Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Shorts or not?

(157 Posts)
DollyD Wed 24-Jul-24 11:08:16

What do you think? Is 76 too old for wearing shorts.
I bought a navy pair yesterday, mid thigh, to wear on a holiday we have booked. My legs are not too bad, but it’s more I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb. I normally wear crops…
I’m going with my daughter and three grandchildren, so yesterday while giving my Grandson a lift, he’s 16, I mentioned I’d bought shorts for the holiday, he just “Uumm”, I asked if he thought I was too old for shorts.
He was aghast and said “Grandma, why would you even think that, they’re just shorts, you just wear them, you’ll look great” He’s such a love ❤️
Do any of you Grandma’s wear shorts?

Aveline Wed 24-Jul-24 20:55:16

Culottes? Also no. My old boss used to wear huge floral culottes and thought they looked lovely. They might have done from the front but most certainly not from behind. We used to have discussions about whether or not to tell her but chickened out.

Dickens Wed 24-Jul-24 20:55:45

Joseann

No. My calf muscles are highly developed after years of intense ballet training. Not a good look when you're older, I think. I wear capri pants and no shorter!

There's nothing shameful in having well-developed muscles.

Good for you, I'd say!

twiglet77 Wed 24-Jul-24 21:00:49

I love shorts! Longer Levi’s that can be rolled up if necessary… elastic waist cotton chambray, or lightweight striped linen-look (both from Sainsbury’s), decent pockets for dog-walks, comfy and cool. Worn with a t-shirt and converse, or hoodie /fleece and short wellies for wet summer walks. I don’t expect anyone to look at my legs and I wouldn’t give a toss what they thought anyway, comfort is everything.

AreWeThereYet Wed 24-Jul-24 21:20:58

I wear shorts at the beach, and sometimes for hiking and in the garden. I actually don't find them that cool when it's really hot to be honest, it gets a bit sweaty around the crotch area eventually.

If you feel comfortable in them and you like them, wear them.

If you're going to waste your holiday time feeling uncomfortable because you're not sure about them I would go for something you do feel comfortable in so you can relax.

Lucyd Wed 24-Jul-24 21:39:24

Unfortunately I have legs like two ham shanks and haven't worn shorts since I was in my twenties. They just don't suit me but I think they look find on fine on others.

flappergirl Wed 24-Jul-24 21:51:59

My legs are quite shapely and nice (for 67) but I just don't like shorts. I don't get on with the sort of tailored, longer shorts for "more mature" ladies but it's whatever you feel comfortable in. I live in cotton dresses in the summer although not this summer, it's been awful.

Jane43 Wed 24-Jul-24 21:57:20

I am just sorting out my clothes and a I have four pairs of lovely shorts, three pairs from Gap and one pair from BHS. I am going to reluctantly send them to the charity shop as I keep my legs covered up these days due to a lot of thread veins which I feel self conscious about. A friend of mine had hers treated but they came back after a few years.

Joseann Wed 24-Jul-24 21:58:04

Dickens

Joseann

No. My calf muscles are highly developed after years of intense ballet training. Not a good look when you're older, I think. I wear capri pants and no shorter!

There's nothing shameful in having well-developed muscles.

Good for you, I'd say!

Nooo! Try getting into knee high boots. I could never get the zips done up! 👢 👢
Even wellies are tight on the calves and rub. 😆

rafichagran Wed 24-Jul-24 22:09:25

I have never worn shorts even when younger, when I was really slim. I found them uncomfortable, and I looked better in other things.

Shelflife Wed 24-Jul-24 23:10:53

If my legs were even vaguely fit for public display I would be delighted, sadly they are it !!!
You ' said ' your legs were not bad - lucky lucky you. Get those shorts on in Gozo!! Enjoy , I would love to be able to do that. Your GS is correct as is indeed a love !

henetha Wed 24-Jul-24 23:25:04

Well yes. But only round the house and garden. My knees might upset people
😁

silverlining48 Thu 25-Jul-24 08:47:53

Definitely yes, why not, whatever your legs look like. Not teeny tiny ones perhaps, but mid thigh/knee length are absolute fine.
Legs can chafe and even bleed in hot weather wearing dresses so shorts can alleviate this uncomfortable condition.

