The Ultimate Types of Shorts List (Denim, for Men, Ladies)
Daisy Dukes are shorts. They may be too immodest for some but they qualify for the shorts category. You will find that there are probably more shorts styles than there are fabrics to make them. At least it seems that way when you start counting all the shorts styles.
There are short shorts, tennis shorts, running shorts, cargo shorts, casual shorts and we are just getting started. In the world of fashion, you may find that there are shorts for just about every occasion or event except formal and we do not put it past some fashion designers to try and make some.
To learn about the many different styles of shorts, just continue to read our article. It has the information on shorts you want to know about. Making shorts are easy and do provide you with a nice sewing project when you want to relax and just sew.
Types of Shorts 101
How Many Types of Shorts Are There?
To tell you the truth we lost count just numbering the different styles of shorts for men alone. When you had in all the different styles for women and children you are looking at possibly 100 types of shorts you can buy, if not more.
For the longest time, the fashion world and western culture held that shorts were just for children only. Men had to wear long pants, even when playing tennis. Children stopped wearing shorts when they hit the age of puberty and ‘graduated’ to long pants.
When that rule changed, the types of shorts exploded in number.
What Are The Different Types of Shorts?
Where to begin. With so many different types of shorts, it is hard to know where to start. Here is a limited list of the many different types of shorts available currently.
Denim Shorts
Athletic Shorts- Covers All Sports Including Tennis
Boy Scout Shorts
Booty Shorts
Boy Shorts
Jamaican Shorts
Bermuda Shorts
Knee-length Shorts
Pedal Pusher Shorts
Toreador Shorts
Capri
Boyfriend Shorts
Chino Shorts
Printed Shorts
Cut Off Shorts
Wrap Shorts
Cargo Shorts
Slipshort
Skorts
Swimming Trunk Shorts
Boxer Shorts
Board Shorts
Knee Hugger Shorts
Lace Shorts
Pleated Shorts
Short Pants
British Army Shorts
Gurkha Shorts
Leather Shorts
Plaid Shorts
Flat-front Shorts
Shorts With Cuffs
Are Shorts a Type of Pants?
Yes they are and that is where the idea of shorts came from./ Somewhere in history someone got too hot wearing long pants and decided to cut the lower part of the legs off to get cool. At least that is the theory.
The reason the label ‘shorts’ was used to describe these new clothing items is that they are shortened pants. The only exceptions may be boxer shorts, swimming shorts, and other pairs of shorts not worn for the public to see.
Different Types of Shorts For Ladies
Women probably have the most options when it comes to shorts and other fashions. It is not that they are doing more activities than men, it is just the nature of fashion to provide women with enough options to look their best.
Here is a short list of shorts for ladies:
Denim Shorts
Capri Shorts
Daisy Duke Shorts
Short Shorts
Printed Shorts
Wrap Shorts
Skorts
Slip Shorts
Boyfriend Shorts
Boy Shorts
Booty Shorts
Lace Shorts
Lose Rise Shorts
Knee Hugger Sports
Athletic Shorts
And the list can go on. You may have thought of a few we have not and that is okay. This list just gives you an idea of the number of selection women have.
Types of Shorts For Men
This list may be a little smaller than the one for women as very few men will be called dead in lace, booty, boyfriend, or boy shorts. When men wear shorts they want to be more than cool.
They like to show off their macho image and look tough, for the most part. Here are some shorts for men:
Tennis Shorts
Gym Shorts
Swimming Shorts
Cargo Shorts
Short Pants
Cycling Shorts
Denim Shorts
Flat-front Shorts
Bermuda Shorts
Plaid Shorts
Leather Shorts
Types of Boxing Shorts
The purpose of boxer shorts was to give men a little more room in the groin area, plus let the air circulate better. There are two types of boxer shorts in general and the first type are those made for boxers or to be worn instead of pants.
The second type of boxer shorts is classified as underwear. For real boxing shorts, there are four categories of styles, the swarmer, the out-boxer, the slugger, and the boxer puncher.
Of course, all these shorts come in a variety of materials and colors as well as designs. That includes the underwear boxer shorts.
Types of Bermuda Shorts
These were once called walking shorts or dress shorts. They were designed for different purposes including hot temperatures in war campaign regions as well as semi-casual affairs.
As time went on fashion designers made Bermuda shorts for those tourists who traveled to hot countries and had great legs to show off. Then some styles of Bermuda shorts may be called pencil shorts.
These shorts got their name because they were very popular in Bermuda. Worn with knee-high socks and a dress shirt, tie and blazer, you would fit in the business world in that country. The British Army invented this style of shorts.
Different Types of Denim Shorts
There are different names and styles for denim shorts. The first name that comes to mind is cut-offs. That was probably one of the original names when people cut their old jeans off and made them into shorts.
