If we were to rewind time and go back a few centuries, shorts would be an unacceptable form of casual dressing for the adult population and some of these notions are still shared by some today. As recently as in the last century, shorts were not considered appropriate for women. However, shorts are not just famous for their functionality in today’s world; they are also a good and acceptable fashion choice for both men and women.
Due to its popularity, there are many types of shorts for consideration, even as casual wear. They may be baggy or form-fitting, short or long, plain or colorful. Shorts have comfortably succeeded in penetrating the fashion culture of both sexes.
Despite this popularity and widespread acceptance, though, not just any short can be drafted for any function. Depending on the occasion, function and other conditions, shorts can be made with many different requirements in mind.
There are many more types of shorts that can be listed in this article, but for intelligent classification, 22 different types of shorts have been highlighted. These shorts may all have different sewing/stitching methods, and if you’re going to be making or mending many different types of shorts, investing in a good, easy-to-use sewing machine would help a lot.
Some of these shorts are more appropriate for men, some are appropriate for women, and others are appropriate for both sexes. However, their quality is all dependent on other sewing factors, with even the type of sewing machine needle used capable of affecting. Here are some types of shorts:
These are popular with both sexes. The shorts are categorized as such because they are made from denim, but the length might vary according to the preference of the wearer. Due to the difficulty of making such denim clothing, they may require a special sewing machine to make. One of the best machines for sewing denim is the Janome HD1000 Heavy duty model, which is sturdy, electric and possesses 14-in built stitches for easy usage.
While some men fancy printed shorts (mostly for beaches), they are widely considered to be female fashion. Many different prints can be adopted, and these shorts are popular because of their colorful nature and compatibility with many tops.
This is a class of shorts by the nature of the material used (in this case, khaki). As such, other shorts on this list could be bunched up as khaki shorts if they are made from the same material. The khaki shorts could be used in the right colors to give a more casual-formal hybrid look.
Booty shorts are short in length and accentuate the shape of women. This and their relative comfort make them popular for beach outings and summer parties.
This tends to differ from booty shorts in that they are high rise and longer, but in terms of functionality, they are both similar though many consider the boy shorts to be a more modest garment than the booty shorts.
The name of this type of shorts is a homage to its origins. It generally refers to shorts that knee length or above knee length, and it may come in many different patterns and prints.
They are so-called because of their popularity in Bermuda. They are casual knee-length shorts that may have a cuffed or uncuffed hem as the wearer prefers.
This is an extensive class of shorts that is borne out of classification by length. These shorts can be made from a variety of materials in a variety of designs, and, as such, they can encompass many other types of shorts on this list.
Knee hugger shorts are a form of cargo shorts with drawstrings at the bottom to tighten the garment around or just below the knees, hence the name.
Pedal pusher shorts are usually found somewhere between knee-length and Capri length. They can be made from denim or twill and are usually ok with flats or heels.
This type of shorts is longer than knee length and can be made from silk, wool, cotton and even spandex.
These are not pants or shorts, and they can be best described as ¾ length trousers that extend a minimum of three inches below the knee.
These refer to loose, baggy shorts made out of denim. Contrary to what the name might imply, this is a majorly female fashion wear
These are straight shorts that are made for men. They have traditional pockets, and the shorts may be knee-length or just above knee length. The bar mostly made from cotton, with some containing spandex for extra stretch.
These are shorts that have been cut off from pants or, at least, look to have been. The unfinished look is a characteristic of this type of shorts, and it is very popular among women. The length of the shorts could be varied depending on the wearer. Another reason for its popularity is that it allows for the repurposing of old jeans and pants.
These are considered by many to be a kind of intimate wear because of their form-fitting nature and lace, but if the length is right, they are good casual wear that is more comfortable when the weather is hot.
These are women shorts that wrap around the waist just like skirts, but rather than come with a zipper, and they have drawstrings instead. Some might be equipped with buttons though this may only be for design.
These shorts are made from various materials and are usually knee-length, and possessing multiple pockets to hold possessions. Cargo shorts generally have traditional pockets, back pockets and pockets in the lower ends of the shorts.
