Stylefoul: Jean shorts

by Anne Metz (Subscribe to Anne Metz's posts), Posted Sep 28th 2006 at 1:17PM

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, Best of the Season, Denim, Hot or Not

I'm completely in favor of jeans (and in fact, own many a pair).

I'm somewhat in favor of shorts (for ladies, sure; for men, only for sports -- otherwise they look like overgrown boy scouts).

But the hybrid of these two items, the so-called jean-short? I'm sorry, but this is an item of clothing that should be exclusively reserved for Adam Sandler movies. This is a look that is simultaneously too casual and childlike (in a "my mother dresses me"-kind of way).

In short: This is a look that says "When it comes to fashion, I'm a danger to myself ... but I'm also a threat to others".

Am I alone in thinking that the jean-short is one of the greatest stylefouls of all time?

Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, Best of the Season, Denim, Hot or Not
Tags: Adam Sandler, AdamSandler, jean shorts, jeans, JeanShorts, shorts

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)

Doug 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

I work outside in all weather and in the summer you just can't beat a good pair of carpenter jorts (Jean Shorts) for keeping you cool and giving you pockets to keep a few small tools. I like em.

Kevin 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

Yes, jean shorts are a fashion crime. On men in particular(I'm a guy and I have never and will never own a pair of jean shorts.)are they inexcusable. They simply are a no-no; unless they are short cut-offs and you have the legs of a back in the day Catherine Bach.
Hemmed jean shorts are right up there with the "white socks with anything" look. Pssst. Unless you are on a tennis court, don't do it!
Think of your fellow man.

Lisa 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

I see nothing wrong with shorts made of denium for women. On men they do look a bit dorky (as do most shorts unless they are for sports).
But on women (with a good figure) and a cute pair of sandals they look fabulous. Step out of the midwest and get with it.

Chase 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

eeeeeew! yuk!

Lovin My Levi's 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

I'm sorry I must disagree here. I love my jean shorts, and I love my hubby in his jean shorts. For knocking around the house they work great. Now if we were going out or something like that, that would be totally different ,I don't think they are appropriate for a night on the town.

kel 10-03-2006 @ 9:08PM

You are so not alone. It's one of the most egregious fashion fouls ever, *especially* on men. It reminds me of all the mondos I went to college with, all greasy hair and drenched in Drakkar.

My MIL gave my 2-year-old son TWO pairs as a gift....they immediately went into the "donate" pile. I won't even put them on my babies.

Cass 10-03-2006 @ 2:40PM

I agree that men should never, ever wear jean shorts but I completely disagree with the comment the men should not wear shorts unless playing sports. This writer obviously hails from the northern, cooler states! Those of us who live in the south where it is still 90 degrees and humid cannot seriously expect men to wear jeans and pants for 6 months of the year. What's wrong with a great pair of khaki flat front shorts? Get real!

Sara 10-03-2006 @ 2:41PM

I, personally, despise long shorts, jeans or any other fabric. But I see no problem in THIN women wearing Daisy Duke denim. I do myself and always get several sincere compliments from my friends.

cm 10-03-2006 @ 2:36PM

Ya'll have issues! I don't know anyone that doesn't wear them. It is hot in Texas in the summer and they are just normal casual clothes.

Lilly B 10-03-2006 @ 2:41PM

Couldn't have said it better myself. Nothing screams redneck more than a pair of cutoff jean shorts and nothing screams geek more than pair of hemmed jean shorts. Enough said.

MusicalOne 10-03-2006 @ 2:42PM

There's nothing wrong with jean shorts. My husband wears them and does not look like a child, nor does he look like Adam Sandler. If they are clean and look presentable there's no problem. Besides, people who wear khaki shorts all the time look too uptight. That just doesn't work for us.

JJ 10-03-2006 @ 2:41PM

I always wear jean shorts, they are the coolest! Fashion crime? Maybe, but then again, chicks love me, because I rarely wear underware, but when I do, its usually something exotic.

BEV 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

OH FOR GOD'S SAKE. THATS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY. WHO GIVE'S A CRAP WHAT EVERYONE IS WEARING. NORMAL PEOPLE THAT ARE ACTUALLY READING THIS BLOG ARE NOT EXACTLY AT THE HEIGHT OF FASHION ON ANY GIVEN DAY. DON'T YOU PEOPLE HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO? I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY IM BOTHERING AS I HAVE WORK TO DO.

Mom in the OC 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

Jeans shorts are a fashion mess - I think you can only buy them at Wal Mart or K-Mart. Out here, all the guys wear shorts all the time, but never anything that hideous! Board shorts, khaki's, sports shorts, you name it, but jean shorts? NEVER!!!!!!!

LISA - LEVI'S LOVER 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

I THINK THE REMARKS SOUND SNOBBISH - WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG WITH JEAN SHORTS ? !!! I LOVE MY JEANS - LONG OR SHORT - I'M NOT TRYING TO IMPRESS ANYONE - THEY ARE COMFORTABLE AND COOL. FIND SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT TO COMMENT ON - PLEEEEEEASE !!!

ro 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

EVERYBODY wears jean shorts - what a matter with you. Don't u look around you.

Nana 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

Ok people, are we judging what others prefer on their bodies. Even some of you judge who should wear what. Like the skinny girl that prefers only Daisy Duke women wear short jeans. I am woman & love mens jeans because they are lower cut and more comfortable on me with my asthma breathing problems. When you go to buy womens shorts that don't hurt the rib cage or the excess from child birthing, all you can find is blown out legs. What disigner ever decided that all women with larger waist or stomachs have large legs. I am 52 and still have great looking legs. So yes, I will buy mens jean shorts and put on this lady's young looking legs. I get many compliments.

BART 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

You're crazy! Hemmed Jean shorts provide the PERFECT foundation for my fanny pack and cell phone clip.

May the force be with you.

Tanya 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

I live in the desert southwest...there isn't anything better than jean shorts for summer around here. They stand up to wear and tear when you are outside working or playing, they aren't nearly as hot as regular jeans and they look cleaner than knit shorts or sweats. Nothing wrong with guys wearing them if they aren't dirty or ragged.

B allen 10-03-2006 @ 3:58PM

I like jean shorts and my cowgirl boots..yes ladies men love it and youll know they do also!!

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