, but the perception of shorts only for boys took decades to change, and to some extent still exist in certain circles. By the end of the 20th century, it was common for men to wear shorts as casual clothes in the summer.
However, in many countries there are some formal settings where wearing shorts will be accepted, as they are considered casual wear. Leading exceptions where men can wear shorts to the office or at formal meetings are South Africa, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. Since the 1990s, casual office wear has grown to include formal shorts in some UK and US businesses, but not universally.
Worldwide
Adults are also commonly seen wearing shorts, but wearing shorts is less common among women in traditional eastern countries than in the West, although this varies greatly by region - women wear more shorts in large cosmopolitan cities. In some countries, adult women may be seen wearing loose shorts that end at or just below the knee, as this looks quite simple.
Styles
See also
- Capri Pants
- Sleeveless dress
References
External links
- Media related to Shorts on Wikimedia Commons
Source of the article : Wikipedia