With the arrival of sunny days, the temptation to switch to shorts is strong, especially for those who continue teleworking or evolve in a relaxed professional environment. But beware, said clothing implies certain rules, as evidenced by its history. Thus, for a long time, it was reserved for children in "short pants" and frowned upon in the men's locker room - in 1959, the American city of Plattsburgh threatened with a fine of $ 25, accompanied by a prison sentence of 25 days , anyone over the age of 16 who would beat the pavement thus dressed!
A matter of centimeters
The only exception in the past was its use in the military context. Moreover, it was born under the name of Bermuda shorts among the Navy officers stationed in Bermuda at the beginning of the XXth century who obtained from their command the right to shorten their pants to adapt to the hot temperatures of the archipelago. The English army then imposed a hem of 7.5 centimeters above the knee and encouraged to wear it with tie and high socks, two practices which have since fallen into disuse.
A little later, our French soldiers will follow, equipped with shorter shorts - at least 10 centimeters above the knee. The ideal length would therefore be between these two measurements, in any case for a piece intended to be worn on the street - like a bermuda with pliers.
The practice of tennis allows the wearing of shorts arriving at mid-thigh - like Björn Borg, here at Wimbledon in 1981. Bridgemanimages / Leemage
Sports exceptions
In other circumstances, shorter shorts can be terribly chic. On a tennis court, for example, like the champion (elegance) Björn Borg or at the edge of a swimming pool on the French Riviera, like a nod to the photos of Slim Aarons, where the length mid-thigh is not devoid of sex appeal.