There are distressed denim shorts, mom denim shorts, ruched denim shorts, crossover denim shorts, boyfriend shorts, short shorts, daisy dukes, and slashed denim shorts. But the list doesn’t stop there as denim can be made into a myriad of different styles of shorts.
The ones you wear will depend on your personality, preference, and activity.
What Are Long Shorts Called?
Long sorts are designed to stop about 1 inch above the knee and have about a 10 to 12-inch seam to them. They also come in different colors and have different fits depending on your purpose for wearing those shorts.
Normally, these types of shorts are called long shorts, Bermuda shorts, or Capri. They can also be called chino shorts if they are long enough. Women may get away with wearing them for work at the office or other business options. Men not so much unless you live in a tropical or hot country.
Bermuda Shorts vs Chino Shorts
There is little difference between these two types of shorts except maybe color, pocket design, and purpose. Bermuda shorts are made more for the beach unless made with some business fabrics and colors.
Some chino shorts may be more on the conservative side and are great for doing housework, gardening, and other chores around the house. You can get away with wearing them to the movies or the shopping mall.
Chino shorts can be cuffed or not, shorter than Bermuda shorts, and mostly made in laid back colors so the wearer does not stand out as traditional Bermuda shorts do.
What Are Walking Shorts?
Walking shorts are those styles that bring comfort and allow one’s body to breathe easier. They are also found in a variety of styles including roll-up, cuffed, and Bermuda. The other purpose of these shorts is to remain flexible as you walk.
They are made from a variety of different materials including denim. If the shorts are made right, they will have the right fit for women as well as be flattering to their overall appearance.
Short shorts may or may not qualify as walking shorts. But that designation depends on the person wearing them.
What Are Booty Shorts Called?
Just exactly what the title says or they may be referred to as Daisy Dukes or boyfriend shorts or even short shorts. Their purpose is to highlight the back end of the ladies who wear them. They are very short and cut higher in the rear.
Many of these shorts are made from denim or spandex giving the wearer comfort, and stretch when they need them. Also, booty shorts can refer to female lingerie when the lady wants to be romantic or feel a little sexier.
Half Skirt Half Shorts Name
The name most people know this outfit is skorts. To qualify as skorts the outfit must look like skirts. These clothing items usually have a fuller cut at the bottom than they do at the waist.
Where they are used the most is in women’s athletic competitions where wind resistance is not a factor. The first known appearance of skorts in athletic competition was 1931 and they were worn by Lili Alvarez at Wimbledon.
Since them, women have found them to be an ideal outfit to wear when modesty is essential when playing sports or other physical activities.
Boyfriend Shorts Meaning
The meaning of boyfriend shorts is to look like your boyfriend’s clothing. These shorts are cut in a way that fit women yet have a baggier construction and look like you borrowed them from your mate or boyfriend.
This fashion style started with Marilyn Monroe when she wore baggier or loose-fitting jeans when out in public. Ever since then, fashion designers have been tweaking their look even to the point of making lingerie boyfriend shorts. They can come in a variety of fabrics and colors.
What Are Shorts Made Of?
This will depend on the type of shorts you are wearing. Spandex is one fabric and is used when you need to wick away moisture and need a lot of stretch. Nylon is another material that has its use in creating some good shorts.
For lingerie expect to find some shorts made out of silk or some other soft to the touch and smooth fabric. Probably the two materials that make up the majority of shorts would be cotton and polyester.
Both are durable, come in lots of colors and designs, and can be worn at different times throughout the year. Some Bermuda shorts will be made from business fabrics.
What Kind of Shorts Are in Style?
For men, plain cotton shorts that hit about mid-thigh will always be in style. Men do not need short tight shorts when they are working out, playing their sports or other physical activities. They will be in no matter the era.
For women, the in style shorts may change more frequently but in today’s world, you can get away with wearing just about any style of shorts you want as long as they fit the activity, the temperature, or event.
It is hard to keep up with what is in style with women’s shorts as it changes so quickly.
What Type of Shorts Should I Wear?
Ones that fit your body and complement your personality and body shape. If you are overweight, speedos are not an option nor are cycling or other smaller sized shorts. We hated to say it but some people should avoid wearing certain types of shorts as those shorts just do not look good on their bodies, even if they are the style of the times.
Then if you do not want to be seen as the typical loud American tourist, avoid wearing bright and oddly colored Bermuda shorts when on vacation. If you want to be seen as cool, wear those shorts that fit, look good, and do not make you look like a clown.
Some Final Words
It is impossible to exhaust the different styles of shorts in any article. There are just too many of them and we did not even touch on children’s shorts here. The best advice that can be given is to find a good looking pair of shorts that flatter your body without making you look like a sideshow exhibit.
