Casdon
Jeans aren’t shrink to fit these days Yammy. They are “sanforized,” a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage to only 1%. Only raw denim shrinks, which is what Levi’s were in the 1960s.
I live in the mountains, and what I see is more and more walkers wearing shorts, even in the winter - I think it’s because if their legs do get wet, they dry off more quickly — a huge Berghaus jacket with shorts is a common look!
Back when I could walk in the mountains, I did this (sometimes a skirt) and I packed a pair of warm leggings in case I got chilled. However, waterproof trousers are much better now.
Denim as a fabric is not good at insulating, however many 'jeans' are made with other fabrics, and most aren't made with 'true denim'.
But I'm for layering, with thin leggings / thick tights under trousers.