Shorts

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 trousers (as they are called in British English, or pants in American English) 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.