The History of Shorts

In ancient Rome, one of the earliest forms of shorts was called the subligaculum. This garment looked like a short loincloth or a very short pair of pants and was worn as an undergarment by both men and women. It was commonly made from linen or wool and was tied around the waist with strings or a belt. Subligacula were often worn under tunics for daily wear, especially by laborers, soldiers, and athletes. In some cases, like for gladiators or performers, they were worn on their own to allow for better movement and comfort in hot weather. While usually considered underwear, they sometimes functioned as outerwear in public settings like the arena or athletic games.

Subligaculum (source)

During the Middle Ages in Europe, men wore a similar type of garment called braies. These were loose-fitting pants that reached the knee or sometimes went slightly below it. They were worn underneath tunics or robes by men of all social classes, including peasants, soldiers, and even nobles. Braies were typically made from simple materials like linen, wool, or hemp and were tied at the waist with a drawstring or belt. The design made them easy to wash and allowed for freedom of movement, which made them practical for physical work and battle. Nobles sometimes had more decorated or better-tailored versions, which were often tucked into tighter leg coverings called hose or chausses.

Braies (source)

Although both garments were mostly worn as underlayers, they played an important role in the development of shorts. Subligacula helped inspire modern athletic and casual shorts, while braies were like an early version of fitted pants and underwear. Both show that the idea of short, comfortable legwear has been around for centuries, mainly for practical reasons like mobility, heat, and hygiene.

In the 18th century, knee breeches were the standard for upper-class men. These tailored, knee-length pants were a typical piece in formal fashion, worn with stockings and buckled shoes. Made from luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet, they were fastened with buckles or ties at the knee. By the early 19th century, knee breeches were replaced by full-length trousers as the preference shifted to more practical and comfortable clothing.

Knee breeches (source: The Victoria and Albert Museum London)

During the Victorian era, short pants or knickerbockers were standard for young boys. These knee-length, loose-fitting pants were ideal for active play and were typically worn with suspenders and stockings. Boys wore them until their teens, at which point they "graduated" to full-length trousers, which marked the transition from childhood to adolescence. Both knee breeches and knickerbockers paved the way for the modern shorts and trousers we know today.

Knickerbockers (source: 1917 Sears catalog)

Both knee breeches and knickerbockers show how short, functional legwear evolved. Knee breeches were part of formal attire, while knickerbockers reflected the childhood transition to adulthood. Together, they paved the way for the modern shorts and trousers we know today.

In the early 20th century, military and sportswear played a significant role in the spread of shorts. In tropical British colonies, soldiers wore shorts as part of their uniform to cope with the heat, leading to the creation of styles like Bermuda shorts. These knee-length, tailored shorts became standard issue for soldiers stationed in hot climates, providing comfort and ease of movement. Over time, they became accepted as casual wear for men in tropical regions, often worn with blazers for a more formal look in warm weather. Locals in Bermuda noticed the well dressed British officers at yacht clubs and began to adapt the style for civilian use. So by the 1920s Bermuda shorts became the standard apparel for islanders. 

The style became popular worldwide as Bermuda was a popular destination for steamship tourists, who helped spread the trend to the U.S. and other places. Bermuda shorts got their name from the Bermuda Islands, where they became popular among locals. Originally part of British military uniform, they later became common as casual wear and were even adopted as official business attire in the region.

Military Uniform with Bermuda Shorts

At the same time, athletics helped popularize shorts in sports like boxing, tennis, and track. In these sports, shorts made it easier to move around, which was essential for performance, so they quickly became the standard for athletes. Both the military and athletic adoption of shorts helped establish them as a functional and practical garment, influencing their broader acceptance in everyday fashion.

Shorts in 1919 Boxing match (source: Mirrorpix//Getty Images)

In the mid-20th century, shorts became more popular as casual wear. In the 1930s to 1950s, they were commonly worn by men on vacation and women who worked during World War II. Even though they were considered informal, people wore them more often, though it was sometimes considered a bit daring in public. In the 1960s and 1970s, they became a key part of youth and counterculture fashion, with styles like cutoff jeans, athletic shorts, and hot pants becoming symbols of freedom and rebellion. This era also saw the rise of DIY fashion, as people customized their clothes.

Jon Bon Jovi in the 80s

In the 1980s and 1990s, shorts became even more mainstream. The rise of sportswear, gym culture, and brands like Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s helped make shorts a regular part of everyday fashion. New styles like cargo shorts, bike shorts, and longer basketball shorts gained popularity. Women’s fashion also embraced them, with more tailored and trendy styles appearing on runways, so they became a staple in both casual and more formal settings.

By the 1990s, shorts had fully entered mainstream fashion with many styles available for both men and women. From their military and athletic roots to their place in casual and youth fashion, shorts became a symbol of comfort, freedom, and self-expression. Today they remain an essential part of our wardrobes, continuously evolving with trends and shaping fashion history.

 I also made a list of the best quality shorts available.

---

related articles