My track shorts were not nearly this short, I promise you!
Normally, I eschew shorts in summer because I like to avoid the unwanted attention bare legs can arouse. I had a sense, too, that shorts were for girls and young women and not really appropriate for someone my age. The other day, my daughter asked me why I don’t wear shorts. I answered honestly, “because men yell comments at me about my legs.” In outrage, my 11-year-old protested “but that’s harassment!” Enjoying her reaction but not wanting to fan any flames, I remained silent. “That should be ILLEGAL!” she went on.
Once again, my daughter showed me the world through new eyes, her keen intuition about right and wrong shining light on my dulled sense that comments about my body parts from strangers is something I must accept or avoid by altering my mode of dress.
She’s right, of course. But rather than men being asked to refrain from making comments, I am forced to adjust the way I dress to avoid them. It’s only this summer I’ve admitted to myself the real reason I don’t wear shorts. It’s not a fashion choice, but self-protection. I made the mistake of walking to the mailbox a half-block away in a pair of Nike running shorts and had two young men yell comments about my legs from across the street. My first reaction was: “I better go change and I should know better than to wear short shorts in public.” I blamed myself for the inappropriate action of others. Do I have the right to wear what I like without being verbally harassed?
How do you adjust the way you dress to avoid attention? I’d like to hear about it.
Click HERE to sign up for email updates.
I don’t wear short shorts for the same reason. I do still wear shorts that are more culottes like, but I don’t care to show off my thighs to the world. I’m actually not too concerned about comments men will make, because I can block them out a bit. However, I just like the idea of keeping some things secret
. I don’t think getting attention or the reactions of others should dictate what we wear. The key is to feel good in your clothes, but if potentially gaining attention makes you uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be worn.
I like the Bermuda shorts, too! I cringe when I see girls in short shorts because you know when anyone looks at them they only see one thing. Too much leg! I like the idea of keeping some things under wraps, too. Sometimes I wish I had a special someone to reveal them to
I’m okay with Bermudas, but I find a lot of shorts on the tacky side. It just doesn’t give off a sophisticated look on anyone over, say 23. I do wear shorter dresses or skirts though. Don’t know why I think it’s ok for that and not shorts.
You do have the right to wear what you want. I’m 57, still wearing shorts, and now wondering why I don’t get any comments.
Your daughter is so right. As long as it’s not vulgarly short shots, you should be able to wear what you want and people have no reason to be rude or cat call. It’s more embarrassing for them than it is for you! I love shorts as long as the cover my butt and upper thigh fully- I usually cut denim shorts myself from old jeans!
I do, all the time, even though I say that I don’t care what other people think, it makes me uncomfortable to feel other people’s eyes on me, especially when they are so “on top of me” they feel like having to voice their opinion.
But it also depends on the day, how comfortable i’m with my own self.
Truthly and honestly, your daughter had a point, because it really is sad to guide one’s conduct because of the pressure of third parties. We should simply wear what we like, and not care about others’ reactions. But that would be an ideal world, right?
I think you voiced my feelings exactly here, so thank you
I understand how you would feel violated to have men feeling like its okay to make comments about your bare legs. I’m wondering what it is about bare legs that brings out the idea in men that it’s okay to say something versus say nice lacks or a conservative skirt or something…
There is something to be said for modesty.
I have never made comments to a random woman and can’t stand the jackasses who do.
But if a woman is wearing something revealing, like short shorts, I can’t help but notice and sometimes take a second look.
The female body is like a drug to the male psyche, just keep that in mind. If you have men who aren’t in control of their imaginations or behavior, they will act like animals.
I love the way you say what you do. You’re honest without being confrontational; thanks for that.