These are women wear and serve as a form of shapewear for most women. They can be worn under dresses, skirts, pants or regular shorts and are made from stretchy fabric.
Skorts are skirts with shorts sewn underneath. They are usually short and allow for functionality and versatility in movement while offering extra protection from potential embarrassment.
These are a form of underwear for most men and are being adopted as indoor wear by most women. They may be loose-fitting or tighter, as in boxer briefs, depending on the wearer. Boxer shorts can come in a variety of designs and patterns.
We have established that shorts are an accepted and valid fashion option these days, but another reason to wear shorts that have been around a long time is the athletic need.
Athletic shorts usually vary in lengths, styles and materials used depending on the specific needs and traditions of the athletic endeavor involved.
There are many types of athletic shorts, and the choice is usually down to the particular sporting activity they are needed for. Many types of these shorts exist, and to keep up with the sewing patterns required to make or mend them, a computerized sewing machine such as the JUKI HZL-F600 model may be necessary.
Some are popularly used for convenience, some for comfort and others have become a convention. Here are some types of athletic shorts
These are special shorts worn by runners that are designed with lightweight materials. A common material used in making running shorts is polyester. Running shorts are usually relatively short with seams up by the sides to allow for more freedom while running. Some men’s running shorts might also come with a separate inner lining underneath that serves as underwear and eliminates the need for other underwear.
In selecting good running shorts, comfort and good airflow are valid factors to consider. That said, some might prefer to use running shorts for walking, while others might go for regular mesh athletic shorts. Whichever it is, provided it meets your needs, you’re good to go.
Hiking is already hard enough without the wrong shorts, so selecting the right shorts could save you extra discomfort. Hiking shorts should provide the hiker with more comfort to deal with changing weather situations, extra mobility to support the wide range of motion needed along the trail, and many cargo pockets to store possessions and hold gear.
There are different shorts requirements for cycling depending on whether it is mountain biking or road cycling. Tight shorts better serve road cyclers with no pockets, usually made from a combination of nylon and spandex and containing some padding or chamois built-in.
On the other hand, mountain bikers should be out to get baggy shorts with secure pockets. These baggy shorts could be made from nylon, polyester and spandex. Regardless of the type of cycling, it is important to keep in mind that the choice of shorts should deal with moisture well.
The biggest requirements for gym shorts is that they provide good airflow and deal with moisture well. Due to these requirements, popular gym shorts for men are designed to be baggy and are made from mesh, but there are also some made from polyester, polyester-spandex blends or cotton.
As implied by the name, these shorts are used for swimming and make for a good choice while on the beach or lounging beside a pool. They may be tight or baggy, short or long, depending on the specific functions. Tighter swimming trunks, for instance, are usually favored for competitive swimming, while the choice for casual swimmers depends majorly on the preference of the wearer.
Designed initially as swimwear, particularly for surfers, board shorts have slowly been adopted as a fashion option for casual days. They usually fall below the knees and are a popular option for beach lovers nowadays.
In the past, white tennis shorts were the norm, but longer shorts made from synthetic fabrics are now widespread. Also, the color of tennis shorts nowadays can be varied, allowing for more fashionable looks on the court. An ideal tennis short is required to possess the ability to deal with moisture and pockets that can hold extra tennis balls.
Though golf pros do not wear shorts, shorts are still very popular among golfers. They come in different patterns and colors but are usually about knee-length, with traditional zippers, pockets and belt loops.
There are many types of shorts out there, and trying to touch upon them all would ultimately prove futile. Within sports alone, there are still numerous short types other than the ones listed above. This is mainly because different sports or athletic pursuits have different short requirements. This is usually the same when considering shorts by culture, weather or popularity.
Some shorts are even being adapted within certain places for purposes other than their original purposes. It isn’t uncommon to see cargo shorts or hiking shorts being used as casual wear. This sort of adaptation and modification makes it difficult to adequately categorize the types of shorts.
That said, the most important thing in adapting or getting shorts for any reason is ensuring that they are comfortable while being functional enough.
