The 1950s marked a turning point for women’s fashion as shorts became more accepted for various leisure activities, moving away from being strictly for the beach. Within this new category of womenswear, the shortest style gained attention and popularity, reflecting a shift in casual attire. These garments were documented in photographs by Robert Kelley for LIFE magazine, which captured the growing trend among young women.
Defining the “Short Short”
The style known as “short shorts” in the 1950s had a distinct silhouette. They were designed to sit high on the natural waist, a feature that was common in the era’s skirts and trousers. This high waist was often paired with a flat front, creating a smooth line from the waist down. To maintain this clean look, the shorts fastened with a side zipper, typically made of metal, avoiding the bulk of a front fly.
The length was their most defining characteristic, ending approximately six inches above the knee. This cut exposed more of the leg than any previous style of casual shorts had. They were tailored to be snug through the hips before ending in a straight leg opening. Common materials included durable cotton twill, denim, and gabardine, often in solid colors or simple patterns like gingham.
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Culottes: A Wider Alternative
A variation of the short short was the culotte. While also featuring a high, fitted waist and a side zipper, culottes were different in their leg design. Instead of a straight cut, the leg openings were wide and flared out from the hip. This created a look that resembled a skirt but offered the practical comfort of shorts.
Culottes came in various lengths. Some were as short as the standard short shorts, while others extended to just above or below the knee. The flared design provided more movement and a different aesthetic, blending the appearance of a skirt with the functionality of shorts.
Despite their growing popularity, the places where women could wear short shorts were limited by social norms of the decade. They were primarily seen as appropriate for active and relaxed settings. Beaches and resort towns were common places to see women in short shorts. They were also worn for at-home leisure, such as gardening, or for sporting activities like tennis and bicycling.
Hollywood starlets and pin-up models frequently wore these shorts in photographs, which helped to popularize the style. However, wearing them for activities like shopping in town or going to a restaurant was widely considered inappropriate. Many public places and even some towns had dress codes that prohibited women from wearing shorts in downtown areas. This made them a garment specifically for casual, private, or recreational moments rather than everyday public life.