Grandmabatty Thu 25-Jul-24 08:52:48

I wear shorts on holiday abroad and in the garden. I wouldn't wear them to the shops but that's just me. You wear what you like

Poppyred Thu 25-Jul-24 08:58:12

Knee length maybe……anything else a definite NO.

eazybee Thu 25-Jul-24 10:20:24

If you need to ask you know the answer.

Dickens Thu 25-Jul-24 11:24:24

I would wager that men don't have the same angst about whether or not to wear shorts - my postman certainly doesn't grin

MissInterpreted Thu 25-Jul-24 11:30:47

Exactly, Dickens. I've never seen a man being criticised for wearing shorts. It may have taken me the best part of 60 years to realise it, but life is way too short to worry about what other people think. If people are judging what I'm wearing, that's their problem and not mine.

M0nica Thu 25-Jul-24 12:01:18

MissInterpreted

Exactly, Dickens. I've never seen a man being criticised for wearing shorts. It may have taken me the best part of 60 years to realise it, but life is way too short to worry about what other people think. If people are judging what I'm wearing, that's their problem and not mine.

I have seen many men criticised for wearing shorts, comments on flabby well-known men on the beach big tummies bared, all those short legged men in below knee shorts that make them legs look even shorter.

People are so convinced that only women are criticised, they do not see the comments about men. Remember Rishi and his short trousers?

MissAdventure Thu 25-Jul-24 12:03:05

I can imagine the fashion advice given out to men who posted to ask about shorts.
"Only with sandals and well pulled up socks"

Ziplok Thu 25-Jul-24 12:31:45

Plenty of older men wear shorts, without a second thought. If you like them, wear them. What other people think is irrelevant. Oh, and enjoy your holiday.

JamesandJon33 Thu 25-Jul-24 12:32:02

Or flip-flops and hairy toes

Witzend Thu 25-Jul-24 12:35:58

Not for me. Well preserved or not, IMO 75 year old flesh is best decorously covered. And having lived in very hot climates, I long ago took a leaf out of the locals’ book and much prefer long, loose, light cotton clothing, rather than having the sun beating down on my skin.

grandtanteJE65 Thu 25-Jul-24 12:37:41

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in - shorts, bikinis, long skirts if that is your preference.

MissInterpreted Thu 25-Jul-24 12:38:40

M0nica

MissInterpreted

Exactly, Dickens. I've never seen a man being criticised for wearing shorts. It may have taken me the best part of 60 years to realise it, but life is way too short to worry about what other people think. If people are judging what I'm wearing, that's their problem and not mine.

I have seen many men criticised for wearing shorts, comments on flabby well-known men on the beach big tummies bared, all those short legged men in below knee shorts that make them legs look even shorter.

People are so convinced that only women are criticised, they do not see the comments about men. Remember Rishi and his short trousers?

Perhaps, but there's none more bitchy than women commenting on what other women should or shouldn't wear. This site is ample evidence of that.

Dickens Thu 25-Jul-24 12:41:33

MissInterpreted

M0nica

MissInterpreted

Exactly, Dickens. I've never seen a man being criticised for wearing shorts. It may have taken me the best part of 60 years to realise it, but life is way too short to worry about what other people think. If people are judging what I'm wearing, that's their problem and not mine.

I have seen many men criticised for wearing shorts, comments on flabby well-known men on the beach big tummies bared, all those short legged men in below knee shorts that make them legs look even shorter.

People are so convinced that only women are criticised, they do not see the comments about men. Remember Rishi and his short trousers?

Perhaps, but there's none more bitchy than women commenting on what other women should or shouldn't wear. This site is ample evidence of that.

But there's no equivalent "Mutton Dressed As Lamb" for men though, is there?