Shorts are a garment worn by both men and women over their pelvic area and the upper part of the upper legs or more, but not the entire length of the leg.

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.

There are multiple types of shorts:


1970s track shorts
  • \'Track shorts': shorts that reach only the upper thigh and are intended to provide maximum freedom of moment in sports activities.
  • Walking shorts: Shorts with a long pant length reaching to the knees which is intended for casual wear. Usually has pockets and waist loops for a belt and is worn with or without that.
  • Cut-offs are homemade shorts made by cutting the legs off trousers, typically jeans, above the knee. The cut is not finished and the fabric is left to fray. Originally a practical use of trousers whose knees have worn through, they are now a type of shorts in their own right.

"Skorts" are shorts that have a piece of fabric in front so that from the front it resembles a skirt. It is a contraction of "skirt" and "short".


Shorts is also the common name for the British aircraft and defence equipment manufacturer. Short Brothers.